Free Day Quito – Cotopaxi Hacienda

In the morning, you will be able to explore The Colonial Center of Quito was already named world cultural heritage by the UNESCO in 1978 and is home to many beautiful, historic buildings and squares.

You can visit the Plaza Grande and the beautiful churches La Compañía and La Basílica, and walk down the oldest street of Quito—La Ronda. Afterward, you can visit the equatorial monument Mitad del Mundo, where French scientists determined the position of the central line many years ago. In the afternoon you will head to Cotopaxi Hacienda.

Free Day Cotopaxi

After breakfast, head south to Cotopaxi National Park. Stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon for a short hike to take in the panoramic mountain views. You’ll also see the El Salitre Inca Ruins, located in the park’s highlands. Keep an eye out for wildlife—Lake Limpiopungo is home to a variety of birds and occasionally even wild horses.

In the afternoon, explore the national park on horseback. Ride through beautiful páramo (typical Andean landscape) before enjoying the rest of the evening in front of the chimney in the cozy traditional hacienda.

Cotopaxi Hacienda – Pailon del Diablo – Baños

In the morning, you will leave your hacienda in Cotopaxi National Park and head to the town of Baños (approx. 3 hours), famous as one of Ecuador’s outdoor capitals. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest a little bit. Driving south from Baños in the afternoon, following the «Avenue of waterfalls», you will follow the Pastaza River on its way through the valley of the same name. Passing a number of waterfalls, you will reach the village of Rio Verde, where you will stop to visit the well-known El Pailon del Diablo (The Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall. You may also rent a bike and ride to the waterfall.

Free Day Baños

This small town is known for two things: naturally heated thermal baths – the namesake of Baños, Ecuador – and adventure sports! Nearby Baños, you’ll find mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs to explore on your own in a day full of adventure.

Baños – Chimborazo – Riobamba

Today you will leave Baños after breakfast and make your way to the impressive volcano Chimborazo. You should already be able to spot it several times along the way. If the altitude does not affect you, take a walk to the refuge Carrell at 4.800 m and enjoy the splendid view of surrounding valleys and mountains. Afterward, continue your journey towards Riobamba, where you will spend the night.

Riobamba – Cuenca

This morning you will continue your journey south to Cuenca, passing through the dunes of Palmira. If time and weather conditions allow, you can pass through Baños del Inca, which contains some special ruins and a fantastic hot spring. From here you will continue to Cuenca where you will be able to spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Exploring Cuenca

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Cuenca’s old town and see the various plazas and churches. Explore the beautiful scenery of the Azuay province and the picturesque small villages, such as Chordeleg, known for silver and gold handicrafts, Gualaceo with its orchid farm or Zigzig with its market. Return to Cuenca in the afternoon for another night at your hotel in the colonial part of town.

Cuenca – Cajas National Park

Your first stop today is the beautiful Cajas National Park. This National Park comprises more than 200 interconnected high-altitude lagoons. The Cajas is not only a source of many rivers but even connects to the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean. You have some time to enjoy the view from the lookout or to take a short walk to one of the many lagoons. Afterward, you continue your journey westwards and you can stop at a Hacienda where you will get to know the process of chocolate making and where you may have a delicious, local lunch. In the afternoon, you will drive through lush vegetation until reaching Ecuador’s biggest city, Guayaquil.

Free Day in Guayaquil

Today you will explore Guayaquil with your car rental, we suggest starting with a visit to the Seminario Park, a very popular meeting point for young Ecuadorian lovers. Furthermore, this little park is well-known for its land iguanas which laze about in the trees while they catch the sun. You can visit the Cathedral, built in classical gothic style and then we move on to Guayaquil’s famous wide, tree-lined waterfront, “El Malecon”, that runs alongside the river Guayas. The next stop will be the historic local government buildings, the “Palacio Municipal” and then the “Palacio de Gobernacion” (the Government Palace). Right in front of this palace is the Moorish clock tower “La Torre Morisca”, which was built in 1843, and with a little effort climbing its steep stairs, we can enjoy the views across the city. La Rotonda, another historic monument, is a statue that marks the meeting between Simon Bolivar and Jose San Martin in 1822. The old district of Las Peñas, a vestige of old Guayaquil to the north end of the Malecon, is a picturesque neighborhood built on the Cerro Santa Ana hill on the edge of the river. Climbing the stairway amid the brightly painted wooden houses, you will gain a different perspective of Ecuador’s largest city.

Departure from Guayaquil

Make your way towards Guayaquil’s Airport, and drop off your car rental to return back home. Make sure to return de vehicle in the same conditions, if you had any mishappen with the rental car make sure to let us know in advance.