Cultural Ecuador: Mountains to the Sea

11 days
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Private Guided
Ecuador may be slightly dwarfed by other South American countries, but it punches well above its weight. It’s tempting to pass through only the mainland en route to the celebrated Galapagos Islands, but our specialists would urge you to holiday in continental Ecuador, too. They’re able to help you experience all the country’s beguiling variety in a tailor-mad...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Ecuador may be slightly dwarfed by other South American countries, but it punches well above its weight. It’s tempting to pass through only the mainland en route to the celebrated Galapagos Islands, but our specialists would urge you to holiday in continental Ecuador, too. They’re able to help you experience all the country’s beguiling variety in a tailor-made Ecuador itinerary. Lovers of textiles and artisan crafts can head to the animated markets of Otavalo and the capital, Quito, or observe authentic Panama hats being made in the colonial city of Cuenca. You can explore, and hike on, the geological spectacle of the almost conical Cotopaxi in the Avenue of Volcanoes. One of the feathers in Ecuador’s cap is its restored railway network, which offers visitors panoramic vistas of the Andean landscapes. Meanwhile, you’re able to immerse yourself in birdwatching and horticulture in cloudforest reserves.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityQuito
End CityGuayaquil

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Train & Rail Journeys

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Relaxing Retreat

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Itinerary

Day 1 : Quito

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Quito. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to Casona de la Ronda, where you'll stay for two nights. In the afternoon you'll stretch your legs with a private walking tour of Quito's historic colonial center.

Day 2 : Quito

Today you'll drive north with your guide for a visit to Otavalo where you'll visit the indigenous market as well as several nearby towns famous for their exceptional artisans.

Day 3 : Riobamba

From Quito your guide will drive you south, following the beautiful scenery of the Andes and visiting a local market along the way. In Riobamba you'll spend two nights at Hosteria Abraspungo.

Day 4 : Riobamba

Today you'll visit San Rafael, an indigenous community high in the mountains, where you'll see the Alpaca project, which introduces a sustainable source of income to this remote community.

Day 5 : Cuenca

You'll continue by car and then by train through the Volcano route of Ecuador to Cuenca where you'll stay three nights at Mansion Alcazar.

Day 6 : Cuenca

Your guide will give you a private tour of charming Cuenca, including stops at Plaza San Sebastian and El Carmen de la Asuncion.

Day 7 : Cuenca

Today's tour will focus on the numerous handicrafts made in Cuenca and the surrounding villages with visits to their workshops and galleries.

Day 8 : Hacienda La Danesa

From Cuenca you'll be driven to Hacienda La Danesa, where you'll relax at this authentic farmhouse in the countryside, enjoying activities at the property.

Day 9 : Hacienda La Danesa

Excursions from the hacienda can include horseback riding, bicycling, tubing and demonstrations of farm work, while you'll enjoy delicious meals made from ingredients sourced on site.

Day 10 : International return flight

You'll have the morning to relax before heading to the airport in Guayaquil for your flight home.

Day 11 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,694
Price per day$518
Last Updated: 1/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Audley Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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