• Home -
  • The Jewel of the Andes Tour – 10 Days
  • (#19309)
Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Quito airport, you will meet with your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel.
Situated in a circle of Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital, with arguably one of the finest
settings in the world. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was an important part of the
Inca Empire, before being destroyed and re-founded by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534.
The colonial center – declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 – is one of the largest and best-preserved
in Latin America. It is home to excellent museums, churches, and art galleries.

Meal: No Meal

Early in the morning and right after breakfast, you and our local guide start the travel tour at the downtown area, well
known as Quito Colonial. You start your journey along the “churches ́ trail” by visiting first the cathedral. In the
cathedral, you learn about its history and the guide explains the internal design of the cathedral such as the “mudejar
́s" influence on its first stage, the area with 3 longitudinal wings, and a small transversal wing behind the choir.
After finishing the round in the cathedral, we have a short walk to the church La Compania along with the guide’s
expertise. The guide will enlighten you with the history and fun facts of every place, in this case La Compania. Its
decoration is based on muslin features and the altars are covered by gold leaf along with faces and birds carved. It is
considered as an architectonic jewel in the American baroque style. It also has a religious value, because the rest of
Saint Marianita of Jesus is located there, and according to some, she was the protector of the city.

Afterwards, we visit San Francisco, which is famous for the Cantuña story. San Francisco is well known due to its
legends and stories, which make the place culturally wealthy. At the San Francisco church, there is a local hand craft
store called Tianguez, where you can find a variety of items from the Ecuadorian culture. Here, you can buy
postcards, books, Ecuadorian music, natural products, and even get a coffee with Humitas (which is sweet corn
tamale) offered at the local Café Cantuña located at the Plaza San Francisco.

Around midday, you head to “Mitad del Mundo”, a monument at the equator line that passes through our country.

You may choose to either visit the Ethnographic or the Inti Ñan Museums, both located near the monument. Along
the way, we will stop for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch (optional and not included).

After the tour, you will return to your hotel.

Overnight.

Meal: Breakfast

Your day starts exploring the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical center in the Americas in a unique
adventure for the senses. Together we will uncover traditions, history and local life of this enchanting city.

Our route takes us through the street of the seven crosses, we enjoy views of the facades of old colonial homes and
churches on our way to the main Square or independence Square in which is located the government Palace.
As we continue through these historic streets we get a chance to meet a local family that makes their living by creating traditional sweets called Colaciones!

We walk deeper into the heart of Quito, passing by historic buildings made of volcanic stones. The stunning views of
the sculpted Compania Church will leave you longing for a visit of its interiors.

To learn more about this and other churches we make our way to the workshops of the master craftsmen from “The
Escuela Quiteña”. These artists keep the secrets of the colonial art in Quito’s churches and museums, they are the
people who have been in charge of restoring the altars and painting in these historic gems. They will share their
secrets with us and allow us to try our artistic skills to create our very own crafts.

Our next stop will be at La Ronda, is a historical and bohemian neighborhood of the city, it is a traditional street,
associated with the art, crafts gastronomy and fun of Quito, it is the oldest street in Quito.

Over there we will also enter at a traditional coffee shop to try interesting ice cream flavours or a traditional sweet
(depends on the weather).

Finally you will visit "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the
rolling Andes Mountains. And on the top is located one of the most iconic monument of Quito, the Panecillo Virgin.
It is made with nearly seven thousand pieces of Aluminium and what makes this representation so unique are the
wings, is the only Virgin Mary that has wings in the world.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

After an early morning breakfast, depart towards the
Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of
the most important landmarks in Ecuador as it is the
highest active volcano in the world. Lush endemic flora
and fauna of the area can be observed, including one of
the most representative species is the Chuquiragua (also
known as the mountaineer’s flower) wild horses, deer,
llamas, and more. Whilst in the National Park one can also
visit Limpiopungo Lake, located near Rumiñahui volcano
(4757 meters), or hike. After this experience, you will go
to a “hacienda” a colonial Andean rich farm, where you
will overnight.

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to travel to Baños, a natural gateway to,
adventure and peace. Visit the town, do some adventure
trips, visit waterfalls and of course, enjoy the bohemian
yet calm nightlife.

Overnight.

Meal: Breakfast

Today you spend the day exploring the beautiful landscapes of the area. In the Chimborazo province around
Abraspungo, there are many trails perfect for hiking and expeditions through various ecosystems such as paramos,
lakes, mountains and Andean forests. Chimborazo, (6,310 meters/20.697 feet above sea level) is Ecuador’s highest
mountain. Its name comes from Quechua: Chimborazo, razo,rasu = snow and chimbo probably from chimbana = to
cross, since three snow covered passes surround the mountain.
Lush endemic flora and fauna of the area can be observed, including one of the most representative species: the
Chuquiragua (also known as the mountaineer’s flower). You will also see lama ́s and several birds. Furthermore, you
experience the unique environment of the Andean paramo.
Overnight.

