South American Travel

07 Days / 06 Nights

$1,286.00

---------------------------------------- ITINERARY ----------------------------------------

Day 1 TRANSFER TO HOTEL IN QUITO CAPITAL OF EQUATOR
Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city at 2,800 meters, nestled into a valley in the shadow of the Pichincha Volcano. Its historic centre is the largest in the Americas and ranks among the most beautiful. For this reason, UNESCO nominated it a World Heritage Site, the first city to receive the honour. The historic centre has been renovated and transformed over the last five years, boasting new bars, cafés, galleries and theatres, as well as added security. Accommodation at Hotel Mercure Alameda base DBL.

Day 2 COLONIAL CITY TOUR QUITO + MIDDLE OF THE WORLD
After Breakfast explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, visiting some of its most important churches such as the impressive Cathedral, majestic La Compañía and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage.
A large part of their interiors, especially the altars and pulpits, are gilded in gold and house innumerable works of religious art. Some of their museums hold valuable collections of paintings and sculptures belonging to the artistic genre, which has come to been known as the Quito School.
We begin the tour at the quirky Guápulo quarter, towards the Congress building, before heading to the Old Town. We finish our visit to colonial history at the “Panecillo” hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains
After lunch, we visit the Middle of the World monument located at latitude 0º 0º 0º, and provides an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to straddle both hemispheres. Also you can visit, the Ethnographic Museum, which provides a fine overview of Ecuador’s varied peoples and geography. Late in the Afternoon return to Quito for overnight rest at the Hotel. Accommodation at Hotel Mercure Alameda base DBL

Day 3 QUITO – COTOPAXI – RIOBAMBA
After an early breakfast, driving to the south of Quito, we visit Ecuador’s first National Park, Cotopaxi, home to the highest active volcano on Earth which stands 5,897 meters high. You can explore the Andean moorlands with species of highland birds, or hike up to the snow line (4,800-m/ 15.800 ft). admiring Limpiopungo Lagoon, an indigenous market in the area, the Rumiñahui volcano opposite Cotopaxi, and spotting species such as condors, curiquingues and desert gulls, etc. Lunch at a typical hosteria.
Continuing southwards, we drive through Ambato, city of flowers and fruits, down 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 (6.310 m / 20.697 ft.).
A panoramic tour of Riobamba includes its French influenced plazas, and the Cathedral. Admire the city from Quito Hill and learn about Ecuador’s history from its murals. Arrive to one of Riobamba country inns for a well deserved rest, surrounded by volcanoes. Accommodation at Hostería Abraspungo or similar. Base DBL.

Day 4 RIOBAMBA –CUENCA
We will leave after breakfast from Riobamba to Alausí, visiting indigenous towns and communities on the way (such as Cajabamba, Santiago of Quito, Guamote, Tixán, etc.) as well as spectacular sites (the lagoon of Colta, the church of the Balbanera, the desert of Palmira). Once in Alausí, we board the train for a ride on one of the world’s most exciting trains, down the track known as the ‘Devil’s Nose’ a marvel of 19th-century engineering, where passengers can sit on the roof as the train winds its way through spectacular Andean scenery / Lunch Box. In the afternoon, we visit the famous Inca-Cañari ruins of Ingapirca (a beautiful complex with an archaeological museum), before arriving to Cuenca in the evening, with accommodation in one of the best hotels of the city. Accommodation at hotel El Dorado or similar. Base DBL.

Day 5 CUENCA
After breakfast visit Cuenca, this is the prettiest colonial city in the country. Let its cobblestone streets, graceful wrought-iron balconies, and flowered plazas captivate you. Its market places and handicrafts are living testimony to the region’s rich indigenous & artisan heritage. The handsome sunlit domes of the cathedral, the romantic Tomebamba River flanked by overhanging houses are part of an experience that no one should miss. Sorrounded by these wonders we take a break to have lunch. In the afternoon visit to the Banco Central Museum, this has permanent archaeological, ethnographic colonial and republican art collections, as well as old photographs of Cuenca. After this visit, we’ll 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 also scheduled in the afternoon. Continue to the Hotel for dinner and overnight rest. Accommodation at hotel El Dorado or similar. Base DBL. Day 6 CUENCA- GUAYAQUIL
After an early breakfast, departure to the Coast passing through the EL Cajas National Park. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes with at least 200 lakes and lagoons, like the famous La Toreadora, where is possible to observe a great variety of native flora and fauna. If the time is available we will visit the Polylepis forest or paper bark tree forest. Before starting our journey down to the coast, we stop to enjoy lunch.
Immediately start the path that takes you from 4.000 mts to the sea level in 3 hours, here is possible to observe the different habitats in Ecuador: The moorlands, the Andean forest, the cloud forest, the subtropical forest and the rainforest. Once in the lowlands we will observe the biggest banana plantations as well as other products like: sugar cane, coffee, chocolate and rice. Overnight rest at Guayaquil. Accommodation at Grand Hotel Guayaquil. Day 7 GUAYAQUIL - FLIGHT BACK HOME
Transfer to the airport for departure flight.
End of Service.

---------------------------------------- PRICE ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- INCLUDED ----------------------------------------

Included in the price:
* Accommodation in double occupancy as per request including daily buffet or American breakfast
* Transfers & visits according to the itinerary with private transportation and English speaking guide
* Noted meals
* Entrance fees

Not included in the price:
* International flights
* Any meal or services not described above
* International departure tax USD 26.00 net per person from Guayaquil (Subject to change)
* Alcoholics and no alcoholic’s beverages.
* Tips & personal expenses
* Travel Insurance

HOTELS
QUITO: Accommodation at Hotel Mercure Alameda
RIOBAMBA: Accommodation at Hostería Abraspungo or similar
CUENCA: Hotele El Dorado
GUAYAQUIL GRAND HOTEL GUAYAQUIL.

Note: Other Hotels Upon request.