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Here are a few popular suggested tours. Most can be modified or we can customize something completely different. Some are a little more exclusive and some use group day tours where possible to keep the costs down. We can add Amazon and/or Galapagos options to these tours or we can do similar tours with private guides.
We can offer private tours with a unique collection of boutique hotels, haciendas and lodges, from up and down this small but beautiful country. We are delighted to share with travellers from around the globe these beautiful places to stay - each one brimming with hospitality, warmth, charm and character. - Historical estancias can be ones such as Zuleta, La Alegria, Pinsaqui, Abraspungo, Hato Verde and more. Ecuador Haciendas Create a Memorable Experience |
More Private Tour Itineraries of 4 and 6 Days
Avenue of the Volcanoes- 4 DaysDay 1 : Quito - Cotopaxi
Private transportation from Quito to Cotopaxi. We will visit Cotopaxi National Park where, weather permitting, you will be able to see the snow-capped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes. We will also visit the Interpretation center to learn about the history of this spectacular volcano’s major eruptions, as well as the local flora and fauna. We will then visit Lake Limpiopungo and explore the surrounding area on foot. If you feel like a longer walk, a 2 hour hike will take us to Mt. Cotopaxi’s J. Ribas refuge (4,800 m) where you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks. Included: transportation, English speaking guide, excursion, lunch, accommodation and dinner Day 2 : Cotopaxi - Riobamba Indigenous Markets and Quilotoa Lake Today we will visit Indian markets in the towns of either Saquisili, Pujili, Zumbahua or Latacunga. These markets are as authentic and non-touristic as can be found today in Ecuador today. They are important to the local indigenous people as markets are the center of their social and economic worlds. *Markets take place on the following days: Tuesday: Latacunga – Wednesday - Sunday: Pujili – Thursday: Saquisili - Saturday: Zumbahua. We will then visit the Quilotoa volcano crater, where we will be able to appreciate the crater’s serenely mysterious green lake. We’ll have the option of a short walk of about 1.7 km along the crater's rim. On the way back, we will stop to visit the art galleries in the community of Tigua, where we will be able appreciate the paintings representative of the folklore of this special part of the Andes and take a painting class from a local artist, trying to learn the skills of these master artists and briefly immersing ourselves into their world. The brightly coloured naïve style of the area’s painters, currently the third generation, has transcended local boundaries and is now internationally renowned. These days there are a lot of painters in Tigua, but Julio Toaquiza was the first, and is still number one. We will visit Julio in his studio, and you will be able to see why his work is appreciated for the bright colours, the meticulous detail, and the stories his paintings tell of life in the high Andes: the volcanoes, the condors, and the indigenous communities with their legends. Included: breakfast, transportation, English speaking guide, excursion, entrance fees, lunch, accommodation and dinner Day 3 : Riobamba - Alausi - Ingapirca - Cuenca -Devil´s Nose Train Today is the day for our exhilarating train journey down to the ‘Devil's Nose’, called by some the "most difficult train route in the world". The railroad was originally built to connect the Andes with the coast, and the route climbs up steep slopes, rolls down into river valleys and negotiates a truly massive wall of rock called the ‘Nariz del Diablo’, or Devil's Nose. The biggest complication faced by the construction of the Trans-Andean railroad was the Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome this obstacle a zigzag railroad was built that climbs more than 500 meters in less than 12 km with steep ascents and descents. It today remains an impressive piece of engineering. As part of this dramatic ride, we will take a short walk to a spectacular lookout over the mountains and the train route. While recovering from the mind-blowing descent you will enjoy the views of the narrow gorge of river Chanchán and will have the chance to learn a bit about the traditions and worldview of the Puruhuas in Sibambe. DEPARTURES: Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday - holidays We now drive South to Ingapirca, an Inca observatory and fortress. This is the most important Inca site in Ecuador, where the Emperor and