Private Tour Highlights
- Take a trip to the middle of the world, and see the monument that honors the correct location of the equator
- Stroll through South America’s largest indigenous market in Otavalo, known for its bright colors and diversity
- Enjoy the beautiful sights of Cotopaxi National Park’s snow-capped volcano, and enjoy lunch at one of the oldest haciendas
- Learn about one of the greatest rail engineering feats in the world aboard “Devils Nose” whilst marveling at spectacular Andean scenery
- Tour the city of Cuenca to admire the new and old Cathedrals, the City Museum, and the beautiful Park of the Flowers
- Observe the moorland vegetation and see spectacular rock formations while hiking through the glacier lakes of Cajas National Park
Tour Overview
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.
Inclusions
*Saquisili Market
Saquisili is one of the most colorful and complete Indian markets in Ecuador. The whole town is a market on Thursdays and one can walk around and shop for handicrafts of all kinds. Especially attractive is the animal market.
*Latacunga Market
The small city of Latacunga celebrates its market day in five plazas. This is a very colorful spectacle and a photographer’s delight.
*The Devil’s Nose train does not operate on Mondays.
*The colonial haciendas section of this tour operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Package Price: From £$ 3881
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Quito
Upon arrival in Quito, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.
Upon arrival in Quito, be greeted for airport reception and transferred to the hotel.
Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & The Equator
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The tour begins today with a visit to Independence Square where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. Also visit the Church of La Compania (1605), and enjoy a brief visit to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). The oldest Ecuadorian church, the collection of artwork here includes paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Leaving the churches, visit the recently restored 24 De Mayo Boulevard, named after the battle which sealed Ecuador´s independence.
Also visit La Ronda Street in Old Quito. Lined with colonial houses and inspired by painters, poets, musicians and historians, this visit gives a taste of traditional Quito. The tour will then continue 30-minutes outside of Quito, towards the Middle of the World. Visit the main Monument honoring the correct location of the equator and visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument. Or, visit the Inti Nan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses. ...read less
Otavalo
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The Indian markets in Ecuador are well known for their color and diversity. Otavalo is the most famous of the markets. It operates every day but main market day is on Saturdays. Driving north from Quito, the trip begins in Cayambe, where one is invited to savor the local specialty biscuits or "Bizcochos" before arriving in the province of Imbabura, also known as "the Province of Lakes".
While approaching Otavalo, one 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, head for Cotocachi, a town renowned for its handmade leather goods.
If time allows, also visit Cuicocha, an ancient, eroded volcanic crater famous for the deep lake found within it. Lunch is included. Note: One may also spend one night at a hacienda near Quito. Please consult with a Yampu travel consultant. ...read less
Quito - Cotopaxi NP – Banos
This morning, be greeted at the hotel in Quito and transferred privately to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and will have an optional hike. Later, head to the Hacienda La Cienega, one of the oldest haciendas dating back to the seventeenth century, for a tasty lunch (included). After lunch, stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (if Tuesday or Saturday). Transfer to Banos for an evening of leisure. Lunch included.
This morning, be greeted at the hotel in Quito and transferred privately to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and will have an optional hike. Later, head to the Hacienda La Cienega, one of the oldest haciendas dating back to the seventeenth century, for a tasty lunch (included). After lunch, stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (if Tuesday or Saturday). Transfer to Banos for an evening of leisure. Lunch included.
Banos – Riobamba
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the Banos waterfalls including Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo and Ines Maria. During the visit, enjoy tastes of the local juice of sugar cane and melcochas. In the afternoon, transfer to Riobamba, visiting a local Indian Market en route (if open on that day).
After breakfast, enjoy a visit to the Banos waterfalls including Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo and Ines Maria. During the visit, enjoy tastes of the local juice of sugar cane and melcochas. In the afternoon, transfer to Riobamba, visiting a local Indian Market en route (if open on that day).
Riobamba – Devils Nose Train – Ingapirca – Cuenca
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Very early in the morning, after breakfast, we drive to the town of Alausi for a train ride to the famous “Devil’s Nose”. Due to the land topography, this portion is a masterpiece of railway engineering, commonly named “the most difficult railway in the world”. The descent is not an ordinary one, we start the ride at an altitude of 2,346 meters and go down to 1,860 meters in just 30 minutes, in a zigzag-carved railway tracks. Afterward the guide and driver will bring you to Tolte Community to enjoy the following activities.
