Enchanting Ecuador

Day 1 : Quito

Arrive in Quito where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Quito

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Quito, Ecuador’s cultural capital, on a guided city tour exploring its historic landmarks. Ascend to the lofty Virgen de El Panecillo, once a Sun Temple named Shungo loma or Yavirak, this hill was renamed Panecillo (“little bread”) post-Spanish conquest due to its bread-like appearance. Rising 3035 meters above sea level in Quito’s Colonial District, it boasts stunning vistas. Crowned atop is the 45-metre Virgin of Quito statue, an aluminium-crafted marvel by Spanish artist Agustin de la Herran Matorral.

Experience the rich heritage of Independence Square, a historic hub in Quito, Ecuador, featuring significant buildings like the Presidential Palace and Cathedral of Quito, commemorating the heroes of the First Cry of Independence. Discover the baroque splendour of the Church Compania de Jesus, a 17th-century baroque masterpiece in Quito adorned with golden domes, marked as one of Latin America’s finest churches. Uncover the historical narrative at the San Francisco Church and Convent, esteemed as a vast architectural wonder, the San Francisco Church and Convent blend stylistic trends over 150 years, housing 3,500 colonial art pieces and originating the Legend of Cantuna, a folklore about outsmarting the Devil.

Day 3 : Quito > Otavalo

Today, explore Otavalo’s vibrant essence, steeped in centuries of culture and history. At the Otavalo Market, known as Plaza de Los Ponchos, dive into Ecuador’s largest market. Originating in the 16th century as a hub for indigenous trade, it is now a treasure trove of textiles, jewellery, instruments, and crafts—an immersive cultural delight. Visit Miguel Andrango’s Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop and witness the ancient art of traditional weaving, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into this age-old craft.

Experience Tayta Gundo Kaya Wasi, the Andean House of Music, within the Morales family’s ancestral home. Discover equatorial bamboo varieties used for crafting Andean wind instruments. Later, you will join an interactive acoustic concert, playing along with the musicians and learning indigenous history through music. Explore Peguche, an indigenous community boasting skilled artisans and a 30 metre healing waterfall, just moments from Otavalo. Discover Otavalo’s culinary wonders at the bustling Vegetable Market.

Day 4 : Otavalo > Quito

Today, you will be met and transferred back to Quito where you will enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 5 : Quito > Cotopaxi National Park

Travel to the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, a revered emblem along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, nestled within its eponymous National Park. Towering at 5897 metres above sea level, this colossal peak, located merely 60 kilometres from Quito, offers a mesmerizing sight—a photographer’s paradise. Immerse yourself in the park’s rich biodiversity as you hike around Limpiopungo lagoon, beholding the scenic panorama adorned by neighbouring peaks like Ruminahui and Sincholagua.

You will also explore a vibrant market, a bustling 10-block haven teeming with a vibrant array of legumes, fruits, and vegetables harvested from the fertile surrounding valleys. A mere 20 minute journey from Quito, this market beckons both locals and visitors alike, inviting them to relish Andean warmth and culture. It is a beloved weekend spot for quitenos, drawing them in with tantalizing traditional delights, notably the famed hornado (slow-roasted pork), offering a delectable taste of Ecuador’s culinary heritage.

Day 6 : Cotopaxi > Banos > Riobamba

Visit Basilica de Banos, renowned as the city’s paramount basilica, this architectural masterpiece in Banos resonates with historical allure, inviting a journey through time. Following your visit to the basilica, travel along the Route of the Waterfalls. This enchanting route unfurls between Banos and Puyo, an exquisite expedition delving into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Amidst this verdant terrain, ecological pathways, airy gondolas, and suspended bridges weave through a tapestry of over 60 cascades nestled within the lush canopy.

As the route descends from the Andes to the Amazon, it unveils some of the nation’s most renowned waterfalls, including the majestic Manto de la Novia and the captivating Agoyan. An unmissable stop is the Pailon del Diablo, an 80 metre waterfall bearing an uncanny resemblance to the visage of the devil, infusing visitors with an electrifying essence and an unmistakable sense of wonder.

NB: Occasionally the road between Riobamba and Cuenca is closed, in which case you will overnight in Banos instead of Riobamba.

Day 7 : Riobamba > Cuenca

Embark on an immersive journey through Ecuador’s rich cultural tapestry with a tour that unveils the country’s historical legacy and vibrant community life. Your adventure begins at the Palacio Real Community, which honours the llama, a symbol of South America, showcasing its significance in indigenous culture. Beyond symbolism, llamas provide sustenance, wool for textiles, and fur for warmth and decoration. Adventurous visitors can even sample this nutritious meat. Visit the community museum and explore the trails that wind through the community, offering insight into their captivating Andean worldview against the backdrop of majestic Chimborazo.

Next, delve into the mesmerizing Ingapirca Ruins that epitomize Ecuador’s cultural blend, uniting Canari and Inca heritage. These ruins, known as the “Wall of the Inca,” exhibit a fusion of architectural marvels atop Canari foundations. Featuring the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, Inca Trail, and more, it is a testament to pre-Hispanic cultural richness and architectural prowess. Conclude with a visit to the Inti Sisa Foundation in Guamote, perched on Chimborazo’s slopes, immerses visitors in Andean life. Engage with locals, experiencing the foundation’s educational programs spanning music, English, and sewing. It’s a unique opportunity to witness community-driven initiatives fostering cultural exchange and educational growth.

