4 Day Trip: QUITO – COTOPAXI – BAÑOS – RIOBAMBA - CUENCA

Departure: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

Price per person:

The price Includes:

• >   All transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport
  >   3 nights Hotel double accommodation
  >   Daily American breakfast
  >   Cotopaxi National Park fees
  >   Train ticket to the Devil's Nose
  >   Entrance to the Castle of Ingapirca
• >   Private transportation with English speaking guide 
  >   Airfare Cuenca - Quito 

The Price does not Include:

• >   Accommodations in Quito
  >   Lunches and dinners
  >   Tips
  >   Alcoholic drinks

GALAPAGOS & HIGLANDS OF ECUADOR

1st day:  Quito – Cotopaxi – Baños

You will be picked up from your hotel at 08h00. We drive South via the Avenue of the Volcanoes to reach the Cotopaxi National Park, to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world. Cotopaxi was established as an ecological sanctuary with unusual opportunities for nature lovers. We visit the interpretation center and Limpiopungo lakes (paramo grasslands / Ecuadorian equivalent of the arctic tundra). Drive up to 15.000 ft and trek up to Padre Rivas mountain climbing refuge (1 1/2 hrs). You will have to opportunity to touch and lay on the snow. Stop for optional lunch at the colonial hacienda La Ciénega. Then we visit the Yambo volcano crater lake and continue to the Subtropical Thermal baths town of Baños. Overnight.

2nd day:  Baños - Riobamba

Baños mean “Baths”, which is precisely what the town is famous for. Some of them are fed by thermal springs from the base of the active Volcano Tungurahua, which means: "little hell” in Quichua. We visit the cathedral, the balsawood birds carving workshop, the tagua (ivory nut) jewelry stores and visit the thermal baths. Later we continue our trip to Agoyan and Devils cauldron, (amazing waterfalls). We will take the taravita (Air cable) to see the majestic Manto de la novia Waterfall. Then we continue to the small Andean city of Riobamba that has been nicknamed Friobamba by Ecuadorians who agree that this pretty highland city which is boardered by the snowy Volcán Chimborazo is indeed quite cold . Overnight.

3rd day:  Riobamba - Train – Devil’s Nose – Ingapirca - Cuenca

After breakfast, in the early morning we depart to the Train Station in order to board the train – auto Ferro. This is a spectacular train ride, gradually descending from the highlands to the lowlands, at times zigzagging, or hugging the cliffs. The train to La Nariz del Diablo, then winds southward across Andean highlands to the town of Aluasí and then beyond to the precipitous rock face at the edge of the Andes known as the Devil’s Nose. The train descends and then returns to Aluasí again. Then we continue to visit the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca. This is  the most important monument left by the aboriginal cultures of Ecuador. The vast archeological complex of ruins includes a roofless fortification, courtyards, terraces, temples, houses, and a “castle”, possibly a “Temple of the Sun”. Then transfer to the most beautiful Colonial City in South America, Cuenca. Overnight.

4th day:  Cuenca City Tour – flight – Quito

Cuenca is  Ecuador’s third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. It´s red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. This comprehensive tour includes the Plazas of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, the “House of temperance” where alcoholics were shut inside its thick walls in an effort to cure them. Stops are made at the workshops where Panama hats of the best quality are found. Next is a visit to the flower market, the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, the Court of Justice, The Municipal Palace, The Governor’s Palace and the Church el Sagrario. In the afternoon we take our flight to Quito. Upon Arrival transfer to your hotel.

Ask about this trip!