This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of the activities you can choose from. However, as the tour is private, we can tailor this trip to suit your needs, tastes, time frame and budget. You have the flexibility to make any changes that you prefer together with your guide who will advise what activities fit together in the time allowed.

Saraguro & Vilcabamba Valley

Private tour: Daily departure

Duration: 3 days

Description:

Saraguro is one of the most authentic indigenous villages and one of the few places in the country where their customs and traditions remain unchanged. Then we take you to Vilcabamba valley, worldwide known as the “Valley of Longevity.” It's the perfect place for horse back riding, biking, hiking or just relaxing at the very comfortable and quite lodges.

Highlights:

Immerse yourself into the local culture by visiting Saraguro indigenous town and the colonial city of Loja
Hike the Southern Andes and enjoy the stunning views
Relax and balance your energies in Vilcabamba, place chosen for the Inca royalty back in the day.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cuenca - Saraguro - Vilcabamba

We will start early in the morning. After 2 hours driving through the Southern Andes with a couple of stops to enjoy the stunning views we will arrive in Saraguro, there, a local indigenous guide will be waiting for us to share their culture. We will visit some workshops and local houses to learn about their customs and traditions.

Later we will continue our drive to Vilcabamba, well known for the longevity of its inhabitants and considered one of the best places in Ecuador to relax.

Day 2: Full day in Vilcabamba

There are many options for activities in Vilcabamba. adventurous people can go horse-back riding, biking, or hiking to Mandango hill. However, Vilcabamba is known as the perfect place to relax, so simply staying at your hotel and taking advantage of their facilities is also a good option.

Note: the cost of horseback riding or bicycle rental is not included in the price.

Day 3: Vilcabamba - Podocarpus - Loja

After breakfast we will take a drive to Podocarpus National Park where you will hike through the beautiful cloud forest to a view point on the top of a hill, there you will be able to admire the Southern Andes in its purest form.

Later we will continue to Loja to visit some of its beautiful and well preserved colonial areas including San Sebastian neighborhood, main square, Lourdes street and the famous entrance to the city. Finally we will return to Cuenca