11-Day Ecuador Andean Adventure with Quito, Cuenca and Otavalo

• Welcome to Quito.
• Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.

Meals included: None

• After breakfast, you will head south to Cotopaxi National Park, where you will visit Lake Limpiopungo.
• You will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano's gigantic cone.
• From Lake Limpiopungo, you will be able to spot a variety of bird species and occasionally even wild horses.
• A short walk around the lake will allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life.
• Head west from Cotopaxi National Park to visit another volcanic wonder: Quilotoa. This 2-mile (3 km) wide crater lake is filled with 820 feet (250 m) of mineral-rich green water.
• Hike along the lake's outer rim, enjoying the views from three lava domes, or follow a path down to the lake itself.
• Hiking in the area, especially uphill, can be challenging, so consider renting a mule for some help along the way.
• After exploring the lake, it is time to travel south to Baños de Agua Santa, a city on the edge of the Amazonian Basin known for its hot springs and nearby waterfalls.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

• Discover Baños, the enchanting gateway to the Amazon rainforest, nestled amid the slopes of the active Tungurahua volcano.
• Here, you will revel in the delightful climate, abundant adventure opportunities, and the optional indulgence of the village's renowned hot thermal springs, making it a cherished destination for travelers.
• Your journey from Baños takes you along the captivating Route of the Waterfalls, beginning at the Agoyan Dam.
• The trail leads you to the Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where an exciting Tarabita (cable car) ride across the Río Patate grants access to the waterfall on the opposite bank, eventually arriving at the breathtaking Pailón del Diablo, a majestic waterfall.
• A 30-minute trek through a lush tropical mountain forest will take you to the base of this awe-inspiring waterfall, with a return hike of 45-60 minutes back to the starting point.
• After this exhilarating adventure, you will return to Baños.

• Embark on a captivating adventure to Chimborazo Mountain, where the serenity of hiking at Earth's closest point to the sun will leave you both awestruck and, quite possibly, breathless.
• Relish the unique rush of adrenaline that accompanies ascending to altitudes exceeding 5000 meters at the colossal El Chimborazo.
• Our journey begins with departure from Baños, with a brief technical stop for breakfast along the Panamerican Highway E35.
• Continuing onward, we venture into the Chimborazo Fauna Reproduction Reserve.
• Our ascent begins at the first refuge, the Hermanos Carrel Refuge, perched at a lofty 4800 meters.
• From this point, we will hike further to reach the Whymper Refuge, situated at nearly 5000 meters above sea level.
• For those still seeking a higher thrill, there is even the opportunity to ascend a bit beyond the 5000-meter mark.
• Following a satisfying box lunch at the upper refuge, we will retrace our steps to the lower refuge before returning to Baños.

• In the early morning hours, our adventure kicks off as we travel southward to reach the lively indigenous market of Guamote.
• This market is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and is one of the most colorful in the country.
• The market is bustling with a wide array of products and even animals for sale.
• From there, we continue our journey into Sangay National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage of Humanity site.
• Here, you'll enjoy an easygoing hike of around 3 kilometers to one of the Ozogoche lakes.
• These lakes are home to diverse wildlife.
• Along the trail, you will find scenic viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the wild landscape and the surrounding mountains.
• It's a peaceful ecosystem that provides a perfect setting for relaxation, a breath of fresh mountain air, and a direct connection with nature.
• Our day ends in Guamote, a town steeped in history, culture, gastronomy, and religious traditions.

• After a relaxed hour-and-a-half drive, you will find yourself in a whole new environment.
• Our first stop is the Devil's Nose viewpoint and Sibambe Train Station.
• During lunch, prepared by a local Kañari family (not included), you'll also get to take part in a special ritual ceremony, giving you a glimpse into the ancient traditions of the Kañari people.
• Moving on with our journey, we reach the Ingapirca Ruins, a site of great cultural significance and a part of the Inca Road system known as Capac Ñan.
• Here, you can delve into various architectural marvels like the Temple of the Sun, Pilaloma, La Condamine, La Vaguada, Ingachungana, the Face of the Inca, the Turtle, Intihuayco, and the Stairway of the Ravine.
• Make sure to visit the Site Museum, where you can explore a collection of archaeological treasures discovered during the ongoing restoration efforts at the site.
• Our adventure concludes with our arrival in the charming city of Cuenca, where we'll drop you off at Parque Calderón.

