Quintessentially Ecuador, the Andean region (also known as the Sierra and the Highlands) is the most visited region in the country. Enjoy the World's highest active volcano - Cotopaxi and ride the Devil's Nose Train, a hair-raising trip down the rocky slopes of the Andes. Finish up with a panoramic city tour of Cuenca, often hailed as "the hidden treasure of Ecuador" and a final stop to the vast El Cajas National park.
Please note: Participants in this program should schedule their arrival flight into Quito, Ecuador.
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding Ecuadorian visas. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain appropriate visa documents prior to cruising.
DAY 1 - QUITO
Upon arrival in Quito, you are met and transferred from the airport to the J.W. Marriott Hotel. Quito, nestled at the foot of 15,696-foot Volcán Pichincha, is known for its eternally spring-like climate and for the beauty of its well-preserved colonial center. After check-in, the remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Overnight at the J.W. Marriott Hotel - Quito, Ecuador
DAY 2 - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, check-out and meet your Silversea representative in the hotel's lobby.
Drive south from Quito along the stunning Avenue of the Volcanoes, a nickname bestowed by Alexander Von Humboldt, the German scientist who came to Ecuador in the 18th century and gathered valuable information on the biology and geography of the country. The park is named for its volcano, the perfectly cone-shaped Volcán Cotopaxi. One of the highest active volcanoes in the world at 19,356 feet (5,900 metres), Cotopaxi dominates the landscape.
While in the park, walk around the beautiful Laguna Limpiopungo or visit the Salitre pre-Inca ruins. Keep an eye out for wild horses and the endangered Andean Condor.
Lunch is served at Hacienda La Ciénega, a 400 year-old hacienda whose first guest was Von Humboldt himself. Continue to Hacienda San Agustín de Callo for dinner and your overnight stay. This hacienda's origins even predate those of La Ciénega. Originally a 15th Century Inca palace, San Agustín was eventually taken over by colonialists and then the Augustinians. Inca walls are still visible throughout the structure, with additional Colonial and Republican construction from the 18th and 19th Centuries, respectively.
Dinner is provided at the hotel.
Overnight at Hacienda San Agustín de Callo - Lasso, Ecuador
DAY 3 - COTOPAXI /QUILOTOA / RIOBAMBA
Today you will visit Laguna Quilotoa, a spectacular crater lake in the Andes after breakfast is provided at the hotel.
Drive through a fantastic mountain landscape towards the western side of the Andes. Observe small villages and fields sprinkled with farmers and shepherds along the way. One cannot see the breath-taking, aquamarine Quilotoa until the last few steps approaching the rim. Then the whole lake and its vista appears in all its splendour. All sides of the volcano have a ragged, rugged ridge which drops over 1,320 feet (400 metres) down to the shore.
While in the area, visit the villages of Tigua and Pujilí, each known for their local artisans.
After enjoying a boxed lunch, continue on to Riobamba. Surrounded by spectacular snow-capped peaks such as Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak at 20,565 feet, (6,310 metre), Riobamba, the former capital of Ecuador, is known as the Sultan of the Andes.
Tonight's accommodation is at Hacienda La Andaluza, surrounded by the magnificence of the Ecuadorian Andes. This 16th-century hacienda has been declared a Cultural Heritage of Ecuador. Recent updates brought many modern touches which are blended seamlessly with the historic building. For instance, all rooms have specially heated walls to insure you stay warm and cozy despite the brisk Andean nights.
Overnight at Hacienda La Andaluza - Riobamba, Ecuador
DAY 4 - RIOBAMBA / DEVIL'S NOSE TRAIN / CUENCA
Depart early this morning for one of the most beautiful and impressive train journeys on the continent. Today, this classic train ride is run purely for visitors who can enjoy the experience of travelling through the fantastic Andean scenery from Riobamba to Alausí, then the adventure of travelling down the Devil's Nose section of the line which zigzags along the edge of the Andes in a truly exhilarating and exciting ride of a lifetime. This train journey is classed amongst the most spectacular in the world.
Upon arriving in the quaint town of Alausí, board the classic train to the Devil's Nose. Along the way, we encounter breath-taking Andean scenery, the Palmira desert and, finally, the Devil's Nose itself. One of the most unique train routes in the world, and certainly one of the best known in South America, the Devil's Nose is truly an amazing feat of engineering. While constructing the Quito-Guayaquil train line in the early 20th Century, the engineers were faced with a major obstacle - the Andes. With no clear path into and out of the forbidding range, the engineers finally decided to tackle the problem head on. They created a series of switchbacks that allow the train to navigate a 45 degree rock slope while descending over 2,600 feet (800 meters). It makes for a spectacular journey through one of Ecuador's most scenic landscapes.
