Upon arrival to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, you will have a transfer to your hotel.
You will be staying at Casa Gangotena located in the heart of Quito just next to San Francisco Square.
Overnight: Casa Gangotena

Overnight: Casa Gangotena

Full day Quito program with lunch in El Ventanal, from where you will have magnificent views of Colonial Quito and hopefully Cotopaxi Volcano.

Due to the beauty and history of colonial Quito, the main emphasis is given to the old city. The tour will include the Independence Square, from where it is possible to see and photograph the House of the President, the Cathedral and the City Hall.  Later you will visit the Companía de Jesus and the San Francisco Square and some of the most important museums of the pre-Hispanic and Inca archeology.

Overnight: Casa Gangotena

You will be picked up by your driver to head towards a town near Cotacachi where your hotel is located, near the famous town of Otavalo.
Otavalo is located in Imbabura Province also known as the Lakes Province. Its people are all involved in handicrafts production, from weavings, stone and wood carvings, to leather goods.

Overnight: La Mirage Hotel       

One of the best things to do around Otavalo area besides visiting the typical Indian market is to go around the little villages where they are manufacturing the things that will be sold in the market.
For this tour you visit the towns of Calderon, Agato, Peguche, Iluman, and Cotacachi. This journey will really make you experience the indigenous culture as it takes you into their houses, their cultures and their daily routines with the production of handcrafts.

Overnight: La Mirage Hotel

Your driver will pick you up after breakfast to take you to Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, in the foothills of Cotopaxi Volcano.
Since the 15th century San Agustin de Callo has served as Inca fortress, Augustinian convent and temporary home for the French Geodesic Mission whose scientific results helped to determine the true shape of the planet.
Surrounded by the smoke-blackened walls of the dining room, one can admire the stunning view of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.

Before arriving to the hacienda you will pass in the car through Cotopaxi National Park. There will be time to stop in Laguna Limpiopungo to walk through some beautiful trails with wonderful views of 4 volcanoes: Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, Sincholagua and the majestic Cotopaxi.

Overnight: San Agustin de Callo 

You will have a full day to explore the majestic Quilotoa Crater
Quilotoa is a huge collapsed crater, the bottom of which is filled with a lake. Its surroundings and the crater itself are something to be seen.
Besides the incredible geological view, there are Indian huts and indigenous people along the road. This trip gives a good idea of the culture of southern Indians of Ecuador and their unique handcrafts.
After Quilotoa you will continue to Riobamba to the Hacienda Abraspungo where you can enjoy free time to relax and rest in the afternoon.

Overnight: Abraspungo

You will have a transfer to Alausi Train Station to go onboard the “Tren Crucero”. You will go through the high Paramo of Chimborazo to then descend to Sibambe and then back to Alausi.
The biggest complication faced by the construction of the Trans-Andean railroad was the Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome this obstacle a zigzag railroad was bulit that climbs more than 500 meters in less than 12 km with steep ascents and descents. It today remains an impressive piece of engineering.
Once you complete the train railway, you will get back in the car to continue your journey in direction to Cuenca. You will stop in Ingapirca Ruins.
In the ruins it is possible to admire the fine Inca architecture and the trapezoidal windows and doors. The landscape around Ingapirca is quite beautiful and the Indian culture is well marked.
Finally reach Cuenca to the beautiful Mansion Alcazar.

Overnight: Mansion Alcazar

Wake up in the beautiful city of Cuenca.

The Tomebamba River crosses the city dividing it in the modern city and the old colonial Cuenca, which makes it the most picturesque city in the country.

Walking around the central part of Cuenca is like going back in time. Its colonial architecture has been maintained. Along the banks of the river native women go to do their washing daily. Their colorful clothing makes the seen extremely picturesque. The city is also famous for its gold and silver jewelry and for the factories of the authentic Panama Hats.

You will be picked up in your hotel by your local guide to visit Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two little towns near Cuenca.

Overnight: Mansion Alcazar

On your way to Guayaquil you will do an important stop in Cajas National Park
This National Park is a fantastic place to get away from the city, relax and enjoy nature.
Cajas means lakes in Quechua. There are over 178 lagoons in all the protected area. The most impressive of all the vegetation is the “Paper Tree”. This species of tree, Polylepis, is in danger of extinction in Ecuador, yet in Cajas Reserve it is possible to see large numbers of them.
Approximately 125 species of birds have been found here. Amongst them, we can mention the Condor, the Violet-tailed Metal-tail, Sword-billed, and more..
After your stop at this magnificent landscape you will continue towards Guayaquil where your driver will drop you off in the wonderful, Hotel del Parque.

Overnight: Hotel del Parque

Early morning you will have a private transfer to the airport for your flight back home.