Due South To Cuenca (4 Day)

DAY 1:  QUITO - INDIAN MARKET - COTOPAXI - SALASACA COMMUNITY - HACIENDA LEITO
Early departure from Quito by motorcar to the south, with a short stop to visit one of the colorful Indian markets of the area, Sangolqui market and town, a great introduction to the Andean way of life. Then continue to visit the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. The entrance to the park is up a **dirt road for approximately one and a half hours to reach the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its unique flora and fauna; a variety of high-altitude birdlife can be observed around Limpiopungo Lagoon and, occasionally, wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. Lunch is offered at one of the local restaurants in this lovely environment. Continue south, along valleys and mountains covered by multicolored fields, to reach the Salasaca Community, one of the most important indigenous groups in this area, who have preserved their dress and traditions, based on agriculture and tapestry weaving with symbols and designs passed down from generation to generation in the last 500 years. They are very well organized for the development of their community. Arrive to Patate town and continue through magnificent landscapes offering bird-eye views of the region, a gateway to the Llanganates National Park. For hundreds of years the Llanganatis have attracted treasure hunters, since legend claims that the treasures of the last Inca King Atahualpa were hidden here after he was captured by the Spanish conquerors, which adds to the magic and mystery of this location. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Leito. (B,L,D)

DAY 2:  BANOS - ROUTE OF WATERFALLS - ESTRELLA DE CHIMBARAZO
After breakfast, depart towards Baños (Baths), on a **eco- road for approximately one hour/fourty five minutes, this road promises to offer spectacular views of Baños and its surroundings. Baños is located at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano, the source of the thermal springs that give it its name. Baños, a very popular destination in Ecuador, is known as the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest; follow a road along the Route of the Waterfalls and experience the full force of the water at El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) on a mid-difficulty trail down to the river, among lush tropical vegetation and orchids, for an impressive view (and sound) of this waterfall, among the ten largest in the world. An awesome vision from the hanging bridge right at the foot of the cascade. Lunch at one of the gorgeous hostelries near Baños and then a short walk to visit this inviting village. Start a very scenic drive up the mountains, on the Route Ambato-Guaranda, to *Estrella del Chimborazo, a cozy mountain lodge, famously known for being the base camp of the highest mountain of the world measured from the center of the earth. Estrella del Chimborazo is located at the historical “Tambo de Totorillas”, along the old “Royal Road” that linked Guayaquil and Quito, to spend the night amid the solitude and beauty of the Andean paramo. (please do not forget or bring your raincoat poncho). (B,L,D)

DAY 3:  GUAMOTE - ALAUSI - EL TAMBO COYOCTOR - POSADA DE INGAPIRCA
After a hearty breakfast (and an early-morning walk along the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, for those in the mood), depart towards Guamote, for a short visit to Inti Sisa Foundation, a community project and Educational Center for Adults’ Development and Sustainability if Thursday, visit the colorful Indian Market at Guamote. Continue on to Alausí and southbound towards the Inca ruins of El Tambo Coyoctor, located right on the route of the Royal Road of the Incas or Qhapac Ñan, a segment of which is still seen, and along which guests can still stroll and perhaps visualize the chasquis or runners, carrying messages on knotted strings called quipus, at full speed in relay from one end of the Inca Empire to the other. Tambo Coyoctor is a massive rock outcrop, carved to form baths, showers and water channels believed to have been used in purification rituals before ceremonies of magic-religious significance. Visit the on-site interpretation center, run by the Community of El Tambo. Late afternoon arrival to Posada de Ingapirca for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 4:  INGAPIRCA RUINS - CUENCA - QUITO
After breakfast, time to leisurely explore the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex and its on-site museum. Sun-worshippers built this stone fortress on a promontory high above the Cañar valley, at an altitude of 10,595 feet (3,230 meters) above sea level, with several trapezoidal doorways and stone walls perfectly fit together, without mortar, typical of the Inca construction. There is an elliptical platform, known as the Temple of the Sun used for religious and ceremonial purposes, the barracks, the stone "Inca Face" and zoomorphic carvings. Continue due south to Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city. The beauty of its landscape combined with the harmony between old and modern architecture, prompted UNESCO to name Cuenca a World Cultural Heritage Site. A comprehensive tour of the city includes lunch at one of its best restaurants and a visit to the Museum of the Central Bank (not open on Sundays), ending at the airport in time to take the flight to Quito or Guayaquil.
Guests can also stay additional days in Cuenca, continue overland via El Cajas to Guayaquil, or on to Loja. (B,L)

Key: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (D)inner

Physical Requirements: This adventure involves easy to moderate walking at high elevations (above 9,000 ft.) in varying temperature conditions. Good walking/aerobic fitness is required.

Note: Any physical activity at high altitude can be a challenge. It is the traveler’s responsibility to best evaluate their physical ability to meet the stated Physical Requirements.