Ecuador Highlights - Volcanoes Avenue and the Ecuadorian Coast Travel Vacation Package (3N)

Travel to Equador and experience its highlights with this 4 Day / 3 Night Travel Vacation Package and Tour that includes Riobamba, Cuenca and Guayaquil

Destinations Visited

Highlands

The Andean region surprises visitors not only because of its beautiful landscapes, with peaks over 5,000 meters of altitude, but also because of its culture. At the Highlands, Indian with their colorful Ponchos, give a special atmosphere to the landscape. Near communities it is possible to find typical Indian market where natives trade the different products that the Paccha Mama provides them. The Highlands are also full of History, evident in the Pre- Inca and Inca Fortresses as well as sacred constructions and Colonial Haciendas, built 2 and 3 centuries ago. Due to its historical and architectural richness, Cuenca and Quito cities have been declared by the UNESCO, as World Heritage of Mankind. For nature lovers there is also a great variety of places to visit, from fertile valleys and cloud forest to the Paramo and snow-capped mountains, perfect sites to plan trekking, climbing and rafting tours.

Coast

In contrast with the Highlands, the coast has no higher elevations than 800 meters above the sea level. The Northern region is well known for its Afro-Ecuadorian Cultures, which delight their guests with their Marimba dances. At the Central Coast, the landscape gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy leisure days in white sand beaches, as well as discovering Natural Reserves and National Parks. At the south, it is possible to find popular beach resort destinations and Ecuadors biggest city and main port, Guayaquil with more than two million inhabitants. Along the region, visitors can learn more about Ecuador's millenary cultures at archeological museums and be delighted with fishermen villages, where a better contact with "Cholos Pescadores" lifestyle is tasted.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Quito / Cotopaxi / Riobamba

Drive along the Panamericana highway well known as "The Volcanoes Avenue" towards the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters). Drive on a third order road through a Pine forest to Limpiopungo Lake located 3,800 meters above sea level along the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. In the afternoon drive to Riobamba and visit the city.
Overnight at Abraspungo Hosteria.

Day 2: Chimborazo / Ingapirca / Cuenca

After breakfast drive to Chimborazo Reserve where you will enjoy a nice trip passing through rural areas. At the Chimborazo Reserve you can see Llamas and Vicuñas on the road. Drive up to 4,800 meters above sea level and hike up to the Refuge at 5,000 meters or just take your time to enjoy the impressive landscape at this altitude. (If available it is also possible to enjoy a train ride at the well known Devil's Nose) Later on drive to Ingapirca Ruins where a walk through this place will take you back to the past and you'll feel as though you belonged to this culture. The Ingapirca Fortress is one the most important Incan Complex in Ecuador. This fortress, located at 3,160 meters, was built between the XV and XVI centuries (before Spaniards arrival in Ecuador) and was known as an administrative and religious center of the Inca's Empire. This complex was built over the ruins of a Cañari settlement, an important native culture of southern Ecuador, so it is also possible to find ruins of this culture.
In the afternoon drive to Cuenca.
Overnight at Oro Verde Hotel.

Day 3: Cuenca / Guayaquil

After breakfast enjoy a city tour of this magnificent city declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Mankind. The city tour begins with a view from El Turi Hill of this beautiful Colonial Style city, declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage of Mankind. Afterwards, continue towards the downtown, where during a short walk, we will visit the Old and the New Cathedrals, the flowers market, where you can appreciate the different kind of flowers that grow on this region, the Rotary market where you can find many different handicrafts. Afterwards, visit a factory of the famous Panama hat. We will finish this city tour by enjoying the beautiful landscape that offers Tomebamba River, the one that divides modern city and Old city.
After lunch drive to Guayaquil through the spectacular Cajas roads. El Cajas National Park is well know for its 230 beautiful lakes, product most of them, of volcanic activity and glaciations, however, it also lodges a great diversity of fauna and flora. After four hours of driving you will be delighted with the change of altitude and landscape. The road reaches 4,000 meters of altitude and is surrounded by a beautiful Paramo landscape, full of lakes. This adventure ends at sea level, where the agriculture of the coast plays an important role in the landscape. Arrive in Guayaquil and overnight at Hilton Colon Hotel.

Day 4: Guayaquil

After breakfast enjoy a city tour of the most valuable port in Ecuador. The city tour of Guayaquil takes place at the downtown where we can have a nice overview of the old city by visiting Las Peñas Neighborhood, located at the slopes of Santa Ana Hill. From here it is possible to enjoy a nice view of the modern Malecon 2000, located at the shores of Guayas River, as well as an example of original architecture in Guayaquil. At the Malecon we will visit La Rotonda, an important monument that immortalizes the meeting between Simon Bolivar and San Martin, the Moorish Clock Tower and many other attractive sightseeing. Afterwards, walk at the old town through 9 de October Avenue, to visit the Seminario Park well known also as the Iguanas Park and the Centenario Park, where the main monument represents the Independence of Guayaquil and the leaders that took part of it.
In the afternoon fly back to Quito or take an international flight.