Colombia’s Magdalena River & Volcanic Ecuador

Arrive in Magangué and absorb the area’s natural beauty during a birdwatching tour, scanning the skies and surrounds for bird species only seen in this region. A hiking tour then takes us across the spirited city of Ciénaga. At the entrance to the Canal del Dique sits the town of Calamar, which we also arrive at later today. See Calamar’s historic Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción and other sights while touring the city by paolo, a two-person bicycle taxi.

After breakfast, we disembark our river ship and transfer to the airport for a flight to Ecuador. Our late-afternoon arrival sees us heading straight to the distinguished residence, the Casa Gangotena Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights.

A drive this morning brings us to the lake province of Imbabura. Here, we taste the fruits of the pristine Guayllabamba Valley. Travelling further north, we reach the volcano, Cayambe. From here, we gaze across the tranquil waters of Lake San Pablo. Afterwards, we pay a visit to a local indigenous community. Observe local traditions and enjoy cultural encounters, including participating in healing rituals and making traditional beverages – all before a peaceful lakeside setting. Another drive takes us to the town of Otavalo, whose indigenous market is a vast palette of woven blankets, as well as ponchos, hats, and other articles of clothing. 

Upon our return to Quito, we visit the San Diego Convent, home to the area’s Franciscan friars. After learning of its fascinating history during a tour of its museum, we sit down for an exclusive dinner.

A tour of Quito’s downtown area this morning reveals a collection of its well-preserved historical buildings. Following an overview of the Plaza Grande, we arrive at Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, considered one of the most beautiful baroque-style churches in all South America. Other grand structures on our morning tour include The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, as well as the Virgin of the Panecillo statue, which overlooks the city from its hilltop position. From here, we make our way to the former home of artist, Oswaldo Guayasamin. Following a tour of the on-site museum, which features art from pre-Columbian civilisations, as well as works by Guayasamin’s contemporaries, we indulge in a chocolate tasting with paired wines in the artist’s wine cellar. 

An afternoon of Your World experiences allows us to appreciate distinct aspects of Quito:

— Return to Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús for a guided tour, followed by a culinary experience to match the grandeur of your surroundings.

— Climb aboard a tethered hot air balloon, which will see you suspended over the equator. Enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of the Middle of the World monument and see the city’s lights gradually come to life at sunset.

This evening, we choose our preferred dining venue from the city’s many fine offerings, or our hotel’s restaurant.

Travel through the Southern Highlands to Cotopaxi National Park and look upon colossal Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Memorable views of the snow-capped giant are to be enjoyed from our position along the shores of Limpiopungo Lake. Enjoy lunch within these inspiring surroundings. Afterwards, the local community of San Felipe invites our group to discover the techniques behind grinding and roasting the barley used in its cooking and alcoholic beverages. Today’s eventual destination is the city of Riobamba. We take our rest at Hostería La Andaluza. 

After enjoying breakfast at our accommodation, we head further south toward the city of Cuenca. Along the way, admire views of Chimborazo, another massive volcano. The small district of Colta features Ecuador’s first Catholic Church, which we briefly investigate. We are then driven up the mountain, to 4,800 metres in elevation, before hiking the remaining 200 metres to admire the wintry views from the Chimborazo Refuge. Late this afternoon, we arrive in Cuenca, checking into the Mansion Alcazar. Dine within our hotel’s restaurant this evening or venture out to try other local options.

Explore the city with a local guide this morning. Pass through the areas of Cumbe, La Paz and Oña, then stop in at the Dobel tequila factory. Afterwards, visit the indigenous communities of Saraguro and Gera, from where we walk along a scenic trail to arrive at an archaeological site on the crest of a hill. Be ready for the chance of condor sightings; the graceful creatures are known to fly out this way. We toast our adventures thus far while sampling guarango, a local drink made from agave, courtesy of a hospitable local family. In Saraguro, lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant, before we proceed to Ñamarin, where an artisanal workshop produces handcrafted garments using traditional looms. At Museo de las Madres Conceptas, we savour a unique dining experience amid the museum’s historic exhibits.

Today, our travels bring us to the city’s historic centre. The Iglesia San Sebastian, or Church of San Sebastian, serves as the starting point of our tour. The Modern Art Museum, Calderon Park, and the Flower Plaza all reflect Cuenca’s subtle blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Our tour concludes with visits to two more of Ecuador’s grand churches, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the El Sagrario Cathedral. A change of pace sees us admiring the fashionable Paja Toquilla, at the museum dedicated to the Panama Hat. Then, following the Tomebamba River, we soon appreciate El Barranco, where the natural environment envelops the eclectic architecture poised along its banks. Later, at the Turi viewpoint, we enjoy uninterrupted views across the countless red roofs spread across the valley below. 

A leisurely lunch leads into a free afternoon for you to explore Cuenca on your terms. Tonight, dine at our hotel or choose your preferred option from the restaurants nearby.

On our way to Guayaquil today, we pause in El Cajas National Park. Take a brief hike within this pristine environment, reaching Cerro de Las Tres Cruces, or Hill of Three Crosses, the park’s highest point. From here, we gaze across the region’s lakes and rivers, some of whose waters find their way to either the Pacific or the Amazon. We next visit the Cacao and Mango Hacienda. Follow trails through the plantation and learn the production processes behind some of the world’s most delightful chocolate. An afternoon drive brings us finally to Guayaquil. In this lively city, it would not be unusual for us to cross paths with an iguana or three, as they go about their daily business untroubled by passers-by. We savour our last evening within the luxurious Hotel del Parque.

Our fascinating, remote journey concludes this morning as we farewell our fellow guests and Tour Host Team in Guayaquil.