Avenue of the Volcanoes Ecuador

Depart Quito early morning and head south to the Cotopaxi National Park where, weather permitting, you will be able to see the snowcapped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes.

You will also visit the Interpretation center to learn about the history of this spectacular volcano's major eruptions, as well as the local flora and fauna. Then visit Lake Limpiopungo and explore the surrounding area on foot. If you feel like a longer walk, a 2-hour hike will take you to Mt. Cotopaxi's J. Ribas refuge (4,800 m) where you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks.

Later, enjoy some mountain bike riding through exclusive trails designed by mountain bikers and engineers on a fantastic journey through the heart of the Andes. You will then be escorted by mountain biking guides and be pampered by traditional hospitality during the whole trip. Tonight you stay at the Chilcabamba Lodge.

Visit the workshop of local artisan, Don Alfonso Toaquiza, who welcomes you to his workshop where you can learn about local culture, and folkloric art. You will also have the chance to show off your skills in painting. You even get to keep your piece of sheepskin artwork!

After, visit the volcanic crater of Quilotoa with a serene mysterious looking green lake inside. Enjoy a boxed lunch at the lookout of Shalala, and then hike along the rim of the crater until we reach another viewpoint. Then visit an Indian market in the town of either Saquisili, Pujili, Zumbahua or Latacunga (based on day).

These markets are as authentic and non-touristic as can be found today in Ecuador today. They are important to the local indigenous people as markets are the center of their social and economic worlds.

*Markets take place on the following days: Tuesday: Latacunga - Wednesday - Sunday: Pujili - Thursday: Saquisili - Saturday: Zumbahua. Abraspungo Lodge.

After breakfast you will take the scenic drive to Alausi, and the train station for your train ride- Nariz del Diablo Train Journey! The biggest complication faced by the construction of the Trans-Andean railroad was the Devil's Nose, a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome this obstacle a zigzag railroad was built that climbs - or descends dependent on your direction - more than 500 meters in less than 12 km with steep ascents and descents. It remains to this day, an impressive piece of engineering. While recovering from the mind-blowing descent you will enjoy the views of the narrow gorge of river Chanchan and will have the chance to learn a bit about the traditions and worldview of the Puruhuas in Sibambe. Train departs Tuesday to Sunday and holidays.

You now drive south to Ingapirca, an Inca observatory and fortress. This is the most important Inca site in Ecuador, where the Emperor and his entourage would rest during trips to this northern segment of the Empire. Ingapirca Ruins, is the largest and best-preserved archaeological complex in Ecuador was built with stones perfectly carved and joined with natural mortar, this Temple served for ceremonies and rituals of the Canari-Inca culture and also had strategic-military purposes. After lunch continue to Cuenca.

The towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, are located just 45 minutes east of Cuenca. In these traditional settlements, set in beautiful Andean landscapes, you will meet families who are still making textiles the way the "Canaris" (the pre-Inca inhabitants) did more than 500 years ago. Visit the workshops of a traditional jewelry makers, a guitar maker that forms part of the 'Guitar Trail', and a 'Chola Cuencana' who still makes her straw hats in the traditional manner. Along the way you will have the opportunity to visit an orchid farm that houses more than 2,000 species of orchids, one of the best in the world, as well as visiting shoemakers, jewelers and food and fruit market.

Depart after breakfast, from Cuenca to Guayaquil. This drive takes 4 hours and passes through the Cajas National Park. There is a short stop here to enjoy of the amazing view and then continue to Naranjito and Hacienca La Danesa. Located in Ecuador's tropical coastal region, only an hour from the city of Guayaquil and with the spectacular Andes Mountains as backdrop, Hacienda La Danesa is a 500 Hectares traditional dairy farm that produces about 2,000 liters of milk per day, as well as fresh cheese for guests every morning. The hacienda also has cocoa and teak plantations and breeds beautiful pinto quarter horses.

In the Olsen family for over 50 years, the exceptional service, 'deep green' environmental practices and authenticity will create an experience every guest will remember. La Danesa is also committed to improving local standards of living through tourism, and implements strict policies to create jobs in the neighboring communities, start-ups and sourcing local ingredients. Enjoy a tour at the Cacao plantation with a hands-on chocolate making experience where chocolate tasting is included. You will also enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch menu prepared by the Hacienda's expert chefs. After lunch drive to Guayaquil where services end.