10 days/9 nights Every Friday From Quito/to Guayaquil Travel back in time! Discover the treasures of Ecuador that have accumulated over centuries of cultural change. Relax in the most beautiful haciendas found in all of Ecuador.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Fri): Arrival in Quito — Quito city tour
Arrival in Quito. You will be met by your local travel guide. Transportation to Hotel Patio Andaluz in the old city center of Quito. Walking tour through the historical center of Ecuador’s capital city. (-/-/-)

Day 2 (Sat): Quito — Otavalo market — Cuicocha Lagoon — Hacienda Pinsaqui Visit Otavalo, one of the largest indigenous crafts markets in all of South America. Hike around the idyllic Cuicocha lagoon (with optional boat ride). In the afternoon, arrival at the beautiful Hacienda Pinsaqui, established in 1790. Part of the interesting history of this hacienda is the fact that the famous Simon Bolivar used to stay here during his travels between Columbia and Ecuador. (B/-/D)

Day 3 (Sun): Hacienda Pinsaqui — Hacienda Zuleta
Drive to Hacienda Zuleta, one of the jewels among Ecuador’s haciendas. You can observe the milking and cheese-production process. The magnificent colonial hacienda offers many activities such as horseback riding, hiking on the “Condor Trail,” or visiting a condor observation station. (B/L/D)

Day 4 (Mon): Hacienda Zuleta — Hacienda San Agustin de Callo
Today you drive along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to the historical Hacienda San Agustin de Callo. This hacienda was built in 1440 by Huayna Capac, one of the last Inca rulers. Some of the typical Inca architectural details have been preserved until today. (B/-/D)

Day 5 (Tue): Hacienda San Agustin de Callo — Hacienda Manteles, Patate Visit to Cotopaxi National Park. Option to ascend to the Jose Ribas shelter at 15,750 feet. In the afternoon, you reach the beautiful Hacienda Manteles, nestled in the lush, green Pastaza valley. The hacienda offers a breathtaking view of the active Tungurahua volcano. (B/-/D)

Day 6 (Wed): Pastaza Canyon — Baños — Riobamba, Hacienda Abraspungo
A memorable drive awaits you through the Pastaza Canyon, past deep gorges and numerous waterfalls. In Rio Verde, you can hike to the roaring waterfall of Pailón del Diablo. The afternoon will be at your own leisure. You may enjoy exploring the picturesque village of Baños before you head towards Riobamba and the gorgeous Hacienda Abraspungo. (B/-/D)

Day 7 (Thu): Guamote market — Chimborazo — Riobamba
You visit one of the most aboriginal markets from Ecuador. Afterwards you visit Ecuador’s highest volcano, Chimborazo (20,700 feet). Enjoy the desert-like scenery and herds of Vicuñas. You have the possibility to take a short hike to the Edward Whymper shelter at 16,400 feet. Final destination of the day is again the Hacienda Abraspungo in Riobamba. (B/-/D)

Day 8 (Fri): Train ride — Ingapirca — Cuenca Today, a spectacular train ride across the “Devil’s Nose” will amaze you. Afterwards you visit Ingapirca. Late in the afternoon, you arrive at Hacienda Caballo Campana, just outside the beautiful city of Cuenca, where you will stay for the night. (B/-/-)

Day 9 (Sat): Cuenca — Guayaquil
A sightseeing tour of the historical center of Cuenca includes the boardwalk along the Rio Tomebamba, the impressive cathedral, the flower market, and a panama hat factory. Later on, your drive to the lively port of Guayaquil will take you through Cajas National Park and several different climate zones. Overnight stay at Hotel Mansión del Río. (B/-/-)

Day 10 (Sun): Transportation to the Guayaquil airport and flight home, or choose one of the 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. 

 
Services:

• Travel arrangements as described, with private transportation
• Qualified English- or German-speaking guide
• Accommodations at haciendas/hotels as described
• Meals as described in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL=Box Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Admission fees
• Train ticket

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.

 
Rates:

Minimum number of participants: 2

Beautiful Haciendas, 10 days/9 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 holidays.
Furthermore, please note that the travel itinerary might change due to travel security (weather conditions, strike…). In addition to that, changes of hotels, within the same category are reserved to the tour operator.