Breathtaking Andean Train Ride - Northern and Central Andean Highlands

The departure from Europe to Quito usually takes place on Saturdays, eg with Iberia or KLM. We will of course be happy to arrange the transatlantic flight for you.

Day 1 (Sunday)
Quito

Today you will experience the charming capital of Ecuador, whose colonial city center has been declared a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. Quito (2.850 m) is rightly called the most beautiful capital of Latin America. You take a city tour: (see also note below) with the following highlights:
"Plaza de la Independencia" with the cathedral, "La Compañía" (former Jesuit church), "Panecillo" (viewpoint high above Quito) and much more. In the afternoon visit of the equatorial line and the associated museum. Overnight in Quito. F / - / -

Note:
The historic old town of the Ecuadorian capital is now car-free on Sundays! In this way, the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site is to be protected from damage caused by noise and exhaust fumes. The old town was built on the ruins of the former capital of the northern Inca Empire and has been completely preserved.

 

 

Day 2 (Monday)
Quito / Cotopaxi National Park / Lasso

In the morning you leave Quito and take a charter bus over the Panamericana to "Cotopaxi" (5.897 m), the highest still active volcano in the world in the national park of the same name. Afternoon stop at the former hacienda from the 18th century called "La Cienega" in Lasso, where you will have lunch (this is where Alexander von Humboldt stayed on his legendary research trip). The rest of the day is free: time, for example, for a hike in the scenic surroundings or for a ride on horseback (not included in the price, payable on site). Overnight in the Hacienda "La Cienega" or Hacienda "Umbria". F / - / -

 

 

Day 3 (Tuesday)
Lasso / Latacunga / Baños

Visit of the Indian market in Latacunga followed by a drive to Baños, a beautiful place at the foot of the volcano "Tungurahua" (5.016 m). Baños (1.815 m), on the banks of the raging Rio Pastaza, is a tranquil place known for its hot thermal springs. This mountain town is also known as the "gateway to the jungle" because the highlands gradually merge into the jungle region. Dinner and overnight in a beautiful hotel with a breathtaking view of Baños. F / - / -

 

 

 

Day 4 (Wednesday)
Baños / Chimborazo / Riobamba

You leave Baños and drive over a spectacular route to the imposing snow-capped volcano "Chimborazo", the highest volcano in Ecuador at 6.310 m. Ascent to the 1st refuge at 4.800 m. Those who feel fit enough can climb from there to the second refuge (5.000 m). Enjoy a fantastic view of the lunar landscape. There is hardly any vegetation here, the landscape is bizarre, shaped by lava sand and with a little luck you will see rare vicuñas from the lama family. Short lunch break at the hut. In the afternoon you will arrive in Riobamba. Here you have the opportunity to take a little stroll through town. Dinner and overnight in a charming hacienda in Riobamba. F / LB / -

 

 

 

Day 5 (Thursday)
Riobamba / Guamote / Ingapirca / Cuenca

In the morning you take the Andes train from Riobamba to Guamote. During the train stop, you will have the opportunity to visit the indigenous market. One of the most authentic markets in Latin America takes place here on Thursdays. Indios wearing traditional costumes from the surrounding villages flock to the picturesque town with their packed llamas and mules. On the tiring journey home, the animals transport all kinds of household utensils or poultry and sometimes the visibly drunk owner! These scenes are fascinating and absolutely cinematic! When the market stalls give way to the train (the market is partly on the rails), it goes on over the spectacular hairpin bends of the devil's nose to the small train station in Sibambe. Since there is no direct road connection, take the train back a little and then take the bus from Alausi to Cuenca (lunch box for en route). On the way you get to know the Inca ruins of Ingapirca in good weather. Overnight in Cuenca in a beautiful, colonial boutique hotel. F / LB / -

 

Important note:

If the train does not run due to technical problems, for example, the entire route is covered by bus.

 

Day 6 (Friday)
Cuenca / Quito / Otavalo

In the morning there is a city tour through the traditional city. The historic buildings in colonial style give Cuenca a charming atmosphere. As a colonial jewel, Cuenca was recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO!
Optional start of the "Südbaustein" extension program at lunchtime.
In the afternoon flight back to Quito with direct transfer to Otavalo, where you will have dinner and spend the night in a wonderful hacienda. FA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 7 (Saturday)
Otavalo / Equator Monument / Quito

Today you visit the famous Indian market in Otavalo. The Otavaleños are known for their beautifully woven or knitted carpets and sweaters, which they sell in the market. Then take a detour to the village of Cotacachi with its important leather goods industry.
Lunch in a restaurant directly on the picturesque San Pablo Lake. On the way back you stop briefly at the small equator monument at the foot of the snow-capped volcano Cayambe (5.790 m). Overnight in your booked base hotel in Quito. F / - / -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Northern and central highlands with the breathtaking Andean train ride
Our basic module: 8-day adventure tour from / to Quito

Attention: In the case of the Galápagos extension, the program is partially rerouted so that it is then from Quito / to Guayaquil! In Guayaquil then overnight in the hotel Hampton Inn (category A) or in the hotel Hilton Colón (category B)

Number of participants:
10 - 16 people	Group trip (basic price)
2 - 4 people	Exclusive tour (Supplement)
Special groups	(on demand)

When booking a KLM flight, usually departure the day before with arrival the next morning. An additional night is necessary for a departure with an arrival on the same day (e.g. Iberia).

Hochland basic building block
Northern and central highlands with the breathtaking Andean approach  8-day adventure tour from / to Quito or from Quito / to Guayaquil (with the Galápagos follow-up program)	8 days from € 1.899, -  (Prices per person in EUR)

 

 

 

Travel dates for exclusive tours with 2-4 people as well as for special groups are possible every Sunday with the start of the journey in Quito, depending on the availability of the services.
More information on request.

Included in the tour price:

• German-speaking local tour guide, minimum number of 6 people, fewer on request
  
• Overnight stays in hotels or haciendas of the typical middle class / upper middle class / in Quito First class hotel in the booked room category (shower / toilet), optionally in
• Quito and Cuenca 
• First / luxury class hotels (hotel category B)
• Catering according to the meal plan
• Excursions in comfortable, customary coaches as indicated, including train journey (ticket). Should the train not be available at very short notice, for example due to technical problems
• the entire route is covered by bus.
  
• All transfers
  
• German-speaking local tour guide
  
• Group tips for porters (airport in Quito)
  
• Entrance fees to museums
  
• Legally prescribed customer money protection

Not included in the tour price:

• Transatlantic flight
• international airport tax
• Cotopaxi National Park Fee and Ecuadorian Exit Fee
• possibly short-term fees
• Tips to local guides and hotel staff
• Extra orders that go beyond the scope of the planned meals
• Drinks