Crossing Andes Highlands

Crossing Andes Highlands

Overview and Prices

Quick Info
Price: From USD 1870 (2 Pax) Days: 8 days / 7nights Location: Cities, highlands, sites archeologist
Overview
Snow-caped giant active volcanoes, colorful Indian Markets, colonial old haciendas, cathedrals, high-altitude remote “Paramo” Grasslands, the astonishing biodiversity of cloud forests, all represent the wonders of the “Sierra” or Andes High Lands and middle mountains of Ecuador. This mountain spine between the Pacific Coastal Lowlands and the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle is a place where you can discover through unused trails that reveal the magic and beauty of the wildest landscapes. Also is a wonderful experience for lovers of White Water Kayaking or Rafting, Rock or High Altitude Volcano Climbing, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Horse-back Riding, for Bird Watchers or in general for nature explorers.

PRICE 2010 (USD)
Pax	Price per Pax	Accommodation
2 Pax	1870	Double Room
3 Pax	1800	Triple Room
4 Pax	1750	Double or Triple Room
Single Supplement: USD 360

◊ PRICE INCLUDES TOURS HIGHLANDS (DAY 1 TO DAY 18)

•    English speaking guide (Along the journeys)
•    All transfers.
•    Private transportation during the Highlands Tours (Quito - Cuenca)
•    Flights Cuenca-Quito,
•    Accommodation based on double rooms at first class hotels and haciendas
      in the country site.
•    Programed excursions
•    Meals according to the itinerary description (B: breakfast, L: Lunch; D:
    Dinner).
•    National Park entrance fees.

◊ PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

•    Tips for the staff
•    Personal expenses
•    Alcoholic Beverages
•    Gratuities.

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1:

This first day you arrive in Quito. After the check-in in your hotel and rest a little from your flight, you are going to have a meeting with the tour guide, who is the person that came with you all along the trip. Then you have some free time to get yourself confortable or if you prefer visit touristic places or take a walk around the area.

• Day 2: City Tour in Quito with “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World)

Amazon Jungle Sani Lodge Ecuador Rainforest

After breakfast, We drive into the heart of colonial Quito. This city is home to an array of beautiful cathedrals, elegant old mansions, interesting museums, squares and parks. This outstanding cultural, architectural and artistic heritage led Quito to be declared the first Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978

After lunch, you will drive approx. 25 km North of Quito to the Mitad del Mundo where stands the 30 meters tall monument, where is marked the latitude 0º 00’ 00” In this unique place you will have a lot of fun jumping from the northern to southern hemisphere of the planet. This tour includes a visit to the Ethnographic Museum on site. Return Hotel. B/L

• Day 3: Quito - Otavalo Market

Today we drive to the city of Otavalo. After two or three hours we arrive to this small town famous for its indigenous market well known in Ecuador and all over the continent. Here natives from the mountains, descend into the valley to sell their crafts, textiles, musical instruments and goats. We will spend the day bargaining with the locals over fine sweaters, tapestries and woodwork. Then we will visit the city of Cotacachi named city of leather and the crater lake of Cuicocha. At the end of the day we drive back to Quito. B/L

• Day 4: Quito- National Park Cotopaxi.

We drive in south direction from Quito along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. until we arrive to the first National Park in Ecuador, were we will find the highest active volcanoe on earth, the Cotopaxi volcano. In this National Park you will visit a place called “El Pucará del Salitre”, a strategic military fortress from the Inca Empire. It is possible to explore the Andean moorlands all the way up to the snow line (4,800m) where more than 90 species of highland birds dwell.

Also we will go through a flat and high road towards Limpiopungo Lagoon. This is an excellent day of acclimatization with fantastic views were breathtaking pictures of the Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui and Sincholagua Volcanoes can be taken on a clear day. Overnight accommodation in the Hacienda El Tambo or Porvenir. B/L/D

• Day 5: Riobamba City

Early in the morning we will leave for Riobamba, known as the liveliest city in Ecuador's Central Sierra. Once here, we visit Chimborazo volcano, this is the highest mountain amously regarded as the farthest point from Earth's centre with an altitud of 6,310m. If the weather conditions are good we will visit the Chimborazo Refuge Lodge. Then we will visit the city of Guano, a well-known handmade rug and tapestry center, depending on the time we spend in the Chimborazo volcano. B/L

• Day 6: Riobamba - Ingapirca - Cuenca

Early in the morning we will leave to Alausí and catch the Train or car to the Devil’s Nose. When we arrive we will enjoy a delicious box lunch and then a land trip in south direction to Ingapirca. The best and most well known Inca archeological place in Ecuador.

In the afternoon we still go to the south to Cuenca a beautiful colonial town recently declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. We stay overnight at Hotel Victoria. B/

• Day 7: Cuenca - Quito

This morning you will explore Cuenca's center, wich is the colonial part of the city where you will find churches, many art , craft shops and a flower market. Cuenca is regarded by many as the most charismatic colonial city in the country with something of a European flavour. Encounter the magnificent sunlit domes of the cathedral, the quiet convents, museums and this romantic city. We drive through the largest Ecuadorian Lake complex known as "El Cajas".

We conclude with your transfer to the airport and flight to Quito, upon your arrival you'll be settled in your hotel. B/L

• Day 8: Quito

This day is the last day of our services and you will have some free time to take a walk or visit some touristic places and get yourself ready to you next destination.

Photo Gallery

Sani Lodge Cabins, River View