Scenic Ecuador 8 dgr/7 n

DAY 1. Guayaquil 

Ecuador’s largest city, where we will meet at the airport and make our way to the hotel. 

DAY 2. Cuenca (187 km) 

AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Following breakfast and a briefing on the upcoming week, we'll head to the bus station for a captivating 187 km journey, driving for approximately 4.5 hours through the scenic Andes Mountains. The landscape transitions intriguingly from the coast to the highlands. Upon reaching Cuenca, a stunning city situated at an elevation of 2580 meters above sea level, we'll continue with the hotel check-in. While the altitude may be noticeable, it's not expected to be a drastic change. After settling in, we'll convene around the main square for dinner before retiring for the night. 

DAY 3. Cuenca City Tour 

AM: We have an open morning ahead, offering the opportunity to explore downtown. Take a stroll to discover the vibrant flower market, visit the Cathedral, and enjoy the Tomebamba river. Later, we'll regroup for a tour of Cuenca lasting around 2 hours. 

PM: Embark on our city tour. During the tour, we'll traverse the city, providing a holistic view of its highlights. Our journey concludes at the Turi lookout point, offering a spectacular overview of this historic locale. Afterward, you're welcome to head back to the hotel, where the rest of the evening is yours; savor a delightful dinner and relax at your leisure. 

DAY 4. Tour to the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca 

AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Post-breakfast, we embark on a 2-hour bus journey to reach Ingapirca, Ecuador's largest Inca ruins. The name Ingapirca comes from two Quechua words, ‘Inca’ and ‘Pirca’, collectively signifying ‘Inca Wall’. This remarkably photogenic site was constructed by the Incas during their expansion from Peru to Ecuador. Prior to the Inca influence, the southern region of Ecuador was inhabited by the Cañari Culture, recognized for their robust character and craftsmanship. The Ingapirca archaeological complex stands as the largest in Ecuador, offering a glimpse into the rich historical tapestry of the region. We’ll explore these fascinating ruins with a local guide, offering a deeper perspective on these cafefully preserved historical treasures. Following this engaging visit, we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before making our way back to Cuenca. Upon returning to the city, the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Enjoy a dinner out. 

DAY 5. Baños (335 km) 

AM: Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, we'll return to the bus terminal and board a bus for a journey through the Andes Mountains. This scenic drive offers a fantastic view, highlighting Ecuador's highest mountain; Chimborazo, towering at 6227 meters above sea level. Renowned as the farthest point from the Earth's core, this majestic peak adds a unique element to our 7-hour bus trip. Lunch is included on this trip. Our destination is Baños de Aguas Santas, a charming town. Upon arrival, we’ll take a brief walk to the hotel and check-in. Post check-in we’ll relax and later convene for a stroll in the city. 

DAY 6. Baños
River Rafting 

Nestled amidst stunning nature, Baños beckons with diverse experiences and adventures. Tourism initially thrived around the Sacred Hot Springs, famed as a fountain of youth.  Baños offers a plethora of choices for high- adventure enthusiasts, including waterfalls, hikes, horseback riding, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and advanced river rafting. 

AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The journey kicks off with transportation to the river, where we’ll begin with a safety drill. The real excitement begins as we paddle down the river, encountering a series of exhilarating rapids along the way. After this exciting experience, we return to Baños to unwind for the remainder of the day. 

Note: We will navigate a river with beginner- friendly category 3–4 rapids, suitable for most people. For more adventure, an advanced option is available at an extra cost of 25 USD per person.  Alternatively, a calm land-based alternative is offered for those who prefer a more tranquil experience. 

DAY 7. Open Day in Baños

Easing into the day, is free, to allow you to choose your activities. The tour leader will offer guidance and assistance in deciding your preferences. The renowned Hot Springs provide a relaxing option, or you might opt for horseback riding in the scenic Andes—a day tailored to your desires. 

DAY 8. Return to Quito 

Back on the road, making our way to Quito where our adventure includes. Depending on your choice of program, airport transfers will be arranged accordingly.  Explore more of Ecuador with our Amazon and Galapagos Islands adventures, or extend your journey to neighboring countries like Peru or Colombia for additional thrilling experiences.