Your Adventure Awaits
Essence of Ecuador
To traverse the heart of Ecuador is to witness a dramatic elemental ascent, beginning in the humid, rhythmic pulse of Guayaquil, where the breeze of the Guayas River anchors you to the coast before the earth begins its vertical climb. As the tropical lowlands fade, you are welcomed by the red-tiled soul of Cuenca, a city of cobblestones and cathedral domes that feels suspended in a perpetual, flowered springtime. The path then unfolds into the majestic Avenue of the Volcanoes, a corridor of giants where the air grows thin, and the emerald patchwork of high-altitude paramo is watched over by the snow-capped silent sentinels of the Andes. Finally, the journey culminates in Quito, a golden urban nest cradled by peaks, where colonial history and modern ambition collide under an equatorial sun, leaving you with the sense that you haven’t just traveled across a country, but through the very layers of the world’s atmosphere.
History & Culture
Distant Frontiers
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When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
From storied colonial mansions to the nostalgia-evoking haciendas of a bygone era blended with the honest hospitality of the Andeans. There are no pretending from the west, no fusion-confusion. Everything feels right the way it should be.
Experiences
Catch your breath....literally as this experiential sojourn takes you through both pre-Columbian and colonial heritage, the inspirational work of Mother Nature's magic in the Avenue of Volcanoes in the Andean Highlands.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Guayaquil / El Cajas National Park / Cuenca
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From Guayaquil, we begin our drive, very soon meeting the incredible network of glacial valleys, moors, and pristine mountain lakes of El Cajas National Park. Reminiscent of the dramatic settings in "Lord of the Rings", we endeavor a moderate hike around the stunning Llaviuco Lake and Toreadora refuge to witness Mother Nature's work of art.
Remarks:
The moderate hike last between 2 - 2.5 hours on flexible basis
Soon, we continue our drive into the colonial city of Cuenca where we arrive at the Hotel Cruz del Vado, a heritage hotel steeped in history amidst cobbled streets in the city's historic heart. We take our time to acclimatize the altitude and enjoy dinner this evening at its restaurant, blessed with scintillating views.
DAY 2: Cuenca
After breakfast, we take a slow approach continuing our altitude acclimatization to soak in the splendor of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Cuenca, truly a sight to behold. Witness the pretty neighborhood of San Sebastian, the charming colonial buildings in the Parque Calderon as well as visiting the astounding Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, considered as the largest in Latin America. The Barranco neighborhood permeates a bohemian atmosphere, running alongside the Tomebamba River, where houses are suspended on a cliff. Worth a visit is the Casa del Sombrero, taking you through history and traditions of the Panama Hat from the delicate weaving of the toquilla straw to the final touches that give each hat its unique character.
Enjoy time to unwind, ensuring steps and breathing are slow. This evening, you are invited to an exceptional dinner at Tiesto's, showcasing some of the finest cuisine using Ecuadorean and Andean ingredients.
DAY 3: Cuenca / The Inca Ruins of Ingapirca / Alausi
Leaving Cuenca this morning, we come face to face with the Ingapirca Inca Ruins, Ecuador's best-preserved and most important archeological site of Ecuador, where we will learn about the Cañari and Inca cultures traveling by sectors Cañari-Inca walls and appreciating the unique elliptical temple which was the Tahuantinsuyo.
Our journey continues north as we mark the start of the "Avenue of Volcanoes" and spectacular scenery to arrive in the charming town of Alausi where will embark on an orientation of the town dominated by cobblestone streets, century-old facades and the train station where the legendary Nariz del Diablo train runs. We will spend the night in the comfortable Hotel Europa and this evening, be treated to a sumptuous roasted guinea pig dinner.
DAY 4: Alausi (The Nariz del Diablo Experience) / Banos
A remarkable early morning begins with step out from the hotel at the railway station where we embark on the historic Nariz del Diablo train, taking us through sweeping views of the mountains and in particularly, the Nariz del Diablo "Devil's Nose", presenting the greatest engineering challenges in building Ecuador's Trans-Andean Railway in the early 20th century. To conquer the sheer cliffs of the Devil's Nose mountain, engineers designed a daring zigzag rail line that climbs and descends more than 500m in just 12km.