Meal: Breakfast

On this day, first, you will visit Guamote. This is a little mountain village in central Ecuador, about an hour south of
Riobamba. The majority of the village is indigenous, and Kichwa is still one of the main languages spoken by its
inhabitants. Here tradition still plays an important role in the everyday life of its inhabitants who are proud of their
heritage. One of those traditions is the Market people being dressed in colorful and traditional clothes. The first part
of the market is meant for large animals. Here you will see sheep, cows, bulls, and pigs. The second part of the
market is dedicated to the selling of small animals such as chicken, guinea pigs, rabbits, and little pigs. It is fun to
see the people arguing and comparing their animals to each other in order to agree on a price.

After this visit, you will continue on the Panamerican Highway and you will visit Ingapirca. These ruins are the
most important architectural legacy of the Incas in Ecuador, dating back to the 15th century they are a significant
part of Ecuador’s pre-hispanic legacy. They are located in the province of Cañar, about an hour and 45 minutes from
Cuenca.

You will be taken on a guided tour of the ruins, which is believed to be both a religious and administrative center, as
well as a fortress. The vast archeological complex includes a roofless fortification, courtyards, terraces, temples,
houses, and a ̈castle ̈ possibly the Temple of the Sun. A museum is now open at the site, with both archeological
and ethnographic displays. There are also exhibitions of ceramics and jewelry.

Finally, you will be leaving Ingapirca heading toward the historical city of Cuenca when you will spend the night.

Meal: Breakfast

The City Tour begins at the Plaza de San Sebastián, which forms the western border of the colonial city of Cuenca.
Then we visit the museum of modern arts, which has many contemporary works of arts. Later on, we walk through
the historic downtown area to visit the San Francisco market, the flower market, the house of culture, Abdon
Calderon Park, and the cathedral. Then we will go to the New Cathedral, which is the largest in the country and
observe the famous golden leaf flag.
We continue the tour to the hat factory Homero Ortega to observe the entire process of making Panama hats,
originated in Ecuador, which is undoubtedly the most important in our country. Later visit the “canyon” with its
colonial style townhouses situated along the river Tomebamba houses. Then drive up to the hill of Turi to admire
the city and on our last stop enjoys a discover the flavors of the famous "Tortillas de Trigo" wheat.

Upon completion of the City Tour you will drive to the hotel where you will be staying for the night and enjoy and
the guide will suggest some traditional dishes that you can enjoy at Cuenca.

Meal: Breakfast

This day you will fight to Quito, so depending on your
flight departure time, the longer you stay then the more
experiences we will arrange for you.
Overnight: Quito.

Meal: Breakfast

The journey is over, we thank you for choosing our
services and trusting in our long lasting experience.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

Accommodation in double rooms
Indicated Meals
B= Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner
Transportation
Bilingual naturalist guide
Scheduled visits

Exclusions

International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included

Notes

Hotels Used
Quito
Luxury: Illa Experience Hotel or similar
First Class: Patio Andaluz or similar
Tourist Superior: Ikala UIO (Suite) or similar

Cotopaxi
Luxury: Hosterìa San Agustìn del Callo or similar
First Class: Hosterìa Los Mortiños or similar
Tourist Superior: Hosterìa La Cienega or similar

Baños
Luxury: Hotel Luna Volcan or similar
First Class: Samari SPA or similar
Tourist Superior: Sangay or similar

Riobamba
Luxury: Abraspungo or similar
First Class: Abraspungo or similar
Tourist Superior: Mansiòn Santa Isabel or similar

Cuenca
Luxury: Mansiòn Alcazar or similar
First Class: Cruz del Vado or similar
Tourist Superior: Los Balcones or simila

Program Touring / Guide

Private touring

Trip Highlights

Quito - Cotopaxi - Baños - Riobamba - Cuenca

Periodic Departure
23 Apr, 2024 to 31 Dec, 2024

Tourist Superior
AUD 3,340 P P twin share
AUD 3,855 P P single
AVAILABLE

First Class
AUD 3,904 P P twin share
AUD 5,132 P P single
AVAILABLE

Luxury Class
AUD 5,509 P P twin share
AUD 7,392 P P single
AVAILABLE

Download PDF
Share

This page has login restricted information, kindly Sign In to view details. In case you have not signed up yet kindly click here to Sign Up

×

Upload Document

X
?
×

DS Payout Amount (Andreas)

# File Amount
H-PT-060423-582 AUD 150.00
H-PT-060423-582 AUD 150.00
H-PT-060423-582 AUD 150.00