- You will be able to descend 330 stairs up to a view point, perfect place to appreciate the zig-zag from Devil’s Nose and take fabulous pictures.
- You may choose between horse-back riding or biking tour in the surrounding areas of the local community to enjoy the landscape and see in a deeper way the local lifestyle (around 25 to 30 minutes)
- Enjoy a lunch prepared by the local community (gourmet meals). There will be a Dancing show during lunch time.
- Passengers will receive a key ring from devil’s nose train ride as souvenir
- Passengers are able to take pictures with the llama and local people without additional cost.
- Passengers are able to visit an organic local farm to see the where the community develops agro-tourism and produce the vegetables that will be served at the restaurant during the meals.
Return and travel south to Cuenca, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca en route. This evening, overnight in Cuenca. Box lunch included.
Please note this train does not operate on Mondays.
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Cuenca
This morning, 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, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Quito (one may also choose to spend an extra night in Cuenca, please consult with a Yampu travel consultant).
This morning, 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, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Quito (one may also choose to spend an extra night in Cuenca, please consult with a Yampu travel consultant).
El Cajas National Park, Guayaquil
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In the morning, head to the Pacific Coast where one will pass through the splendid natural beauty of El Cajas National Park; a paradise for hikers. Participate in a moderate hike through some of the 230 glacier lakes observing moorland vegetation with amazing micro flora and see spectacular rock formations. Lunch will be at a local restaurant or a packed lunch.
Take a city tour of Guayaquil’s downtown to see a nice view of the old city by visiting Las Penas Neighborhood, located at the slopes of Santa Ana Hill. Visit La Rotonda, an important monument that immortalizes the meeting between Simon Bolivar and San Martin, The Moorish Clock Tower, Seminario Park also well known as the Iguanas Park and the Centenario Park. ...read less
Flight Home
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with a Galapagos cruise or excursion of one’s choice.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with a Galapagos cruise or excursion of one’s choice.
Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
Banos, Tungurahua, Ecuador
Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
Riobamba, Chimborazo, Ecuador
Places You'll See
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Quito
The magnificent city of Quito is bursting with cultural, historical, and artistic character. Along with its scenic parks such as Parque La Carolina, visit its enchanting museums like the Museo del Banco Central. Take a trip to the Mitad del Mundo, or the “Middle of the World”, where the first measurements to prove the earth was round, were taken.
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Banos
On the foothills of the Tungurahua Volcano, lies the city of Banos. One of the final cities before reaching the depths of the Amazon, Banos offers many exciting activities to take in. Enjoy the picturesque waterfalls, such as the famous Cascada de La Virgin, or take on nature with jungle tours, rafting, bungee jumping and so much more at the capital of adventure!
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Cuenca
Well known for its stunning and historical architecture, Cuenca is a City that holds a great amount of history. Visit the historic center of the city that has been named a UNESCO Heritage Site with its historical structures. Take a tour of The Ruins of the former Inca Empire, Ingapirca, and learn of these ancient people.
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Riobamba
One of the stops along the Pan-American-Highway is the scenic Riobamba. One cannot miss the views of the surrounding mountain ranges including Ecuador’s highest mountain, Chimborazo. Visit the local art museums and its neoclassical basilica, Parque La Libertad, to absorb the areas culture and history.
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Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
La Casona de la Ronda
Quito , ECUADOR
La Casona de la Ronda is a delightful, authentic Spanish Colonial style boutique hotel with a gentle, calming feel built in an old 1738 Mansion. The rooms are attractively decorated beyond your expectations featuring hand carved furniture by local master craftsmen, polished fine wood flooring, spacious and comfortable with a deluge shower in the bathroom. Even though it is an old “La Casona” it offers modern services us as free Wi-Fi, a full service restaurant, a buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and dinner, and room service available.
Hotel Carlota Quito
Quito , ECUADOR
CARLOTA is a boutique hotel in a renovated historical house within the Historic district of Quito. The house was built at the turn of the century circa 1905. In 1966 Doña Carlota Echeverría de Moreno acquired this house, which would be her home and her family’s for over 40 years.
