5-Day Private Andes Travel Experience - From Quito to Guayaquil

Day 1: Cotopaxi Volcano & Quilotoa Lagoon

1. Quilotoa
   4h
   The excursion starts at 7:00 from your hotel in Quito. Meet your guide and board a vehicle heading south of Quito and go along the Avenue of the Volcanoes and pass through the towns of Latacunga and Pujilí. Stop to visit an indigenous local house from the “Paramos” to learn about their traditions and way of life. Continue up to the Quilotoa volcano, where you will be able to descend to the lake located inside the crater or just walk around the crater. You will also be able to enjoy an unforgettable experience by kayak in the lagoon(optional).
2. Cotopaxi National Park
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Lunch and drive back towards Cotopaxi National Park. Once you reach the National Park, you will visit the Interpretation Center and Limpiopungo lagoon. Take a short hike in the surrounding Limpiopungo valley. Overnight in Cotopaxi

Day 2: Baños – Pailon del Diablo waterfall

1. Banos
   6h
   Breakfast in the hotel. A day of exploration of the town of Baños and the picturesque Valley of the waterfalls. The Pailon del Diablo is the largest and most spectacular Ecuador´s falls but other smaller ones are also impressive. Also, visit Manto de la Novia waterfalls and the Tree House. There is also an opportunity to practice extreme sports where our guide and driver are at your disposal for the whole day to give you the maximum flexibility in the visits that you would like to make such as a canopy or rappel in the waterfalls.
   Overnight in Riobamba.

Day 3: Riobamba – Ingapirca Ruins - Cuenca City Tour

1. Ingapirca Ruins
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Breakfast in the hotel. Early in the morning, we depart to Cuenca. We will pass Riobamba with an amazing view of mountains, Chimborazo volcano (if the day is clear and sunny) A short stop on the way to visit Colta lagoon and the first church built in Ecuador, La Baldomera. Along the way, we will pass by Biblian and Azoguez. A short stop on the way to visit the ruins of Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important set of pre-Columbian ruins, located 80 kilometers (50 mi) north of Cuenca. The sight of the Inca sun temple standing on a hill with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside is highly impressive, and the site has a fascinating history.
2. Cuenca
   3h
   We will visit the beautiful city of Cuenca which includes places such as the picturesque and traditional Barrio of San Sebastián, the Museum of Modern Art, Calderón Park (central park), the Flower Plaza, the Sagrario Cathedral (Old Cathedral), and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (New Cathedral), considered the largest in Latin America. Also included is a visit to a famous Panama Hat Factory where you can observe the making of the finest hats.

Day 4: Cuenca - Chordeleg & Gualaceo artisans markets

1. Chordeleg
   3h
   Breakfast in the hotel.
   In the morning we depart to Chordeleg. The tour begins with a visit to the picturesque town of San Bartolomé, famous for the production of guitars. There are several workshops along the main road. On the way, we observe the famous Cholas Cuencanas, women who weave Panama hats while they walk or wait for the bus. In the old town of Chordeleg, where work in gold, silver, filigree, wood, ceramics, and more catch your attention. We´ll visit the central park and its church and allow free time for shopping.
2. Gualaceo
   3h
   We will also visit the typical Food Market of Gualaceo, where you may try the typical delicious Hornado (Roasted Pork). A dish that consists of baked pork with llapingachos (potato) and salad.
   Finally, we arrive at a workshop on Chales or “Macanas”, a typical outfit of our Cholas Cuencanas. The artisans explain the process of making these famous and unique fabrics.

Day 5: Local chocolate farm – Guayaquil City Tour

1. Guayaquil
   4h
   Breakfast in the hotel. Early in the morning, we will depart to Guayaquil (a 4-hour drive) from Cuenca. On the way, we will visit a local farm for an interactive chocolate tour and lunch. In the afternoon, we will walk along the length of the Malecon 2000, visit the Integration Plaza, the Glass Palace, and Olmedo Plaza, etc. We will also visit the colorful barrio of Las Peñas, famous for its wooden architecture and art galleries. From the Fort of Santa Ana, we’ll have a beautiful panoramic view of Guayaquil and the Guayas River

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Infant meals not included
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately