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.
Avenue of the Volcanoes: Ecuador
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Meet artist Oswaldo Viteri and enjoy a tour of his private collection
- Hike, horseback ride or fish on Hacienda Campu Cochas private reserve
- Explore the wildlife and waterfalls of a remote cloud forest
- Ride the spectacular Nariz del Diablo train through the steep canyons of the Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Tour the 18th century cathedrals and traditional Indian markets in Cuenca
Short Description
Discover artistic Ecuador with a visit to the Art Workshop School, and meet famed Ecuadorean painter Oswaldo Viteri to discuss his work. Then, uncover the source of the inspiration of so many local artists as you explore the country's natural beauty: high Andes habitats and volcanic mountains painted with verdant forests, and aquamarine crater lakes. Travel the Avenue of the Volcanoes, walk amid the cloud forest, and hike beside waterfalls. Keep an eye out for puma, spectacled bear, and the magnificent Andean condor. Visit the vast Inca Ruins of Ingapirca and the colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca, and complete your picture at colorful Indian markets and a private hacienda.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 2: Quito, Ecuador
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena
Upon arrival you will be escorted to your hotel in Quito, a capital city nestled deep within the valley of towering Andean volcanoes, 10,000 feet above sea level. The next day, your full-day tour starts in the colonial center of the city. Visit the Escuela Taller Quito, where young people aged 16 to 22 years are trained in traditional skills and techniques, such as carpentry, stone carving, painting, gold leaf, and metalworking. The aim of workshop is to educate young people from poor families while also promoting the restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of Quito. Next, tour lively Calle La Ronda, and see the baroque Iglesia de San Francisco the first church to be built by the Spanish in the city, and Plaza de la Independencia (also known as Plaza Grande). After lunch, enjoy a private visit with noted neo-figurative artist Oswaldo Viteri, who will take you on a tour of his magnificent private art collection. This evening, relax with champagne and canaps at Casa Gangotena before a private visit to the baroque La Iglesia de la Compaa de Jess.
Day 3: Cotopaxi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda San Agustin de Callo
Today, take a short drive along the Cinnamon Trail, the route that Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana took in 1542 which lead to his discovery of the Amazon river, to visit a private hacienda and 1,200-acre sanctuary for endangered species including the Andean condor, spectacled bear, puma, and the Andean fox. Spend the morning hiking, horseback riding, or fishing amid the magnificent landscape of this pristine pramo (highland moor). Enjoy lunch before taking a scenic drive through the famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes," viewing snow-capped mountains and verdant forests, to Cotopaxi. Stay in the 15th century Hacienda San Agustn de Callo, built on the site of an Inca palace, and one of the two most important Inca archaeological sites in Ecuador.
Day 4: Baños & Riobamba
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hacienda Abraspungo
This morning travel to Baos, the entrance to the Amazon basin and home to the El Otro Lado cloud forest reserve. A short hike reveals majestic cliffs, magnificent waterfalls, archaic thermal baths and diverse plant and animal life. View El Paln del Diablo waterfall, then visit the picturesque village of Baos. Enjoy lunch at the home of a local rock-climbing legend, and continue to the 15th century city of Riobamba. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this charming village filled with heritage houses set along cobblestone streets.
Day 5 & 6: Ingapirca & Cuenca
Meals: 2 Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Mansion Alcazar
On Day 5, rise early to board the train for an exciting ride down El Nariz del Diablo your spectacularly steep descent passes amazing landscapes and colorful towns. The train stops en route to visit some of the local Indian markets of the Central Andes. Disembark in the early afternoon, and continue by car to Cuenca, stopping along the way to explore the massive Inca ruins at Ingapirca.
On Day 6, enjoy a morning tour of Cuenca; visit the 19th-century blue-domed cathedral, the colonial cathedral museum, the flower market and a Panama hat factory.
Day 7: Cuenca, Quito & Depart for Home
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito where you will catch your flight home or on to your next destination.
Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Travcoa.
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.
4 Travcoa Travel Reviews & Ratings
Avenue of the Volcanoes: Ecuador
Company Reviews
The wildlife viewing was incredible!
The trip exceeding all my expectations
Awesome!!
Fantastic
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Intimate Group - 12 max
Accommodations
Casa Gangotena, Quito
Casa Gangotena occupies a pivotal place in Quitos historic heart, at the corner of Plaza San Francisco. Its history stretches back to the time of the Incas when, according to the early Spanish chroniclers, in the 15th century the square featured Inca temples, one of them on the site of the present house. Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena features 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, contemporary design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technologies and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically-appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and to relax, whether in the dining room, glassed-in patio, garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, wood-paneled library, or atop its panoramic third-floor terrace.
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, Cotopaxi
Since the 15th century San Agustin de Callo has served as Inca fortress, Augustinian convent and temporary home for the French Geodesic Mission whose scientific results helped to determine the true shape of the planet. This exciting historical past has left the Hacienda with a unique energy and atmosphere that is rare and wonderful to encounter. Brick and stone pathways cut their way through natural landscaping and traditional buildings while horseback riding, trekking and fishing excursions provide guests an opportunity to explore the stunning surroundings in the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Rooms come fitted with king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces, music and cable TV.
Hacienda Abraspungo, Riobamba
The wonderful Hacienda Abraspungo is located at 2,754 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the magnificence of the Ecuadorian Andes. It is named after a glacial valley which is situated between the Chimborazo Volcano and Carihuairazo, in the exact center of Ecuador. Hacienda Abraspungo, with its comfortable, charming and high level installations, offers personalized service in the ideal spot to enjoy the peace and beauty of the Andes. Abraspungo offers 42 comfortable rooms which incorporate modern interior design elements within the framework of traditional, colonial architecture. Each room enjoys direct access to the magnificent gardens and the distinct social areas located within.
Hotel Mansion Alcazar, Cuenca
Located a quick walk from the famous square of Parque Calderon, Mansión Alcázar Boutique Hotel is located in a vibrant area of the city, close to well-known museums and churches. The republic style architecture adds the perfect element of elegance to this already refined structure. Guests can have a refreshing cocktail or glass of champagne out in the jasmine garden and enjoy the fantastic surroundings of the Hotel. Relaxing indoors is also an option, perhaps by the baby grand piano sipping a warm cup of tea. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city of Cuenca has everything visitors could want from it - beauty, nature and a vibrant life. And when they are not exploring the area, guests may want to sit and have a delicious meal at the hotel's Casa Alonso restaurant which serves international and local favorites.
Trip ID#:
aveofttra
What's excluded
- Air transportation
- Airport taxes
- Passport and visa expenses
- Laundry, alcohol, and all items of a personal nature
- Expenses of guides, buses or cars for sightseeing not included in the itinerary
- Excessive baggage charges
- Health, accident, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance
- Gratuity for any personal services
- Gratuity to the Travel Director
Meals Included
6 Breakfast, 4 Lunch & 2 Dinner
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By clicking «Send my questions» you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. An account will be created for you to track your submission and a temporary password will be emailed to you.
×
You can access members-only savings of up to $700 on over 6,000 Travelstride Select trips.
Sign in to see trip eligibility
With your FREE membership you get to:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
You could save $ 600 per person on this trip!
