The Sierra, is a natural region of the Ecuador that extends of north to south by the Andes. This region is characterized by its impressive mountainous elevations, volcanoes and snow-capped mountains. Among the most important are Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Its 10 provinces have cities of great historical importance as Quito and Cuenca, and craft centers like Otavalo. Also, there are several national parks with very rich and varied flora and fauna. Hot, temperate and cold areas coexist in this region. Its inter-Andean region presents valleys of different altitudes and climates.
CITY TOUR: After breakfast, we transfer to the Historic Center of Quito, declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978. We will start with a panoramic view from the beautiful Alameda Park and the imposing Basilica, followed by a walk along the Calle de The Seven Crosses. The trip will continue with a tour, on foot, starting in Independence Square, where we will visit the presidential palace, the cathedral, the Church of La Compañía, beautifully plated in gold leaf, until reaching the wide Plaza San Francisco and its Ancient religious complex, the largest in South America.
CITY LINE (CITY TOUR + HALF OF THE WORLD): After breakfast, we transfer to the Historical Center of Quito. We will start with a panoramic view from the beautiful Alameda Park and the imposing Basilica, followed by a walk along the Calle de las Siete Cruces. The trip will continue with a tour, on foot, starting in Independence Square, where we will visit the presidential palace, the cathedral, the Church of La Compañía, beautifully plated in gold leaf, until reaching the wide Plaza San Francisco and its Ancient religious complex, the largest in South America. At noon, we will head north to the monument to the Middle of the World. We will have the option to visit either the Ethnographic Museum or the Intiñán Museum, both located near the monument. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to try a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. Return to Quito in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel.
TELEFERICO + CITY TOUR: After breakfast, we will transfer to the cable car of Quito, built on an area of 160 hectares in the foothills of Volcan Pichincha to the summit of Cruz Loma. The cable car reaches 4,050 meters above sea level and offers a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings, including the possibility of admiring more than 14 Andean peaks along the so-called “Avenida de los Volcanes”. Then we will leave for the Historic Center of Quito, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. We will start with a panoramic view from the beautiful Alameda Park and the imposing Basilica, followed by a walk along the Calle de las Siete Cruces. The trip will continue with a tour, on foot, starting in Independence Square, where we will visit the presidential palace, the cathedral, the Church of La Compañía, beautifully plated in gold leaf, until reaching the wide Plaza San Francisco and its Ancient religious complex, the largest in South America. Back to the hotel.
OTAVALO FULL DAY: This morning we will leave Quito in the direction of Otavalo, famous for its artisan market. On the way to the Pan-American, we will pass by Calderón, a town where the marzipan figures are made, continuing to Guayllabamba where we can taste cherimoya, typical fruit of the area. Depending on the weather, we can admire the beauty of the fabulous Andean snowcaps and we will make a brief stop in Miralago, where we will enjoy a unique view of Lake San Pablo and Volcán Imbabura, before reaching Otavalo. We will visit the textile market of the “Plaza de los Ponchos”, one of the most renowned markets in South America, where all kinds of handicrafts are found, including tapestries made in Spanish antique looms. Next, we will enjoy some free time to buy and haggle with the friendly Otavaleños. In the afternoon we will visit a colonial hacienda to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch. Then we will go to the small artisan village of Cotacachi, returning to Quito in the afternoon.
COTOPAXI FULL DAY: We leave Quito to the south crossing the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Around noon, we arrive at Cotopaxi National Park, located 60 km from the city of Quito. The volcano is one of the most important landmarks in Ecuador, as it is the highest active volcano in the world. Here, we can observe the flora and fauna endemic to this high Andean area, including one of the most representative flowers of the country, the Chuquiragua, more than wild horses, White-tailed Deer, llamas, and much more. We will also visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, located near the Rumiñahui volcano (4,757 meters), where we will enjoy a walk to observe the waterfowl of the area. We will enjoy a traditional lunch on a colonial hacienda. Return to Quito in the afternoon.
MINDO COMPLETE DAY: After an early breakfast, we depart from Quito in a northwest direction towards Mindo by Ecoruta El Paseo del Quinde (road to Nono-Tandayapa-Bellavista), famous for its beautiful forests and the many birds that inhabit them. Around noon we will stop for lunch (optional). Arriving at our destination, the town of Mindo, we will visit an orchid to delight us with the many species of this delicate flower. Mindo is a privileged place for the observation of butterflies and especially birds, since it is frequented by many hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans and others. We will also cross tarabita to the other side of the river Nambillo, where we can visit beautiful waterfalls. In the afternoon, return to Quito and transfer to the hotel. Optional dinner.
PAPALLACTA COMPLETE DAY: We depart from Quito on a short trip to Papallacta, known for its volcanic hot springs amidst an impressive forest and hillside setting. The Papallacta Thermal Spa is located on the eastern side of the Andes and is considered the gateway to the Amazon. These thermal baths are located at 3,000 meters above sea level and are surrounded by mesophilic mountain forest. Papallacta has a variety of pools of different temperature, whose water is odorless and colorless, known for its healing properties. Here we will have enough time to immerse ourselves in its delicious waters and to enjoy therapies and optional treatments in the spa of the complex. In the afternoon, return to Quito and transfer to the hotel. Optional dinner.
ICE TRAIN II: Ambato – Mocha – Urbina – Cevallos – Ambato.
The Ice Train combines landscape, culture and shopping in a journey that takes us from the temperate Ambato valley to the Urbina moor, more than 4000 meters in the foothills of Chimborazo. Baltazar Ushca is waiting for us here, the last ice chest of Chimborazo, custodian of this ancient craft, and the comfortable facilities of the Train Refuge, for those who want to spend the night in this unique place.
Departures
- Friday (auto ferry) – Saturday (train)
- 08:00 to 17:00 – present 30 minutes before departure time.
What includes?
Train ticket, guide during the trip, snack at the Train Coffee in Urbina, tickets to attractions and visits as detailed itinerary.
What does not include?
- Services not detailed in the itinerary.
- Travel recommendations:
- Clothing: Cold jacket, walking shoes, hat, sunscreen (SPF 70 at least), sunglasses, camera and cash.
- Altitude: Varies from 2,300 to 3,609 meters above sea level. The temperature ranges from 5º to 28ºC.
- Important: The Ambato station has a free and secure parking. The distance from Quito to Ambato is 151 kilometers and takes approximately 2 hours. There may be heavy traffic on weekends or holidays.
NOTICE: All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances of force majeure or technical or operational. Please review our policies regarding refunds and cancellations. At Tren Ecuador we are committed to providing you with the best travel experience possible.