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South of the city of Quito, lays the inter-Andean region of the Andes Mountain Range. Described as The Avenue of the Volcanoes by the famous naturalist and German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt, it holds some of the most impressive extinct and active volcanoes in the world. Cotopaxi (5897 mts.-19347 ft.) considered to be the highest active volcano in the world welcomes you and will give you a flavor of the cultural and natural wonders of the New World…
Go to Cotopaxi National Park TourOne of the most attractive and well known qualities of the Ecuadorian Andes is their native markets. Besides the warm atmosphere, the bustling sounds and smells and the wonderful colors of these markets, they are selling everything from fresh fruit to beautiful handicrafts. There are markets which specialize in produce, like Saquisili and there are others focusing on clothing and gifts, like Otavalo. No matter which market you decide to go to, you will be guaranteed to be awed by the life that fills the air there, and by the things you'll see.
Considered the most important market in Ecuador by the country's economists and located next to Latacunga, Saquisilí market located in 8 main plazas sells everything from food produce including, oranges, mandarin oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, radishes, avocados, herbs, radishes, okra, red and yellow bananas it also sells meat produce such as pork, beef and mutton parts as well as screaming wild pigs that run around aimlessly in pens along with llamas, sheep and cattle although the latter is 1km from town.
A small market town located only a few miles away from Latacunga and the Quito-Ambato highway, Pujili is a small town with a rich culture and history. Most of the inhabitants of Pujili are indigenous, and the best time to see native customs and clothing are the market days: Wednesdays and Sundays. Unlike Otavalo, which is mainly for tourists, the market in Pujili is still a local affair. Men and women from surrounding villages will pack up their llamas and burros early in the morning in order to come to the market and sell their extra produce for whatever money they can make.
Baños is a city in eastern Tungurahua Province, in central Ecuador. Baños is the second most populous city in Tungurahua, after Ambato, the capital, and a major touristic center. It is known as the "Gateway to the Amazon," as it is located on the Pastaza River in the Amazon River basin, and has a newly paved road to Puyo.
Riding the rails from Riobamba over the Devil’s Nose (La Nariz del Diablo) is extremely popular with tourists and, increasingly, with Ecuadorean families. It makes a great day trip, the views are lovely, especially between Riobamba and Alausi. As you climb aboard for the Devil’s Nose, consider the rich history of the train you are about to ride. What is today an exhilarating tourist excursion was once the country’s pride and joy, and its construction was an internationally acclaimed achievement.
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.
Papallacta is a small village in Ecuador located at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. The scenic drive from Quito to Papallacta passes through several towns and small villages before ascending to a peak of over 4,000 m where views of mountains and glaciers are visible. Descending from the peak to Papallacta, one passes through the portal where the ecosystems transform from alpine to tropical jungle. The village of Papallacta houses several hot springs and spas. .
Cuenca was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1999. This city is the third largest in the country and it is called the Athens of Ecuador for its many contributions in the literature field. The city is located in the south of the country and is crossed by 4 rivers which give it a unique landscape. The historic centre is the most visited site in the city because it comes from the 16th century. Its architecture is an eclectic mix of European styles, mainly Spanish and French ones.
Cajas National Park has 28 000 hectares, 4 bioregions which include more than 230 lagoons. It is a lake complex that is very important for the city as it represents a reliable water supply for it. There are also significant archaeological places that were built by Pre-Inca communities. .
The historical ruins of Ingapirca (meaning Wall of the Inca) are located about 17 km from Cañar and stand as the most important archeological memory in Ecuador. Originally, it was constructed as an inn for Incan couriers and other travelers and later was fortified under the control of the Cañaris of Huayna Capac. Later it was expanded and used as a lodge for troops, a resting place for the emperor and a temple. Ingapirca was build in the style of Coricancha, themain temple of Cuzco. The ruins of Ingapirca, an ellipse-shaped fortress made of green diorite, is still appreciated and admired today as it was 500 years ago.
Cuenca is truly a magical place with plenty to offer. With this package you can stay overnight in one of the magnificent city hotels with a magnificent view of the Tomebamba river, taste the delicious local food and visit the beautiful Cajas National Park and the imposing Ingapirca ruins. You will not regret the decision to hang out at “La Atenas del Ecuador” (Cuenca’s nickname) a little bit more as it is full of cultural and natural attractions that you can enjoy.