Ecuador & Costa Rica: Andes, Volcanoes, Rainforest, and Beaches

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 – Miami/Quito
Flight from Miami to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 – Quito & The Equator
The tour begins with a great view of Orellana’s way and Guapulo Sanctuary (XVII Century). We will continue towards the downtown, where we will take a walk visiting the Independence Square, surrounded by historically important buildings, such us the Cathedral (XVI Century), the Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church (XVII Century), and one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America, La Compañia de Jesus (XVII Century). Afterwards visit the Panecillo Hill where the Virgin of Quito, (the only winged virgin) is located. From this perspective you will be delighted by the spectacular view of Colonial Quito mainly. Then we will drive 15 Km. north of Quito, towards the Middle of the World. Here you will have two options, either to visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument, which shows a display of the main cultures of Ecuador. Or, visit the Inti Nan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum, located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses. You will be shown with different scientific experiments that you are truly stand on the 0° Meridian. Return to your hotel.

Day 3 – Quito/Riobamba
Drive along “The Volcanoes Avenue” towards the world’s highest active volcano, Cotopaxi (5,897 meters). Drive on a third order road through a Pine forest to Limpiopungo Lake located 3,800 meters above sea level along the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano (If desired it is also possible to drive towards to parking lot in order to hike towards the Rivas Refuge). In the afternoon drive to Riobamba, visit the city. Overnight.

Day 4 – Riobamba/Cuenca
After breakfast drive to Chimborazo Reserve, you will enjoy a nice trip passing through rural areas. Chimborazo Reserve boasts Lamas and Vicuñas. Drive up to 4,800 meters above sea level and hike up to the Refuge at 5,000 meters or just take your time by to enjoy the impressive landscape at this altitude. (If available it is also possible to enjoy a train ride to “The Devil’s Nose”). Later on drive to Ingapirca Ruins, an Inca Complex built over the ruins of a Cañari settlement, an important native culture of southern Ecuador, so it is also possible to find ruins of this culture. In the afternoon continue to Cuenca. Overnight.

Day 5 – Cuenca/Guayaquil
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of this magnificent city declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Mankind. After lunch drive to Guayaquil through the spectacular Cajas roads. After four hours of driving you will be delighted with the change of altitude and landscape. The road reaches 4,000 meters of altitude and is surrounded by a beautiful Paramo landscape, full of lakes. This adventure ends at sea level, where the agriculture of the coast plays an important role in the landscape. Arrive in Guayaquil and overnight.

Day 6 – Guayaquil/San Jose/Manuel Antonio
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of the most valuable port in Ecuador. The city tour takes place at the downtown where we can have a nice overview of the old city by visiting Las Peñas Neighborhood, located at the slopes of Santa Ana Hill. From here it is possible to enjoy a nice view of the modern Malecon 2000, located at the shores of Guayas River, as well as an example of original architecture in Guayaquil. At the Malecon we will visit La Rotonda, The Moorish Clock Tower and many other attractive sightseeing. Afterwards, walk at the old town through 9 de Octubre Avenue, to visit the Seminario Park and the Centenario Park. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon arrival, private transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure to enjoy the beaches and beautiful scenery.

Day 7 – San Jose/Manuel Antonio
Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. The 3000 acres of the Manuel Antonio National Park is considered one of the most beautiful National Parks of the country. With its white sand beaches, the abundant fauna, exuberant flora, and its scenic footpaths, is one of the most visited in the country. It includes a wooded area, densely populated by monkeys and raccoons, and three exceptionally beautiful beaches, is one of the few areas in which rare squirrel monkey can be found. The footpaths happen through the secondary forest and of the primary forest, dominated by you hoist them of cedar, raft and mangle.

Day 8 – Manuel Antonio
Full day at leisure to enjoy the beaches and beautiful scenery.

Day 9 – Manuel Antonio/San Jose
Transfer to the airport for your quick flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 10 – San Jose/Miami
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Price Includes:
- Air transportation from Miami to Quito, Guayaquil to San Jose, San Jose to Quepos (Manuel Antonio) round-trip, San Jose to Miami, coach class - You do not need to fly via Miami; we will fly you the most direct way to your destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city of origin
- Transfers between airports and hotels
- Hotel and hacienda accommodation including breakfast daily
- Guided tours in English including entrance fees (private tours in Ecuador)