his entourage would rest during trips to this northern segment of the Empire. Ingapirca Ruins, is the largest and best preserved archaeological complex in Ecuador. It was built with stones perfectly carved and joined with natural mortar, this Temple served for ceremonies and rituals of the Cañari-Inca culture, also had strategic-military purposes. Drive to Cuenca. Included: breakfast, transportation, English speaking guide, train ticket, lunch, excursion, entrance fees, accommodation Day 4 : Cuenca city walking tour One of the first things to notice when entering Cuenca is the magnificent skyline marked by brilliant church domes. And after breakfast we will set out on a city tour whose highlight is the city’s colonial architecture. Cuenca’s winding rivers, graceful ironwork balconies and beautiful gardens, are part of the pleasant atmosphere of this historic city, declared a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in December 1999. This is the perfect place to discover by walking and is ideal for those looking to blend into the relaxed setting of a truly romantic colonial city. Walking along Cuenca’s cobblestone streets or watching the people go by in the town square dominated by the great cathedral is both peaceful and inspiring. With approximately 400,000 inhabitants, this city is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the country due its architecture, surroundings and small town ambiance. Cuenca is traversed by four rivers and surrounded by green valleys and its people create some of the finest crafts in the country. Private transportation to Cuenca´s airport. Included: breakfast, transportation, English speaking guide 2024 prices per person in US$, double occupancy:
tourist class hotels = Chilcabamba (std room), La Andaluza, Victoria
first class hotels = Chilcabamba (suite) Andaluza, Itza For all tours above:
INCLUDED: * Bilingual naturalist guide * Private transportation * Accommodation * Entrance fees * Meals as described above NOT INCLUDED: * Any services not included in the itinerary * Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks * Personal Expenses * Tips |
Andes, Amazon & Coast - 6 DaysDay 1: Quito - Cotopaxi
We start in Quito with a 2 hour drive through the Andes to Cotopaxi. We will see bustling towns and small villages en route, along with beautiful alpine views (weather permitting). As we approach Cotopaxi National Park, you will be able to see the snow-capped summits of both the Cotopaxi and the Antisana volcanoes on a clear day. We will visit the Cotopaxi Interpretation center to learn about the history of its major eruptions as well as the local flora and fauna. Later, we will go to the windswept Limpiopungo Lake and discover the area by walking around it. Surrounded by beautiful peaks with Cotopaxi looming in the distance, it’s a beautiful setting to begin your discovery of the Andes ecosystem. Optionally, if you feel like a longer walk, we can drive up the lower slopes of Cotopaxi, then embark on hike to the Jose Ribas mountain refuge (4800m), a small hostel used as a base for climbers preparing to climb to Cotopaxi’s summit. From here you will have spectacular views of Cotopaxi itself and the surrounding volcanoes of the Andes. Night at Chilcabamba Lodge (standard room) INCLUDED: Dinner, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fees, Accommodation Day 2: Cotopaxi - Baños - Riobamba After breakfast we leave Cotopaxi and continue our route through the Avenue of the Volcanoes.On the way, we will travel to a traditional indigenous marketplace in the Cotopaxi area. Local markets are part of Ecuadorian traditional culture; the places where indigenous communities buy food and accessories; this is a real contrast to how we shop in our regular supermarkets. Our drive to Baños will take approximately 3 hours. Our first stop will the Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). Pailon del Diablo is huge waterfall located 30 minutes from the city of Baños, on the way to the Amazon. It is considered one of the biggest attractions in the area. You can see the inspiration for its name in the churning and burbling waters at the base of the falls, along with the ‘devil’s face’ you can see in the rocks when standing on the suspension bridge. Later we will stop at a magical place - the swing of Baños. Located in the top of a mountain, it offers a wonderful view between the mountains and the valley. What started as a seismic monitoring station in a tree to observe Mt. Tungurahua, the nearby active volcano, the famed swing has become a place to take in the area’s incredible views and observe the brave daredevils who swing out over the