Returning to Alausi, we continue our journey north, dotting with volcanoes and dramatic geology before arriving into Banos, adventure capital of Ecuador, at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano in a landscape adorn with thermal springs, lush cloud forest and thundering waterfalls. We take a walk through the charming old town line with colorful streets and perhaps a chance to taste the local liquor, "Agua de Vida". Enjoy a stay at the Luna Volcan, perched high above the town, Drawing inspiration from its volcanic surroundings, the hotel provides guests with an immersive experience that blends the therapeutic benefits of a spa with the thrill of outdoor exploration.
DAY 5: Banos (The Waterfalls Highway)
We dedicate the day to uncovering Banos' "Ruta de las Cascadas" with its array of seven spectacular waterfalls en route to the town of Puyo, along the Rio Pastaza Canyon. The last and most spectacular of them all, the mighty Pailon del Diablo or "Devil's Cauldron".
For jaw-dropping views of the Tungurahua Volcano, we will make a stop at the "Hands of God" viewpoint.
DAY 6: Banos / Traversing the Quilotoa Loop / Cotopaxi
An experiential day as we venture north approaching the "Quilotoa Loop", a 35km hiking trail through the remote Andean Highlands from unspoilt indigenous villages to the jaw-dropping Quilotoa Crater. En-route, we visit some of these villages and depending on the day of the week, we have the chance to witness the colorful and vibrant indigenous markets. Visit an indigenous local house from the “Paramos” to learn about their traditions and way of life. Enter their home, made of straw, and enjoy time interacting with them. Thereafter, the highlight of the day is a beautiful hike (30 - 45mins) to the rim of the Quilotoa Crater witnessing the surreal crater lake, a deep turquoise lake within a sunken volcanic caldera, surrounded by a sheer basalt rim.
After the unforgettable hike, we descend to return back on the loop, travelling through captivating mountain scenery, dotted with quaint indigenous villages, eventually arriving into the charming grounds of the historic Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, built on the site of an Inca palace, one of the two important archaeological Inca sites in Ecuador. The working farm offers an unrivaled glimpse into Ecuador's rich and colorful past where you enjoy a memorable stay luxuriating authentic Andean heritage.
DAY 7: Cotopaxi
The morning begins with an hour's drive into the heart of Cotopaxi National Park, spanning over 334 square kilometres in the Andean Highlands where we come face to face with the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano, towering at 5,897m over the dramatic landscape. You have the chance to embark on a horseback ride, threading through native forests and gorgeous natural scenery with the backdrop of the volcano. A highlight will be a stop to admire the Limpiopungo Lagoon as well as the Santo Domingo Lagoon, offering out-of-this-world views of not just Cotopaxi Volcano but the Antisana Volcano as well at 5,753m. Depending on your physical condition and altitude acclimatization, you will set the pace and intensity for the day.
Close by, we will stay the night in a contemporary geodesic dome in Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge. With 50sqm of space, large windows displaying unbeatable views of Cotopaxi Volcano, it is an enviable experience few gets to enjoy.
DAY 8: Cotopaxi / Zuleta Village
A wondrous and magical morning waking up to the sight of Cotopaxi Volcano and contender for breakfast of the year. We then continue our sojourn north on the Avenue of Volcanoes, flanked by the Cayambe Volcano, third-highest in Ecuador, and rose plantations before arriving into Zuleta Village, spending the next 2 nights at the renowned Hacienda Zuleta, a colonial-era farm dating to the 17th century belonging to the family of Galo Plaza Lasso, former president of Ecuador. It offers beautifully appointed rooms decorated with antique furniture, hand-embroidered linens, and local artwork.
Get hands on as we enjoy a private embroidery lesson during which you'll learn traditional methods of producing Ecuador's famous textiles. Later, we go behind the scenes into the kitchen for a private cooking experience with the hacienda's chef, featuring produce picked straight from the garden before finally savoring your farm-to-table dinner overlooking the hacienda grounds.
DAY 9: Zuleta Village (A Return to Innocence)
Consider an OPTIONAL hot-air balloon experience this morning. At 5am, we depart for the shores of Laguna de San Pablo where we hop into your hot-air balloon as you marvel at the sheer magnitude and awe of the sprawling Andean landscapes and the Avenue of Volcanoes. This is as inspirational as it gets!
Later, we will visit Otavalo, renowned for its atmospheric and photogenic market where on parade, are indigenous textiles, handicrafts, jewelry and traditional food. Nearby, we visit the charming town of Cotacachi - Ecuador's leather capital and where we visit the studio of a leather artisan and learn about the finesse and craftsmanship legacy of the area. Very close by, we stop at the Cuicocha volcanic crater lake, with its 3km wide caldera, viewed as one of the most beautiful in Ecuador.
