Cultural Ecuador: Mountains to the Sea

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Arrive home today to complete your journey.