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Tailor-made toursAlong the Avenue of the VolcanoesFollow the footsteps of the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt and discover what in 1802 he called the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. This route is surrounded by snow capped summits and the mystical beauty that, in times past, nourished the mythology of early cultures and later provided an incentive for the conquering Spanish to settle here. Brooks and rivers run down from the mountains, past small villages of adobe houses and terraced farmlands. Where the land is worked beneath the plough, you might think the farmer’s true objective was to paint the hills in fascinating patterns, not just to till the dark, fertile soil. Baños De Agua Santa Day 1 Day 2 Useful tips
The Cotopaxi National Park is an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres) surrounding Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world, especially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or páramo. Bird life includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor. Look directly up magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, rising 6,005 metres (19,700 feet). Lunch at the very heart of breathtaking landscapes, or at a hosteria or hacienda nearby before returning to Quito. Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park is extra. Cotopaxi National Park Two-Day Tour
Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park is extra. Cotopaxi National Park by Rail “Chiva Express” The adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride to the station of Tambillo, where the "Chiva Express", a colourful one coach train (a bus on tracks) is ready to depart. One of the highlights of this excursion is to ride on the roof, for a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. You will leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient tracks. A snack is served at the Station of Machachi. Disembark at El Boliche and continue by bus to the Cotopaxi National Park. Surrounding Cotopaxi Volcano is the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres), Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park is extra. Cotopaxi National Park by Rail “Chiva Express” plus Hacienda The adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride to the station of Tambillo, where the "Chiva Express", a colourful one coach train (a bus on tracks) is ready to depart. One of the highlights of this excursion is to ride on the roof, for a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. You will leisurely enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient tracks. A snack is served at the Station of Machachi. Then ascend by motorcoach up to the moorlands, for a short hike in close contact with this unique ecosystem. Enjoy lunch at a hacienda, a comfortable farmhouse, built with local materials such as straw, adobe and eucalyptus wood. A blazing fireplace warms the dining room, where guests enjoy a wonderful meal with fresh cheese from the farm, vegetables just picked from the garden, homemade desserts and natural seasonings. There will be time to horseback ride, bird watch or explore the surroundings on foot before returning to Quito in the afternoon. Note: We do not recommend this excursion during the rainy season of February to April. Useful tips
Hacienda, Chagras & Rodeo and Saquisili Market
Useful Tips
Antisana and Papallacta This is a spectacular excursion to the high Andes of Ecuador, into the paramo and the mountain forest, rich in unusual flora and fauna. The voyage starts with a drive to the Antisana volcano, the fourth in altitude in Ecuador, covered with glaciers and snow. It is surrounded by an Ecological Reserve. The climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begins with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 year ago, jagged rocky peaks and a vast sweep of paramo vegetation above the tree line.
The second day, starts with a nature walk alongside pristine mountain streams, observing the flora and fauna of the humid mountain Andean forest of the Canyon Ranch, one of the entrances to the ecological reserve Cayambe-Coca and then relax and soak away life’s aches and pains and experience the notable, restorative effects of the thermal waters (sulfate alkaline terreous). The water is odorless, crystalline and ever changing. Return to Quito in the afternoon. Antisana Volcano Reserve This is a spectacular day trip out of Quito to the volcano Antisana, the fourth in altitude in Ecuador, covered with glaciers and snow, and the surrounding Ecological Reserve.
The first stop is for an overview of the impressive lava flow at Antisanilla, and the next one to admire an incredibly huge cliff wall across a narrow canyon, where condors can be seen fairly regularly, as they breed here. They are usually seen soaring up near the highest peaks, a great distance away. Up in the páramo (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops are made to walk on level ground and observe the beautiful but small paramo flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw: yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush, orchids and chuquiraguas. Around the many paramo lakes and ponds you can observe the glacial moraines and birds in both a diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Brown Speckled Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the rare Siskin. Some fishermen are allowed to fish for large trout in certain lakes of the area, from where part of Quito’s water supply comes from. After all this natural history excitement, drive over to the hacienda Antisana for lunch. A three-course hot meal is served at the hacienda’s dining room, warmed by glowing fireplaces. After lunch, drive back to Quito amid breathtaking settings. Entrance fee to Antisana Reserve is not included. Useful Tips
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This is a scenery packed trip, heading south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Ambato and then east on the descent to Baños. Visit the village of the Salasaca Indians, famous for the weaving of figurative wall hangings. Baños is located right at the foot of the active volcano Tungurahua, surrounded by waterfalls and hot springs. It has become a mecca for international travellers seeking year-round temperate weather, a small town atmosphere, and a base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors. Arrive the Hostería Luna Runtun in time for lunch and room assignment. Luna Runtun is perched high above Baños, on the flanks of the Tungurahua volcano. The views are spectacular. In the afternoon take stroll around town, visiting the Basilica of Agua Santa, the hot springs, a balsa wood shop and a handicraft centre for tagua (vegetable ivory).
Cotopaxi National Park
Located in the Andes of central Ecuador, Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Cotopaxi, which means “neck of the moon”, rises from a valley about 2,750 metres (9,000 feet) above sea level to a height of 5,897 metres (19,347 feet) above sea level. The width of its crater from west to east has been estimated at more than 500 metres (1,650 feet) and the width from north to south at about 700 metres (2,300 feet). Surrounding the volcano is the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 36,000 hectares (88,920 acres), especially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or páramo. You may see some of the fauna and bird life of the highlands, which includes the Andean gull, ducks, several species of hummingbirds and with some luck, the condor. This excursion includes a visit to an Indian market of the area (depending on the day of the week), the handicraft centre of the potteries of La Victoria and time to explore the countryside and small towns surrounding the Hacienda La Ciénega.
especially attractive for nature lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or paramo. From the entrance of the park, we travel for one hour on a dirt track. Upon arrival we have an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo, its flora and fauna, in the small Interpretation Centre. Continue to Limpiopungo Lagoon to try and spot a variety of birds and occasionally some wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is an awesome backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows us to see the Andean flora. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and return to Quito by bus in the afternoon.
This trip offers a full day of Andean flavour, starting with a visit to the market of Saquisilí and then to Hacienda Hualilagua de Jijón, where we learn about traditions, stroll through the gardens, watch the rodeo and, most importantly, enjoy the hospitality of the owners. The Chagras, or men on horses, at full gallop show their ability to round up the cattle and their skill with the lasso. The hacienda’s manor house is noted for its extensive collection of paintings, furniture and sculptures representative of the “Quito School of Art” of 16th and 17th centuries. Lunch is served in the charming dining room, featuring the richness of the Ecuadorian biodiversity with organic vegetables and cereals from the hacienda.
Up in the paramo (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops are made to walk on level terrain and observe the small but beautiful paramo flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw: yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush, orchids and chuquiraguas. Andean birds abound, in both diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them, such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Brown Speckled Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the rare Siskin. After all this natural history excitement, drive over to the hacienda Antisana for lunch. A three-course hot meal is served in the hacienda’s dining room, warmed by glowing fireplaces. In the afternoon, drive on to Papallacta and its hot springs, amid a breathtaking setting. Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle and features several hot thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures. Facilities include a first-class hotel, a spa and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine with its main specialty: fresh trout.
After approximately an hour's drive southeast of Quito (60 kilometres) the climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begin with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 year ago. As you climb higher on a good paved road, with virtually no traffic, you can enjoy the spectacular Andean scenery with jagged rocky peaks and the glacier-covered summit. Vast sweeps of paramo vegetation are found above the shrubs at the tree line.