Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Quito through the historical center of this culturally diverse city! See the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral (outside), admire the facade of church La Compania de Jesus. Afterwards, visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito.”

Later, visit the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously!

The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th-century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographic Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador.

Discover the world-famous Indian handcrafts market in Otavalo with its central square Plaza de los Ponchos. The market sells unique and colorful bags, ponchos, tapestries and more made by the local indigenous people who have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their weaving skill.  Enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts at the giant market and take some new souvenirs with you. Otavalo is a typical indigenous city where tourists can see families wearing their colorful garments and speaking Quichua as their first tongue and Spanish as their second. 

Depart Quito in the morning and drive two hours to Peguche, an indigenous town of weavers. Visit a family and learn how wall hangings, chals, ponchos are still made by hand in looms. You'll then visit the school of Peguche and spend time with the children. One of the teachers will show you the project where children not only receive education, but also medical care. Before leaving Peguche, take a short walk to see the waterfall.

Visit Laguna Cuicocha, a caldera and crater lake at an altitude of 10,650 ft and a width of about 1.8 miles. The lake is named Cuicocha which in the Quichua language means the Lake of the Cuy (or Guinea Pig). In the center of the lake are two volcanic islands covered in vegetation and rimmed with totora, a type of reed. 

Just outside of Laguna Cuicocha is the small town of Cotacachi, known as Ecuador’s center for leatherworks. Stroll along the town's small streets and pop into one of the various shops to pick up a few souvenirs. Then transfer to the small Andean village of Papallacta, which is famous for its thermal baths.

Upon arrival in Papallacta 10,600 ft above sea level, visit the baths at Hotel Termas de Papallacta. Relax in the warm, odourless thermal waters surrounded by stunning landscape. After enjoying the baths you may go for a walk to get to know the typical flora and fauna of this region.

See one of the most impressive national parks in Ecuador, Cotopaxi National Park. On a walk near the shallow lake Laguna de Limpiopungo, you will have the chance to learn about the typical vegetation of the so-called “Páramo” and will gaze in wonder at the beautiful view of Cotopaxi volcano (19,347 ft) in the background. 

You will also visit a beautiful flower plantation where the friendly staff will explain everything about their great variety of flowers. 

See the colorful goods at an Indian market before continuing about 8 miles to Quilotoa, the famous volcanic lake with a deep green color. At an elevation of more than 12,000 ft, the lake is tucked within a rugged countryside and offers many hiking trails all over the Andes mountain.

In the late afternoon, continue on to Riobamba, the capital of the province of Chimborazo, where a great number of indigenous communities live. lose to Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador, you will spend the night in one of the atmospheric Hosterías in the region.

The most impressive part of Ecuador's railway is the Diablo de la Nariz (Devil’s Nose) a hair-raising trip down the rocky slopes of the Andes through some of Ecuador’s most breathtaking scenery. The zig-zagging route climbs 1640 ft in just 7 miles and remains an impressive piece of railroad to this day. The track was initially built in the early 1900s to link Quito with Guayaquil, and was given its name for the many deaths that occurred during its construction. A lunchbox is included. 

*Due to weather conditions or technical problems of the train, train ride is subject to reconfirmation.

On your way to Cuenca, stop at the Inca ruin site of Ingapirca, the most important monument of pre-Spanish culture in Ecuador and the country's largest known Inca ruins. The ruins are located on a grass-covered hill at an altitude of about 10,000 ft. On a walk through the former place where the Incas lived and held their ceremonies, you will learn about their beliefs and rituals as well as the way they constructed this ordination place in the shape of a puma.

Visit the sights of Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador. Founded in 1557 on an Inca settlement valley, Cuenca is Ecuador's most beautiful colonial city after Quito. However, for most Ecuadorian inhabitants – and travelers – this center of art, ceramics, panama hats, silver and gold is the most beautiful city in Ecuador.

As a result of its early 19th-century architecture, Cuenca was declared “Cultural Patrimony of Mankind” in November 1999. During the city tour, you will see historical buildings located along the Tomebamba River, the “Todos los Santos” ruins, flowers market and the main square with the old and new cathedrals. The tour ends at a Panama hat factory, a perfect place to pick up an authentic hat!

Explore beautiful Guayaquil, a city that perfectly balances tropical paradise and bustling metropolis. Get to know the most interesting parts of Guayaquil on this amazing tour! Visit the city's most impressive landmarks, like the pleasant Parque Simon Bolivar, the Gothic Cathedral, the magnificent Malecon promenade, and much more.

Guayaquil has experienced some historically devastating fires, which destroyed many of its beautiful wooden houses. Today, only the small quarter of Las Peñas remains preserved and is now the oldest picturesque village of the colonial Guayaquil. This village is home to many famous people, it's known as an artist's haven, and is filled with small open-air exhibitions of paintings and sculptures.

Venture to the border of the Rio Guayas, where you will see Italian renaissance style architecture and the Palacio de Gobernacion. Pass by the Cementerio Geneal, which is lush with palm trees, beautiful decor, and eye-catching flowers.

En route to Guayaquil, visit a cacao project and take a guided tour through cacao plantations. Learn everything about the cultivation of the cacao fruit, the process of harvesting and the cacao bean treatment. Ecuador produces some of the world's finest and most prized cacao beans, which in turn makes the chocolate we know and love!