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- Authentic Colonial Building
in the Heart of Cuenca - Cuenca’s UNESCO Historic Center,
El Cajas & Artisan Villages - 5 Days/
4 Nights
There’s one thing you won’t find in Cuenca: an ordinary adventure. Experience the extraordinary in this romantic Spanish-style colonial city, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Just a 45-minute flight from Quito, Cuenca offers an enchanting escape.
Explore Cuenca's vibrant arts community, visit the flower market, and stroll through the central plaza. Parque Calderón, home to the blue-domed Catedral Nueva, invites unrivaled window shopping and people watching. Just a short drive away, the breathtaking landscapes of El Cajas National Park are reminiscent of scenes from "Lord of the Rings."
There’s a reason this high-elevation city is so popular with expatriates! Whether you're drawn by the rich cultural heritage, the stunning landscapes, or the welcoming community, Cuenca promises an unforgettable experience.
Authentic (USD per person)
* Add the above price to your Galapagos rates for the full price of your Ecuador adventure.
Meander flower markets, ancient alleyways, and cobblestone streets, with nature excursions to El Cajas.
4 Nights
Beyond its charming streets and historical landmarks, Cuenca offers vibrant rooftop cafes and panoramic vistas that will take your breath away. Explore the city’s rich traditions with pottery and silver-making workshops, or venture to El Cajas for a hiker's paradise. Whether you're enjoying the culinary scene from a rooftop perch or delving into the artisanal crafts, Cuenca may draw you back again and again.
- INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ARRIVAL TO QUITO & TRANSFER TO HOTEL
AM | PM: Arrive in Quito (most flights arrive in the evening) and take a private transfer into the Colonial quarter of the city. - Meals included: No meals this day
- Overnight: In Tababela Valley
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Begin your journey in the heart of Quito's historic center, the very first UNESCO World Heritage site. Condé Nast even hails it as Latin America's Best Preserved Colonial City." On a private luxury tour, stay in authentic Spanish-style colonial hotels nestled amidst the old town's charm. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re in Europe—without the jet lag!
Wind your way through cobblestone streets and hilly lanes, passing centuries-old Spanish-style residences adorned with garden courtyards. Marvel at the opulent golden altar of La Compañia Church and savor a chocolate-tasting session featuring the finest cacao in the world. Colonial Quito is the perfect base for other day tours in the region, including Otavalo and the Andes Highlands.
From Colonial Quito, embark on multi-day guided adventures to explore Ecuador's pristine national parks, colonial haciendas, and lush cloud forests like Cotopaxi and the mystical Mashpi.
Ecuador boasts pristine national parks, stunning colonial haciendas, and unspoiled cloud forests. For a taste of Ecuadorian country life, rustic mountain-side Haciendas preserve their essence while providing unique comfort and service. And if you seek unique wildlife encounters in the Central Andes Highlands, our Glamping experiences offer active exploration, gourmet cuisine, and unparalleled immersion in nature's wonders.
Combine an Amazon Adventure with your Galapagos Cruise or Mainland Ecuador tour for the ultimate wildlife safari in the Western Hemisphere. It’s surprisingly easy to journey from the high-elevation Colonial city to a luxury lodge in the Amazon Jungle.
Ecuador's headwaters offer prime habitat, exceptional wildlife viewing, and immersive river cruises in the Amazon basin. Extending your stay in the Amazon is the easiest and most cost-effective way to explore the Earth's largest tropical forest. A quick 30-minute flight from Quito takes you to Coca on the Napo River, followed by a scenic 2-hour motorized launch up the river to your lodge or river cruise. Here, you'll encounter Pygmy Marmosets (the world's smallest monkey species), blue morpho butterflies, and a rich variety of birds, from Toucans to Scarlet Macaws, in one of the planet's last truly wild frontiers.
Most consider Cuenca the country’s most beautiful city, a step back in time reminiscent of Europe! We also call this vibrant urban hub Ecuador’s ‘city of rivers’. Cuenca is made for walking, a city that has preserved its cobblestone streets and whimsical feel. Modern shops and cafés mix with the Spanish-style mansions of old, with a slew of museums, churches, and squares to revel in. It’s the perfect place to pause, breathe, and indulge in fine dining.
After an unforgettable Galapagos Yacht Safari, don’t forget to sit back and reminisce. The Galapagos Islands are also home to beautiful beaches with soft white sand providing a feeling of paradise that deserves a few extra days to soak up the sun and relax.
For those seeking a luxury island tour, our carefully selected accommodations on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands offer a tranquil haven where you can extend your Galapagos experience. Immerse yourself in the gentle rhythms of island life, take leisurely strolls along pristine shores, or simply savor the feeling of absolute relaxation as you indulge in spa treatments. The magic of Galapagos awaits.