Ecuador: Quito, Riobamba, and Cuenca in 8 Days

08:30 AM: Departure from your hotel toward the north.

We will visit the ‘Plaza de Ponchos’ in the famous Otavalo market.

This market offers beautiful crafts and textiles.

We will continue to Cotacachi, a town famous for its leather goods shops.

During the journey, we will enjoy Andean landscapes facing Lake San Pablo and the towering Imbabura and Cayambe volcanoes.

This tour combines local folklore with an excellent shopping experience.

Return to the hotel.

Night in Quito.

08:30 AM: Departure to the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

First, we will visit the Basílica to see its towers and giant stained-glass windows.

We will continue to the Plaza Grande, the Government Palace, and La Compañía de Jesús church (entrance fees included).

We will also tour San Francisco Square and Church, and the Panecillo Lookout.

Then, we will head to the Middle of the World city.

Time for lunch and a visit to the Equator Monument and the Intiñan Museum (entrance fees included).

Finally, we will stop at the Teleférico (Cable Car) for those who wish to go up (on their own).

Return to the hotel.

Night in Quito.

08:00 AM: Departure via the South Pan-American Highway.

On the route, we will appreciate various mountains and snow-capped peaks.

We will stop at three lookouts to observe the Ilinizas, Cotopaxi, and Tungurahua volcanoes.

Later, we will visit a Rose Farm.

There, we will learn about the cultivation, harvest, and packaging processes for export.

We will continue to Guano, a town famous for its crafts, monoliths, and mummies.

Upon arrival in Riobamba, we will take a panoramic tour of the city.

We will visit Neptune Park and the Loma de Quito lookout.

Transfer to the Hotel.

Night in Riobamba.

08:00 AM: We will depart for the sandy plains of Chimborazo.

There, we will admire the highest snow-capped peak in Ecuador ($6,310$ MASL).

We will also observe camelids such as alpacas and vicuñas in their natural state.

We will continue the journey to the Ingapirca archaeological ruins to visit the site museum.

Finally, we will arrive at the city of Cuenca, a World Heritage Site.

Transfer to the Hotel.

Night in Cuenca.

08:30 AM: We begin the tour of Cuenca.

We will admire its architecture and the landscapes of its four rivers.

Visit to the Cathedral Domes (included), Turi lookout, and Calderón Park.

We will also visit the famous “Ortega” Panama hat factory.

03:00 PM: Visit the nearby towns of Gualaceo with its Orchid Farm (included) and the jewelry shops in Chordeleg.

Return to Cuenca and transfer to the Hotel.

Night in Cuenca.

08:00 AM: Land transfer to Guayaquil.

We will cross the “El Cajas” lake district and enjoy the “3 Cruces” lookout (weather/route permitting).

On the way, we will see cocoa, rice, and banana plantations.

Upon arrival, we will cross the Guayas River via its magnificent bridges.

We will go up to the Cerro Paraíso lookout for a 360-degree view of the city.

03:00 PM: Visit the Iguana Park and walk along the Malecón.

Admire attractions such as La Rotonda, Las Peñas Street, and La Perla Ferris wheel (included).

Return to Guayaquil.

Night in Guayaquil.

According to your flight schedule, pick-up from your hotel for the airport transfer.

We begin the return home.

End of the Services.