• Following a delightful breakfast, we will embark on a journey that will take your breath away.
• A mere 40-minute drive leads us to the awe-inspiring Cajas National Park, nestled in the western expanse of Cuenca.
• As we arrive, prepare to be captivated by the sheer natural beauty that surrounds you.
• Our adventure begins with a hike starting at the enchanting Laguna La Toreadora, where you will be treated to a breathtaking display of the park's most prominent lake complex.
• From here, you will traverse trails that wind through the highlands and their enchanting wetland moors.
• During this approximately two-and-a-half-hour hike, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the area's flora and fauna, including the renowned Polylepis trees.
• Each step of the way offers an opportunity to marvel at the wonders of this unique ecosystem.
• Upon returning to the vibrant city of Cuenca in the afternoon, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

• Following a hearty breakfast, our day begins with an exploration of the picturesque city of Cuenca.
• We kick things off at the Pumapungo Museum, where history comes to life amid the remarkable archaeological site.
• Our journey then unfolds with a panoramic tour through the ancient quarters, showcasing the artisan neighborhoods steeped in colonial charm.
• We will also delve into the vibrant atmosphere of central markets and visit captivating museums, including the Modern Art Museum and the awe-inspiring cathedrals.
• As the day draws to a close, we will savor the breathtaking views from the magnificent Turi viewpoint, leaving you with a lasting impression of this enchanting city.
• Later, we will transfer you from your hotel to the airport, where a domestic flight will carry you to Quito.
• Finally, upon your arrival in the city of Quito, you will be transported to your hotel, allowing you to unwind and rest after a day filled with exploration and discovery.

• Our journey begins as we pick you up and whisk you away to the heart of Quito's Historic Center.
• Here, you will embark on a magical tour that winds through its charming streets, picturesque squares, and colonial residences, many of which trace their origins back to the XVI-XVIII centuries.
• Our first stop takes us to the neo-Gothic masterpiece, the Basilica.
• As you step inside, you will be greeted by magnificent stained glass windows adorned with vibrant floral motifs, and the building's exterior is adorned with wildlife-inspired gargoyles.
• Ascend its towers for a panoramic view that will leave you in awe.
• Next on our itinerary is a visit to one of Latin America's largest convents, San Francisco.
• This sprawling complex is steeped in history and architectural splendor.
• Additionally, we will explore the baroque marvel that is La Compañía Church, where a fusion of various art forms converges amid a dazzling interior gilded in gold.

• Our trip heads north to reach the Quitsato solar clock.
• This cultural site was built to measure the solstices and equinoxes in pre-Hispanic times.
• The equator line crosses this place, and it is therefore also considered the middle of the world.
• To get to know its gastronomy, we make a stop to enjoy a cup of Ecuadorian coffee or chocolate with local biscuits.
• Our next stop is Otavalo.
• A few minutes from our main destination, we stop at a viewpoint above San Pablo Lake with Mount Imbabura in the background.
• Then we arrive at the biggest and most important indigenous handicraft market in South America.
• Stroll around La Plaza de los Ponchos, where you have about 2 hours for shopping before continuing to Cotacachi.
• Here, we will find a craft market specialized in leather products.
• Our last visit is to Cuicocha Lagoon, located at 3068 m (10,065.62 ft) in an active volcanic crater with islets or domes.
• Finally, you return to Quito and your hotel.

• Start your day with a satisfying breakfast served at the hotel, and then our team will ensure a seamless transfer to the airport for your international flight.