Day
1. Quito- Yanapi Hat Shop – Cotopaxi National Park – Hacienda San Agustín de
Callo - Patate
The
artisan tradition of Quito is present in the visit to the Yanapi Hat Factory,
where
guests can observe the process of making hats by hand
and machine, of
wool felt and fur felt; these high-quality
hats are exported to European, Australian and American markets. Along valleys and mountains, arrive to Cotopaxi
National Park, which surrounds 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 lies
a
charming hacienda, where lunch is served in a dining
room
of Inca
walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries –a true 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, stories are told about those
who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby Llanganatis – and never
returned…
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 take
pilgrimages
to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Holy Water. From
here, the route to Riobamba climbs
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 Fauna
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.
3-days
/ 2-nights
Day
1. Quito- Yanapi Hat Shop – Cotopaxi National Park – Hacienda San Agustín de
Callo - Patate
The
artisans tradition of Quito is present in the visit to the Yanapi Hat Shop, where guests
can observe the process of making hats by hand, of wool felt and fur felt; these high-quality hats are exported to
European, Australian and American markets. Along
valleys and mountains, arrive to Cotopaxi National Park, which surrounds 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 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,
stories are told about those who left in search of the treasure of the Incas in the nearby
Llanganatis – and never returned…
Día
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 the airport of Cuenca at dusk to take the flight to Quito or Guayaquil, or end at the
hotel if taking an extension. Air ticket is
extra.
