9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS
THROUGH
THE ECUADORIAN ANDES
DAY
1 / QUITO
Upon arrival to Quito: reception, assistance
and transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2 / QUITO - PAPALLACTA
Enjoy a half-day tour on Modern and colonial
Quito. In the afternoon travel northwest
to Papallacta, a peaceful setting surrounded
by mountains, where you will enjoy hot spring
water pools.
DAY 3 / PAPALLACTA - OTAVALO
Drive north to Imbabura and visit the typical
Indian market of Otavalo, where colorful
products like: ponchos, tapestries, Indian
jewelry and straw purses named "shigras"
are offered. continue your visit to the
handicraft center on San Antonio de Ibarra
or Cotacachi.
DAY 4 / OTAVALO - COTOPAXI
Spend the morning in the Imbabura province
experiencing the rural life. Start by driving
south in the afternoon on what Alexander
von Humboldt named the "Avenue of the
volcanoes".
DAY 5 / COTOPAXI
Full day at the Cotopaxi National Park,
climb up to the refuge at 4,800 meters from
where a spectacular panoramic view of the
Andes awaits.
DAY 6 / COTOPAXI - RIOBAMBA
Continue driving south through the Ecuadorian
Andes towards Riobamba located in the heart
of highlands; visit the "Conceptas
Museum" as well Guano, where hand made
rugs can be found.
DAY 7 / RIOBAMBA - CUENCA
While we drive south to Ingapirca, the most
important Inca ruins in Ecuador; we will
also enjoy panoramic views of the highlands
and maybe visit one of the Indian markets
in the south "Guamote" (held only
on Thursdays) or enjoy a spectacular train-ride
through the Devil´s Nose.
DAY 8 / CUENCA
Stroll through history on narrow streets
of adobe surrounded by houses with coquettish
balconies, visit museum that display centuries
of pre-Colombian and colonial treasures,
and discover the traces of indigenous religion
on colonial catholic churches. Cuenca is
renown for its high quality handicrafts
like: embroidery, jewelry, ceramics and
the famous "Panama hats".
DAY 9 / CUENCA - QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL
Transfer to the airport for flight back
to Quito or Guayaquil.
Extensions
to the Galapagos Islands on 3, 4 or 7 nights
cruises, the Amazon Rainforest, Loja and
the Valley of longevity "Vilcabamba"
or to Machalilla National Park can be easily
arranged. Please inquire. |