CARLOTA began in 2011, with the intent of preserving a historical landmark of great value to the city and to Doña Carlota. At the same time the hotel aims to contribute to the city with an intimate, exclusive and innovative hospitality proposal that will enrich what the historic district has to offer.
UNESCO declared Quito’s Historic District a “World Heritage Site” in 1978. The National Government and Municipio de Quito have taken actions to recover the historic district and to turn it into the most important tourist destination in Ecuador and in Latin America. The city of Quito has been distinguished as best tourist destination in Latin America for the last three consecutive years (2013-2016).
Sangay Spa Hotel
Banos , ECUADOR
The Sangay Spa Hotel is located next to an impressive 80 meter waterfall and across the street from the most famous thermal baths in the City of Baños, ´La Virgen´ which have stimulating health restoring properties. Baños Tungurahua Ecuador, a thermal bath destination offers peace and quiet during week days, fun and plenty of activities on weekends. The 84 years of experience delivering quality service to its customers makes Sangay the best option for lodging in one of the most important tourist destinations of Ecuador.
Hotel Victoria
Cuenca , ECUADOR
The Hotel Victoria is a first class hotel located in the ravine of the city of Cuenca, on the River Tomebamba. Its face is a beautiful mixture of bourgeois aristocrat construction, and the brick and marble interior is decorated with typical elements of the culture. The rooms have large windows, overlooking the beautiful garden and city, which keep them brightly lit. They are decorated with stylish furnishings and are equipped with cable TVs and private bathrooms. The Garden Restaurant offers some of the best cuisine in the country, the back garden offers peace and tranquility with breathtaking views, and El Barril bar serves more than 100 labels of wine and specialty cocktails.
Chimborazo Lodge
Riobamba , ECUADOR
Located on the foothill of Chimborazo Volcano, Chimborazo Lodge offers rooms with heating in Chimborazo Natural reserve. There is a restaurant, and free parking is provided. Riobamba is 22.4 miles away.
Decorated with wooden gabled roofs, rooms at Chimborazo Lodge offer mountain views. All of them have shared bathroom facilities.
Breakfast and dinner are served daily. International dishes can be ordered at the property’s restaurant.
Chimborazo Lodge is the only property located within the reserve. Ambato is 49.7 miles away.
5 Star Properties
Hotel Mama Cuchara
Quito , ECUADOR
Situated in the best-preserved, least altered historic center of UNESCO’s world heritage sites in Latin America – the Historical Center of Quito – Hotel Mama Cuchara enjoys an ideal location among the hotels in Quito’s historic center, a walkable distance from the Plaza Santo Domingo, La Ronda, and many of the city’s most popular historical sites.
Faithful to the Art Hotels brand concept, Hotel Mama Cuchara indulges the keen traveler with a private collection of art complemented by rotating exhibits of various Ecuadorian artists. Proceeds from sales of art directly benefit the artists and their community.
Hotel Mama Cuchara breathes new life into the Historic Center of Quito, linking the service and design of Art Hotels Ecuador’s brand with the Historic Center’s charm.
Within all of our properties, the ethos is the same—to passionately and authentically mix old with new and create an artistic, creative approach to luxury hospitality.
Illa Experience Hotel
Quito , ECUADOR
Hotel Illa offers a unique cultural experience for guests in Quito’s warmest and most welcoming traditional neighborhood. Something beyond bricks and mortar, beds and breakfasts. For generations, San Marcos has been home to artists, writers and musicians. Its present-day charm owes much to the tight-knit community of residents. It’s the perfect setting for our experience hotel.
Samari Spa & Resort
Banos , ECUADOR
In Quechua, Samari means “relax and feel at home”. Samari Spa Resort is the result of 8 years of hard work and a vision which took into consideration thousands of details with the final objective of offering guests a destination with a unique style of providing relaxation and well-being. Samari offers 37 luxurious rooms which provide comfortable beds with double goose down duvet covers, TVs, wireless internet, mini-bars, and a spacious bathroom which includes a bathtub. Guests can relax at Samari Spa featuring body and facial treatments, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and massage. The hotel also offers a gourmet restaurant serving regional cuisine.
