Spirit of the Andes 4 days/3 nights

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Price from:
919.00 US$
per person

A four-day immersion in the Andean World, from Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Cuenca, through the spectacular scenery of the Andes, with visits to centenary Haciendas, fertile fields of vegetables and roses, in close contact with the local culture. This is a journey along the history, the spirituality, the flavours, the customs, traditions and legends of the Andean Region.

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito-  Cotopaxi National Park - Hacienda San Agustín de Callo – Patate

Early departure from Quito by motorcar on the Pan-American Highway to the south, to visit the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level.  The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, along valleys and mountains covered by multicolored fields. After an hour and a half, the entrance to the park is reached and then it’s up a dirt road for approximately one hour.  Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna at the small Interpretation Center.

Travel along valleys and mountains to the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, for an up-close view of the Andean paramo habitat and its unique flora and fauna; a number of high-altitude birds can be observed around Limpiopungo Lagoon, and occasionally, wild horses.  On clear days, the perfect snow-capped cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano is quite a sight!  At the foot of the volcano not far from the National Park is a charming hacienda, where lunch is served in a room with Inca walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries -a truly archaeological jewel.  After lunch, mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation, many varieties, many colours, ready for exportation. 

From here, descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda, hidden among the mountains, a magical ambience, where as the afternoon mist descends. This place is full of stories about those who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby Llanganatis mountains - and never returned..., dinner and overnight.

Day 2 Baños - Route of the Cascades - Ambato - El Arenal – Riobamba

After breakfast, take a spectacular route along the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Baños (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, from where the thermal waters that gave it its name emerge.  Drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil's Cauldron) -the most adventurous will descend (medium difficulty) to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids.  The force and sound of the waters can also be appreciated from a lookout point without descending.  Lunch is served at an hacienda / hostel in the surroundings, and in the afternoon a short stroll along Baños -a town with an international pulse, full of people from all over the world as well as many locals who pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water.  From here, the route to Riobamba is up the mountain, to where the clouds can be touched, alongside the massive Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, on the high paramo where vicuñas graze and scamper - this is a protected Faunistic Preserve.  On the hillsides, where the land is worked beneath the plow, one might think the farmer's true objective was to paint the hills in fascinating patterns, not just to till the dark, fertile soil. Great photo ops on this route!  Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and lodging.

Day 3 Riobamba - Alausí - Devil's Nose - Alausi - Ingapirca – Cuenca

After an early breakfast depart by road, skirting the flanks of the Andes, an astonishing ride, twisting and turning, along bridging ravines and river gorges.  Ride through Indian villages and cultivated fields; here is where most of the cereals in Ecuador are grown, among them, the quinua, considered the perfect grain for its nutritional value. After about 2 hours arrive at the small town of Alausí, the beating heart of the rehabilitation of the Ecuadorian Railway Company in the last years.  Great effort has been made to restore the 100-year old train to its old glory and romance.  Stations have been renewed, railways and sleepers replaced, engines and classic coaches renovate, and, most important, the project involves the local communities along the route in the rail operation.  The highlight is the thrilling 800-metre (2630-foot) descent on the zigzag cuttings on the rock of the Devil's Nose.  At the bottom one finds the newly renovated Station of Sibambe.  Here there is time to visit the local museum "Condor Puñuna" built and run by the Nizag community, see the display of local handcrafts, fruit and medicinal plants and try the local coffee.  The train whistle calls guests back on board for the return to the Station of Alausí, where a light snack is served to regain strength.  Continue exploring the Andean world by motorcoach to the south, visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route. Lunch in the area. Arrival to Cuenca at dusk for dinner and accommodations.

Day 4 Cuenca a World Cultural Heritage Site

Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special.  This comprehensive visit includes the Plaza of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, where handicrafts are sold.  Then, visit the Museum of Modern Art, featuring an excellent collection of contemporary fine art.  Next is a visit to the flower market at the small plaza in front of the carved stone entrance to the church of El Carmen de la Asunción.

