Crossing through high volcanoes in the Sierra after sightseeing in the capital, this amazing tour takes you beyond the boundaries of the dry Andes and into the relaxing humidity of the coast. You will visit the trendy city of Guayaquil, yet after a loop around its most impressive sights you will leave the urban coast and head for an adventure in the ocean.
(Shared tour - Departures on Sunday and Tuesday)

Price per person $1.399

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Over 60 churches of impressive historical value adorn the capital and take you back to the time of the conquistadores. Views of the Cotopaxi volcano and later of the capital of the province. Take a close look as the flora changes around you moving down from the páramos to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Breathe in the salty air of the Malecón on your way to the lively neighborhood of Las Peñas. Look out for dolphins as the last highlight of this magnificent trip.

Quito / Riobamba / Devil's Nose / Cotopaxi volcano / Dolphin watching at Puerto del Morro / Guayaquil

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: Saturday - Quito Quito Arrival. Transfer in and lodging.

DAY 2: Sunday - Quito A comprehensive city tour includes visits to residential neighbourhoods at the northern end of the city, visiting the “ Guapulo Mirador”, passing through the 12 of October Avenue up to the Culture House and the Legislative Palace (Congress) where the rock murals that are related to the history of Ecuador can be appreciated.

The tour will then continue through the Gran Colombia Avenue up to the Basilica Church.

Walking through the colonial streets we will then stop at the Independence Plaza admiring the Cathedral, the Government’s Palace, and the Archiepiscopal palace. Furthermore, we will visit La Compañia Church where adornments and gold altars can be appreciated, a visit to the Sagrario Church and San Francisco which was built in the XVII century will be also done Then we will be heading to the “Panecillo Mirador” a beautiful place from where a sight of colonial and modern Quito will be taken.

We will continue at the northern part of the city heading up to the “Middle of the World City” where the monument that divides the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere will be visited. It was built during the XVII century when a French Expedition defined the precise location of the equatorial line. The Ethnographic Museum can be also be visited

Finally we canl visit the Sky lift complex (ticket not include), passengers returns to hotels by their own in this case.

Begin A trip along the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to beautiful Cuenca in the south; among spectacular scenery from the roof of the CHIVA EXPRESS with many stops along the way for a close contact with the indigenous cultures, haciendas, plantations and a taste of the products of the land.

DAY 3: – Chiva Express The adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride to the neighboring Valley of Sangolquí, for a visit to its interesting market with many stalls with bright colored produce and interesting fruit. The specialty of this market: whole roasted pigs, decorated with an apple on their mouth and chili peppers coming out of their ears are a must-see. Stop for a snack at a dairy hacienda with cows, horses and llamas. Then the road advances up and down the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano on to the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation and a taste of the products of the land (potatoes and broccoli picked that same morning). Continue by bus to Urbina and at the foot of imposing Chimborazo volcano, to visit a Tagua nut workshop and warm up with a canelazo by the fireplace. Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: Tuesday – Devil´s Nose Ingapirca After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the "Chiva Express" a colorful one coach train, like a bus on tracks. A highlight of the trip is to 'ride the roof' with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. You will leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient tracks in an astonishing ride, twisting and turning over the Andes, along bridging ravines and river gorges.

Stop at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to an Educational Center for Adults’ Development and Sustainability. Continue aboard the Chiva to Alausí, and prepare to go down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to Alausí, where a snack is served. Continue south along the Andes by motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk, with a stop for lunch. Accommodations and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca.

Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat) and rain protection. Sun protection (SPF 40) even if the day is cloudy. Hat or cap. Good walking shoes.
Altitude: 2,550 meters (7,750 feet) to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
Average Temperature: Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F.
Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F.