(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Quito, Cotopaxi, Riobamba, Cuenca
Begin in Quito, which is set in a verdant valley in the Andes mountains. With your private local guide, tour the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s filled with Spanish colonial-era architecture. Explore the most interesting back streets, hidden courtyard gardens and historic churches with spectacular interiors. Visit a workshop where the next generation of artisans train in woodcarving, ironwork, gilding and other traditional crafts. Also, tour a stunning private art collection that rivals many museums.
Next, transfer to a historic hacienda built on Inca ruins near Cotopaxi, an iconic snow-capped volcano and national park. En route, visit Antisana Ecological Reserve to see the beautiful highland paramo landscapes and look for rare animals such as the Andean condor. Around Cotopaxi, visit scenic attractions and local markets in indigenous villages. If desired, also enjoy privately guided horseback riding, hiking or mountain biking through the countryside.
Continue by private car and driver along the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes to Riobamba and Cuenca. Pass by Ecuador’s highest volcanic peaks and the beautiful landscapes surrounding them, and tour villages, markets and the important Inca fortress of Ingapirca en route. In Cuenca, tour the historic center and visit the most interesting sites, such as the cathedral, the flower market and the ruins of the pre-Columbian Canari people. Also, stop at a local workshop to see Cuenca’s most famous export—Panama hats—being woven by hand.
Return to Quito for a final night before your return or onward flight.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Quito
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights
Day 2
Quito
Full-day private touring
Day 3
Quito – Antisana Ecological Reserve - Cotopaxi
Private transfer to hacienda for 2 nights with touring en route
Day 4
Cotopaxi
Full-day privately guided activities and excursion to local markets
Day 5
Cotopaxi – Riobamba
Private transfer to Riobamba for 1 night. Touring en route
Day 6
Riobamba – Cuenca
Private transfer to Cuenca for 2 nights. Touring en route
Day 7
Cuenca & vicinity
Full-day touring in the region
Day 8
Cuenca – Quito
Transfer and flight. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night
