Spirit of the Ecuadorian Andes

Day 1 : Quito

You will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Quito

Discover Quito’s World Heritage historic centre on the scenic tour, a captivating journey through iconic landmarks. Begin at Independence Square, encircled by architectural wonders: the Presidential Palace (Carondelet), the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral of Quito, and the Municipal Palace. Step into La Compania Church, draped in gold leaf, an exquisite display of Jesuit craftsmanship and national treasures.

Explore San Francisco Church and Monastery, an enchanting site with Baroque splendour and a rich collection of colonial religious art. Ascend Panecillo, marking the southern tip of the Old Town, crowned by the aluminium Virgin of Quito statue, a city emblem is often seen on postcards. Once a pre-Incan Sun Temple, this hill now offers stunning 360-degree views of Quito, allowing you to admire the city’s beauty from a lofty vantage point.

Day 3 : Quito > Cotopaxi National Park

Travel to the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, a revered emblem along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, nestled within its eponymous National Park. Towering at 5897 metres above sea level, this colossal peak, located merely 60 kilometres from Quito, offers a mesmerizing sight—a photographer’s paradise. Immerse yourself in the park’s rich biodiversity as you hike around Limpiopungo lagoon, beholding the scenic panorama adorned by neighbouring peaks like Ruminahui and Sincholagua. You will also explore a vibrant market, a bustling 10-block haven teeming with a vibrant array of legumes, fruits, and vegetables harvested from the fertile surrounding valleys. A mere 20-minute journey from Quito, this market beckons both locals and visitors alike, inviting them to relish Andean warmth and culture. It is a beloved weekend spot for quitenos, drawing them in with tantalizing traditional delights, notably the famed hornado (slow-roasted pork), offering a delectable taste of Ecuador’s culinary heritage.

Day 4 : Cotopaxi > Banos > Riobamba

Visit Basilica de Banos, renowned as the city’s paramount basilica, this architectural masterpiece in Banos resonates with historical allure, inviting a journey through time. Following your visit to the basilica, travel along the Route of the Waterfalls. This enchanting route unfurls between Banos and Puyo, an exquisite expedition delving into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Amidst this verdant terrain, ecological pathways, airy gondolas, and suspended bridges weave through a tapestry of over 60 cascades nestled within the lush canopy.

As the route descends from the Andes to the Amazon, it unveils some of the nation’s most renowned waterfalls, including the majestic Manto de la Novia and the captivating Agoyan. An unmissable stop is the Pailon del Diablo, an 80-metre waterfall bearing an uncanny resemblance to the visage of the devil, infusing visitors with an electrifying essence and an unmistakable sense of wonder.

Day 5 : Riobamba > Cuenca

Embark on an immersive journey through Ecuador’s rich cultural tapestry with a tour that unveils the country’s historical legacy and vibrant community life. Your adventure begins at the Palacio Real Community, which honours the llama, a symbol of South America, showcasing its significance in indigenous culture. Beyond symbolism, llamas provide sustenance, wool for textiles, and fur for warmth and decoration. Adventurous visitors can even sample this nutritious meat. Visit the community museum and explore the trails that wind through the community, offering insight into their captivating Andean worldview against the backdrop of majestic Chimborazo.

Next, delve into the mesmerizing Ingapirca Ruins that epitomize Ecuador’s cultural blend, uniting Canari and Inca heritage. These ruins, known as the “Wall of the Inca,” exhibit a fusion of architectural marvels atop Canari foundations. Featuring the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, Inca Trail, and more, it is a testament to pre-Hispanic cultural richness and architectural prowess. Conclude with a visit to the Inti Sisa Foundation in Guamote, perched on Chimborazo’s slopes, immerses visitors in Andean life. Engage with locals, experiencing the foundation’s educational programs spanning music, English, and sewing. It’s a unique opportunity to witness community-driven initiatives fostering cultural exchange and educational growth.

Day 6 : Cuenca

Discover the elegance of Cuenca’s historic centre, where iconic landmarks narrate the city’s vivid heritage. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, affectionately called The New Cathedral, graces the Abdon Calderon Park. Its alabaster exterior and blue domes define its grandeur, crafted over decades, and completed in the 1960s, showcasing a striking blend of architectural beauty. Explore the past at the Pumapungo Central Bank Museum, the Door of the Puma, preserving Canari and Inca relics in the urban heart of Cuenca. Uncover ancient textiles, ceremonial garb, and artefacts that paint a vivid picture of pre-Hispanic life. In contrast, the Museum of Modern Arts, once a shelter and a prison, now exhibits a rich array of artworks by local and international artists.

The vibrant Plaza Mayor and the serene San Sebastian Square beckon with their historical allure. Wander along Tomebamba River, a city emblem, meandering through the Barranco area’s architectural splendour, revealing Cuenca’s cultural tapestry. Explore the Homero Ortega Hat Museum, delving into the Ecuadorian roots of the famed Panama Hat. In the artistic realm, visit the Jose Encalada Pottery Workshop and witness traditional pottery methods. Ascend to Turi scenic lookout for a mesmerizing vista, capturing Cuenca’s mosaic of vibrant rooftops and verdant parks. Marvel at the Old Cathedral’s colonial elegance, a testament to Cuenca’s rich history, boasting ornate wooden sculptures and baroque altarpieces within its ancient walls.

Day 7 : Cuenca > Guayaquil

As you journey toward Guayaquil, seize the chance for one last embrace of the Andes and its stunning paramo. El Cajas National Park, a mere 40-minute escape from the city, unveils a breathtaking natural haven. This diverse landscape births two of Cuenca’s four rivers—Tomebamba and Yanuncay—and features an ever-changing canvas of paramos, wetlands, Andean rainforests, and polylepis forests. Home to over 40 mammal species and 150 bird species, it’s a vibrant habitat awaiting your exploration.

Experience the invigorating breeze of the Andean highlands and tread rugged trails through grasslands rich with water reserves. Venture to the lower section of Llaviuco Lagoon, where the enchanting elfin Andean rainforest echoes the melodious tunes of the Andean toucan, gracing your skin with gentle droplets. Accompanied by the grandeur of the Andean mountains, your journey unfolds. Descending toward the coast, witness the miraculous transformation into lush tropical greenery as you approach sea level—a breathtaking transition marking the end of your mountainous adventure.

Day 8 : Guayaquil

Transfer to the airport where arrangements end.