Ecuador with Luxury & Style (9 Days): Sample Itinerary Outline
ID #: DT-E-9-3-9-10-BESI
Day 1: Depart for Quito, ECUADOR
Rich in history, Quito — at an altitude of more than 9,100 feet — is
the second highest capital city in the world and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. ►Some suggested Quito hotels (in alphabetical order): Casa Gangotena (V) Hotel Plaza Grande, Quito Swissôtel
Quito ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
Day 2: Quito, ECUADOR
Embark on a walking tour of Quito's Old Town to see San Francisco
Church and its religious art museum, La Compañía Church and the
Cathedral. Stroll Independence Square before heading to Panecillo
Hill. Then the chef of El Claustro Restaurant hosts your lunch and
shows you how to prepare popular Ecuadorian recipes. Afterward, take
in the beauty (and aroma) at Ecuagenera, the largest orchid exporter
in the country. ►For Quito hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 3: Quito / Cotopaxi, ECUADOR
Explore the Antisana Nature Reserve, where ecosystems range from the
high mountain habitats to the rainforest. See the Antisanilla lava
flow that left spectacular rocky waves in the landscape along the
Isco River. Pause for a picnic lunch before continuing along the
"Avenue of the Volcanoes." ►Suggested hotel: Hacienda San
Agustin de Callo
Day 4: Cotopaxi / Riobamba, ECUADOR
Drive through the Andes to see Lake Quilotoa, a breathtaking
aquamarine crater lake, and visit the small Andean village of Tigua,
known for its traditional art. Continue to Riobamba, known as the
"Sultan of the Andes." Its picturesque Old Town is graced with
colonial architecture. ►Suggested hotel: Hosteria Abraspungo
Day 5: Riobamba, ECUADOR
Hike through Carihuayrazo Vicuñas Reservation to the Abraspungo
Valley. On a clear day, in the distance you can see the Sangay
volcano and Altar, a jagged, snow-covered crater. Try to spot some
of the wild vicuña who call the area home. ►Suggested hotel: Hosteria Abraspungo
Day 6: Riobamba / Cuenca, ECUADOR
Drive to the important Incan ruins of Ingapirca, once a political
and religious center used for worshiping the sun. Continue to your
boutique hotel in Cuenca. ►Suggested hotel: Mansión Alcazar
Day 7: Cuenca / El Cajas / Cuenca, ECUADOR
Leave Cuenca and drive to El Cajas National Park. View glacial
lakes, unusual rock formations, breathtaking waterfalls and an array
of exotic wildlife, including condor, in this natural wonder. You
have the option of going trout fishing while you are here. ►Suggested hotel: Mansión Alcazar
Day 8: Cuenca / Quito, ECUADOR
Notice the blue-domed, neo-Gothic cathedral that dominates Cuenca's
skyline. Visit it before stopping at the Cañari ruins at Pumapungo.
Then explore the Conceptas Museum's collection of religious art.
Cuenca is known for its Panama hats, and you have the opportunity to
visit a Panama hat factory. After lunch, stop at the jewelry
workshop of Simón Cordero, a prestigious jewelry designer who has
won several prizes for his silver pieces. Later, board a flight to
Quito. ►For Quito hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 9: Quito,
ECUADOR / Depart for Home
Board your homebound flight.