BEST OF ECUADOR

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The Best of Ecuador is waiting for you on this 9 day/8 night Ecuador vacation tour that showcases the country’s vibrant cities, captivating heritage, and spectacular natural splendors. On this Ecuador travel package , come discover amazing sights with expert guides in Ecuador’s cities of Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously at the Equatorial Line Monument. Discover handmade Indian crafts at the world-renowned Otavalo market. Delve into fascinating nature at “Cotopaxi National Park,” one of the most attractive ecological reserves in the country. Spend the night in an atmospheric Hostería near Chimborazo Mountain. Take the Devil’s Nose ride by train for amazing Andes Mountain views. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Incas at the ruins of Ingapirca. Step back in time in Cuenca, exploring Tomebamba River and the “Todos los Santos” ruins. Enjoy the wonder at every turn on this splendid trip to Ecuador !

Day 1 - SUN I QUITO

Welcome to Ecuador. Upon arrival at the international airport of Quito transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 - MON I QUITO

Today you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city of Quito through the historical center of the city and see the church of La Compañia, Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral. Then, visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (little bread), where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito” before heading to the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” and stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. (B)

Day 3 - TUE I QUITO

Today you have a full day free to continue exploring Quito or may enjoy an optional excursion to the Indian market Otavalo. In the morning head to the world-renowned Indian handmade crafts market Otavalo, where you will find a vast variety of locally weaved designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Shop this colorful market – the ideal place to find unique souvenirs. Here you will enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts and textiles unique to Ecuador (B)

Day 4 - WED I QUITO I COTOPAXI

Rise and shine with breakfast at your hotel and then drive to “Cotopaxi National Park,” one of the country’s most attractive ecological reserves. On a walk near the shallow lake “Laguna de Limpiopungo,” learn about the typical vegetation of the so-called “Páramo” and gaze in wonder at the beautiful view of Cotopaxi (5897m) in the background. Today you will also visit a beautiful flower plantation showcasing a great diversity of blooms. (B)

Day 5 - THU I COTOPAXI I RIOBAMBA

Start the day with a hearty breakfast and a visit to an authentic native market. Continue on to Quilotoa, the famous volcanic lake with beautiful views. In the late afternoon you will head to Riobamba, the capital of the province of Chimborazo and home to a number of indigenous communities. Close to Chimborazo mountain, the highest peak of Ecuador, you will spend the night at one of the atmospheric Hosterías. (B)

Day 6 - FRI I RIOBAMBA I CUENCA

After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station in Alausí to experience the famous Devil’s Nose ride. Enjoy the fascinating landscape of the Andes on your way to the city of Cuenca. En-route you will stop at the Inca ruin site of Ingapirca, the most important monument of pre-Spanish culture in Ecuador. Learn about the Inca beliefs and rituals as you walk in their footsteps through the former place where the Incas lived and held their ceremonies. After arriving in Cuenca, you will check in at your hotel. (B,L)

Day 7 - SAT I CUENCA

Savor breakfast at your hotel, then head out to tour the sights of the third largest city of Ecuador. Cuenca was founded in 1557 on an Inca settlement valley. See the historical buildings located along the Tomebamba River, the “Todos los Santos” ruins, the flower market, and the main square with the old and new Cathedral. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to stroll the area’s quaint cobble-stone streets with whitewashed houses and noble façades. (B)

Day 8 - SUN I CUENCA I GUAYAQUIL

Today we will travel on to Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, the industrial and commercial center of the country. It is situated on the western banks of the Río Guayas about 56 km from its outflow into the Gulf of Guayaquil. The Guayas lowlands are characterized by mangroves and ever-growing banana plantations. Along the way, visit of a cacao plantation and learn about the cultivation of the cacao fruit. In Guayaquil, embark on a short sightseeing tour of the city. (B)