After descending the Devil's Nose, stop to enjoy some refreshments while exploring the beautiful surroundings. There is also a charming museum offering information about local culture, history, flora, and fauna in the area. Then board the train again for the climb back up to Alausí
Once back in Alausí, board the vehicle and head to the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Before our visit, lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Ingapirca, meaning "The Inca wall" in Quichua, is the most important complex of ruins existing in the country and it was built on top of Cañari constructions which go back to 1200 AD. The site was used as a political and religious center until the Incas conquered the Cañari and started the construction of a temple in 1460. Upon completion it served as a site for Sun worship and as a calendar for agricultural purposes. The complex also has other important sections such as the ancient residing place of the virgins of the sun, the Inca baths, and more. There is also a small museum on-site featuring artefacts from both Cañari and Inca civilizations.
Dinner is provided at the hotel this evening.
Overnight at Cruz del Vado - Cuenca, Ecuador
DAY 5 - CUENCA / GUAYAQUIL
Rise and enjoy breakfast and check-out of the hotel before embarking on a panoramic tour of the city of Cuenca. Cuenca is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the country and is often hailed as "The hidden treasure of Ecuador". It was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, primarily for having been able to preserve the most valuable cultural and architectural features found in its historic centre.
Drive along Cuenca's cobblestoned streets, visiting flowery plazas and picturesque sites. See Cuenca's famous flower market and its dazzlingly colourful displays of arum lilies, orchids, and roses. Continue to the neo-Gothic 'New Cathedral' and its distinctive blue domes which dominate the skyline. Construction on the New Cathedral began in 1880; it was erected to replace the Old Cathedral (still standing across from the new one), built by the Spanish in 1557, the year the city was founded.
This afternoon, marvel at the diversity of the landscape as you drive from Andean highlands to coastal Guayaquil. During the 3-hour drive, stop at El Cajas National Park, a must-see destination for nature lovers - exotic flowers, rock formations and over 200 glacial lakes make for striking photos. Check-in at the Oro Verde Hotel in the heart of the city. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Overnight at the Oro Verde Hotel - Guayaquil, Ecuador
DAY 6 - GALÁPAGOS
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the onward flight to the Galápagos. Bon voyage!
Program Inclusions:
- One night stay in a Deluxe Room at the JW Marriott Hotel - Quito, Ecuador
- One night stay in a Standard Room at the Hacienda San Agustín de Callo - Lasso, Ecuador
- One night stay in a Standard Room at the Hacienda La Andaluza - Riobamba, Ecuador
- One night stay in a Deluxe Room at the Mansion del Vado - Cuenca, Ecuador
- One night stay in a Deluxe Room at the Oro Verde Hotel - Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Meals: Five breakfasts; four lunches (including 1 boxed lunch) and three dinners
- Transfers between airports and hotels in air-conditioned vehicles
Please note:
- This program requires an extensive amount of walking, some of which is on cobblestone paths and unpaved trails, with uneven surfaces. There are many steps to climb. As a result, this excursion is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair.
- Altitude sickness may be a problem for guests suffering from palpitations, shortness of breath or severe headaches.
- This programme involves fairly long drives. All vehicles utilized are the best available.
- Pack carefully; luggage weight restriction is limited to 50 lb. (23 kg). Warm clothes are necessary; trekking or comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles are important. Plan on wearing layers of clothing. You will be at higher altitude so sunblock, wide-brimmed, expedition-style hats and sunglasses are necessary.
- This Land Adventure involves touring outdoors and guests may be exposed to warm, humid and/or wet weather and insects. Bring rain gear and insect repellent.
Luggage Information:
Your luggage will remain with you throughout the duration of the program.
Visa Information:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding Ecuadorian visas. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain appropriate visa documents prior to cruising.
Accessibility:
This program requires participants to be physically fit and able to walk through uneven and/or slippery terrain. The sights visited on this program are not well-equipped for mobility-impaired guests; therefore, this tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair.
Vaccinations:
Consult your physician for information regarding vaccinations or medications that may be appropriate for your state of health.
All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect. All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing. This description is a general overview of this programme. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require. The programme described in this brochure is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.