Day 8 : Cuenca World Cultural Heritage Site

Discover the elegance of Cuenca’s historic centre, where iconic landmarks narrate the city’s vivid heritage. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, affectionately called The New Cathedral, graces the Abdon Calderon Park. Its alabaster exterior and blue domes define its grandeur, crafted over decades, and completed in the 1960s, showcasing a striking blend of architectural beauty. Explore the past at the Pumapungo Central Bank Museum, the Door of the Puma, preserving Canari and Inca relics in the urban heart of Cuenca. Uncover ancient textiles, ceremonial garb, and artefacts that paint a vivid picture of pre-Hispanic life. In contrast, the Museum of Modern Arts, once a shelter and a prison, now exhibits a rich array of artworks by local and international artists.

The vibrant Plaza Mayor and the serene San Sebastian Square beckon with their historical allure. Wander along Tomebamba River, a city emblem, meandering through the Barranco area’s architectural splendour, revealing Cuenca’s cultural tapestry. Explore the Homero Ortega Hat Museum, delving into the Ecuadorian roots of the famed Panama Hat. In the artistic realm, visit the Jose Encalada Pottery Workshop and witness traditional pottery methods. Ascend to Turi scenic lookout for a mesmerizing vista, capturing Cuenca’s mosaic of vibrant rooftops and verdant parks. Marvel at the Old Cathedral’s colonial elegance, a testament to Cuenca’s rich history, boasting ornate wooden sculptures and baroque altarpieces within its ancient walls.

Day 9 : Cuenca > Gualeco & Chordeleg

Depart on a captivating expedition from Cuenca, venturing into Gualaceo and Chordeleg’s enchanting realms. The landscapes echo ancient Canari influences, adorned with terraced chakras and mountain-dwelling homes. Pause in San Bartolome, a serene village encircled by well-preserved heritage houses, offering a taste of local tradition—an herbal elixir brewed by a welcoming family. Delve deeper into Chordeleg, home to skilled goldsmiths like the Jara family, who master the town’s intricate filigree technique. Witness their meticulous creation of timeless jewellery from woven silver designs, and true artistic marvels. Encounter artisans like Flavio, carving masterpieces from resilient wood with graceful expertise. Explore the world of Luis Uyaguari, a luthier crafting coveted string instruments from simple materials.

Journey through Gualaceo’s landscapes, discovering Ikat workshops where Rosita weaves traditional macanas on her backstrap loom, preserving generations of artistry. Her works showcased even in Salma Hayek’s store, carry echoes of time-honoured craftsmanship. This voyage through Chordeleg and Gualaceo unveils enduring legacies and captivating stories—a vibrant tribute to cultural preservation and cherished traditions.

Day 10 : Cuenca > Guayaquil

As you journey toward Guayaquil, seize the chance for one last embrace of the Andes and its stunning paramo. El Cajas National Park, a mere 40-minute escape from the city, unveils a breathtaking natural haven. This diverse landscape births two of Cuenca’s four rivers—Tomebamba and Yanuncay—and features an ever-changing canvas of paramos, wetlands, Andean rainforests, and polylepis forests. Home to over 40 mammal species and 150 bird species, it’s a vibrant habitat awaiting your exploration. Experience the invigorating breeze of the Andean highlands and tread rugged trails through grasslands rich with water reserves.

Venture to the lower section of Llaviuco Lagoon, where the enchanting elfin Andean rainforest echoes the melodious tunes of the Andean toucan, gracing your skin with gentle droplets. Accompanied by the grandeur of the Andean mountains, your journey unfolds. Descending toward the coast, witness the miraculous transformation into lush tropical greenery as you approach sea level—a breathtaking transition marking the end of your mountainous adventure.

Day 11 : Guayaquil

Explore Guayaquil’s vibrant coastal allure on this cultural tour, tracing the lively banks of the Guayas River. Wander along the expansive Malecon 2000, a riverside promenade inviting you to absorb the soothing breeze and watch boats glide through the river’s currents. At the Administration Plaza, historic structures envelop you, while Seminario Park’s green iguanas effortlessly steal the spotlight, accustomed to posing for cameras in their natural habitat. Cross over to the monumental Metropolitan Cathedral, a stalwart witness to four centuries of port city history. Meander through Las Penas, a charming neighbourhood adorned with colonial houses, art galleries, and an artistic vibrancy. Follow this vibrant path to the tranquil Santa Ana Port, offering picturesque views of the Guayas River.

Discover the Heritage Cemetery of Guayaquil, an esteemed resting place adorned with statuary crafted by European, American, and Ecuadorian sculptors in Carrara marble. Designated as a National Cultural Heritage site, it hosts revered figures—presidents, artists, poets, and Independence heroes.

Day 12 : Fly Guayaquil > Galapagos Islands

You will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your journey begins with a scenic drive to the Itabaca Channel, where you will embark on a ferry to Santa Cruz Island. You will enjoy lunch before venturing to a nearby reserve renowned for its remarkable population of giant tortoises in their natural habitat—the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, these gentle creatures roam freely, grazing on grass and basking in serene ponds. The reserve also offers the chance to explore intricate lava tunnels that add to the adventure. As your visit concludes, transfer to the harbour to board on M/Y Isabela II and embark on your choice of two Galapagos cruise itineraries – the Seabird Sanctuary Expedition explores the northern islands, and the Islands of Fire Adventure explores the western islands.

Days 13 – 15 : Galapagos Islands Cruising

Enjoy wildlife viewing, swimming/snorkelling, island excursions, walking, and a visit to the Giant Tortoise Interpretation Centre. Wildlife includes giant tortoises, blue footed boobies, sea lions and a variety of marine birds.

Day 16 : Galapagos Islands > Guayaquil

This morning you will make transferred from the dock to Baltra Airport for your flight back to Guayaquil where your tour concludes.