canyon for an exhilarating ride! From the swing we will continue to Riobamba. (Drive time approximately 1.5 hours) Night at the Abraspungo (Standard Room *Markets take place on the following days: Tuesday: Latacunga – Wednesday - Sunday: Pujili – Thursday: Saquisili - Saturday: Zumbahua. INCLUDED: B, L, D, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fee,Accommodation Day 3: Riobamba - Alausi - Ingapirca - Cuenca After breakfast we will drive for 2 hours to Alausi to meet the Devil’s Nose train. The biggest complication faced by the construction of the Trans-Andean railroad was the Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome this obstacle, a zigzag railroad was built, enabling the train to climb or descend, first going one way and then reversing. The transition from Andean to coastal vegetation in an incredibly short distance is one of the journey’s most remarkable features. We descend nearly 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) in only 12 km (7.5 miles) of track. This, right on the Equator, translates into a dramatic shift in climate and environment. It is one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world, and remains an impressive piece of engineering. While recovering from the hair-raising descent you will enjoy the views of the narrow gorge of river Chanchán and will have the chance to learn a bit about the traditions and worldview of the Puruhua people in Sibambe. We have two options for departing Sibambe – we can either hike or drive to the Pistishi viewpoint. The scenic, uphill hike takes about an hour. Either way, we have spectacular views of the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) railroad from the viewpoint. If you prefer, we can also have transportation waiting to drive us to the viewpoint. The Devil’s Nose Train runs from Tues – Sun, plus holidays. After admiring the view of the Devil’s Nose we will drive approximately 2 hours to Ingapirca. The Ingapirca Ruins, are the largest and best preserved archaeological complex in Ecuador. The Inca Empire’s only remaining sun temple, it was built with stones perfectly carved and joined with natural mortar. The temple served as a venue for ceremonies and rituals of the Cañari-Inca culture, and also had strategic military purposes. We will explore the complex, learning about the various structures – from baths to the wineries. After our time at Ingapirca, we will drive approximately 1.5 hours to reach Cuenca where we will overnight. Night at the Hotel Victoria (Standard Room) Included: B, L, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fee, Accommodation Day 4: Cuenca Today we explore and celebrate the traditional craftspeople of Ecuador. The towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, are located just 45 minutes East of Cuenca. In these traditional settlements set in beautiful Andean landscapes, we will meet families who are still making textiles the way the "Cañaris" (the pre-Inca inhabitants) did more than 500 years ago. We will also visit the workshops of a traditional jewelry maker, a guitar maker’s that forms part of the ‘Guitar Trail’, and a ‘Chola Cuencana,’ who stills makes her straw hats in the traditional manner. Along the way we will have the opportunity to visit an orchid farm that houses more than 2,000 species of orchids, as well as visiting shoemakers, jewelers, the food and fruit market, and more. Night at the Hotel Victoria (Standard Room) Included; B, L, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fee, Accommodation Day 5: Cuenca - Bucay - Guayaquil Departing very early from Cuenca, we will begin to make our way to Bucay on Ecuador’s coast. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours straight through, however we will likely be tempted to stop and take in the views or stretch our legs with a short hike in the stunning Cajas National Park on our breathtaking descent from the Andes. This park, virtually unknown outside of Ecuador, is home to Lord of the Rings type landscapes, along with incredible flora and fauna. As our drive continues, we make our way through a variety of Ecuador’s incredible ecosystems. Our rapid descent from the Andes into the lowlands is spectacularly scenic, with snowy peaks, misty forests, and finally the coast. On arrival in Bucay, we will visit Hacienda La Danesa. Located in Ecuador’s tropical coastal region with the spectacular Andes Mountains as backdrop, Hacienda La Danesa is a 500 Ha. traditional dairy farm that produces about 2,000 liters of milk per day, as well as fresh cheese for guests every morning. The hacienda also has cocoa and teak plantations and breeds beautiful pinto quarter