Operation: Tuesdays

01.- QUITO - LATACUNGA – (INDIGENOUS MARKET) - AMBATO – RIOBAMBA.- We start out by following the Pan-American Highway south along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” as it was called by Humboldt. If weather permitting, we will be able to see more than one of these giants: Cotopaxi, Antisana and Tungurahua. We will pass through Latacunga and Ambato (indigenous centers) where we will visit the local indian market. Then we will continue on to Riobamba , a very important city in Ecuadorian history, seated at the feet of the Chimborazo volcano. Lodging. Dinner.

02.- RIOBAMBA – (ANDEAN TRAIN – ALAUSI) - INGAPIRCA – CUENCA.- Departure very early in the morning to the train station to board the Andean Train and see why at its time it was a monumental feat of engineering: the “Devil's Nose”. It is a great experience to travel on top of the train car with its impressive views. (1) We will get picked up in Alausi and leave for the ruins of Ingapirca, the vestiges of the Ecuador of the Tahuantinsuyo, which recent archeological research classifies as a “Tambo” where we will stop to visit the ruins of stone walls that fit perfectly together (without mortar): The Temple of the Sun, the Inca Face, animal carvings and the museum of the site. Lunch. Continue on to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Rocio, in Biblian (2) and then on to Cuenca . Lodging.

03.- CUENCA (GUALACEO AND CHORDELEG).- In the morning, leave for a full day trip to the enchanting towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, important artisan centers, primarily known for gold work. Lodging.

04.- CUENCA (CITY TOUR) – GUAYAQUIL / QUITO.- At 8:00 a.m., tour of the city named “Cultural Heritage of Humanity”: churches full of magic in their paintings, altars of different tendencies and styles, including the New Cathedral which is recognized as one of the largest and most important in South America. Parks, plazas, monuments, cobblestone streets which bring the Republican and Colonial eras to life. The Turi lookout, a must-visit location from which to see the old and new city divided by one of its four rivers. Also, a visit to the inaccurately named Panama Hats, which are recognized around the world, the Rotary plaza, to look at and/or buy the different forms that craftsmen and women give to wood, ceramics, and woven straw. In the afternoon, surface departure (3) to Guayaquil -or- by airplane to Quito (Air ticket included) (4).

PRICES PER PERSON IN $USA (Group: minimum 25 pax)

HOTELS	DOUBLE	SINGLE/SUPL.	TRIPLE/DISC.	CHILD
Standard	322	44	0	260
Superior	379	69	6	310

Prices includes: (General Conditions) :

NOT INCLUDED:

NOTES: