ITINERARIES IN ECUADOR

In no other country in South America you can travel so easily and discover such a diversity of interesting cultures and beautiful nature than in Ecuador. We have set up several itineraries for you, like classical Ecuador roundtrips, Ecuador in modules and Ecuador in special themes, on which you can experience the best of Ecuador in a limited period of time.

The itineraries depend on arrival and departure times of different airlines, ships and the train to the legendary 'Devil's Nose'. The following examples are only proposals and can be altered any time according to your wishes and interests. We are more than glad to put together for you your individual travel itinerary free of charge and without obligation.

Ecuador in special themes:
"Avenue of the volcanoes" - Ruta del sol - Adventure route - Extreme adventure - Naturalist route - Cultural route - Relaxation route

Day 1-2: Quito, pearl of South America and World Cultural Heritage Site
Day 3: Pasochoa, acclimatisation in the nature reserve
Day 4: Illinizas, first climb
Day 5: Quilotoa, visit to the crater lake
Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park, mountain climb
Day 7: Baños, waterfalls and pure nature
Day 8-10: Riobamba and Chimborazo, ascending mountain and train ride
Day 11-12: Cuenca, colonial city to fall in love with
Day 13: Module to continue or return flight

Day 1: Quito
Arrival in Quito and transfer from the Mariscal Sucre Airport to hotel.

Day 2: Quito
This attractive and especially beautiful city is surrounded by snow-covered volcanoes, and lies only 22 kilometres from the Equator Line. Quito serves as starting point for your adventure through the Ecuadorian Andes. Optional city sightseeing tour.

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Day 3: Pasochoa
Begin your trip with the 500ha reserve of Pasochoa, which serves as first acclimatisation point to prepare you step by step for the great ascent of Chimborazo Volcano. It lies just about 30km southeast of Quito and you can observe a variety of birds and plants on the trail while ascending the extinct volcano up to the summit of 4200m. This luxuriant refuge is home to one of the last remaining stands of undisturbed humid Andean forest left in the central valley and plants like orchids, bromeliads and mountain palm trees contribute to the forest’s attractions.

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Day 4: Illinizas
Drive to the Ilinizas, two mountains about 60km south of Quito. Iliniza Sur (5248m) is Ecuador’s sixth-highest peak and a quite difficult ice climb for experienced mountaineers with technical equipment. Iliniza Norte (5126m) is suitable for fit, acclimatised and experienced hikers.

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Day 5: Quilotoa
The acclimatisation continues with the visit of the famous volcanic crater lake of Quilotoa about 14km north of Zumbahua. From the top of the crater there are beautiful views of the green lake below and the snow-capped Cotopaxi and Iliniza Sur in the distance. An expedition measured the lake, which is very alkaline and impossible to drink, at a depth of 250m.

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Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park
Since 11th August 1975 the area around Cotopaxi Volcano covering 34.000ha is a declared National Park. Main highlight is of course the worldwide highest active volcano, that is Cotopaxi Volcano with its 5897m. The snow giant attracts every year over 40.000 visitors with its surrounding páramo landscape, a unique, humid cold grass zone between 3500 and 4700m of altitude. From the José Riba shelter at 4800m you start your ascent to the peak of Cotopaxi just after midnight, which takes about 6 to 7 hours and is rewarded with a magnificient view of the sunset and the surrounding volcanoes.

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Day 7: Baños
About 3 hours south of Quito the town of Baños is located at an altitude of 1800m. Since 1999 the Tungurahua Volcano is active again and renders Baños a popular destination for volcano watching. The name of the town alone (Baños=baths) refers to a plethora of swimming pools partly using the thermal water of Tungurahua. Here you have time to relax and enjoy the town and its wonderful surroundings or to go on various outdoor activity trips.

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Day 8: Riobamba - Chimborazo
Drive to your final challenge, the inactive Chimborazo Volcano (6310m), which name means “snow-covered place that you must cross” and which is the highest mountain in Ecuador with its summit even further away from the centre of the Earth than the one of Mount Everest (8848m). The area of 58.000ha around Chimborazo distinguishes itself by its unique zone of mountain forest and páramo vegetation (high altitude grasslands), where one can find lamas, alpacas and even vicuñas. Drive to the lower hut of two refuges and ascend from here to the Edward Whymper hut at approx. 5000m.

Day 9: Riobamba - Chimborazo
Shortly after midnight you start the ascent to the summit of the volcano which is an adventure only for experienced mountaineers with snow- and ice-climbing gear. The normal route takes 8 to 10 hours to the summit and 2 to 4 hours to descend. Return and overnight stay in Hostería Abraspungo.

Day 9: Riobamba - Train ride
The capital of Chimborazo province is situated at an altitude of 2750m and offers a unique view of five of the most important volcanoes of Ecuador - Chimborazo, Altar, Tungurahua, Carihuairazo and Sangay - attracting many tourists. After climbing the highest mountain of Ecuador you will enjoy a train ride to the Devil's nose (La Nariz del Diablo) from Riobamba via and to Alausí. Extraordinary here is that most passengers do not sit in a compartment but rather on top of the train. This renders the ride of about 4 hours an unforgettable experience! Continue to Cuenca.

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Day 11: Cuenca
Cuenca is the third largest and probably the most beautiful city in Ecuador providing a unique flair with cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour with Gray Line or visit El Cajas National Park where you can go on hiking or horseback riding trips.

Day 12: Cuenca - El Cajas National Park
About 35km from Cuenca, the El Cajas National Park is located, covering a 28.808ha area of lakes. More than 230 lagoons and numerous rivers as well as a magnificent flora and fauna invite you to walks, horseback riding trips or hikes in the National Park.

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Day 13: Module to continue or return flight
Return flight to Quito or Guayaquil, Module Southern Ecuador

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Ecuador Roundtrip I - Ecuador Roundtrip II - Ecuador in modules - Ecuador in special themes