Testimonials

“Personally I loved the Andes probably the most, for the beauty of the mountains and the wonderful llamas and horses that we saw in the mountainous regions, some nearly 3600 meters high in Urbina. I was surprised at the spectacular colors, especially during the last part of the journey as we headed towards Cuenca and the mountains became more green and lush, and small lakes appeared in the green farmland. I couldn't believe that each plot of land, no matter how small, seemed to contain its own set of farm animals (a cow or two grazing in the front yard, chickens, pigs, sheep, and many dogs which chased the Chivas Express barking at us excitedly!) We had a great guide, Juan, who was from Cuenca and took us up on our curiosity to try cuy (see photo - we ordered one to share amongst 4 people and I actually enjoyed it!).”

Julia Kung,
USA, August 2009
Sacha Lodge

“Alan and I had a truly wonderful experience in Ecuador. Santiago and the rest of the staff were excellent hosts, as was the La Pinta and its staff. We had an amazing trip!
Thank you for helping us to arrange this trip!”

Mary and Alan Kennedy, USA, November 2009
Ecuador: Hacienda Zuleta & La Pinta Cruise

“Had a wonderful time. Thanks for everything."

Michele Firon,
Israel, November 2009
Ecuador: Hacienda Zuleta & Grace Cruise

"We had a wonderful time! The Metropolitan Touring people were great to work with."

Ingrid Sheipline, USA,
June 2010
Andes & Finch Bay

"I just want to say how much I enjoyed every aspect of the recent Galapagos/Andes trip I recently took in June 2010. Every aspect was fantastic. All the stress was removed and all plans went as scheduled. We had a wonderful trip and would not change anything. I loved the Andes even more than I did the islands and would recommend this trip to all!!!! Fantastic and thanks."

Julia Schultze, USA, June 2010 Legend & Andes

Trust Earned Travel (www.Tet.org) educates business and vacation travelers.

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Galapagos & Andes

Andes Sierra Scenery

Andes Sierra Hacienda

Combine your Galapagos adventure with a journey through the Avenue of the Volcanoes while staying in some of Ecuador's finest haciendas

Quito nestles in a valley between the snow-capped Andes, but just a short drive of one to two hours outside the bustling capital traditional haciendas dot the valleys of the Andes Highlands region. Rich agricultural valleys, sparkling lakes, colorful indigenous cultures and gracious haciendas that were once the backbone of Spanish colonial agrarian society make excursions outside Quito a trip extension well worth your time to relax and engage in various outdoor activities.

This setting has all the elements of classic mountain scenery and hiking one would expect to find in places like Tuscany and the Alps: breathtaking scenery, incomparable accommodations with historic architecture and excellent cuisine. Yet this trip has something more in the form of a thriving indigenous culture along with the living remnants of both ancient and colonial cultures. It also offers the opportunity to see wildlife found nowhere else. Because this trip is set on the equator it is available year round.

You'll have the opportunity to stay at the same places where much of South America's history was written. For example, Hacienda San Augustin de Callo incorporates original walls of an Incan fortress into its structure. You’ll enjoy the warm, welcoming hospitality unique to Ecuador’s haciendas as the hosts welcome you to their homes.

The simple luxury of the accommodations is matched with a series of excellent hikes, drives and cultural interactions throughout the national parks and towns that surround Ecuador's Avenue of the Volcanoes. Here you’ll enjoy spectacular views of valleys crowned by some of the tallest snow-capped volcanoes in the world, including 5897 meter Cotopaxi and 5704 meter Antisana. Expect to spot unique, endangered species like the spectacle bear, puma and the legendary Andean condor.

“Ecuadorian people offer a brand of cultural interaction not found in many destinations,” writes respected travel writer David Noland. Many of the native peoples here are descendants of the Inca – many still speak Quechua, their original language; other mestizos are of mixed native and European ancestry. The fact that this area is less visited than some parts of Peru means that areas are much more authentic. We include visits to local markets including Otavalo, which dates back to antiquity and is famous throughout the Andes for its handicrafts, textiles and tapestries. Along with the more known Otavalo, we also visit small markets in villages, where foreigners are rarely seen.