horses. In the Olsen family for over 50 years, the exceptional service, ‘deep green’ environmental practices and authenticity will create an experience every guest will remember. La Danesa is also committed to improving local standards of living through tourism, and implements strict policies to create jobs in the neighboring communities, start-ups and sourcing local ingredients. During your day at Hacienda La Danesa you will be able to choose from the following activities: a tour of the cacao plantation, teak plantation tour, mountain biking and tubing on lazy rivers. You will also enjoy a delicious three-course lunch menu prepared by the Hacienda’s expert chefs. After lunch, we will drive approximately 2 hours to Guayaquil. Night at the Wyndham Guayaquil (Deluxe) INCLUDED: B, L, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fees, Accommodation Day 6 - depart after breakfast 2024 prices per person, double occupancy in US$: with 1 person = $4290 with 2 people = $2456 with 3 people = $1959 with 4-6 people = $1746 single supplement = $269 Highlights of the Andes - 6 DaysDay 1: Quito - Cotopaxi
We start in Quito with a 2 hour drive through the Andes to Cotopaxi. We will see bustling towns and small villages en route, along with beautiful alpine views (weather permitting). As we approach Cotopaxi National Park, you will be able to see the snow-capped summits of both the Cotopaxi and the Antisana volcanoes on a clear day. We will visit the Cotopaxi Interpretation center to learn about the history of its major eruptions as well as the local flora and fauna. Later, we will go to the windswept Limpiopungo Lake and discover the area by walking around it. Surrounded by beautiful peaks with Cotopaxi looming in the distance, it’s a beautiful setting to begin your discovery of the Andes ecosystem. Optionally, if you feel like a longer walk, we can drive up the lower slopes of Cotopaxi, then embark on hike to the Jose Ribas mountain refuge (4800m), a small hostel used as a base for climbers preparing to climb to Cotopaxi’s summit. From here you will have spectacular views of Cotopaxi itself and the surrounding volcanoes of the Andes. Night at Chilcabamba Lodge (standard room) INCLUDED: Dinner, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fees, Accommodation Day 2: Cotopaxi - Baños - Riobamba After breakfast we leave Cotopaxi and continue our route through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. On the way, we will travel to a traditional indigenous marketplace in the Cotopaxi area. Local markets are part of Ecuadorian traditional culture; the places where indigenous communities buy food and accessories; this is a real contrast to how we shop in our regular supermarkets. Our drive to Baños will take approximately 3 hours. Our first stop will the Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). Pailon del Diablo is huge waterfall located 30 minutes from the city of Baños, on the way to the Amazon. It is considered one of the biggest attractions in the area. You can see the inspiration for its name in the churning and burbling waters at the base of the falls, along with the ‘devil’s face’ you can see in the rocks when standing on the suspension bridge. Later we will stop at a magical place - the swing of Baños. Located in the top of a mountain, it offers a wonderful view between the mountains and the valley. What started as a seismic monitoring station in a tree to observe Mt. Tungurahua, the nearby active volcano, the famed swing has become a place to take in the area’s incredible views and observe the brave daredevils who swing out over the canyon for an exhilarating ride! From the swing we will continue to Riobamba. (Drive time approximately 1.5 hours) Night at the Abraspungo (Standard Room) *Markets take place on the following days: Tuesday: Latacunga – Wednesday - Sunday: Pujili – Thursday: Saquisili - Saturday: Zumbahua. INCLUDED: B, L, D, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fee, Accommodation Day 3: Riobamba - Alausi - Ingapirca - Cuenca After breakfast we will drive for 2 hours to Alausi to meet the Devil’s Nose train. The biggest complication faced by the construction of the Trans-Andean railroad was the Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome this obstacle, a zigzag railroad was built, enabling the train to climb or descend, first going one way and then reversing. The transition from Andean to coastal vegetation in an incredibly short distance is one of the journey’s most remarkable features. We descend nearly 1,000 metres (3,300 feet) in only 12 km (7.5 miles) of track. This, right on the Equator, translates into a dramatic shift in