This evening, we will enjoy our last night in Hacienda Zuleta with a bonfire dinner, accompanied by traditional music.
DAY 10: Zuleta Village / Middle of the World / Quito
Goodbyes are always difficult and more so today leaving Hacienda Zuleta, continuing our journey. Our first agenda of the day is the Middle of the World Monument, as we stand officially on the Equatorial Line at 0 degrees latitude marking the four cardinal points with commemorative inscriptions where each side pays tribute to the French geodetic mission to the Equator, which began in 1736 and brought together a team of international explorers and scientists who proved that the earth was not perfectly round. Later, enjoy lunch at the Crater Restaurant, on the edge of the Pululahua Volcano crater, the only inhabited volcano in the world with 360-degree views of the landscape.
We then head into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Quito, capital of Ecuador and at 2,850m above sea level, it is the second-highest capital in the world after La Paz in Bolivia. Mindful of the altitude, we will arrive at the Casa Gangotena, a Relais & Chateaux hotel, once belonged to the Gangotena family, one of Quito's most illustrious and influential families. Its neoclassical architecture, recognized as part of the Old Town’s UNESCO World Heritage status, wraps around a charming patio adorned with palm trees and an original fountain. As the evening arrives, tuck into dinner exquisitely prepared by Chef Jose Tamayo and his team, paying homage to Ecuador's indigenous, American and European heritage.
DAY 11: Quito
We will take our time today to explore Quito, surrounded by the Andean peaks and the Pichincha Volcano. Beginning in the historic heart, we visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the largest and tallest Neo-Gothic church in Latin America, "completed" in 1985 and consisting of 24 small chapels. Then, a stroll through Plaza Grande, allows us to witness the grandeur of the Palacio de Carondelet - significant for the formation of Quito's independence from Spanish monarchy. Worthy of a visit is the La Compania Iglesia, an important baroque church in South America, and widely renowned as the most ornate building in Quito. Also unmissable from sight is the cobbled Plaza de San Francisco square, filled with atmospheric open-air restaurants, cafes and the photogenic San Francisco Church & Monastery. Thereafter, continue to the beautiful Calle La Ronda street, considered to be the most beautiful in Quito with an attractive bohemian vibe. Enjoy time at leisure to unwind and feel the energy of Quito.
This evening, you are invited to a memorable dinner at Nuema, regarded as the finest in Ecuador. Born as the culinary project of Chef Alejandro Chamorro and Pia Salazar with the purpose of expressing the biodiversity of Ecuador under a contemporary and avant-garde perspective. One of the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America, savor to a degustation menu that brings out the full essence of your journey.
DAY 12: Quito
Life will never be the same and Ecuador is to be blamed. Our final farewell of an incredible sojourn ends (or is it?) Transfer to Quito Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport for your international flight return home or continue your onward journey in Ecuador and beyond.
Featured Hotels
Hacienda Zuleta
Welcome to the stunning 17th century hotel and working-farm of former Ecuador President Galo Plaza Lasso and his family. Created with his natural warmth, hospitality and community ties, Hacienda Zuleta is blessed with beautiful antique rooms, delicious home-grown Andean cuisine and a wealth of activities to choose from. Visit mountain lakes and vistas on our own breed of horses, find hidden trails with centuries of history by foot or bike, see and learn about endangered species at our Condor Huasi facilities or take up a cookery or local embroidery class - all this and more is on offer to you at Hacienda Zuleta!
Privileges
Complimentary Breakfast
Priority Room Upgrade at check in*
Casa Gangotena
In the famous Plaza San Francisco- Casa Gangotena brings new life to this mansion that once belonged to one of Quito s most illustrious and influential families. Its neoclassical architecture- recognized as part of the Old Town s UNESCO World Heritage status-wraps around a charming patio adorned with palm trees and an original fountain. Inside- rays from the Andean sun bathe the art deco-style rooms in shimmering light. Reflecting the splendor and elegance of a golden age-they boast antique mirrors- painted ceilings- and sumptuous wall frescoes. From the rooftop terrace-as you sip a delicious local coffee or signature cocktail-you may catch a glimpse of the snow-capped summit of Volcan Cayambe.