Ecuador to the Avenue of Volcanoes

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Welcome to Ecuador

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met by your Kuoda host, who will escort you to the San Francisco de Quito hotel, check you in, review your itinerary and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2: Quito

Guided Tour of Quito

After breakfast, you will take a full-day guided visit of colonial Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your tour, you will visit the Old Town, including the Plaza de la Independencia, home to the tomb of Sucre and interesting 17th and 18th century paintings. You will also visit the Parque Alameda, which houses the oldest astronomical observatory in South America, as well as an impressive statue of Simon Bolivar.

You may also visit some of the markets, including the Indian market at Avenida de 24 de Mayo and the Ipiales market. Afterwards, you will continue to the Middle of the World Monument before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Quito to Otavalo to Cotacachi

Travel From Quito / Otavalo Market / Learn About Leather Crafts in Cotacachi

After breakfast, you will head north for a visit to the colorful crafts market of Otavalo. This is one of the most famous markets in South America, especially noted for its weavings. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products from the East were traded for highland products. Traditional dress is observed throughout the market.

After a delicious lunch, the trip continues to the town of Cotacachi, known as the leather capital of Ecuador. The people of Cotacachi will invite you to learn about their craft during your visit.

Day 4: Cotacachi to Quito

Espejo Condor Reserve / Golf / Horseback Riding / San Antonio de Ibarra

In the morning, you will visit the condor reserve at Espejo, where you will see Andean condors, an endangered species. You may also choose to play a round of golf at the 9-hole golf course located nearby, or you may opt to go horseback riding through the lovely countryside.

Later in the day, you will take a trip to San Antonio de Ibarra, renowned for its handmade wood crafts and stone sculptures. The carvings vary from tiny wooden boxes to sculptures of people. You will be able to visit the workshops and see various works in progress.

After lunch, you will return to Quito.

Day 5: Quito to Papallacta

Spa Treatments / Hiking in the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve

Day five takes you to Papallacta, an incredible natural spa and resort located one and a half hours from Quito. Papallacta is perched on a high Andean valley at the entrance to the "Cinnamon Trail," the same route that the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Orellana followed in 1542.

After lunch, you will have a choice between spa treatments or something a little more strenuous, such as a visit to the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve.

This reserve is composed of páramo primary forests, rivers, and lagoons. It is home to perhaps the greatest animal and plant diversity in Ecuador.

Day 6: Papallacta to Quito

Strolling Through Papallacta / Return to Quito

After breakfast, you will have free time to enjoy Papallacta before returning to Quito in the afternoon.

Day 7: Quito to Cotopaxi

Volcano Viewing / Inca Ruins / Open Air Market

You will begin the day by traveling south in private transportation through the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes towards Cotopaxi. You will pass the volcanoes, Pasochoa, Ruminahui, and Corazon on the journey, and arrive at the colonial Cienega Hacienda, located close to Cotopaxi, where you will spend the night.

After lunch, you will visit the Hacienda of San Agustin de Callo, which is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. It was built around 1440 AD by one of the last Inca emperors, Huayna Cápac, and to this day prevails as a magnificent sample of Inca construction. You will then visit an open air market in the area for an authentic display of local spices, fruits, and hand-woven ponchos.

Day 8: Cotopaxi

Leisure in Cotopaxi National Park

Enjoy a day of leisure at the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park. The heart of Cotopaxi National Park is the volcano of the same name. Note the great variety of fauna residing in the park, including white-tailed deer, rabbit, and Andean foxes. You can choose from activities such as horseback riding, walks in the area, or fishing in the nearby rivers.

You will have lunch at the hacienda before returning to Quito.

Day 9: Quito to Cuenca

Flight to Cuenca / Inca Ruins of Ingapirca

Early in the morning, your Kuoda host will take you to the airport for your flight to Cuenca, the most beautiful city in Ecuador. With its colonial air, towering steepled churches, cobblestone streets, and marble and whitewashed buildings, this beautifully preserved city has earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, you will travel outside of Cuenca to the famous Inca ruins of Ingapirca, the most important and the best-preserved Inca ruins of Ecuador. Marvel and the stone construction and visit the nearby museum before lunch and your return to Cuenca.

Day 10: Cuenca

Tour of Colonial Cuenca

Your morning will be spent on a guided tour through colonial Cuenca. Enjoy the cobblestone streets, 16th century homes, and the famous and fragrant flower market before lunch.

Spend a relaxing afternoon resting in your hotel or strolling through the city.

Day 11: Cuenca to Quito and Home

Return Home

After an early breakfast, your Kuoda representative will take you to the airport for your return flight to Quito. At the appropriate time, your Kuoda Quito host will take you to the airport for your international flight home.

All trips are private and will be customized to suit your individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at (800) 986-4150 for more information about our customized private tours to Ecuador.

Prices will be provided upon request, and will vary based on the specifics of your itinerary, and will depend on number of travel companions, number of days, types of accommodation etc.