SAT EC-005

Submerge into the fascinating world of the Andes. Enjoy the colonial cities Quito and Cuenca and learn about their interesting past. Watch the goings-on at the colorful Indian market in Guamote and take in the stunning landscape that Ecuador has to offer. 

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sun): Arrival in Quito
Welcome and Transfer to the Hotel. (-/-/-)
Tag 2 (Mon): Quito – Sight-Seeing Tour
Experience Quito with an extensive sight-seeing tour in the old town, including Plaza Grande, the Cathedral, the President’s Palace, the grandiose churches El Sagrario and La Companía, Plaza Santo Domingo, La Merced, Plaza de San Francisco and its monastery - the gem of America’s colonial art. (B/-/-)
In the afternoon you may chose among the following options:
a) Mitad del Mundo: memorial of the Equator and museum visit
b) Cable car to the Rucu Pichincha (4.100m)

Day 3 (Tue): Cotopaxi National Park

Today we visit the Cotopaxi Nacional Park. We arrive at the elevated plain of Limpiopungo on 3.830 m and walk along the Andean uplands. We continue our journey to Patate, with a stunning view on the active volcano Tungurahua (5.016 m). (B/-/D)

Day 4 (Wed): Pastaza Canyon – Baños
On our way through the famous Pastaza-Canyon we come across cavernous gorges and numerous waterfalls until we finally arrive at Rio Verde. Here, we take a short walk to the thunderous waterfall “Pailón del Diablo” . We drive on to the major holiday resort Baños, situated right at the foot of the active volcano Tungurahua (5.016 m) and known for its hot springs. (B/-/D)

Day 5 (Thu): Guamote market – Chimborazo – Riobamba

After visiting the colorful Indian market of Guamote we continue our journey to Ecuador´s hightest volcano Chimborazo (6.310 m). We walk across a desert-like territory and hike to the Eward Whymper refuge up to 5.000 m. You may even see some Vicuñas on your way. In the evening we arrive at Riobamba. (B/-/-)

Day 6 (Fri): Train ride across the Devil’s nose – Ingapirca – Cuenca

Today, we embark on the most thrilling train ride in all of South America. Through captivating scenery, the train makes its way to the Devil’s Nose, a rock face that is several hundred feet tall and requires the train to zigzag carefully up the mountain. Our journey continues to Ecuador´s biggest Inca ruins, Ingapirca and finally ends in Cuenca. (B/-/-)

Day 7 (Sat): Cuenca
Today we visit the old town of Cuenca, put under preservation order by the UNESCO in 1999. Our tour comprises the waterfront along the Tomebamba River, the impressive Cathedrals, the colorful flower market and a local panama hat factory. Afternoon free. (B/-/-)

Day 8 (Sun): El Cajas National Park– Guayaquil
In the morning, we visit the National Park El Cajas., a national recreation area that encompasses 28.000 ha and counts over 230 lakes. The páramo vegetation is just beautiful and contains interesting wildlife. Along the way, we pass through different climate and vegetation zones until we finally arrive at the vibrant seaport Guayaquil. (B/-/D)

Day 9: (Mon)
Transfer to the airport in Guayaquil and departure for your next destination. (B/-/-)

Optional:

Extension program “Ruta del Sol“ or Flight to Baltra, Galapagos.
If you are interested in the extension program, please let us know. We are happy to provide you with any further information.

Service includes:

• Roundtrip as described with private transport
• Qualified German or English speaking guides
• Accommodation as requested
• Meals according to itinerary
• Entrances
• Train Ticket
• 2 Dinners in Hacienda Leito
• SPA for the first day at Hacienda Leito
• Farewell Dinner in Guayaquil

Not included:

• Any meals or beverage not indicated above
• Tips and personal spending
• Airport tax when leaving Ecuador (USD 43,-/pp from Quito, USD 28,-/pp from Guayaquil)

HOTELS SUPERIOR:

• Hotel Patio Andaluz, Quito
• Hacienda Leito, Patate
• Hosteria Abraspungo, Riobamba
• Hotel Santa Lucia, Cuenca
• Hotel Hampton Inn, Guayaquil

Minimum Participants: 2 Persons

ECONOMIC:

Service includes:

• Roundtrip as described with private transport
• Qualified German or English speaking guides
• Accommodation in superior Hotels
• Meals according to itinerary
• Entrances
• Train Ticket

Not included:

• Any meals or beverage not indicated above
• Tips and personal spendings
• Airport tax when leaving Ecuador (USD 43,-/pp from Quito, USD 28,-/pp from Guayaquil)

HOTELS ECONOMIC:

• Hostal Charles Darwin, Quito
• Hacienda Leito, Patate
• Hosteria Bambú, Riobamba
• Hotel Inca Real, Cuenca
• Hotel Manso Boutique, Guayaquil

Minimum Participants: 2 Persons
Prices are subject to change on national holidays.

Please note: All services in this program may be altered due to organizational or climatic changes.