9 days/8 nights Every Sunday From Quito/to Guayaquil Lose yourself in the fascinating world of the Andes. In Quito and Cuenca, step back in time and experience the colonial days. The market at Guamote is a hustling and bustling center of trade. Let the magic of Ecuador find its way into your heart.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Sun): Arrival in Quito
Arrival in Quito. Your local travel guide welcomes you. Transportation to your hotel. (-/-/-)

Day 2 (Mon): Quito city tour  In the morning, sightseeing tour through the old town of Quito. Your tour starts at Plaza Grande, passes the presidential palace, the churches El Sagrario and La Companía, the plazas of Santo Domingo, La Merced and San Francisco, and includes a visit to the monastery. (B/-/-) In the afternoon you have the following options: a) Mitad del Mundo: the equator monument and museum    OR b) Cable-car ride on the Teleférico, the world’s highest cable car, to Cruz Loma (4.100 m / 13,450 ft), a foothill of the eastern slope of the Pichincha volcano (4.700 m / 15,413 ft).

Day 3 (Tue): Cotopaxi National Park
Visit to Cotopaxi National Park. Short hike across the high plain of Limpiopungo (12,565 feet). You have the possibility to climb to the refuge on 4.800 m / 15,750 ft. In the afternoon, arrival in Patate, where you will have – if the weather allows - an incredible view of the active Tungurahua volcano (5.015 m / 16,456 ft). (B/-/D)

Day 4 (Wed): Pastaza Canyon — Baños
Drive along the famous waterfall route of the Pastaza Canyon to Rio Verde, where a short walk will take you to the roaring waterfall of “Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s Pan). Option to visit Puyo, known for its beautiful orchids and balsa wood figurines. In the afternoon, you drive to the charming town of Baños, which is not only a famous place of pilgrimage but it is also popular for its thermal hot springs. (B/-/D)

Day 5 (Thu): Market in Guamote — Chimborazo — Riobamba  The morning is reserved for a visit to the colorful market of Guamote. In the afternoon, you drive to Chimborazo (6.310 m / 20,700 ft), the highest volcano in Ecuador. Short hike to the Edward Whymper shelter at 5.000 m / 16,400 ft. (B/-/-)

Day 6 (Fri): Train ride across the Devil’s Nose — Ingapirca — Cuenca
Today, a spectacular train ride across the “Devil’s Nose” will amaze you. Afterwards you visit the ancient ruins of Ingapirca. Arrival in Cuenca in late afternoon. (B/-/-)

Day 7 (Sat): Cuenca
This is your chance to explore the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca, its boardwalk along the Rio Tomebamba, the cathedral, and the colorful flower market. Later on, a visit to the panama hat factory is scheduled. In the afternoon, you may enjoy strolling through the charming streets of the  city. (B/-/-)

Day 8 (Sun): Cajas National Park — Guayaquil  In the morning, drive through Cajas National Park on your way to Guayaquil. In the tropical port of Guayaquil, you will have the chance to visit the Parque Histórico. (B/-/D)

Day 9 (Mon): Transfer to the Guayaquil airport and flight home, or add-on programs: “Ruta del Sol”, “City Tour Guayaquil”, or flight to Baltra to visit the Galapagos Islands. We would be glad to advise you on these additional options.

IMPORTANT! This trip can be booked in either SUPERIOR or ECONOMY class.

SUPERIOR

Services:

• Travel arrangements as described, with private transportation
• Qualified English- or German-speaking guide
• Accommodation in superior-class hotels
• Meals as described in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL=Box Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Admission fees
• Train ticket
• One dinner at Hacienda Leito
• One farewell dinner in Guayaquil

Non-included services:

• Not specified meals and beverages
• Tips and personal expenses

Please be advised: Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to change due to  organizational or climate factors.

 
Superior class Hotels:

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

 
Rates Superior class:

Minimum number of participants: 2

Andes Tour, 9 days/8 nights SUPERIOR

All rates are in USD and per person, in double room accommodation. Valid until 31.10.2012

Subject to change. Prices may be higher on national or public holidays.

Please be advised: Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to changes due to organizational or climatic factors, as well as changes of hotels within the same category.

ECONOMY

Services:

• Travel arrangements as described, with private transportation
• Qualified English- or German-speaking guide
• Accommodation at good comfort-class hotels
• Meals as described in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL=Box Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Admission fees
• Train ticket
• One farewell dinner in Guayaquil

Non-included services:

• Not specified meals and beverages
• Tips and personal expenses

 
Economy class Hotels:

• Hostal Fuente de Piedra, Quito
• Hacienda Leito, Patate or Hotel Monte Selva, Baños
• Mansión Santa Isabella, Riobamba
• Hotel Inca Real, Cuenca
• Hostal Macaw or Hotel Continental, Guayaquil

 
Rates Economy class:

Minimum number of participants: 2

Andean Tour, 9 days/8 nights

All rates are in USD and per person, in double room accommodation. Valid until 31.10.2012

Subject to change. Prices may be higher on national or public holidays.

Please be advised: Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to changes due to organizational or climatic factors, as well as changes of hotels within the same category.