The Route of the Incas, from Quito to Cuenca

Day 1: Leaving Quito to Cuenca, we drive south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to 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).

We spend the night at an Hacienda in the area. (B)

Day 2:  Morning visit to an Indigenous market then on to the cloud  forests of Baños. Accommodation at a hotel on the outskirts of Riobamba. (B)

Day 3: 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.

Accommodation at one of Cuenca’s colonial hotels. (B)

Day 4: During this tour we have the opportunity to enjoy Cuenca’s scenic countryside, stopping off in villages where artisans have been creating for generations. In San Bartolome we meet craftsmen making handmade guitars with the most amazing wood inlay. We visit Chordeleg famous for ceramic pottery, silver and gold filigree jewelry, in Gualaceo one can stroll around the local market learning about the local fruit, maybe taste a typical dish. In Bulcay, a family dedicated to keeping alive the dying craft of pre-Columbian Ikat weaving, will show us how these intricate patterns are created, dyed and woven.

During this tour one can observe people weaving Panama hats and other straw items.

Accommodation at one of Cuenca’s colonial hotels. (B)

Day 5:  AM visit Colonial Cuenca. The Old Town is best visited on foot. Our tour takes you along the cobblestone streets admiring the historic buildings, hanging balconies, carved wooden doors, the craft fair and colourful flower market, the main plaza with the Old Cathedral, which has been converted to the “Museum for Religious Art”, and the magnificent blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. See silversmiths at work and handicrafts of almost every kind. We end the tour with a visit to the “Panama Hat” factory. (B)

The Quito to Cuenca tour ends with an afternoon flight to Quito.

• Location:Combined Cultural and Nature Tours, Cuenca and Surroundings, Quito and Surroundings
• Duration:5 days / 4 nights
• Start / End:Quito / Quito
• Activities:Train ride, walking / hiking in Cotopaxi National Park, visit cloud forest of Baños, nature viewing, tour of Ingapirca, city tour of Cuenca
• Highlights:Devil’s Nose train ride, Cotopaxi National Park, Baños and cloud forest, drive along Avenue of the Volcanoes, Ingapirca, city of Cuenca, countryside near 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, flight from Cuenca to Quito, entrance fees to National Parks and museums, drinks, tips, personal expenses
• Prices:2017 Rates US$ 1794 per person, minimum 2 people / US$ 1165 per person, minimum 4 people – 2018 Rates US$ 1853 per person, minimum 2 people / US$ 1210 per person, minimum 4 people