Historic family ranches dating back to the 1600’s are found along the Avenue of the Volcanoes of the Ecuadorian highlands. These haciendas provide a glimpse into the history and culture of a time when Spanish heirs ruled expansive farms containing entire indigenous villages in the shadows of the Cotacachi, Cayambe, and Cotopaxi Volcanoes. This 7-day trip explores the highlands with visits with an expert guide to the market town, Otavalo, and to Cotopaxi Volcano. Relax in the evenings at the luxurious Haciendas Zuleta and San Agustin de Callo and enjoy the home-cooked meals after the days’ excursions. This trip can be customized based on travelers’ interests with optional horseback riding, hiking, and other cultural activities.
Day 01: Arrive in Quito
Arrive in the Colonial City of Quito on the flight of your choice today. Overnight.
Day 02: Colonial Quito and Middle of the World
Begin your journey with an exploration of the capital city of Quito. Drive north to visit “El mirador de Guápulo” (view point), from where you can admire its church and Quito’s nearby valleys. Go south towards Quito’s colonial center – one of the world’s cultural heritage sites, where you can see many historical buildings including churches, museums, and monuments. From here continue to El Panecillo – the small, rounded hill which dominates the old town. From its summit you can see marvelous views of the whole city stretching out below, as well as magnificent views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Travel towards “La Mitad del Mundo” (the middle of the world) in the village of San Antonio, about 22 Km. north of Quito. Here visit the trapezium stone monument, which is built on the Equator, and the excellent Museo Etnográfico and Inti-Ñan.
Day 03: Cotopaxi National Park
Head south from Quito, along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, viewing the breathtaking high plains surrounding the magnificent snow-capped Cotopaxi – the earth’s highest active volcano (19347ft/5897m). This area provides excellent opportunities to spot the Andean condor.
Afternoon in the Limpiopungo Valley (12540ft/3800m), ascend to El Parqueadero (15180ft/4600m). From this point hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano’s refuge lodge (15840ft/4800m). A short walk from here takes you to the nearest glacier.
Tonight overnight in one of Ecuador’s most famous haciendas, the 400-year-old Hacienda La Cienega. This enchanting hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi has hosted many of Ecuador’s former presidents as well as Alexander von Humboldt, founder of modern geography.
Day 04: Quilotoa Lagoon | Riobamba
After breakfast this morning head south to Latacunga along the magnificent Central Valley, which is sheltered by two parallel mountain ranges. Visit Quilotoa, a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by several snow-capped volcanoes. After lunch, meet the famous Tigua painters. Their sheepskin paintings of traditional Andean village life have been highly regarded since before Incan times. This evening continue on to the town of Riobamba.
Day 05: Devil’s Nose Train and Ingapirca
After breakfast, enjoy an early morning drive to the Indian Village of Alausí, from where embark on a thrilling train ride over the Naríz del Diablo (Devil´s Nose) to Sibambe, back to Alausí then on to Guamote.
Next, head to Ecuador’s most famous Inca ruin, Ingapirca. Take some time to explore the ancient citadel and the surrounding area of Cañar.
Continue your journey south, following old dirt roads into the countryside. Pass a checkerboard of small farms growing corn, beans, potatoes, and other Andean staples as you make your way to Cuenca. Considered the most colonial city in all the Americas, red clay rooftops stretch throughout the city and baroque churches seem to stand on every corner. Settle in to your hotel for the evening.
Day 06: Explore Cuenca
Enjoy a full day of exploring colonial Cuenca with your guide. Choose the areas that interest you most. You may choose to depart early this morning and head to the markets at 10 de Agosto and San Francisco. From there, continue on to San Sebastion, the historical center and visit the Museum of Modern Art. Stop by the Parque de las Flores and visit Parque Calderón the city’s largest plaza and home to both the new and old cathedral. Choose from great museum options or visit a Panama Hat factory. You may choose to visit the famous Barranco along Calle Largo. Stop by Mirador de Turi for a great view of the city and finish up by visiting the Gallery of Eduardo Vega, whose ceramics have achieved international fame.
Day 07: Cajas National Park and Manglares Churute
Your journey today takes you all the way to the coast. Along the way, stop to visit Cajas National Park. Over 200 gorgeous lakes are scattered amongst the jagged rocks and craggy valleys that make up the breathtaking landscape of this often wet and foggy park.
As you get closer to the coast, enjoy a visit of Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve. Nearly 50,000 hectares in size, this reserve is one of the most important reserves in Ecuador and in all of South America. Here find four related ecosystems: mangroves, estuary, dry tropical forest, and wet tropical forest.
Finally, arrive in the coastal city of Guayaquil and head to your hotel.
Day 08: Depart Guayaquil
Head to the airport for your international flight home.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel |
| Quito | 02 | Swissôtel Quito |
| Parque Nacional Cotopaxi | 01 | Hacienda El Porvenir by Tierra del Volcán |
| Riobamba | 01 | Mansion Santa Isabella |
| Cuenca | 02 | Four Points by Sheraton Cuenca |
| Guayaquil | 01 | Sheraton Guayaquil Hotel |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
– 07 Nights accommodation hotel.
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Local English-speaking guide
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Entrance fees to monuments.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Round trip flights Miami-Quito, Quito-Miami
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.