VOLCANOES AVENUE TO CUENCA

THE VOLCANOES AVENUE AND CUENCA - 5 DAYS

Visit some of the most outstanding places that combine nature, culture and adventure in each of the trips. Ecuador is divided into four regions. We have developed a short circuit highlighting the best of the Ecuadorian Andes, where we will visit the largest active volcano in the world, the Cotopaxi volcano. We will continue along the route of the Andes where we will have the opportunity to admire charming landscapes that will lead us to discover the Andean culture as well as the diverse flora and fauna. A short but charming tour.

TREKKING

PHOTOGRAPHY

NATURE

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Cotopaxi National Park: In it we can find the largest active volcano in the world (5897 mts.) Also a lagoon where we can see animals typical of the Andean area and with luck the most emblematic animal of Ecuador, the condor.
Baños: Also known as "Piece of Heaven", "Gateway to the Amazon", "Puerta de El Dorado" or "City of the Volcano". It is the land of rivers to practice extreme sports.
Ingapirca: which means "Inca Wall" was, above all, an astronomical observatory of the movement of the sun and the moon, it was also a sacred space dedicated to the worship of their gods built by the Incas on the basis of a first Cañarí settlement, which populated the southern Ecuadorian.
Cuenca: it is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It was declared a World Heritage Site for its unique beauty.
Chordeleg: Its cantonal center is a tourist destination par excellence in the Province of Azuay, called the “Chorro de Oro”, due to the etymology of its name and above all because of the different workshops and warehouses that sell jewelery in gold, silver and other precious metals.

ITINERARY DAY BY DAY

Below you can review the description of this magnificent tour.

DAY 1: TRANSFER AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL

Welcome to Ecuador, a small but certainly charming country full of adventures. Our Guide will meet you at the Airport, welcome you and give you an introduction on the tour of the Avenue of the Volcanoes - 5 days. He will transfer you to his hotel in Quito where he will spend the night.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (- / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (- / - / -)

DAY 2: COTOPAXI FULL DAY – BAÑOS

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to transfer you to one of the most emblematic points of Ecuador, the Cotopaxi volcano, considered the largest active volcano in the world at 5897 meters high (19,347 feet high). During our stay in the National Park, we will admire its natural environment, its Flora and Fauna with the explanations of your naturalist guide. We will try to ascend to the refuge located at 4,810 m (15,392 ft high). Since the Cotopaxi Volcano is active at this time, the ascent will be granted by the National Park authorities. We will also walk around Lake Limpiopungo that is located at the foot of the volcano to observe some birds from the Páramo region (Andean Grasslands). On a clear day, the view of the volcano reflected on the lake's surface is magnificent. We make a brief visit to the small museum that talks about the park, its nature, wildlife and the eruptions of the central axis of the park. Once we are up, we will take a short break at the refuge before continuing to the nearby glacier. Enjoy incredible photo opportunities and spectacular scenery on ice walls and deep crevasses. After this visit we will take the South Pan-American Highway and head towards "Baños de Agua Santa". A beautiful city located near the active Tungurahua Volcano.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: La Floresta or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Luna Volcan or similar (subject to availability) (B / - /D)

DAY 3: BAÑOS - ROUTE OF THE CASCADES - TRIP TO RIOBAMBA

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit the surroundings of the town. We will take the "path of the waterfalls" where you will visit the different waterfalls in the area such as: Agoyan, Manto de la Novia and San Pedro, and you will also be able to enjoy the famous "Tarabita", a small cable car that crosses the great canyon over the Pastaza River. Then we will do a trekking to get to "El Pailon del Diablo"; a beautiful waterfall where we can have the opportunity to walk through the cloud forest. Time for lunch in the town (not included) and then we will go to Riobamba.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Casa Real or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Andaluza or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)

DAY 4: RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA

We will enjoy a visit to the Colta and Balbanera lagoons located in a picturesque Andean town, where there is a peaceful lagoon in whose waters Chimborazo is reflected on clear and sunny days; the railway and the town of Cajabamba. This beautiful lagoon is known in the Puruhá language as “Kulta Kucha”, which means “Duck Lagoon”. The Colta lagoon is unique. It is a large elongated mirror of water, surrounded by exuberant vegetation. It can be seen from the road in all its splendor, adorned by the Chimborazo and by an impressive nature, with unique Andean landscapes. It is said that the first Spanish foundation of the capital city took place here, its founder, Diego de Almagro, this foundation was not recognized and gave rise to a later foundation at the foot of Pichincha in December 1534. Laguna de Colta allows activities such as: walks, photography, flora and fauna observation, landscape observation and adventure. Here the first church of Ecuador was built. Then we will take the most interesting and legendary train "Tren de los Andes" over the famous Devil's nose (3 hours approx.). **The train trip is not operating at the moment; the excursion will be included when the train company is back in operation**. Our journey continues to the most important Inca Archaeological Complex in Ecuador, the Ingapirca Fortress. In the surroundings, we will see how the famous artisans make what used to be known as "Panama Hats" since, due to an appropriation, they are now famously known as "Toquilla Straw Hats". After this interesting visit, we headed towards the beautiful city of Cuenca.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Hotel Carvallo or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: Mansion Alcazar or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 5: CITY TOUR IN CUENCA - GUALACEO - CHORDELEG - FLIGHT TO QUITO

City tour around the city visiting the most important churches and monuments of this beautiful city, cultural heritage of humanity. Then we will visit El Turi, a natural hill where we can have an incredible panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon we will visit Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two of the most important towns near the city famous for their crafts made with gold and silver, and for their colonial traditions. Night flight back to Quito. Transfer to your hotel in Quito. Accommodation at Hotel Reina Isabel (or similar) We have reached the end of our services for ECUADOR GREEN TRAVEL, it was a real pleasure to have shared the best of Ecuador with you.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)

The VOLCANOES Avenue to Cuenca 5 Days - 2023

** All prices are per person. The tour can operate any date with a minimum of 2 people**

HOTEL CATEGORIES	PRICE PER PERSON
TOURIST CLASS	$1032 USD
FIRST CLASS	$1473 USD

REQUEST INFORMATION

INCLUDE:

Meals according to the program.
Private transportation throughout the program with English speaking guide - driver
Transfer airport – hotel – airport
Accommodation in hotels according to your choice in double accommodation
Excursions according to itinerary
Plane tickets Cuenca - Quito
Entrance fees to the museums during the program