Earth of Volcanoes in Ecuador - 8 Days

When you arrive in Ecuador, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your charming hotel in Quito.

Accommodation: Ilatoa Lodge

Landing in Quito Ecuador

Quito Airport

After breakfast you will visit “Quito”, the most beautiful and colonial city in South America, declared by UNESCO part of the Cultural Heritage of mankind. First, you will explore the colonial part of the city starting at the Independence square, where the presidential palace, the city hall, the Sagrario church and the Cathedral stand. You will then, visit San Francisco church and museum-monastery (1535), the San Agustin monastery and the finest example of baroque art in America, La Compañía church (1605) and its breathtaking gilded altars. Your next stop will be the art & crafts gallery of Tianguez and finally, drive up to the Panecillo hill to enjoy an amazing view of Quito from above. Here you can admire the only winged-Virgin statue in South America. This is a great spot to take pictures above Quito.

After visiting the Colonial center of Quito you will arrive to the Middle of the World Monument and Museum, which is located 25 km north of Ecuador’s capital. There you will find the monument on the equatorial line marking latitude 0° 0´0”, where you will have the opportunity to stand in both hemispheres and take wonderful pictures. Here you can also visit the ethnographic museum on site as well.

Accommodation: Ilatoa Lodge (Breakfast)

On this day, you will discover the fourth highest mountain in the Ecuadorian Andes, the Antisana Volcano (18,860 ft). This mountain is rich in wildlife and home to 50% of the Condors of Ecuador as well as many highland birds.

The beautiful landscapes around Antisana will transport you to another time, observing this magnificent moorland full of wildlife and unmatched scenery. Driving south you will arrive to Cotopaxi, home of the highest active volcano on earth. Here you will enjoy a lunch in a typical old hacienda.

Accommodation: Hosteria La Cienega (Breakfast)

After breakfast you will start your expedition in one of the most beautiful National Parks in Ecuador. Here you will admire the Cotopaxi (19,347 feet), the highest active volcano on earth, and it’s National Park. Upon your arrival to the park you will visit the interpretation center. Here you will learn about the last Cotopaxi eruption as well as about the flora & fauna of this beautiful national park. Afterwards you will visit the Limpiopungo Lake and admire the Andean moorlands and its highland birds. You can also start climbing up to the snow line of the Cotopaxi and arrive to the first shelter located at 15,744 ft. Lunch will be served at a typical nearby hacienda where you can relax for your next day trip.

Accommodation: Hostal Mama Hilda (Breakfast & Dinner)

Today you willgo to a remote mountain region in the western side of the Ecuadorian highlands. In this region, indigenous communities take care of their crops at over 13,120 feet and it is where the famous Tigua paintings were born. After this stop, you will arrive to the dark green Quilotoa Crater Lake inside an extinct volcano (12,497 ft). Here you can hike to the crater or just admire the beautiful landscapes of the Highlands of Ecuador. Box lunch will be served on road to Baños for overnight.

Accommodation: Sangay Spa Hotel  (Breakfast)

In the morning, you will explore the beautiful city of Baños, land of waterfalls and entrance to the Amazon basin. It is located at the base of the Tungurahua volcano (16,453 ft.) and surrounded by a cloud forest that blends in the majestic scenery of the Andes Mountains with the exotic vegetation of the Amazon. Visit Pailón del Diablo waterfall or walk around this charming city and admire the activity of the Tungurahua Volcano.

Accommodation: Sangay Spa Hotel (Breakfast)

Today you will visit the Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador (20,697 ft). It has been declared a Natural reserve for production of fauna and it is one of the most beautiful mountains of the Andes. It is home for several species of llamas, alpacas & vicuñas. If the weather allows, you can also admire an impressive view to the neighboring snow capped mountain, the Carihuayrazo. In the afternoon you will return to Quito.

Accommodation: Hotel Mercure (Breakfast)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)