7 Days Cultural Experience through the Andes

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Quito
2 stops
1
Quito
While approaching the International Airport Mariscal Sucre, you can already take a glimpse at the immense Andean capital of Quito.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Quito
After landing, your driver is already waiting to welcome you and to take you to your hotel in Quito.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Transfer to Baños via Quilotoa Lagoon with a Photo Stop
2 stops
3
Quilotoa
Today's drive takes you into the western Ecuadorian Andes, where you'll visit the picturesque Quilotoa Lagoon. This spectacular crater lake was formed centuries ago by a massive volcanic eruption. Walk along the crater's rim to enjoy splendid views and take some memorable photos. Afterward, get back on the road and continue to Baños, where you'll get settled into your accommodations for the night.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
4
Banos
Located in a valley of waterfalls and hot springs, the city of Baños has much to offer its visitors. Your private guide/driver will make some stops on the way for you to take some pictures of the volcano’s avenue. This small town is known for two things: naturally heated thermal baths – the namesake of Baños, Ecuador – and adventure sports! Nearby Baños, you’ll find mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs to explore. Check-in at your hotel and have a rest before our visit to the swing of the end of the world, where you and your family will enjoy the magnificence of the Llanganates and Sangay National Park mountains. For the end of the day, lets enjoy a bath at the hot springs.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Baños - Guamote & Tasting Guamote
2 stops
5
Today you will leave Baños after breakfast and make your way to the impressive Chimborazo Volcano. You should already be able to spot it several times along the way. Enjoy the splendid view of surrounding valleys and mountains. Afterward, continue your journey toward Guamote, a small Andean town where you will spend the night. As soon as you arrive, we will present the dining room's larger context, explain its meaning, reveal the artist behind it, and introduce the individuals featured in it.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
6
Chimborazo Province
Next, we will proceed to the project area, where we will exhibit various handicrafts produced at the sewing project, which are available for purchase by travelers and travel agencies, Finally, upon concluding the tour, the eating area will have hot, freshly brewed coffee and delicious empanadas prepared for you to enjoy.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Full-day Communities
2 stops
7
We will kick off the day with a visit to our educational facility. Our team of facilitators frequently visit nearby community schools to share their expertise in these areas and offer alternative educational programs. Following that, we'll embark on a picturesque drive through the mountains, during which we'll enlighten you about the local history, culture, and customs of the Indigenous people. Our first stop will be at a primary school where we teach English and the students will give you an idea of what it's like to be a student there (be prepared to engage in some football or pato-ganzo game).
4 hours • Admission ticket free
8
Next up, we'll visit a traditional weaver's house, where you'll witness firsthand the production process of their signature ponchos made from sheep and alpaca wool. To experience how people in the mountains live, we'll visit an Indigenous family and take a look at their authentic housing, called choza. Finally, we'll make our way back to Guamote.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Exploring the Ancient Ingapirca Ruins: A Private Journey through History and Culture
2 stops
9
Ingapirca Ruins
This morning, continue your journey south to Cuenca. You will stop at the Ingapirca ruins which are the most important ruins in Ecuador. From here, you will drive to Cuenca, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Make the most of your time in this Andean city by walking around Parque Calderón and visiting its blue-domed Catedral Nueva. Other noteworthy landmarks include the Catedral Vieja and the Tomebamba River waterfront promenade, where you can buy interesting handicrafts.
8 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
Cuenca
Welcome to Cuenca! You will arrive in the highlands of Ecuador at about 2,560 meters (8,400 feet) above sea level, Cuenca is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its many historical buildings and its historical importance as an agricultural and administrative center. The day is yours to explore on your own.
1 day • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Drive from the Highlands to the Coast: Cajas National Park to Guayaquil
2 stops
11
El Cajas National Park
After a local traditional breakfast enjoying the landscapes of Cuenca, you will drive to the largest city of Ecuador, Guayaquil. On the way you can see El Cajas National Park, with its 200 glacial lakes and numerous hiking trails, is one of Ecuador's most beautiful places, located 105 miles (32 km) west of Cuenca. During this trek, you will cross gaps and Polylepis forests, and your guide will explain about moorland vegetation. The highlight will be the Garden of the Virgin of Cajas or Tres Cruces Viewpoint at 13,648 feet above sea level (4160 masl). After stopping by for lunch on the way, you will head for a 3.5-hour drive, where you will approach one of the highest points in the Ecuadorian highlights to descend toward the Coast of Ecuador. Rice plantations will follow your way until reaching Guayaquil, where you will get to your hotel to relax and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Guayaquil
After stopping by for lunch on the way, you will head for a 3.5-hour drive, where you will approach one of the highest points in the Ecuadorian highlights to descend toward the Coast of Ecuador. Rice plantations will follow your way until reaching Guayaquil, where you will get to your hotel to relax and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Depart Ecuador
1 stop
13
Guayaquil
At the designated time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you to Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) for your scheduled flight.
3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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