Banos : Luna Volcan Adventure Spa
Luna Volcan Adventure Spa
Banos , ECUADOR
Experience newly renovated rooms and romantic suites at Luna Volcán, Adventure SPA in Baños, Ecuador. Our themed rooms and suites feature electronic locks, energy saving devices, queen and king size beds, fireplaces, eco-heated floors, hydromassage bath tubs and terraces with spectacular views, designed to accommodate the new ways in which you travel, love and recharge.
Santa Lucia
Cuenca , ECUADOR
Hotel Santa Lucia is a beautiful colonial hotel located in the center of Cuenca. Just two street blocks from the central park, it has twenty exquisite decorated rooms. Each room is different from each other and they have all the comfort of a modern style room. Inside the hotel there are three restaurants considered some of the best restaurants of the city, serving regional and international cuisine. The rooms showcase Baroque influences and generate a regal atmosphere, and are equipped with Cable TV, minibars, and work desks. Guests can also enjoy a daily buffet style breakfast.
San Juan Hotel
Cuenca , ECUADOR
San Juan Hotel is a large historic home converted to a luxury Hotel with a charming environment offering the pleasure of resting in old colonial style. San Juan offers 25 colonial style rooms, fully equipped with flat screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi accessible throughout the hotel, a quiet reading area, a cozy relaxation area, and a full American style breakfast, served daily, providing juices, fruits, and eggs. There is also an onsite restaurant and café, serving traditional dishes from Cuenca, prepared using the freshest produce of the region.
Riobamba : Hacienda Abraspungo
Hacienda Abraspungo
Riobamba , ECUADOR
The wonderful Hacienda Abraspungo is located at 2,754 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the magnificence of the Ecuadorian Andes. Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo Riobamba Ecuador has 38 comfortable rooms that are unique by each bearing the name of a different mountain in Ecuador. They are furnished and equipped to meet all customer needs, making them a perfect place to relax, and have direct access to beautiful gardens. The Novoandina kitchen of Abraspungo creates special dishes, mixing culinary gourmet techniques with local flavors.
Luxury Properties
Casa Gangotena
Quito , ECUADOR
Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito harbors 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, a fine mix of classic architecture, contemporary interior design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technology and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically-appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and relax, whether in its dining room, at the glassed-in patio, in the garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, at the elegant indoors Sitting Room by the patio or atop its panoramic third-floor terrace.
Cruz del Vado
Cuenca , ECUADOR
Testimonials
Jodi from Australia
Traveled May, 2009
I would love to encourage people to enjoy the same amazing experience as I had
We are back from our trip and I wanted to say a special thank-you for everything that you have helped us with. The trip was unbelievable; we had the best time of our lives. If I had it over I would not change a thing!We are definitely interested in a central-american tour, maybe in a few years time and I would not dream of going anywhere but straight back to you to help me plan it!!!! I’m also more than happy for you to use me as a reference; I would love to encourage people to enjoy the same amazing experience as I had!Thanks again for everything 🙂
Traveled To
John and Patty J.
Traveled October, 2014
John and I had a fabulous time on the trip you planned for us in Peru and Ecuador.
John and I had a fabulous time on the trip you planned for us in Peru and Ecuador.You planned every part of our trip down to the last detail, and we are happy to report that all went as planned! We were met at every flight by the guides who did an excellent job of teaching us about the areas we were visiting.They made each day interesting and fun. All of our accommodations were excellent, we especially appreciated the splash pool in our cabana at Inkaterra Amazonica. The weather there was very hot and humid, so being able to cool off in our private pool was a luxury! The one day hike into Machu Picchu was perfect. It gave us a taste of what hiking the Inka Trail was like. For us, it was a great alternative to hiking 4 or more days. We were able to see so many other places to add to our experience, without adding too many more days to our trip.
Traveled To
Raymond F.
Traveled June, 2013
Overall the trip was a success
Overall the trip was a success all went according to plan which is very good given the number of locations etc. we enjoyed the three countries. We enjoyed Costa Rica the most with lots of wildlife sightings there and friendly people, but Mexico was close behind and apart from the Mayan ruins which lived up to expectations we did see quite a lot of wildlife there too.
Traveled To