Highlights:

Horseback riding in the foothills of the second highest active volcano in the world

Hiking in the breathtaking scenery of the majestic Andes

Incomparable accommodations with historic architecture and excellent cuisine

Opportunity to stay at the places where much of South America's history was written

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Sample Itinerary

Can be combined before or after a Galapagos cruise

DAY 1	Fly to Quito and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 2	Transfer to the Andes Highlands southwest of Quito. Spend the afternoon hiking or horseback riding in Antisana Ecological Reserve. Antisana is privately owned and regulated, with the goal of preserving native flora and fauna. It lies in the foothills of Volcano Antisana. Once within the Reserve, you will hike to Pita Waterfall. After your hike, relax with a picnic lunch. Then, continue your drive to San Agustín de Callo, a hacienda whose walls are partially constructed from an Inca temple.
DAY 3	Option of hiking or horseback ride around extensive hacienda property in the foothills of the Andes. Also visit a local village and market and one of Ecuador’s famed rose plantations. Enjoy delicious, homemade cuisine at the hacienda.
DAY 4	Continue on to Baños, a town on the edge of the cloud forest. In Baños you’ll have the opportunity to visit the area’s famous waterfalls or handicraft workshops. In the afternoon drive to Riobamba, one of the liveliest cities in Ecuador’s Central Highlands. It has plenty of colonial charm with its cobbled streets, pastel buildings and stately squares. Overnight at the cozy Abraspungo Inn.
DAY 5	You’re going to have an early morning when you depart Riobamba to ride the roof of the train to Devil’s Nose. The train passes through every climate zone, beginning in the cool highlands, passing through the cloud forest and ending in the hot coastal jungle. The train descends caboose first and goes along a series of switchbacks with thrilling twists and turns, offering spectacular views of Chimurazo and an exciting descent down the 45-degree gradient of the Devil’s Nose. Also visit the Ingapirca Inca ruins, and overnight in Mansion Alcazar in Cuenca.
DAY 6	You’ll leave Cuenca in the morning and stop for a short hike at El Cajas Lakes. Then, after a picnic lunch, you’ll continue on to Guayaquil to stay overnight at the Hilton before your morning flight to the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 7	Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands, to begin your adventure.
DAY 7 -14	Live aboard the yacht and spend as much time exploring the islands as park rules permit. Each night we travel on to the next island.
DAY 14	Disembark from the cruise and return to Quito. Transfer to your hotel.
DAY 15	Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or on to other adventures!

Andes Highlands Hacienda

2011 Rates

Prices start at: $6,000 depending on number of participants.
This trip can be fully customized for two to seven day journeys with more or less hiking, horseback riding and visits to local markets.

Ask one of our experts.

Andes Highlands Hotel Room

Our Guides

Our philosophy and approach has resulted in attracting a team of the very best guides Ecuador has to offer. Each has spent years studying geology, biology, archeology and other fields related to their work. Most speak a number of languages. Each is licensed by the ministry of tourism and our guides typically have at least eight years of experience leading trips. In addition each has been certified to give aid by the International Red Cross.

The guides on this trip love to hike, love the outdoors and are therefore very fit. They are personable, interesting and entertaining people intent on conveying their deep understanding and love of their treasured Andean highlands. They will leave you in admiration of your surroundings and the place we call home.

Andes Highlands Scenery

How Do I Reserve My Trip?

Signing up for your trip is easy. Simply call one of our experts to reserve your space using your credit card. Our sales staff will be there to go over any questions you have and guide you through each step leading toward your trip of a lifetime.

Call us toll free in the US at: 1.866.626.3750
or Email us your inquiry at: info@galapagosexcursions.net
or use this handy form to get more information.