4 Day Trip: QUITO – COTOPAXI – BAÑOS – RIOBAMBA - CUENCA

GALAPAGOS & HIGHLANDS OF ECUADOR

1st day:  Quito – Cotopaxi – Baños

Pick up from your hotel. Then we drive South through the Avenue of  Volcanoes. . First stop the Cotopaxi National Park,  located in the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Cotopaxi means "throat of fire" in indigenous language the incredible eruptions helped this surname, considered the highest active volcano in the world. First we visit the interpretation center and Limpiopungo lake (paramo grasslands / Ecuadorian equivalent of the arctic tundra), drive up to  4800m (15.000 ft) and trek up to Padre Rivas mountain climbing refuge (1 hour hiking). You will have the opportunity to touch and lay on the snow.

Optional lunch at the colonial hacienda La Ciénega an old hacienda of the XVII century. Then we continue to the Subtropical Thermal baths town of Baños. Overnight.

2nd day:  Baños - Riobamba

Baños mean “Baths”, which is precisely what the town is famous for. Some of them are fed by thermal springs from the base of the active Volcano Tungurahua, which means: "little hell” in Quichua. We visit the cathedral, the balsawood birds carving workshop, the tagua (ivory nut) jewelry stores and visit the thermal baths. Later we continue our trip to Agoyan and Devils cauldron, (amazing waterfalls). We will take the taravita (Air cable) to see the majestic Manto de la Novia Waterfall. Then we continue to the to the Andean city of Riobamba, cradle of ecuadorian nationality, popularly known as Friobamba because it is surrounded by the majestic snow covered volcano "Chimborazo” the highest peak in Ecuador 6310 m (20700 feet).

3rd day:  Riobamba - Train – Devil’s Nose – Ingapirca - Cuenca

After breakfast, early in the morning we depart to Alausi, just less tan 100km (62 miles), beautiful old town with one hundred houses. Time to take the spectacular train, considered the most dificult train of the xx century. You will descend gradually from the highlands to the lowlands, at times zigzagging, or hugging the cliffs. In the descending at the lowest point the incredible devils nose an interesting rock will appear in the horizon.  The train descends and then returns to Alausí again.

Then we continue to visit the Ruins of Ingapirca. This is  the most important monument left by the aboriginal cultures of Ecuador. The vast archeological complex includes inca and pre inca`s ruins. Known as the “Temple of the Sun”.Arrival to the most beautiful Colonial City in South America, Cuenca. Overnight.

4th day:  Cuenca City Tour – flight – Quito

Ecuador’s third largest city; still retains it´s pleasant provincial air. It´s red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make an unforgetable experience in your vist to Ecuador. Our city tour includes the visit to the main square, the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, cathedral a symbol of religiousness in the country,  the Court of Justice, The Municipal Palace, The Governor’s Palace and the Sagrario Church. We willl walk part of the calle larga (large Street) admiring the unique colonial style of Cuenca. Visit to the panama´s hat factory to discover the real story about this ecuatorian hats. Transfer to the airport  Arrival to Quito transfer to your hotel.

Departure: Any day (except saturday)

Prices per person:

(*) Single supplement: For those persons that belong to a group and prefer a single accommodation.

(*) Solo Traveler: This prices are for the persons that are traveling solo.

The Package Includes:

- All transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport
- 3 nights Hotel double accommodation
- Daily American breakfast
- Cotopaxi National Park fees
- Train ticket to the Devil's Nose
- Entrance to the Castle of Ingapirca
- Private transportation with English speaking guide 
- Airfare Cuenca - Quito / Cuenca - Guayaquil

The Package does not Include:

- Accommodations in Quito
- Lunches and dinners
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks

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