climate and environment. It is one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world, and remains an impressive piece of engineering. While recovering from the hair-raising descent you will enjoy the views of the narrow gorge of river Chanchán and will have the chance to learn a bit about the traditions and worldview of the Puruhua people in Sibambe. We have two options for departing Sibambe – we can either hike or drive to the Pistishi viewpoint. The scenic, uphill hike takes about an hour. Either way, we have spectacular views of the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) railroad from the viewpoint. If you prefer, we can also have transportation waiting to drive us to the viewpoint. The Devil’s Nose Train runs from Tues – Sun, plus holidays. After admiring the view of the Devil’s Nose we will drive approximately 2 hours to Ingapirca. The Ingapirca Ruins, are the largest and best preserved archaeological complex in Ecuador. The Inca Empire’s only remaining sun temple, it was built with stones perfectly carved and joined with natural mortar. The temple served as a venue for ceremonies and rituals of the Cañari-Inca culture, and also had strategic military purposes. We will explore the complex, learning about the various structures – from baths to the wineries. After our time at Ingapirca, we will drive approximately 1.5 hours to reach Cuenca where we will overnight. Night at the Hotel Victoria (Standard Room) Included: B, L, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fee, Accommodation Day 4: Cuenca Today we explore and celebrate the traditional craftspeople of Ecuador. The towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, are located just 45 minutes East of Cuenca. In these traditional settlements set in beautiful Andean landscapes, we will meet families who are still making textiles the way the "Cañaris" (the pre-Inca inhabitants) did more than 500 years ago. We will also visit the workshops of a traditional jewelry maker, a guitar maker’s that forms part of the ‘Guitar Trail’, and a ‘Chola Cuencana,’ who stills makes her straw hats in the traditional manner. Along the way we will have the opportunity to visit an orchid farm that houses more than 2,000 species of orchids, as well as visiting shoemakers, jewelers, the food and fruit market, and more. Night at the Hotel Victoria (Standard Room) Included; B, L, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fee, Accommodation Day 5: Cuenca - Bucay - Guayaquil Departing very early from Cuenca, we will begin to make our way to Bucay on Ecuador’s coast. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours straight through, however we will likely be tempted to stop and take in the views or stretch our legs with a short hike in the stunning Cajas National Park on our breathtaking descent from the Andes. This park, virtually unknown outside of Ecuador, is home to Lord of the Rings type landscapes, along with incredible flora and fauna. As our drive continues, we make our way through a variety of Ecuador’s incredible ecosystems. Our rapid descent from the Andes into the lowlands is spectacularly scenic, with snowy peaks, misty forests, and finally the coast. On arrival in Bucay, we will visit Hacienda La Danesa. Located in Ecuador’s tropical coastal region with the spectacular Andes Mountains as backdrop, Hacienda La Danesa is a 500 Ha. traditional dairy farm that produces about 2,000 liters of milk per day, as well as fresh cheese for guests every morning. The hacienda also has cocoa and teak plantations and breeds beautiful pinto quarter horses. In the Olsen family for over 50 years, the exceptional service, ‘deep green’ environmental practices and authenticity will create an experience every guest will remember. La Danesa is also committed to improving local standards of living through tourism, and implements strict policies to create jobs in the neighboring communities, start-ups and sourcing local ingredients. During your day at Hacienda La Danesa you will be able to choose from the following activities: a tour of the cacao plantation, teak plantation tour, mountain biking and tubing on lazy rivers. You will also enjoy a delicious three-course lunch menu prepared by the Hacienda’s expert chefs. After lunch, we will drive approximately 2 hours to Guayaquil. Night at the Wyndham Guayaquil (Deluxe) INCLUDED: B, L, English-speaking guide, Transportation, Activities as described, Entry fees, Accommodation Day 6 - depart after breakfast 2024 prices per person, double occupancy in US$: with 1 person = $4309 with 2 people = $2502 with 3 people = $2060 with 4-6 people = $1746 single supplement = $262 |