Ecuador: Avenue of Volcanoes

Highlights

Quito | Cotopaxi | Baños | Riobamba | Ingapirca | Cuenca | Guayaquil

Highlights:

  • City tours of Quito and Cuenca – both UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Tour the Middle of the World Monument
  • Hike in Cotopaxi National Park – see diverse flora and fauna
  • Ride the famous Devil’s Nose train
  • Travel to Chimborazo – the highest volcano in Ecuador

Ask our Destination Experts about great pricing on airfare.

Accommodations

At IWorld of Travel, we understand that where you stay is as important as the destination itself. Rest assured, we are in the process of hand-selecting accommodations that align with our high standards of luxury and comfort. Our portfolio exclusively features 4 and 5-star properties, as well as boutique hotels that are not just places to stay, but integral parts of your travel experience. These establishments are chosen for their exceptional service, prime locations, and the unique charm that they bring to your journey. We are committed to ensuring that your accommodations will enhance your trip and we look forward to sharing the details with you soon.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Welcome to Quito! Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel. Then enjoy a walking tour of the historical city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will see beautiful churches and famous plazas. In the afternoon, head to the Middle of the World Monument. In the afternoon we will drive to the famous Equator Monument “Middle of the World.” (L)

Day 2: Quito | Cotopaxi
Head south to the Cotopaxi province. Stop along the way at an indigenous market which sells everything from handcrafts to fresh-picked produce. Then continue along winding roads that pass the most beautiful landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes to reach the picturesque Quilotoa crater lake, where you can walk down to the turquoise lake shores. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Cotopaxi | Baños
Morning drive to Cotopaxi National Park to do a short hike at the foot of the snow-capped colossus and discover its diverse flora and fauna. Afterwards, you will continue to an altitude of 4,500 meters, where the view changes to a bizarre and barren landscape. Then ascend to the José Ribas refuge, at 4,800 meters, from where is possible to see the impressive glaciers. Later, visit one of the many rose plantations, see the different kinds of roses and learn about the production process. (B,L)

Day 4: Baños | Riobamba
Tour “The Route of the Waterfalls”, which runs along the Pastaza River Gorge. The highlight of this route is located by Rio Verde, where you will have a short walk through the cloud forest to reach the thundering waterfall known as “Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s cauldron). In the afternoon, continue to the country’s highest volcano, Chimborazo (6,310 m), where you will be greeted by a desert-like landscape and herds of shy vicuñas. (B,D)

Day 5: Riobamba | Ingapirca | Cuenca
Depart early in the morning through picturesque landscapes to reach Alausí´s train station, where you will board one of the famous Devil’s Nose train. It is an unforgettable train ride down an almost sheer rock face, making switchbacks all the way down the cliff and then back up again. Next, visit the  archaeological complex, the largest Inca site in Ecuador. Learn about the Inca and Cañari cultures by touring the beautiful temples and fortifications. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Cuenca
Tour the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The promenade along the Rio Tomebamba, the imposing new cathedral and the daily flower market are just a few of the highlights along with a visit to a workshop and museum of the famous Panama hat, the finest braided hats in the world. Enjoy lunch at another local restaurant which specializes in fusion cuisine. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. (B,L)

Day 7: Cuenca | Guayaquil
Morning drive to Guayaquil, through El Cajas National Park, see an astounding variety of plant and animal life, rugged ridges, box-shaped valleys and nearly 240 lagoons. At the most western watershed between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, you will make a short stop to take in the landscape and shoot pictures. As your route starts descending to the coastal region, the vegetation grows in size and variety. You will see extensive cocoa, bananas, rice, and sugar cane plantations. Later tour Guayaquil on foot, visiting Parque Bolivar, Plaza de Administración, the Moorish Clock Tower and many other attractions. (B,D)

Day 8: Depart Guayaquil
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

Program Code

F-1114

Tour Length

8 Days / 7 Nights

Tour Countries

Tour Regions

Tour Specialties

IWorld Regions
Contact Us/Request a Quote