Best of Ecuador

Day 1 (Sunday)

Quito

Once you’ve arrived in Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.
Overnight: Classic – Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* (Standard Room), Deluxe – Hotel Hilton Colon 5* (Deluxe Room)

Day 2

Quito

Today you’ll explore Quito and delve into its history on a fascinating half day tour. The excursion includes visiting La Compania - an intricate church with an incredibly ornate interior and exterior, Independence Square – home to the Government Palace and the Cathedral, and Panecillo (little bread) – the famous hill of the old town and home of the angel statue ‘Virgen de Qutio’.

Next up is the Equatorial Line Monument, an amazing site aptly nicknamed ‘Middle of the World’ as it presents a rare experience of standing in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time. Marking the spot where an 18th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the equator; the monument is now surrounded by a small colonial town.

Breakfast included.

Overnight: Classic – Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* (Standard Room), Deluxe – Hotel Hilton Colon 5* (Deluxe Room)

Day 3

Quito – Otavalo – Quito

This day is free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. We’d suggest joining in with the optional excursion to Otavalo, a colourful market selling Indian handcrafts and textiles.

Breakfast included.

Overnight: Classic – Alameda Hotel Mercure 4* (Standard Room), Deluxe – Hotel Hilton Colon 5* (Deluxe Room)

Day 4

Quito – Cotopaxi

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll be driven to Cotopaxi National Park – one of Ecuador’s most beautiful ecological reserves. Your visit includes a walk along lake Laguna de Limpiopungo at an altitude of almost 4.000m, where you’ll learn more about the alpine tundra ecosystems (Páramo) and take in fabulous views of Cotopaxi. You’ll also discover a picturesque flower plantation on your tour.

Breakfast included.

Overnight: Classic – Hacienda La Ciénega 2-3* (Standard Room), Deluxe – Hacienda La Ciénege 2-3* (Suite)

Day 5

Cotopaxi – Riobamba

This morning you will visit a bustling Indian market, before continuing on to Quilotoa, Ecuador’s famous and beautiful volcanic lake. In the afternoon, you’ll drive on to Riobamba, capital of the province of Chimborazo, a fascinating area where many indigenous communities reside.

Breakfast included,

Overnight: Classic – Hacienda Abraspungo 3* (Standard Room), Deluxe - Hacienda Abraspungo 3* (Suite)

Day 6

Riobamba – Cuenca

It’s an early start today, heading to the train station in Alausí for a journey on the famous Devil’s Nose ride. This magnificent section of the railway offers impressive views of the Andes and Ecuador’s naturally beautiful scenery, providing you with a unique way to discover the country. A lunchbox is included.
After your train ride, you’ll drive two hours to Cuenca, with a sensational stop-off at the Inca ruin site of Ingapirca - the most important monument of pre-Spanish culture in Ecuador.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Overnight: Classic – Hotel San Juan 3-4* (Standard Room), Deluxe – Hotel Mansion Alcazar 4* (Standard Room)

Day 7

Cuenca

Today is your chance to explore Cuenca with a half day city tour. The third largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca is well-known for its vibrant art scene, and products of silver and gold. Your tour involves exploring the historical architecture, walking along the Tomebamba River, seeing the Todos los Santos ruins, and visiting the flower market and main square.

You’ll have the afternoon to enjoy as you wish.

Breakfast included.

Overnight: Classic – Hotel San Juan 3-4* (Standard Room), Deluxe – Hotel Mansion Alcazar 4* (Standard Room)

Day 8

Cuenca – Guayaquil

Today you’ll be able to explore the country’s largest city, Guayaquil. Lying on the western banks of the Río Guayas, the trip here includes a stop-off at a cacao project for a guided tour to learn about the cacao fruit and how it’s harvested.

Once you’ve arrived at Guayaquil, you’ll enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city, discovering the picturesque waterfront, the colourful houses, and charming neighbourhoods adorned with cafes and art galleries.

Breakfast included.

Overnight: Classic – Hotel Unipark 4* (Standard Room), Deluxe – Hotel Oro Verde 5* (Standard Room)

Day 9

Guayaquil

Today marks the end of your tour. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your ongoing flight.