Jewels of Ecuador

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle for the remainder of the day at your leisure.

After an early morning breakfast, you will begin your tour of downtown Quito, or Centro Histórico, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. Start with a panoramic view of Alameda Park and the Basilica, followed by a walk down the street of the Seven Crosses. The trip will continue with a walking tour, starting at Independence Square. Later, drive northwards to the Equatorial Monument, built as a tribute to the French scientists who determined the shape of the earth in the 1700s. Just north of the Equatorial Line Monument you will find Ecuador’s actual “middle of the world,” marked by the Intiñan Museum. You may choose to visit either the Ethnographic or the Intiñan Museums, both located near the site of the monument. (B)

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore historic Quito. We recommend an optional excursion to Otavalo, a town famous for its weekly artisan market. En route, you will stop to admire the beautiful landscapes and snow-capped mountains of the area. Take time to visit the textile market in Otavalo to bargain with the friendly Otavaleños. (B)

Leave Quito and head in the direction of Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the most important landmarks in Ecuador as it is the highest active volcano in the world. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for the remainder of the evening at your leisure. (B)

This morning you will depart Cotopaxi for the Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve for a short hike on Ecuador’s tallest mountain. Afterwards, continue to the city of Riobamba, surrounded by parks and plazas filled with colonial architecture. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for the remainder of the evening at your leisure. (B)

Today you will head to Alausí where you will board the train to the “Devil’s Nose,” one of the most incredible feats of railroad engineering in the world. The area is a small town in its own right with charming old houses, some in the original adobe construction, watched over by a large statue of St. Peter. The train will take you down through a hair-raising series of switchbacks so tight that the entire train has to back up momentarily to fit through. Just below the switches, the train stops near Sibambe, turns around, and makes the climb back up the same route. After your white-knuckle adventure, you will visit the Ingapirca Fortress, the most important ancient ruins in the country. Their true history remains a mystery, as scholars believe the structure could have been a fortress, observatory or a temple. After visiting the ruins, continue your journey to Cuenca for check-in at your hotel. (B)

Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city retains its pleasant provincial air with its red tiled roofs, cobbled streets, flowery plazas and striking museums. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city with a walking tour in the colonial downtown area. In the afternoon, you will have the chance to visit a workshop where Panama straw hats are made. After your workshop visit, take a drive up to the Hill of Turi for spectacular views of the city. (B)

Enjoy a final Ecuadorian breakfast before being transferred to Cuenca airport to continue on to your next destination. (B)