7 days/6 nights car rental + hotel daily from Quito to Guayaquil (or vice versa) Conquer the fascinating world of the Andes with its spectacular volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, and colorful markets. Design your own travel experience through the mountains of Ecuador.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cotopaxi National Park (approx. 145 miles / 230 km)
You drive to an altitude of 4.500 m / 14,764 ft on the desolate, gray slopes of the Cotopaxi volcano (5.897 m / 19,347 ft).  You can hike up to the Jose Ribas shelter at 4.800 m / 15,750 feet and see an impressive glacier field nearby. Follow the Panamerican highway to Quito. (B/-/-)

Day 2: Patate — Baños (approx. 95 miles / 150 km) The charming town of Baños offers a spectacular view of the active Tungurahua volcano. The town itself, as well as the Pailón del Diablo waterfall in the Pastaza Canyon, are well worth visiting. (B/-/-)

Day 3: Chimborazo — Edward Whymper Shelter (approx. 125 miles / 200 km)
Another scenic drive through the Chimborazo region. Chimborazo is the highest volcano in Ecuador with an altitude of 6.310 m / 20,700 ft. You can drive to an altitude of 4.800 m / 15,750 ft and from there hike to the Edward Whymper shelter at 5.000 m / 16,400 ft in about 45 minutes. After your hike, you continue on to Patate. (B/-/-)

Day 4: Chimborazo area (approx. 95-185 miles / 150-300 km, depending on your program) The Chimborazo area lures you to the mountain lakes of Atillo, at the edge of Sangay National Park, or you may prefer to explore the area around the small mountain village of Salinas. Tip: if it’s Thursday, the indigenous market in Guamote is a must-see. (B/-/-)

Day 5: Riobamba — Ingapirca (approx. 175 miles / 280 km)
In the morning, you drive past beautiful mountain scenery. Upon arrival in Ingapirca you can tour the temples and fortifications of ancient Ingapirca. Tip: on Tuesdays to Sundays, a train ride across the Devil’s Nose makes for an unforgettable experience. (B/-/-)

Day 6: Cuenca area (approx. 30-185 miles / 50-300 km) A tour of Cuenca, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, is definitely worthwhile. Or you may choose to drive to the handcraft villages of Chordeleg, Gualaceo and Sigsig. (B/-/-)

Day 7: Cuenca — Cajas National Park — Guayaquil (approx. 125 miles / 200 km)
A scenic drive through the tropical plains brings you to the foot of the Andes. You cross a 4.210 m / 13,800 ft mountain pass to reach Cajas National Park, dotted with more than 200 small lakes. In the afternoon, you arrive in Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil. (-/-/-)

 
Services:

• Rental car of your choice, including LDW insurance and accident-insurance for the driver
• One-way rental fee
• Travel arrangements as described
• Accommodations at good comfort-class hotels
• Meals as described in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL=Box Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Maps
• Phone assistance provided by Positiv Turismo in German or English  

Non-included services:

• Admission fees
• Train ticket
• Gasoline, oil
• Park fees, road and ferry tolls
• Tickets for traffic violations
• 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: 1

Andean Panorama, 7 days/6 nights

All rates are per person in USD. Valid until 31.10.2012

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

You can find further details under Rates & Conditions