Andes 5 Day Trip Quito – Cotopaxi – Baños – Riobamba – Cuenca – El Cajas

Price from: $940
Duration: 4 Days
Min age: years
Difficulty: Easy

Tour

Overview

Tour Highlights:

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 world

The trip continues to resort town of Baños, well known for its thermal baths. This 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, Ingaprica.. Then we visit Cuenca a quaint colonial city.

Then we drive through spectacular El Cajas National Parky finally we arrive to the Economical capital of Ecuador. Guayaquil

Detailed

Itinerary

Day 1: Quito - Cotopaxi - Baños

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.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Baños – Chimborazo - Riobamba

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.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Riobamba - Ingapirca - Cuenca

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.”


Meals: Breakfast

4th day: Cuenca City Tour

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. Free afternoon.


Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Cuenca - El Cajas - Guayaquil

Breakfast in the hotel. Then we drive through spectacular El Cajas National Park, with rocky lunar landscapes and more than 200 lakes scattered among its jagged peaks. We continue to the economical capital of Ecuador, Guayaquil. Ecuador’s largest city and main sea port of the country. During a panoramic city tour, we see the old district “La Penas” the Botanical Garden, the cathedral and the only place in the world that has Land Iguanas living downtown. Overnight..


Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary

At a Glance

Price

Tables

Standar Hotel: $940 Superior Hotel: $1,025

Prominent Sites for your Trip

1st day: Quito - Cotopaxi - Baños

  • Standar Hotel: Isla de Baños Superior Hotel: Sangay

2nd day: Baños - Chimborazo - Riobamba

  • Standar Hotel: Zeus Superior Hotel: Abraspungo

3rd day: Riobamba - Ingapirca - Cuenca

  • Standar Hotel: Inca Real Superior Hotel: Santa Lucía

4th day: Cuenca - City tour - flight - Quito

  • Standar Hotel: Superior Hotel:

5th day: Cuenca - El cajas - Guayaquil

  • Standar Hotel: Grand Hotel Superior Hotel: Grand Hotel

Day by Day Itinerary

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!

Included

In the tour

Not Included

In the tour

The Package does NOT include:

  • Lunches and dinners
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic and not alcoholic drinks
Destinations
Cuenca
Cotopaxi National Park
Andes
Highlights
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