Experience the charm and diversity of Cuenca in this convenient, easily accessible two-day program. After a spectacular early morning flight across the Andes, the guide awaits at the airport for a transfer to the hotel of your choice. Then, begin your comprehensive tour of the city of Cuenca, which includes exploring the Plaza of San Sebastian, a colorful artisans market, where local handicrafts are sold. Then, visit the Museum of Modern Art, featuring an excellent collection of contemporary fine art. Stops are made at the workshops where Panama hats of the best quality are made, and at Plaza San Francisco, where the beautifully embroidered skirts of the cholas are for sale. Next, visit the flower market at the small plaza in front of the carved stone entrance to the church of El Carmen de la Asunción. From here, stroll to the main square, surrounded by the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, the Court of Justice, the Municipal Palace, the Governor’s Palace and the Church of El Sagrario. Also visit Todos Santos Ruins, where in different layers you find the rough stone of Cañari building, the mortar-less stonework of the Incas and remains of Spanish arches. The tour ends with a drive along the Tomebamba river to admire the city’s overhanging houses and the laundry spread out to dry on its river banks. Lunch will feature typical Cuencan delicacies. Free time in the afternoon to visit museums and the many handicraft shops before dinner at the hotel and a quiet evening in colonial Cuenca.

After breakfast the next morning, depart by motorcoach to Cajas National Park. A jacket and walking shoes are necessary when heading for the area of Cajas, 19 miles (30 Km.) west of Cuenca. Cajas is lake country, a protected 28,800-hectare area starting at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level; the region shows remains of intense volcanic activity and glaciation. The highest point is reached on the road at Three Crosses, the water divide of those than go to the Pacific and to the Atlantic. The wind and drizzle can make it very cold, but the scenery surrounding these 230 lakes is splendid, for walking and hiking, for observing flora, fauna and bird life. The vegetation includes small forests of quinua trees, a high protein grain. These dwarf forests are home to many species of birds like hummingbirds and the gray-breasted mountain toucan. The cold lakes of Cajas are full of trout, and A visit to a trout-breeding hacienda is included, where lunch will naturally feature delicious fresh trout. Return to Cuenca and transfer to the airport for the return flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Round trip air ticket is not included. Entrance fee to Cajas National Park is not included.