Day 1: Depart for Quito, ECUADOR
Rich in history, Quito — at an altitude of more than 9,100 feet — is the second highest capital city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
►Some suggested Quito hotels (in alphabetical order):
Casa Gangotena   (V)
Hotel Plaza Grande, Quito
Swissôtel Quito
►Together, we will find the best choice for you!

Day 2: Quito, ECUADOR
Embark on a walking tour of Quito's Old Town to see San Francisco Church and its religious art museum, La Compañía Church and the Cathedral. Stroll Independence Square before heading to Panecillo Hill. Then the chef of El Claustro Restaurant hosts your lunch and shows you how to prepare popular Ecuadorian recipes. Afterward, take in the beauty (and aroma) at Ecuagenera, the largest orchid exporter in the country.
►For Quito hotel suggestions, see above.

Day 3: Quito / Cotopaxi, ECUADOR
Explore the Antisana Nature Reserve, where ecosystems range from the high mountain habitats to the rainforest. See the Antisanilla lava flow that left spectacular rocky waves in the landscape along the Isco River. Pause for a picnic lunch before continuing along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes."
►Suggested hotel:
Hacienda San Agustin de Callo

Day 4: Cotopaxi / Riobamba, ECUADOR
Drive through the Andes to see Lake Quilotoa, a breathtaking aquamarine crater lake, and visit the small Andean village of Tigua, known for its traditional art. Continue to Riobamba, known as the "Sultan of the Andes." Its picturesque Old Town is graced with colonial architecture.
►Suggested hotel:
Hosteria Abraspungo

Day 5: Riobamba, ECUADOR
Hike through Carihuayrazo Vicuñas Reservation to the Abraspungo Valley. On a clear day, in the distance you can see the Sangay volcano and Altar, a jagged, snow-covered crater. Try to spot some of the wild vicuña who call the area home.
►Suggested hotel:
Hosteria Abraspungo

Day 6: Riobamba / Cuenca, ECUADOR
Drive to the important Incan ruins of Ingapirca, once a political and religious center used for worshiping the sun. Continue to your boutique hotel in Cuenca.
►Suggested hotel:
Mansión Alcazar

Day 7: Cuenca / El Cajas / Cuenca, ECUADOR
Leave Cuenca and drive to El Cajas National Park. View glacial lakes, unusual rock formations, breathtaking waterfalls and an array of exotic wildlife, including condor, in this natural wonder. You have the option of going trout fishing while you are here.
►Suggested hotel:
Mansión Alcazar

Day 8: Cuenca / Quito, ECUADOR
Notice the blue-domed, neo-Gothic cathedral that dominates Cuenca's skyline. Visit it before stopping at the Cañari ruins at Pumapungo. Then explore the Conceptas Museum's collection of religious art. Cuenca is known for its Panama hats, and you have the opportunity to visit a Panama hat factory. After lunch, stop at the jewelry workshop of Simón Cordero, a prestigious jewelry designer who has won several prizes for his silver pieces. Later, board a flight to Quito.
►For Quito hotel suggestions, see above.

Day 9: Quito, ECUADOR / Depart for Home
Board your homebound flight.