Timeless Andes: Quito to Cuenca

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• Day 1: Quito - Arrival

  Arrive in Ecuador’s capital and meet your private driver for a transfer to Casa Gangotena, a beautifully restored mansion in Quito’s historic Old Town. Step into a world of carved wood, colonial courtyards, and refined hospitality. That evening, enjoy a private candlelit dinner in the hotel’s courtyard or dining room—your first taste of Ecuador’s culinary richness beneath twinkling lights and soft Andean air.

• Day 2: Quito - Strolling through centuries

  Discover Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town with a local guide, wandering its cobbled streets and grand plazas. Step inside La Compañía’s golden interior, admire the historic grandeur of Plaza Grande, and visit quiet monasteries where time stands still. In the afternoon, choose between exploring artisan studios along La Ronda, sipping espresso on a balcony, or simply relaxing at your hotel with sweeping views of the city’s tiled rooftops.

• Day 3: Quito - Stand at the center of the world

  Travel just outside the city to stand on the Equator Line at Mitad del Mundo, where you’ll pose with one foot in each hemisphere. A visit to the Intiñan Museum adds cultural insight, from ancient solar calendars to traditional Amazonian customs. Return to Quito for an optional evening walk or a cozy night in, perhaps sampling Ecuadorian chocolate or sharing a glass of wine by the fire.

• Day 4: Quito to Cuenca - Discover colonial grace

  Journey south to Cuenca, either by private scenic transfer or a short domestic flight. Upon arrival, settle into Hotel Itza, a charming boutique hotel overlooking the Tomebamba River. With its carved balconies, antique furnishings, and serene gardens, it offers a perfect base for the next chapter of your journey. Stroll to a nearby plaza or café, or unwind in the hotel’s peaceful courtyard.

• Day 5: Cuenca - Into the soul of the Andes

  Spend the day exploring Cuenca’s colonial center with a guide. Visit the New Cathedral’s sky-blue domes, browse Panama hat workshops, and meander through local markets brimming with flowers, textiles, and handmade goods. Return to Hotel Victoria for a private garden dinner—a tranquil, candlelit evening surrounded by climbing vines and the sound of the nearby river.

• Day 6: Cuenca - Markets & mountain crafts

  Venture east into the Gualaceo Valley, a haven of Andean traditions. Wander the colorful local market, watch master weavers create shawls on backstrap looms, and visit an orchid farm showcasing thousands of vibrant species. It’s a day rich in color, texture, and scent. Return to Cuenca with time to explore a gallery or sip a cocktail at a riverside lounge.

• Day 7: Cuenca to Riobamba - Ride into the highlands

  Travel north to Riobamba, gateway to the Andean highlands, and check into Hacienda Abraspungo, a warm and inviting estate with wood-beamed ceilings and stone fireplaces. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle city tour, visiting San Pedro’s colonial church, the local handicraft market, and charming streets framed by snow-dusted mountains. End the evening fireside with a glass of local wine.

• Day 8: Riobamba - Chimborazo by rail & trail

  This morning, set off on a guided hike in the foothills of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest peak. Walk through Andean páramo, spotting alpacas grazing against a backdrop of glacier-capped slopes. In the afternoon, board a privately chartered Devil’s Nose train ride, winding along one of South America’s most famous rail routes. With dramatic cliffs, zigzag tracks, and a gourmet picnic onboard, it’s an unforgettable ride through history and landscape.

• Day 9: Riobamba - Walk in Incan footprints at Ingapirca

  Travel to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most significant Inca archaeological site, where your guide will bring the past to life as you explore ancient observatories, sun temples, and stone pathways. Marvel at the fusion of Cañari and Inca architecture, and reflect on centuries of culture carved into the highlands. Return to the hacienda for a final evening of quiet rest and mountain stillness.