Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Cultural Ecuador: Mountains to the Sea
Preferred
Overview
Short Description
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.
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.
Availability
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3,563 Audley Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings
Cultural Ecuador: Mountains to the Sea
Company Reviews
Travels in South East Asia
We were very impressed with the professionalism of the company, their knowledge of the area and the proposed travel plan. The resulting holiday proved to be very successful, extremely well organised and managed at a country level by very experienced and competent guides and drivers.
An amazing holiday to South Africa
It was very helpful to catch up with Robyn when we got back so we could feedback and make some small suggestions for things we might have tweaked. Would 100% recommend using Audley, worth every penny and we will definitely be using them in future.
Our Indian Adventure
The choice of accommodation was so well planned. We stayed in 8 different locations. Each one was superb and offered something different to the ones before.
The tours were well thought out and offered more than just sightseeing. They also gave us a taste of the culture of India.
Excellent.
Had a wonderful trip to Vietnam
A fabulous two week trip to Thailand…
Very poor customer service
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Intimate Group - 12 max
Trip ID#:
audley-travel-41518
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