Ecuador

Starting Price:	£2,257.00
Trip Length:	9 days
Includes airfare allowance from London (UK)

Otavalo Market

Quito

Bańos

Quito, Ave of Volcanoes, Cuenca & Otavalo with Haciendas

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

Explore the volcanoes, highlands, and Haciendas of Ecuador on this Yampu program. This trip will begin in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Here we will enjoy a city tour ending with a trip to “La Mitad del Mundo” or the middle of the world. Travel down the Avenue of the Volcanoes making stops at Cotopaxi National Park, Devil’s Nose train ride, and Cuenca. This trip will conclude with a stay at the lovely Hacienda Pinsaqui.

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 London (UK), on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via London; 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.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
Visited Cities:
Quito, Banos, Cuenca, Riobamba

Day 1

Upon arrival in Quito you will be greeted for airport reception and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2

Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & the Equator
Your tour begins today with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. You 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, you 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 you will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, El Panecillo for 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 you 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 transfer 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, you will try its famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese. As you 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), 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

Riobamba – Devils Nose Train – Ingapirca – Cuenca
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

While traveling through the landscapes of the Andes, visit to colonial haciendas and rose plantations. Haciendas have always been important in the history of Ecuador. During this visit you will learn about all forms of production and w also about the process of planting roses, its industry and latest technology. The rose business in Ecuador is one of the most important businesses and it has the second place in the world for rose exportation. Continuing north, you will reach the Colonial Hacienda, which dates back to the seventeenth century. It was one of the important haciendas in the colony not only for its size, production or livestock but also for the number of historical events that took place there. After lunch (included), you will continue across the Equator and the valley of Cayambe, rich in cattle and dairy product production, to reach the province of Imbabura. A few stops can be made along the way for the awesome scenery of stunning volcanoes and impressive views of the San Pablo Lagoon. There will be another, brief, visit to the indigenous colorful Otavalo market. If time allows us, on the way to a traditional hacienda where we will lodge we will make a short visit to the felt hat makers of Iluman. Tonight, spend an evening at your leisure at the lovely Hacienda Pinsaqui.

Day 9

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.
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.
Riobamba
3-star	Hacienda Abraspungo, or similar.
4-star	San Pedro de Riobamba, or similar.
5-star	Hacienda Abraspungo (suite), or similar.

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

Occupancy Type	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star	Deluxe
Double	£2257	£2474	£2745	£3524
Single	£3293	£3629	£4250	£5702

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