Quito to Cuenca along the Avenue of the Volcanoes

Day 1:  Leaving Quito, drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes  visiting the Cotopaxi National Park,  home to the world’s highest active volcano at 5897 m (19347 ft). Here we can spot  the Andean Teal, the Andean Coot, the Ecuadorian Hillstar endemic to Ecuador and the giant Andean Condor, with its 3m wingspan. Observe the low growing vegetation and typical plants of the Paramo and spectacular scenery. Depending on weather conditions and group interests, hike up to the snow line at  approximately 5000 m (16400 ft).

Visit to an Indigenous market is included only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Overnight Riobamba (B)

Day 2:  Train Ride along Devil’s Nose

One of Ecuador’s special attractions is the highland railway, dubbed ‘the most difficult railway in the world’ because of a near vertical wall of rock. The solution was to carve a series of tight zig-zags out of the rock, which allows the train to go backward and forwards so as to climb 800 m (2624 ft).  Built at the turn of last century, it took over 35 years to complete. Sitting in the carriage, one captures the beauty of the typical Ecuadorian highlands and scenery and the patchwork of fields rising up the slopes of  the Andes, while appreciating this great engineering feat.

At 8 a.m. board the train. Travel through the Andean countryside; enjoying the ride through spectacular mountain scenery, while observing  indigenous people at work in the patchwork of fields perched along the steep mountain face. The train ride ends in the picturesque town of Alausi around noon. We continue on to the Incan ruins of Ingapirca, with the finest example of Incan stonework in Ecuador. Continue on to Cuenca, considered by many Ecuadorians to be the most beautiful city in the country.

Please Note: We are not responsible for any delays or cancellations of train service. In case the train is not operative on the day required,  the tour will be completed overland.

Overnight Cuenca (B)

Day 3:  In the morning a city tour of Cuenca. (B).

Afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Quito or Guayaquil.

• Location:Combined Cultural and Nature Tours, Cuenca and Surroundings, Quito and Surroundings
• Duration:3 days / 2 nights
• Start / End:Quito / Quito or Guayaquil
• Activities:Train ride, walking / hiking in Cotopaxi National Park, nature viewing, tour of Ingapirca, city tour of Cuenca
• Highlights:Devil’s Nose train ride, Cotopaxi National Park, drive along Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ingapirca, city of Cuenca
• Season:All year
• Included:Bilingual guide, all visits and activities in itinerary, accommodation, meals mentioned in itinerary
• Not Included:Meals not mentioned in itinerary, entrance fees to National Parks and museums, drinks, tips, personal expenses
• Prices:2016 Rates US$ 1080 per person, minimum 2 people / US$ 699 per person, minimum 4 people – 2017 Rates US$ 1080 per person, minimum 2 people / US$ 699 per person, minimum 4 people