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Ever-changing scenery, imposing volcanoes, indigenous culture and the Amazon basin are all part of this amazing trip. Discover for yourself all that Ecuador has to offer.
ItineraryDay 1: Guayaquil — Cajas National Park — Cuenca (approx. 125 miles / 200 km)
A scenic drive through the tropical plains brings you to the foot of the Andes, from where you cross a 4.200 m / 13,800 ft mountain pass to reach Cajas National Park. In the afternoon, you arrive in the colonial city of Cuenca. (-/-/-)
Day 2: Cuenca area (approx. 185 miles / 300 km)
Drive to the subtropical Yunguilla valley and to the desert of Jubones or visit the artisan villages of Chordeleg, Gualaceo, and Sigsig. (B/-/-)
Day 3: Cuenca — Ingapirca (approx. 60 miles / 100 km)
The river boardwalk along the Rio Tomebamba, the majestic cathedral, the daily market, and the colorful flower market are among Cuenca’s finest attractions. You may also be interested in touring a panama hat factory. A scenic mountain drive later takes you to Ingapirca. (B/-/-)
Day 4: Ingapirca — Riobamba (approx. 140 miles / 230 km)
Tour the temples and fortifications of ancient Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins. Then drive through the beautiful scenery of the Panamerica route to Riobamba. (B/-/-)
Day 5: Chimborazo area (approx. 100-185 miles / 150-300 km, depending on your program)
The Chimborazo and Bolívar provinces lure 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. If it’s Thursday, you recommend you visiting the indigenous market in Guamote. Tuesdays to Sundays, you could embark on an adventurous train ride across the Devil’s Nose. (B/-/-)
Day 6: 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 7: Patate — Baños (approx. 95 miles / 150 km)
The scenic beauty of the Baños area beckons as you marvel at the spectacular view of the active Tungurahu volcano. The town of Baños and the Pailón del Diablo waterfall in the Pastaza Canyon are certainly worth visiting. (B/-/-)
Day 8: Pastaza Canyon — Liana Lodge (approx. 185 miles / 300 km)
The drive through the Pastaza Canyon with its gorges and waterfalls will be an unforgettable experience. Ride the cable car across the Pastaza River and hike to the waterfall of Pailón del Diablo. Once you reach the town of Puyo, the Amazon basin opens up in front of you. Arrival at your final destination, the Liana Lodge, between 4 and 6 p.m. You can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the lodge. (B/-/D)
Day 9: Jungle Adventures at Liana Lodge
Venture into the rainforest under the guidance of a native naturalist who will take you on a jungle hike. Picnic lunch in the jungle. You may want to go for a swim in the crystal-clear river or silently glide through the rainforest in a canoe. In the afternoon you can visit the animal rescue center Amazoonico where you can take a close-up look at many of the forest’s inhabitants. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Papallacta hot springs (approx. 155 miles / 250 km)
Today, you return to the Andes to visit the mineral hot springs of Papallacta, nestled in an idyllic valley at 3.290 m /10,800 ft. Indulge yourself at the spa of the hot springs hotel or go for a hike along the Rio Papallacta. (B/-/-)
Day 11: Papallacta region (approx. 60 miles / 100 km)
Explore the region around Papallacta. Depending on the weather, you can climb one of the surrounding summits. Other options are to undertake a short hike through the mystical landscape along the Rio Papallacta, or to relax in the thermal hot springs. (B/-/-)
Day 12: Cotopaxi National Park (approx. 125 miles / 200 km)
You drive to an altitude of 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 ft and see an impressive glacier field nearby. (B/-/-)
Day 13: Chugchilán — Toachi Canyon (approx. 125 miles / 200 km)
This is one of the best routes to experience the indigenous culture of the Andes. Your final destination of the day is the small remote mountain village of Chugchilán, perched high above the deep, foreboding Toachi Canyon. (B/-/D)
Day 14: Quilotoa Crater Lake — Zumbahua — Quito (approx. 125 miles / 200 km)
Your trip continues through the rugged mountainous terrain of Cotopaxi province to reach the Quilotoa crater lake. From here you drive to Zumbahua, which, on Saturdays, features a colorful indigenous market. Continuing north, via Latacunga, you arrive in the capital of Quito. (B/-/-)
Non-included services:
Please be advised: Services listed in the itinerary may be subject to change due to organizational or climate factors.
Minimum number of participants: 1
Short Ecuador Adventure, 14 days/13 nights
Rental car category G
1 person/ 1 single room 3.640
2 people/ 1 double room 2.065
3 people/ 1 triple room 1.595
Rental car category H+O
1 person/ 1 single room 4.195
2 people/ 1 double room 2.345
3 people/ 1 triple room 1.780
4 people/ 2 double rooms 1.635
Rental car category H1
1 person/ 1 single room 4.420
2 people/ 1 double room 2.450
3 people/ 1 triple room 1.850
4 people/ 2 double rooms 1.680
Rental car category J+K
1 person/ 1 single room 4.720
2 people/ 1 double room 2.620
3 people/ 1 triple room 1.960
4 people/ 2 double rooms 1.770
All rates are per person in USD. Valid until 31.10.2012
Please Note: The Termas de Papallacta Hotel charges extra on Saturdays and national holidays.
Subject to change. Prices may be higher on national holidays.
You can find further details under Rates & Conditions
