Ecuador Andean Jewels 10 Days Tour

In the morning, we will visit Otavalo Indian Market, which is very famous for its quality handicrafts, and its exportation to all over the world.

Then we will take you to visit a wonderful waterfall known as Peguche, it’s a sacred place where the locals renew their energies and you will also do!

After that, it is time to stop at Cotacachi Area, which is known for its famous-quality cow and sheep leather articles and also we can have a stop for lunch, there are several typical dishes and you can have a chance to try guinea pig if you desire.

Finally, we will visit Cuicocha well known as Guinea Pig Lake for awesome pictures.

Overnight: Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar ****

Meals: B

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar ****

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On this day we will leave Otavalo towards The Rose Farm, where you will be able to admire more than 80 species of roses and walk around the greenhouses scored by one of our expert guides.

Then we will take you to another magical place well known as Papallacta area, This is the best hot springs complex in Ecuador to relax and admire the andean nature. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own!

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Overnight: Termas Papallacta or similar ****

Meals: B

After breakfast we will drive towards Cotopaxi National Park, which consists of 34,000 hectares, and has a large variety of trails, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and, of course, it’s Volcano, which will captivate you with its majesty and beauty. In the area of the lagoon, Limpiopungo, at 3830 meters above sea level, you will find an enormous diversity of flora and fauna. 

It is also possible to hike around the lagoon´s shore, where native birds of the Andes are plentiful. Then we will drive higher up to Cotopaxi Staging Area, at 4500 masl. In the Staging Area, it is often possible to admire a Condor in flight. From this point it is possible to climb to the basecamp. Finally we will drive to the hotel for overnight.

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Overnight: La Cienega or similar ****

Meals: B

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After breakfast, we will drive towards Quilotoa Lake which means The Princess Tooth, located at 12,000 ft. above sea level. at this point you will get ready for a hike down to the crater that should take 25 minutes approx.

At the lake it is possible to rent kayaks a paddle for 30 minutes or 1 hour with an extra cost, depending of your level of experience, however this kayak is relatively easy. 

Then it is time to decide if you want to hike up or rent a mule, if you decide for hiking, it sounds great by we advise you that it will take you at least 1 and half of a very steep slope or if you hire a mule it is much smooth you riding for only takes 30 minutes.

After this adventure, we will continue to the city of Baños, 3 hours from Quilotoa. Along the way we will have many stops such as: The Ice Sorbet Tasting, Viewpoints and much more. and we will spend the night in the city.

Overnight: Monte Selva or similar ***

Meals: B

Early in the morning, we will depart from Banos City towards Chimborazo volcano (This part of the tour will be run with public transportation, it will take 3 hours to get there approx.)­

It is going to be the highest altitude that you will experience on the entire trip and who knows the highest elevation that you have been before (5,000 meters above sea level), this location is very high but it is fine for you to experience the altitude a little bet!!!

At the Park we will arrive up to the first basecamp located at 4,700 mts. from there we will start the hike up to the highest point well known as Whymper refuge. From above you with enjoy the great Andean views, then, drive to Riobamba for overnight.­ 

Overnight: Wanderlot or similar ***

Meals: B

Morning 2 hours transportation to Ingapirca Archeological Complex, the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. (1-hour walk) through the site to get to know more about the Pre-Incas & Incas history.

­Then Drive to Cuenca City, upon arrival we will visit the famous HAT MUSEUM (Panama hat Factory). Finally, we will get to the hotel for overnight.

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Overnight: Victoria or similar ****

Meals: B

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In the morning, we will visit Cuenca City (declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO). The most representative sites in Cuenca are: Calderon Park (Central Square), the Modern and Old Cathedrals, the Flower Market, and Larga Street with its colonial houses, all of which are unforgettable.

­We will also visit the Tomebamba River and the Broken Bridge, since they are famous landmarks. Of course, an attraction impossible to skip is the Ethnographic Museum (Museo de las Culturas Aborigines). The Ethnographic Museum is a must-see because of its unique art collection from across the country.

Then a nice drive towards Vilcabamba town where you will stay overnight.

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Overnight: Paraiso or similar ***

Meals: B

On this day, you can choose between several options such as: 

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• 6 Hours Hike up to Mandango Hill (demanding tour)

• 3 Hours Hike through the surroundings of Vilcabamba Village,

• Short walk to town,

• Relax at the Pool and take yoga classes at the hotel and 

• Biking Tour around 

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All these activities are included in program, but you can only choose 1 for the Day.

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Overnight: Paraiso or similar ***

Meals: B

Early in the morning, we will continue our drive to Catamayo Airport for your flight back to Quito.

Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye at the airport as you return to Quito. If you’re interested in any additional tours, it would be our pleasure to assist you.­

Meals: B

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