Ecuador

Starting Price:	$2,629.00
Trip Length:	8 days
Includes airfare allowance from Miami (US)

The Highlands

Cathedral in Cuenca

Cotopaxi Volcano

Quito, Ave of Volcanoes, Cuenca and Otavalo

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

This trip will take you through the highlands of Ecuador. We will visit Quito, the colonial capital city; tour the larges handicrafts market at Otavalo; tour Cotopaxi National Park surrounding a beautiful snow capped volcano; take the famous Devil’s Nose train from the small village of Alausí; and visit Cuenca, thought of by many as the most attractive city in Ecuador.

There are no set dates for our trips; you choose your own. Your travel consultant will be able to design an itinerary according to your specific dates, also we recommend adding a Galapagos extension to any of these programs.

This tour includes airfare allowance from Miami (US), on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via Miami; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Day 1

Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & the Equator
The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compańia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red-and-gold columns and ceilings. Afterward we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church, and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Finally we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, El Panecillo, where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see an old church with the famous “winged virgin” of Quito. After visiting the colonial and modern areas of the city, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) with its 30-meter-high monument marking the equatorial line and excellent ethnographical museum.

Day 3

Otavalo Indian Market, Cayambe and Cotocachi
Today you will drive north toward the Province of Lakes, Imbabura. Enjoy an exciting trip by visiting Guayabamba valley, taste its exotic fruits, cross the Equator Line and arrive at Cayambe, the world’s highest point where the Equator Line crosses. In Cayambe we will try its famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese. As we approach Otavalo, you will have stunning views of the San Pablo Lake with the high peak of Imbabura Volcano behind it. Next is the town of Otavalo, home of the largest indigenous market of its kind in South America. After lunch in one of the local haciendas (included), we head for Cotocachi, a town renowned for its handmade leather goods. Upon return to Quito, transfer to your hotel. Note: you may also spend one night at a hacienda near Quito. Please consult with your Yampu travel consultant.

Day 4

Quito - Cotopaxi NP – Baños
This morning you will be greeted at your hotel in Quito and transferred privately to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here you will admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and will have an optional hike. Later, you will head to the Hacienda La Cienega, one of the oldest haciendas dating back to the seventeenth century, for a tasty lunch (included). After lunch, you will stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (if Tuesday or Saturday), please see information on these markets below. Transfer to Banos for an evening at your leisure. Lunch included.

Day 5

Baños – Riobamba
After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Baños waterfalls including Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo and Ines Maria. During your visit you will enjoy tastes of the local juice of sugar cane and melcochas. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Riobamba, visiting a local Indian Market en route (if open on that day).

Day 6

Alausí - Devil's Nose Train
Early in the morning you will drive to the village of Alausí, enjoying spectacular mountain views on the way. Here you will take a ride on the famous "Devil's Nose" train. Return and travel south to Cuenca, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca en route. This evening, you will overnight in Cuenca. Box lunch included.
Please note this train does not operate on Mondays.

Day 7

Cuenca
This morning you will enjoy a city tour of Cuenca visiting the Calderon Park, the new and old Cathedral, the Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Canari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the airport to take your flight to Quito (you may also choose to spend an extra night in Cuenca, please consult with your Yampu travel consultant).

Day 8

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with a Galapagos cruise or excursion of your choice.

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

Quito
3-star	NU House, Vieja Cuba (Room Class AA), Reina Isabel or similar.
4-star	Mercure Alameda, Dann Carlton, Stubel Suites, Cafe Cultura, or similar.
5-star	Swissotel, Casa Aliso (boutique), Hilton Deluxe room, Le Parc Boutique Hotel, or similar.
Deluxe	Plaza Grande (Royal Suite) or Casa Gangotena (Balcony Jr. Suite)
Banos
3-star	Sangay (Cabanas), or similar.
4-star	Sangay (executive room), or similar.
5-star	Luna Runtun, Samari Spa & Resort, or similar.
Riobamba
3-star	Hacienda Abraspungo, or similar.
4-star	San Pedro de Riobamba, or similar.
5-star	Hacienda Abraspungo (suite), or similar.
Cuenca
3-star	Hotel Victoria, or similar.
4-star	Hotel Crespo, Hotel San Juan, Hotel Santa Lucia, or similar.
5-star	Mansion Alcazar Boutique Hotel, or similar.

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

Occupancy Type	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star	Deluxe
Double	$2629	$3009	$3359	$4549
Single	$3979	$4669	$5439	$7639

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