Quito + Volcanoes Avenue Tour
7 Days /6 nights

Day 1 - Quito / Transfer into Quito

A bilingual guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. He will be able to assist you in anything you may need.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 - City Tour + Middle of the World (B)

The tour begins with a great view of Orellana's way and Guapulo Sanctuary (XVII Century) Later see the stone carved façade of Ecuador's House of Congress. Afterwards, walk in the old city visiting the Independence Square, surrounded by historically important buildings. Visit the Cathedral (XVI Century), Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church (XVII Century), and one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America, La Compañia de Jesus (XVII Century). The Church of San Francisco and Monastery were built a few months after the Spaniards arrival (XVI Century).

We will drive 15 Km. north of Quito, towards the Middle of the World where the equatorial line divides the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. We will visit the main Monument built in honor to the French Scientific Expedition that arrived to Ecuador in the XVIII century to define the correct location of the equator. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument, which shows a display of the main cultures of Ecuador. Or, visit the Inti Ñan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum, located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 3 - Quito - Cotopaxi – Riobamba (B, L)

Drive along the Panamericana highway well known as (The Volcanoes Avenue) towards the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters). Drive on a third order road through a Pine forest to Limpiopungo Lake located 3,800 meters above sea level along the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. If you wish, you can drive further to the parking lot located at 4,500 meters in order to hike up to the Refuge at 4,800 meters. (Good health condition is required in order to hike). Head to a local hacienda for a tasty lunch (included). In the afternoon drive to Riobamba and on the way visit a local Indian Market.

Day 4 - Devils Nose Train – Ingapirca – Cuenca (B, BL)

Early in the morning we will drive to the village of Alausí, enjoying spectacular mountain views on the way. Here we will board the famous "Devil's Nose" train. From Alausí, we travel south to Cuenca, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca en route. Continue to the enchanting city of Cuenca. Box lunch included.

Day 5 - Cuenca (B, L)

City tour of Cuenca. We will visit the Calderon Park, new and old Cathedral, The Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Canari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. Lunch included.

Day 6 - Cuenca – Guayaquil

After breakfast, drive to Guayaquil through the spectacular Cajas roads. After four hours of driving you will be delighted with the change of altitude and landscape. The road reaches 4,000 meters of altitude and is surrounded by a beautiful Paramo landscape full of lakes. This adventure ends at sea level where the agriculture of the coast plays an important role in the landscape. Arrive in Guayaquil.

Day 7 - Transfer out of Guayaquil

A guide will pick you up from the hotel and transport you to the airport in order to take your transferring flight.