Cuenca to Quito Tour: Discover Ecuador’s Scenic Andes & Culture

Embark on a captivating journey as we travel north from Cuenca to the Ingapirca archaeological site - the largest Incan ruins in Ecuador, showcasing a harmonious blend of Inca design, architecture, and engineering. Witness how the Incas assimilated with the Cañaris, the native indigenous community, reflected in the dual Temples of the Moon and Sun, devoted to the beliefs of each culture. After savoring a delicious lunch, we'll proceed to the Nizag community near Alausi, where a delightful half-hour hike awaits, offering stunning vistas of the valley and Devil's Nose Mountain. Although the train is currently out of operation, we can still relish the same scenic views.

The adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Western Andes, Our destination is the Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador's highest peak and the world's highest point when measured from the Earth's center. As we journey, observe the captivating transformation from evergreen fields to the arid paramo ecosystem, and keep an eye out for vicuñas and alpacas in their natural habitat. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by the breathtaking vistas of Chimborazo's snow-capped summit, weather permitting. Our knowledgeable guide will share the park's historical insights before leading a hike to the second refuge. The trek offers a challenging and gratifying experience while savoring the majesty of the Andes. The activities will be adjusted to your physical condition, providing participants with a safe, enjoyable experience. 

Indulge in a day filled with adventure on our Baños tour. Our first activity starts with a brief hike to the "Treehouse," enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas and witness the place where the National Geographic 2014 photo contest winner was taken. As we continue our excursion, we'll make several stops along the waterfall route, including the Manto de La Novia waterfall. Here, adventure seekers can choose to experience a cable car ride across the valley or even participate in a thrilling zip-line activity. We'll then explore the magnificent "Pailón del Diablo" waterfall, ranked among Ecuador's top ten largest waterfalls. A two-kilometer hike through the cloud forest will lead us to behold the enchanting beauty of this remarkable location. 

We'll embark on an awe-inspiring journey towards the western Andes, as we traverse through the legendary "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to reach the mesmerizing Quilotoa area. Soak in the splendor of the Andes Mountains, the stunning Quilotoa Lake, and the moorland vistas surrounding them. Upon arrival, you can either walk around the crater rim or take a descent to the edge of the Crater Lake, followed by a ride back on horseback (Optional activity for an additional fee). To enhance your cultural immersion, we'll also visit the renowned Tigua Painters' workshop and facilitate your interaction with the local communities by arranging a visit to a local indigenous market on market days. Feel free to contact us to obtain more information about market days.

Cotopaxi Volcano stands at an impressive 5,897 meters, making it the second-highest peak in Ecuador and a prominent feature of the Cordillera Real of the Andes. We'll venture into the Cotopaxi National Park for an up-close look at the unique Paramo biodiversity and gain insight into its ecological significance. A brief hike around Limpiapungo Lake precedes the main event - an ascent to the First Refuge of the volcano (4,810 m.a.s.l). Here, you can savor hot soup and catch your breath or choose to push further up to the glaciers (weather permitting). We can tailor the activities to your fitness level and interests to make this a personalized experience.