Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. It is set on the equator, and it is home to volcanic mountains, lush jungle and beautiful Pacific coastline. The people are very friendly, and it has cities that are full of life.
Day 01 Arrive Quito
Arrival at Quito airport meet, assist and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Quito – Middle of the World- Pululahua (31 kms / 50M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to visit Quito and the Center of the World.This tour starts early in the morning to visit the Panecillo Hill, place to have a panoramic view of the city.
The tour will then continue from the Basilica Church, where we will make a brief stop and next, the “San Juan Viewpoint” from where you will have a beautiful sight of The Colonial Centre of Quito. After walking through the colonial streets we will then stop at the Independence Plaza admiring the Cathedral, the Government’s Palace and a Ronda Street. Furthermore, we will visit The Company Church, the Sagrario Church and San Francisco Church which was built during the 17th century. After lunch we will visit the current equatorial line and straddle the two hemispheres. In addition you’ll have a chance to participate in several experiments on Intinan Museum (such as watching water go down a drain in a different direction only inches away from either side of the equator, or balancing an egg on a nail, or using an ancient sun dial, etc).
In the Middle of the World city´s complex, you will be able to visit a fascinating ethnographical museum that gives a great overview of the many distinct cultures of this small country. You will also enjoy of the amazing landscape in Pululahua inhabited crater just 5 minutes from the latitud cero inside of the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 Quito-Cotopaxi-Patate-Baos de Agua Santa (204 kms/3H 20M appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to we will depart early from Quito by motorcar on the Pan-American Highway to the south, to visit the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, along valleys and mountains covered by multicolored fields. After an hour and a half, the entrance to the park is reached and then it’s up a dirt road for approximately one hour. Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Center.
Travel along valleys and mountains to the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, for an up-close view of the Andean paramo habitat and its unique flora and fauna; a number of high-altitude birds can be observed around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and occasionally, wild horses. On clear days, the perfect snow-capped cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano is quite a sight. Outside the volcano not far from the National Park is a charming hacienda, where lunch is served in a room with Inca walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries -a truly archaeological jewel. Mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation, many varieties, many colours, ready for exportation. From here, descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda, hidden among the mountains, a magical ambience, where as the afternoon mist descends. This place is full of stories about those who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby Llanganatis mountains – and never returned. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Banos de Agua Santa- Alausi (167 kms / 3H appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to we take a spectacular route along the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Banos (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the thermal waters that gave it its name emerge. We will drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailon del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) -the most adventurous will descend (medium difficulty) to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids. The force and sound of the waters can also be appreciated from a lookout point without descending. Afternoon a short stroll along Banos -a town with an international pulse, full of people from all over the world as well as many locals who pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water. In the afternoon we will go to Alausi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Alausi- Ingapirca (By Train)/ Ingapirca- Cuenca(157 kms/3H appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to we could visit the small town of Alausi, the beating heart of the rehabilitation of the Ecuadorian Railway Company in the last years. Great effort has been made to restore the 100-year old train to its old glory and romance. Stations have been renewed, railways and sleepers replaced, engines and classic coaches renovate, and, most important, the project involves the local communities along the route in the rail operation. The highlight is the thrilling 800-metre (2630-foot) descent on the zigzag cuttings on the rock of the Devil’s Nose. At the bottom one finds the newly renovated Station of Sibambe. Here there is time to visit the local museum Condor Pununa built and run by the Nizag community, see the display of local handcrafts, fruit and medicinal plants and try the local coffee. The train whistle calls guests back on board for the return to the Station of Alausi, where a light snack is served to regain strength. Continue exploring the Andean world by motorcoach to the south, visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route. Arrival to Cuenca at dusk. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Cuenca–Guayaquil (198 kms / 4H appx.)
After breakfast, proceed to visit Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. This comprehensive visit includes the Plaza of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, where handicrafts are sold. Then, visit the Museum of Modern Art, featuring an excellent collection of contemporary fine art. After lunch transfer to Guayaquil. At night we will have a walking tour around “Malecon 2000” and “Las Penas” neighborhood. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Depart Guayaquil
Departure transfer to onward destination.
| City | Nights | 5* Hotels |
| Quito | 02 | Casa Gangotena |
| Banos de Agua Santa | 01 | Luna Runtun Spa |
| Alausi | 01 | Posada de las Nubes |
| Cuenca | 01 | Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia |
| Guayaquil | 01 | Hotel Oro Verde |
- Accommodation as per the program.
- Meals as per the program.
- Entrance fees: La Compania Church, Inti Nan Solar Museum, La Basilica Church, Pailon del Diablo & Manto de la Novia Waterfalls, Ingapirca ruins, Cotopaxi National Park
- Train tickets for Alusi – Ingapirca.
- Local English speaking guide.
- All transfers, sightseeing, excursions.
- All taxes
Branding
– Logo branding on Vehicles.
– Color and logo branding Merchandise.
– Departure gifts with company’s branding.
- Personal Expenses.
- Camera / Video Camera Fees.
- Medical Aid.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- Visa (If any).
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.