Retiring in Ecuador - 10 Days

When you arrive in Ecuador, you will be met by our representative and will be 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. You will explore the colonial part of the city starting at the Independence square, with the presidential palace, the city hall, the Sagrario church and the Cathedral. 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. Finally, you will drive up to the Panecillo hill to enjoy an amazing view of Quito from above and 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. Your last stop will be the K´antu showroom Chocolate, where you will discover the whole process of artisanal chocolate production, from beans to tablet. Then you will be transferred to Otavalo to overnight in a nice colonial hacienda.

Accommodation: Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui (Breakfast)

Today you will visit Otavalo, with around 60,000 inhabitants, has been declared “Intercultural capital of Ecuador”, because of its rich indigenous culture and history. In the morning you will visit one of the biggest and most colorful indigenous markets in Latin America. The market of Otavalo is famous around the world for its colorful tapestries, hand-knitted wool sweaters, native paintings, wood carvings, silver jewelry, and much more at bargain prices. The people of the area of Otavalo are known as skilled craftspeople and great musicians.

After the market, you will explore living possibilities in Otavalo. If you want, and time allows you, it is also possible to visit to the Peguche Waterfall near Otavalo, where you will arrive after a short, refreshing walk. After your tour you will be brought to the colonial hacienda where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui (Breakfast)

This morning you will visit the village of Cotacachi, which local specialty is leather works. This small town has around 42,000 inhabitants and has an active expat community with mainly North Americans, because of the clean air, beautiful environment and its location not far from Quito. It is a small place where you can easily walk from one place to another; to the market, a restaurant, the bus station, etc. Today you can explore this area, visiting some real states and learn about the common day by day in the Ecuadorian life in a small village.

If we have time we can also visit Cuicocha, one of the most interesting crater lakes in Ecuador. This active volcano has a lagoon inside its crater with two small islands. Optional, for an extra cost, is to enjoy a boat ride around the crater and listen to the stories and legends of this magical place. On your way back to Quito you will enjoy the beautiful agricultural mosaic of rural Ecuador. You will be taken to the airport to take a short flight to Loja. Upon arrival to Quito, you will be met by your Latin Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel in Vilcabamba.

Accommodation: Hostería Izhcayluma (Breakfast)

Today you will explore Vilcabamba, where around 7,000 people live. This charming town is known for its ideal climate and as a place of longevity. It has a relatively large expat community and their influence is noticeable through the restaurants, serving a mix of international and local food. In the afternoon your guide will show you the highlights of the town. Vilcabamba means `sacred valley´ in the language of the Incas and is composed of two words: Huilco meaning `sacred´ or `God´ and Bamba meaning `valley´; hence, “Valley of God” or “Sacred Valley”. If you are looking for an area that is quiet and with great views and weather, Vilcabamba is a magnificent place to live or have a vacation home.

Accommodation: Hostería Izhcayluma (Breakfast)

Today you will explore more of this beautiful valley located in the southernmost province of Loja, 42 kms (27 miles) south of the city of Loja. The picturesque valley of Vilcabamba lies in the heart of rural Ecuador at approximately 1500 meters (5000 feet) above sea level. Being in the center of the world, it maintains a spring-like temperature of 18° to 28° Celsius (65° to 82° F) year-round. Then you will be transfer to Loja city, one of the southern cities in Ecuador. The province of Loja offers a unique combination of moor, cloud forest and jungle. In addition, its capital, the city of Loja and natural wonders that exist in the surrounding area remained almost immaculate, due to the distance of their location in the south of the country, waiting to be discovered by travelers. Those who come to there are amazed with its landscapes, its Indian markets, colonial architecture and the incomparable hospitality of its people. Then you will be transferred to Cuenca to overnight.

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucía (Breakfast)

Discover one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America: Cuenca, chosen repeatedly as best retirement destination by International Living. The city has around 400,000 inhabitants and is located at 2,500 meters above sea level in a valley surrounded by four rivers and mountains with a very colorful countryside. Cuenca is famous for its art and history; you will be able to admire its beautiful marble cathedral, its cobblestone streets, graceful wrought-iron balconies, flowered plazas and museums. Furthermore, the people of Cuenca are known for their artisanal skills – for example in making Panama Hats – and great hospitality. Today you will have also the opportunity to meet an expat and share some time to talk about his experience living in Ecuador.

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucía (Breakfast)

This day is focuses on living in Cuenca. You will explore more of this beautiful city, and you will visit areas around the city. Cuenca has the perfect balance between local and international influences, which you find back in arts and food. During this day you will visit some expat areas, as well as parks, markets and restaurants while enjoying the scenery and learning about people’s lifestyle and local traditions.

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Lucia (Breakfast)

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your short flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito you will be welcomed by our representative and brought to your boutique hotel in the colonial center of the city. You will have free time the rest of the day to enjoy of the city on your own. At night you will enjoy of a Goodbye Dinner in the last night of your trip.

Accommodation: Hotel Patio Andaluz (Breakfast)

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)