THE HIGHLANDS OF THE ANDES

The two Andean cordilleras that run parallel and cross Ecuador from north to south, offer a most varied topography: volcanoes and snow capped mountains, green valleys with impressive Colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca, quaint Indian villages, farmlands, haciendas, lakes and rivers of crystal blue waters.

(Two Andean cordilleras that run parallel across Ecuador offer a spectacular and varied landscape of volcanoes, snow capped mountains, green valleys, beautiful colonial cities such as Quito and Cuenca, quaint Indian villages, farmlands, haciendas, lakes and rivers of crystal blue waters.)

The capital of Ecuador, Quito, brings the past to life in its museums, monasteries, the carved stone facades and golden altars of its many churches, as well as in the Archaeological Museum that displays centuries of preColumbian treasures. Enjoy scenic, Colonial and artistic Quito, then stand with a foot on each hemisphere at the Middle of the World.

The province of Imbabura is located in northern Ecuador, a picturesque land of lakes, majestic sierras and terraced farmlands, home to the Otavalo Indians, industrious and enterprising people, who offer their products at the famous outdoor market, full of ponchos, embroidered blouses, ceramics, wall hangings, native jewelry and authentic Panama hats. Near Otavalo are charming country inns and haciendas to stay overnight, and explore this wonderful area at a more leisurely pace.

(Imbabura, a picturesque land of lakes, majestic sierras and terraced farmlands in northern Ecuador, is home to the Otavalo Indians and their famous outdoor market offering ponchos, embroidered blouses, ceramics, wall hangings, native jewelry and authentic Panama hats. Near Otavalo, charming inns and haciendas offer the opportunity to stay overnight and explore this exotic region at a more leisurely pace.)

Beginning in Quito and going south, is the Avenue of the Volcanoes with unparalleled views of the Andes. Mount Cotopaxi dominates the landscape of a National Park of the same name, where llamas graze and high-elevation bird species fly, including the Andean Condor. Our exclusive Hacienda programs provide an in-depth experience of Andean flavor, with stays at marvelous properties, as guests of the owners. For the more adventurous, the Andes are the perfect setting for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and many more outdoor adventures.

(Going south from Quito, the Avenue of the Volcanoes offers unparalleled views of the Andes. Mount Cotopaxi dominates the landscape of Cotopaxi National Park where llamas graze and exotic mountain birds such as the Andean Condor soar overhead. On our exclusive hacienda program, visitors stay in privately owned haciendas and enjoy a unique in-depth experience of true Andean flavor. For the more adventurous, the Andes are the perfect setting for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and many more outdoor adventures.)

Spectacular train rides, on exclusive coaches of the Expreso Metropolitan Touring, run from the Andean highlands to the Pacific shores, with the thrill of zigzagging the sharp angles of the Devil’s Nose.

(The Expreso Metropolitan Touring train offers spectatcular trips on exclusive (private?) coaches running from the Andean higlands through the thrilling zigzagging angles of the Devil’s Nose to the Pacific shore.)

Private tours offer exclusive arrangements with multilingual guides for either FIT´s or groups. Semiprivate tours are operated on vans with a maximum of nine guests; while our sharing bus tours have a capacity of up to forty guests. Both semiprivate and sharing bus tours are guided with English/Spanish speaking guide only.