Sierra & Costa (12 days)

Every Sunday from Quito, at least 2 participants

Transfer to Grand Hotel Mercure Alameda (****), situated in the centre of the New Town.


In the morning we will experience Quito with an extensive sight-seeing tour. At the foot of the Pichincha volcano, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is nestled in a green Andes valley at an elevation of 2,850 meters. It is one of the oldest cities in South America and one of only a handful that were able to preserve many monuments and artworks from colonial times. The Old Town of Quito is under preservation order by the UNESCO since 1978. Our tour will start at Plaza Grande, past the Cathedral and the President’s Palace on to the grandiose churches El Sagrario and La Companía. Above this, you will get to know the places Santo Domingo, La Merced and San Francisco. Finally, we visit the monastery San Francisco, a gem of America’s colonial art. Accommodation one more time at Grand Hotel Mercure Alameda (****).

In the afternoon we provide you with facultative excursions:

a) Mitad del Mundo: memorial of the Equator
b) Cable car to the Pichincha (4.100m)


On the Panamericana we are heading in a southward direction. An unspoiled road leads to Cotopaxi National Park. After arriving at the elevated plain Limpiopungo (3.830 m), we acclimate and undertake a short hike to get to know the manifold flora of the Andean uplands. In the late afternoon, we reach the Hacienda Leito next to Patate, embedded in marvelous green mountainous landscape, where we will stay for two nights. Here we have a splendid view at the active volcano Tungurahua (5.016 m).


In the morning, we drive through the Pastaza- Canyon with its spectacular declivities and various cascades. Subsequently, we go on an unhurried walk at Río Verde and admire the thunderous waterfall “Pailón del Diablo” (Devil’s pan). In the afternoon, we reach the airy small town Baños, situated at the foot of the active volcano Tungurahua. In the evening, we will be back at Hacienda Leito.


Today you visit the colorful original Indian market of Guamote, which takes place on Thursdays. You have enough time to observe the interesting market atmosphere. Your journey continues at noon to the Mountain Chimborazo (6.310 m), the country’s highest mountain. In Arenal, a landscape reminiscent of a desert, you have the opportunity to watch vicuñas, relatives of the llama. By bus we reach the Hermanos Carrel shelter at a height of 4.800 meters, a short optional hike leads to the Edward Whymper shelter at the height of 5.000. In the late afternoon we reach Riobamba, where we sleep in Hostería Abraspungo.


Today, you can embark on the most thrilling train ride in all of South America. Through captivating scenery, the train makes its way to the Devil's Nose, a rock face that is several hundred feet tall and requires the train to zigzag carefully up the mountain. In the afternoon, our tour continues through extensive banana,- cocoa,- and rice plantations to the beautiful seaport Guayaquil. Two nights stay at Hotel Hampton Inn (****).


The morning is at your own disposal. Facultative excursion to the Parque Histórico Guayaquil. In the outdoor enclosures of this park you can watch countless animal species of the coastal lowlands in a natural setting. The carefully restored houses and haciendas from the era of the cocoa boom will transport you back in time to the late 19th century.

In the afternoon we go on an extensive sight- seeing tour. The highlights of this tour include Parque Bolívar with its numerous iguanas, the impressive city hall on Plaza de Administración, the Moorish clock tower, the waterfront “Malecón 2000” that stretches for three kilometers next to the Guayas river, the historic neighborhood of Las Peñas, and finally Santa Ana hill, which offers a panoramic view over the vibrant city with its abundance of tropical charm. Hotel Hampton Inn (****).


Starting at Puerto El Morro you can spot different species of egrets and pelicans during a boat ride through the mangroves. At the Bird's island in the middle of the large Guayas River you will stop for taking a short walk on the island and observing home and nesting place of thousands of fregate birds. On the way back, you will watch the dolphins which live in the estuary of the Guayas River. Continuation of our journey to the bathing resort Playas, where you can spend the rest of the day on the beach or on the pool of the Hostería Bellavista. Accommodation at Hostería Bellavista.


Drive to the so-called “Ruta del Sol”. At Ballenita you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from a high cliff. As you continue on northwards you pass several small fishing villages. Frequently, you will catch a glimpse of isolated sandy beaches stretching for miles along the coast and beautiful views of the ocean. At the archaeological museum de Salango you will hear a lot of life and seafaring at prespanish times. Two stays at Hostería Mandala in Puerto Lopez.


Today, you embark on a boat ride to the island of La Plata, located about 30 km from the mainland. The island is sometimes called “Little Galapagos” because it features various species of booby birds, as well as frigate birds and albatrosses. Depending on the season, you may also see some sea lions. Between June and September, the boat ride often provides a chance to observe humpback whales.


We visit the precious, natural beach “Playa de los Frailes” in the Machalilla National Park. We have enough time to savor a long walk on the beach across isolated bays, to swim and to relax. In the afternoon, return to Guayaquil. Accommodation at Hotel Hampton Inn (****).


Transfer to the airport and departure for your next destination.