Highlights of Ecuador

7 Days

Ecuador is the country for which the adage "small is beautiful' was coined. The size of Great Britain, Ecuador is nonetheless one of the most diverse countries in the world. Due to its position on the Equator, not only can you experience all four seasons in a day, but also four distinct geographical zones.
IMPORTANT: Departures on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Hotels quoted are tourist, superior and first class categories (similar to 3*, 4* and 5* categories).  The hotels we use are clean, safe, with private facilities and are centrally located.

Day 1

Quito - TUE or FRI

Upon arrival in Quito you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2

Quito - WED or SAT

This morning join a half day tour of Quito. A visit to downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture.  Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America,  is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   The stroll starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior.   Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar.  Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere.  Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador.  Beside the monument there is a colonial-style town, complete with main square, church, post office, bullring, cafeterias, restaurants and many gift shops with postcards and souvenirs.  You will get a certificate for having crossed the Equator.

Day 3

Quito/Otavalo/Quito - THU or SUN

Today you will join a tour to Otavalo Market, South America’s most famous Indian fair.  Early departure from Quito through dramatic mountain scenery.  You will have ample time to visit the famous market and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets with many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more.  Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns/haciendas.

Day 4

Quito/Riobamba - FRI or MON

The adventure starts at the Station of Chimbacalle in southern Quito, which has been restored to its old glory, to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of the first steam train of the Guayaquil & Quito Railway Co. to Quito in 1908, an event that joined Ecuador’s main cities (Guayaquil and Quito) and became the backbone that would forever change the politics, economy and the lives of the Ecuadorians.  Here awaits the “Autoferro”, a one coach train, like a bus on tracks, ready to take guests on a trip along the stunning Andean region of Ecuador.  The first leg of the rail ride goes from Quito to the Station at El Boliche.  A stop is made along the way at dairy Hacienda La Alegría, where guests are welcomed by the owner, observe the milking process, horses and llamas and enjoy a snack.  Then its up the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano to the El Boliche Station, up high, where guests are transferred to a bus to continue along the Pan American Highway, down into the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation to observe the beautiful variety of Ecuadorian roses, ready for exportation, and a taste of the products of the land, specially broccoli and potatoes- harvested that same morning- with lima beans and fresh cheese.  Continue by bus to Urbina Train Station, up high, at the foot of imposing Chimborazo Volcano, visit a Tagua workshop and warm up with a canelazo and cholas by the fireplace and, if the Chimborazo is clear, an amazing sunset. Then continue by bus to Riobamba for dinner and overnight.

Day 5

Riobamba/Cuenca - SAT or TUE

After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station in Riobamba to board the “Autoferro”. Leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery along the ancient tracks in an astonishing ride, twisting and turning over the Andes, along bridging ravines and river gorges.  Stop at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to an Educational Center for Adults’ Development and Sustainability.  Continue to Alausí, and prepare to go down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to Alausí, where a snack is served.  From Alausí, continue south along the Andes by motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk, with a stop for lunch. 

Day 6

Cuenca/Guayaquil - SUN or WED

Today guests will enjoy a full day tour to discover the beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site.  Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special.  Lunch is served at a cozy restaurant.  Late afternoon transfer to the airport.

Day 7

Guayaquil - MON or THU

Transfer to the airport.