Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Quito City Tour - Chocolate Tasting - Equator Monument
Quito is home to one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America. We’ll visit landmarks such as Independence Square, or “Plaza Grande”; the iconic Church of La Compañía de Jesús (considered one of the most beautiful churches in South America); the Church and Monastery of San Francisco; and the Virgin of Panecillo (which overlooks the entire city). For a unique experience, we’ll also stop at an artisanal chocolate factory, where we’ll learn more about Ecuadorian fine cocoa and the chocolate-making process. The Center of the World is located about 30 km north of Quito, where you can stand on the equator line that separates the northern and southern hemispheres. We’ll visit the famous main monument as well as the Intiñan Museum, which showcases the true equator and its phenomena.
Overnight stay at the *** Hotel Ikala in Quito.
Day 2
Cotopaxi National Park - Rose Plantation
Cotopaxi Volcano and its national park are among Ecuador’s most impressive natural wonders. Standing at 5,897 m, the volcano is a spectacular sight that never fails to inspire awe. In the national park, we’ll explore Limpiopungo Lagoon (3,800 m), where we’ll observe a wide variety of Andean birds, take in the beautiful páramo landscape, and enjoy a fantastic view of Cotopaxi Volcano. The area is also a hotspot for cultural activities, and we’ll have the opportunity to experience two fantastic cultural encounters: with local families who’ll show us how they use traditional foods like machica in drinks and meals, and at a local rose plantation that’ll teach us more about one of Ecuador’s most famous exports. The traditional hacienda “La Cienega” (where the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt is said to have stayed) welcomes us for the night.
Overnight stay at Hacienda La Cienega in the Cotopaxi region.
Day 3
Quilotoa Crater Lake - Tigua - Baños
Today’s journey takes us south along the “Road of the Volcanoes” into the province of Cotopaxi. The Quilotoa crater lake is undoubtedly one of Ecuador’s most impressive natural wonders. Its emerald-green waters, surrounded by sheer cliffs, offer an unforgettable sight and experience. From a viewpoint overlooking the lake, we have an incredible view of the lake and its surroundings.
Tigua, near Quilotoa Crater Lake, is famous for its colorful indigenous paintings depicting rural life, traditions, and local legends. The artists depict scenes such as weaving, farming, and iconic landmarks like the Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Lake. The condor, a sacred symbol of the Andes, is also prominently featured. These colorful handicrafts are among Ecuador’s most authentic and well-known, and during this unique experience, we’ll have the chance to paint a piece of art in this style ourselves.
Our journey continues south toward Baños de Agua Santa, where we can enjoy magnificent views of the páramo and the transitional forests along the way.
Overnight stay at ***La Floresta in Baños de Agua Santa.
Day 4
Pailon de diablo - Riobamba
Baños de Agua Santa, also known as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon, is a small town surrounded by hot springs, the imposing Tungurahua volcano, and numerous waterfalls. The region’s main attraction is the Waterfall Route, featuring 60 waterfalls along an 18-kilometer stretch. While exploring the Waterfall Route, we can admire the “Manto de la Novia” and “Pailon del Diablo” waterfalls, which are 40 and 80 meters high, respectively.
Our journey continues southward to the Riobamba region, where we’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Chimborazo volcano and the páramo along the way.
Overnight stay at the ***Hotel Mansion Santa Isabella.
Day 5
Riobamba - Guamote Market - Devil's Nose - Cuenca
About an hour south of Riobamba lies the famous, bustling Andean market of Guamote, where regional textiles and fresh produce are sold and Ecuador’s rural traditions are on full display in all their colorful splendor. After this visit, we continue on to Alausí, a charming Andean town. At the train station, we board the legendary “Devil’s Train”—a marvel of engineering that descends 486 meters to Sibambe in just 30 minutes via dramatic switchbacks. This thrilling ride through seemingly impossible terrain offers breathtaking views of the mountains and showcases one of the most extraordinary railway feats in the world.
The journey continues south to the city of Cuenca, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the páramo and small villages along the way.
Overnight stay at the *** Hotel Los Balcones in Cuenca.
Day 6
Full-Day Trip to Saraguro
Starting from the city of Cuenca, this tour takes us to the heart of the town of Saraguro and the indigenous community of Geras, where we can go on hikes with spectacular views of the Andean highlands, visit important archaeological sites, and possibly even spot the legendary Andean condor, as well as enjoy a delicious traditional meal prepared by the community. The biggest highlight, however, is watching local artisans craft products from sheep’s wool using the traditional “Makana” technique, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the entire process.
Overnight stay at the ***Hotel Los Balcones in Cuenca.
Day 7
City Tour of Cuenca - Cajas National Park - Guayaquil
Cuenca is also known as the “Athens of Ecuador” because of its beautiful colonial architecture, its bohemian past and present, and as the birthplace of many of Ecuador’s great historical figures. During our tour of Cuenca, we’ll visit Calderón Park (Cuenca’s central park), the Flower Square, the New Cathedral, and El Sagrario Cathedral (known as the “Old Cathedral”), as well as the Paja Toquilla Hat Museum.
On the way to Guayaquil, 40 minutes from Cuenca, we’ll stop at El Cajas National Park. This nature reserve encompasses over 200 bodies of water and covers an area of 28,544 hectares. The area is of great importance as a water source for the region and as a key bird sanctuary. In the national park, we’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the park and have the opportunity to take some incredible photos of the surroundings.
The route continues toward Guayaquil, where we’ll spend the night. Tonight, our travelers can look forward to a very special farewell dinner to cap off an exciting journey through Ecuador!
Overnight stay at the ***Gran Hotel Guayaquil.
Day 8
Transfer to the airport.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.