Day 1 Cotopaxi National Park (L,D)

This morning we head south from Quito along the picturesque Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi province.

On arrival at the Cotopaxi National Park we enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes including Pasochoa, Rumiñahui & Sincholagua.

We can undertake an easy one-hour hike around the Limpiopungo Lake in the ever-present shadow of one of the world’s highest active volcanoes – the perfectly cone shaped, snow-capped Cotopaxi.

As well as the immense and interesting geological features created by the volcano’s past eruptions, we are on the look-out for paramo wildlife including wild ponies, white tailed deer, Andean fox and the endangered Andean Condor.

Lunch included in a mountain lodge.

In the afternoon we continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to reach the Andean city of Riobamba at the foot of the Chimborazo Volcano.

Dinner and overnight in a local hacienda.

Day 2 Ingapirca Inca Ruins (B,L,D)

Our journey south continues today as we travel onto the little mountain town of Alausi with its colourful houses and Andean charm. We are at the heart of the Ecuadorian train system, Ecuador’s most famous train line – the Devil’s Nose - begins here. Even though the train is currently not running, the town still deserves a visit to enjoy the pretty station house and locomotives on display.

Lunch included in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we continue our journey. En route we visit the Ingapirca Ruins, Ecuador’s largest and most intact Inca complex, a beautiful example of Inca architecture. At the end of the day we will arrive in the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca.

Dinner and overnight in a local hotel.

Day 3 Cuenca City Tour (B,L)

This morning you are picked up from your Cuenca hotel by your private guide.
Today’s tour of the beautiful city of Cuenca includes visits to the traditional and pretty neighbourhood of San Sebastian, the Modern Art Museum, Parque Caldero (Main Plaza), the Flower Market, the Cathedral of the Sagrario (old cathedal) and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (new cathedral) considered the largest in Latin America.

We also visit a local Panama Hat museum and workshop where we can observe the elaboration of these high-quality products, which despite their name, originate from Ecuador.

Later we have time to visit the banks of the Tomebamba river, through the charming Barranco neighbourhood with its colonial architecture and natural environment.

At the end of the morning we arrive at the Turi Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the red tiled roofs and blue cupolas of the city of Cuenca, surrounded by an impressive mountain backdrop. Stop off also at the nearby home and workshop of ceramic artist Eduardo Vega.

A typical lunch included in a local restaurant.

The tour finishes in Cuenca this afternoon.