| Day 1: We drive South from Quito through
the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park. In the afternoon
we descend to the delightful Hacienda La Cienaga for the night.(L) Day 2: In the morning we will visit a
local indigenous market in the Valley of the Volcanoes, and in the
afternoon, be in the Ecuadorian cloud forest near the resort town of
Banos (for its hot springs). Overnight in a country hotel near Riobamba.
(B,L) |
©
Jeff Waugh
La Cienaga
Hacienda |
|
Day 3: We travel through some of the most
beautiful mountain scenery in Ecuador to Inga Pirca, Ecuador's most
impressive Incan site. We overnight at a hotel in Cuenca, Ecuador's
third largest city. (B,L)
Day 4: We travel north of Cuenca through
a beautiful valley to Gualaceo to see jewelry, pottery and other local
crafts. (B,L)
Day 5: In the morning we visit the
well-preserved colonial Cuenca (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and in the
afternoon return to Quito by plane (not included). (B,L)
|
©
Jeff Waugh
Cathedral in
Cuenca |
Pathway through the Andes
3 Day Itinerary - Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday Departures
Day 1.- Quito - Cotopaxi
- Riobamba. After an early departure, driving to the south of Quito,
visit Ecuador s first National Park, Cotopaxi, home to the highest
active volcano on Earth. Continuing south to Riobamba passing the
Igualata ridge on the Urbina moorlands, the highest point on the
Pan-American Highway at the base of Ecuador’s highest mountain, the snow
capped Chimborazo (20,697 feet / 6,310 meters). Accommodation in
Riobamba.
Day 2.- Riobamba - Alausí-
Ingapirca - Cuenca. Start our day with a drive through some of the most
picturesque indigenous areas of the country, before reaching the Alausí
train station. If there is availability, sit on the top of the carriages
for an adventure through the engineering wonder of the area known as the
¨Devil s Nose´. On the road again visit to the Ingapirca ruins. Continue
to Cuenca for overnight. Accommodation.
©
Jeff Waugh
Inga Pirca Archaeological Site near Cuenca, Ecuador
Day 3. - Cuenca. Visit
the prettiest colonial city in the country. After breakfast let its
cobblestone streets, graceful wrought-iron balconies, and flowered
plazas captivate you. Visit to the Banco Central Museum, which has
permanent archaeological, ethnographic colonial and republican art
collections, as well as old photographs of Cuenca. After this visit, go
to Conceptas Monastery. The cloister, built between 1682 and 1729, was
recently restored. The cloister contains an unusual collection of
religious art. A visit to a straw-hat export enterprise is scheduled in
the afternoon. Lunch and transfer out to Cuenca’s Airport.
| INCLUDES: |
DOES
NOT INCLUDE: |
YOU
SHOULD BRING: |
-
Accommodation
-
Transportation
-
Entrance fees to museums
-
Breakfast & Lunch
-
English-speaking
guide
|
- International or local
air
- Dinners
- Tips
- Anything else not
mentioned
|
- Comfortable walking
shoes
- Day Pack
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Personal clothing
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Binoculars
|
