Highlights of Ecuador

• Round trip economy class airfare from Miami to Quito (other US gateways available)
• Economy class air fare within Ecuador as per itinerary
• 6 nights hotel accommodation (Quito 4, Riobamba 1, Cuenca 1) with breakfast daily.
• All transfers between airport/hotel/airport with assistance and baggage handling.
• Full day guided tour of Quito.
• Full day guided tour to Otavalo with lunch.
• Two days guided tour to Cotopaxi, Riobamba, Ingapirca, and Cuenca as per itinerary with lunch daily.
• Hotel service charges and taxes.
• Entrance fees on included sightseeing.
• English speaking professional tour guides.
• Meals as per itinerary B = breakfast (6), L = lunch (3)
• FreeGate travel bag and document portfolio.

Day 1: USA-QUITO
Depart USA to Quito. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight. Balance of day at leisure.

Day 2: QUITO-COTOPAXI- RIOBAMBA (B,L)
After an early departure, driving to the south of Quito, visit Ecuador's first National Park, Cotopaxi the highest active volcano on earth, is the main attraction. You can explore the Andean moorlands with species of highland birds, or hike up to the snow line (4,800-m/ 15.800 ft), afterwards, drive by a side of Ambato, city of flowers and fruits. On the road to Riobamba, you will pass by the Igualata ridge on the Urbina moorlands, the highest point on the Pan-American Highway at the base of Ecuador's highest mountain the snow capped Chimborazo (6.310 m. / 20.697 ft.). Riobamba is the birthplace of Ecuador's first constitution, in 1830. A short tour of Riobamba includes its French-influenced plazas, and the Cathedral. Admire the city from Quito Hill and learn about Ecuador's history from its murals. Arrive to one of Riobamba's country inns for a well-deserved rest, surrounded by volcanoes.

Day 3: RIOBAMBA-INGAPIRCA- CUENCA (B,L)
After breakfast, start your day with a drive through some of the most picturesque indigenous areas of the country, passing by Balbanera Chapel, the oldest Catholic chapel in the country, until you reach the Alaus? train station. If the train is available, you will experience the adventure of going from the high Andes to the low lands through the Devil's Nose. Box Lunch and back on the road again, as high as 3,100 m. / 10.168 ft., see Ingapirca, the most important religious and political monument left by the Incas in Ecuador and the many pre-Columbian cultures that once dwelled in this area. As you walk around the ruins, it will be easier to imagine why this site was chosen. Drive to Cuenca for overnight.

Day 5: CUENCA-QUITO (B)
To most visitors, Cuenca is the prettiest colonial city in the country. After breakfast, let its cobblestone streets, graceful wrought-iron balconies, and flowered plazas captivate you. Its market places and handicrafts are living testimony to the region's rich indigenous & artisan heritage. The handsome sunlit domes of the cathedral, the quiet convents and museums, the city's romantic Tomebamba river flanked by overhanging houses are part of an experience that no one should miss. A visit to a straw-hat export enterprise is scheduled. Lunch. In the afternoon, transfer out for your flight to Quito. Meeting and assistance and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: QUITO (OTAVALO) (B,L)
Today you will visit the towns of Otavalo and Peguche, known for their weavings and some of the best handicrafts. Continue to Coatacachi known for its leather works and then to San Antonio de Ibarra for its excellent woodcarvings. Lunch is included in an old restored hacienda, now a country Inn (Hosteria Chorlavi). Driving back to Quito you will admire the fascinating agricultural mosaic of rural Ecuador.

Day 7: QUITO (B)
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador founded in 1534, as well as the former capital of the northern Inca Empire. It is called the city of eternal spring and displays some of the finest architecture. A tour of the city takes you through the colonial center to see the Legislative Palace, the impressive monastery of San Augustin, Plaza of Independence, La Compania Church, Cathedral of San Francisco, cloisters and the museum. Continue to the Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon you will visit both the Equatorial Monument located at latitude 0'(It provides the irresistible opportunity to stand in both hemispheres), and the museum (snack is included).

Day 8: QUITO-USA (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Departure Dates & Prices

DEPART USA: Monday or Friday (other departures available)

Prices for this tour are currently being updated. Please call 1-888-FREEGATE (1-888-373-3428) OR use the "BOOK THIS TOUR" button below to receive an up-to-date price quotation