Your trip starts in Quito heading south to the Cotopaxi National Park where the activity may vary based on weather. You may even get a chance to reach the snow of the Volcano! the highest active volcano in the word.
The trip continues to resort town of Baños mean “baths of sacred water” which is precisely what the town is famous. Then we continue to The Chimborazo volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador. Then we visit the biggest Incan archeological site in Ecuador, Ingapirca… Finally we enjoy a city tour of Cuenca a quaint colonial city.
Breakfast in the hotel. Early morning we will 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). We will have to opportunity to touch and lay on the volcanic snow.
Breakfast in the hotel. We visit the balsawood birds carving workshop, the tagua (ivory nut) jewelry stores. 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. We continue to The Chimborazo volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador. Chimborazo Volcano is extraordinary for many reasons. It is the highest point in Ecuador’s Andes mountains. Although it is not the tallest mountain in the world, it is considered to be the farthest point on the surface of the Earth from the center. Chimborazo is renouned for superior mountaineering opportunities, and it is visited by people from all over the world looking for extreme climbing opportunities. 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 bordered by the snowy Volcán Chimborazo is indeed quite cold.
This morning after breakfast, we continue to the biggest Incan archeological site in Ecuador, Ingaprica. This citadel was built in the 15th century on the Inca Trail that connects Quito to Cusco. The ruins include, courtyards, terraces, temples, houses, and a “castle” possibly a “Temple of the Sun.” We continue to Cuenca, the most beautiful colonial city in South America. Today Cuenca is “A World Cultural Heritage Site.
This morning after our breakfast, we enjoy a city tour of Cuenca a quaint colonial city. Cuenca is well known for its handicrafts including pottery, embroidery, filigree jewels, and the world famous Panama Hat. We see the Main Square, New Cathedral, and the colorful Flower Market on Plaza del Carmen. On Plaza of San Sebastian, we see a very colorful artisans market. We also see the Court of Justice, the Municipal Palace, the Governor’s Palace, and the Church El Sagrario. In the afternoon we will take our flight back to Quito.
1st day: Quito - Cotopaxi - Baños
2st day: Baños - Chimborazo - Riobamba
3st day: Riobamba - Ingapirca - Cuenca
4st day: Cuenca - City tour - flight - Quito
Our tours will take you to many amazing sites throughout your trip, This transcript will give you a better idea of the most iconic spots you will visit with our Zenith Exclusive Tours!
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