From here, a stroll to the main square, surrounded by the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, the Court of Justice, the Municipal Palace, the Governor's Palace and the Church of El Sagrario.  Then, a drive along the Tomebamba river to admire the city's overhanging houses.  Lunch is at one of the excellent restaurants in Cuenca, and in the afternoon, drive for a short visit to a ceramics handcraft shop.  Then, observe the whole process of making the famous Panama Hats of high-quality toquilla straw.  The Spirit of the Andes adventure ends at the airport - to take to flight to Quito or Guayaquil.  Air ticket is extra.

Notes and recommendations

Important notes:

• Entrance fees to National Parks, Natural Reserves, community projects or others are included in the excursions or have no cost. Unless otherwise is specified in each tour section.
• The next day, guests can continue to Guayaquil by plane or by road via El Cajas; or on to Loja, overland.
• Please bear in mind that the train operation is handled directly by the Ecuadorian Railway Company, the operation and schedules are subject to change without notice.
• Train tickets are included in the price. Price of train tickets is subject to change without prior notice
• Not included: tips, drinks, personal expenses, meals not noted in the program, entrances fees not mentioned, and domestic flights to Guayaquil/Quito/Cuenca.

Our recommendations for the best possible experience:

• Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, and coat). 
• Take a warm coat for evening and rain protection. 
• Sun protection (SPF 40), even if the day is cloudy. 
• Hat or cap. 
• Good walking shoes.
• Altitude:  2,550 meters (7,750 feet) to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet)
• Average Temperature: Day 10° to 25° C / 50° to 77° F - Night 6° to 10° C / 43° to 50° F

 Why is this tour so special?

• Acquire a vision of the Andes and the people who inhabit them.
• Explore Cuenca, one of the country’s most popular cities and a World Cultural Heritage Site. Extensions easily arranged for more time there. The best of the Andes in just three days for people short on time.
• Plenty of craft-shopping opportunities.
• Discover the Inca ruins of Ingapirca amid the rolling countryside of Cañar Province.
• Great food, great scenery, great experiences.

2013

Private Tours (Except Train Portion)

NOTE:  Air ticket to Cuenca or Guayaquil is extra

*** Includes Train ride, segment Alausi Devil´s Nose Alausi.

The Spirit of the Andes Adventure

Join us on a memorable journey traversing the most spectacular part of the Ecuadorian Andes, soaking up the constantly changing and admirable scenery; the culture and traditions of the local people; the color of the towns, villages and cities along the way; the delightful gastronomy and varied handicrafts of the area; finding yourselves immersed on the ancestral and truly magic "Spirit of the Andes"....

This voyage provides an unforgettable experience viewing the awesome Avenue of the Volcanoes with its many snow-covered peaks and summits, towering over 19.000 feet above sea level; the green valleys, cultivated in terraces like a mosaic patchwork of color and produce of the fertile land; the high moorlands and their unique fauna and flora.  The tour includes, among its most notorious highlights, the Cotopaxi National Park, at the foothills of Mount Cotopaxi, Earth's highest active volcano; Baños, Ecuador's most renowned thermal springs and adventure sports center, nestled in a narrow valley between steep hills, roaring rivers, cascades and the flanks of the active Tungurahua Volcano; the famous "Devil's Nose Rail Adventure" with its zigzag design, considered the world's most challenging feat of railway engineering; the historic Inca Ruins of Ingapirca and Cuenca, the country's third largest city and for many, the most beautiful one, declared also by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

The stunning sights, the charming hospitality of the people, the colorfulness of the towns, markets and ancestral costumes; the aromas of the local cuisine; the exquisite elegance of historic haciendas, converted now into fascinating country inns, are the frame for a variety of activities which will offer the guests a never to be forgotten experience, a glorious feeling of what the magic Spirit of the Andes is like...