OTAVALO & ACROSS THE ANDES TO THE COAST

AM

Departing from Quito, enjoy scenic views of the valleys of Guayllabamba and Cayambe. Arrive at Otavalo and explore its famous craft market. Visit Peguche village for traditional weaving and musical instruments, then enjoy a panoramic view of Ibarra.

PM

Arrive at Karanki-Magdalena community for lunch. Enjoy optional activities such as horseback riding or hiking in the hills. Overnight stay in Magdalena Community.

AM
Participate in morning activities in Magdalena, such as cow milking or shepherding. Travel to Cotopaxi National Park and explore its beautiful landscapes.

PM
Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon and enjoy lunch. Continue to a rose plantation to learn about Ecuador’s rose industry. Overnight stay at La Cienega Hacienda.

AM
Start with breakfast, then visit an indigenous family to learn about their daily life and cultural traditions.
Experience the Amazon’s nature with a canoe ride along the rivers, weather permitting.

PM
Depending on weather and visitor interests, other activities may be arranged to explore the rainforest further.

AM
Head to Baños, known for its stunning waterfalls along the Pastaza River canyon. Visit Cascada de la Virgen, The Bride’s Shroud, Machay, and Pailón del Diablo.
Explore Baños, a small town ideal for ecotourism and adventure sports.

PM
After lunch, drive toward Riobamba, passing Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador’s highest summit.
Arrive in Riobamba for a quick city tour.

AM:

Begin your day in Cuenca, one of Ecuador’s most charming colonial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, visiting landmarks like the stunning Cuenca Cathedral, the bustling flower market, and the lively Main Square. Immerse yourself in the rich history at the Central Bank Museum, featuring archaeological, colonial, and republican art collections that tell the story of the city’s vibrant past.

PM:

In the afternoon, delve into traditional craftsmanship with a visit to a Panama hat factory. Learn about the intricate process of crafting these world-famous hats, woven from toquilla straw. After browsing the selection of handcrafted goods, head to Turi viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of Cuenca and the surrounding Andes.

*Overnight in Cuenca.

AM:

After breakfast, depart from Cuenca and journey through the breathtaking landscapes of El Cajas National Park. Famous for its 200+ glacial lakes, including the stunning La Toreadora, the park is a haven for wildlife and home to unique flora like Polylepis trees. Admire the high-altitude beauty of the Andean moorlands, taking in the serene lakes and expansive views.

PM:

Continue descending from the Andes to the tropical lowlands, passing through diverse ecosystems, from cloud forests to subtropical regions. On the way to Guayaquil, witness Ecuador’s agricultural richness with crops like bananas, cacao, and sugar cane.

Arrive in Guayaquil for a drop-off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Ecuadorian adventure.