Destinations
A varied drive that takes you from Quito, south through the Cotopaxi National Park, further south through more stunning scenery to Banos, onto Cuenca via Inca ruins at Ingapirca and ending at a wonderful hacienda that makes its own chocolate! Or is that the end? Guayaquil is the jump off point to the Galapagos Islands and a visit here would be the icing on the cake. Good to visit at any time of year. Ask us about Galapagos extensions.
You will be met on arrival at Quito airport and privately transferred to your hotel for the next 2 nights, Casa Gangotena is a luxurious boutique hotel right on the main square of Quito's old quarter. The building is a restored Renaissance-inspired mansion which preserves the opulent ambience and décor of its former incarnation.
You then have a full day to explore Quito, which is at an altitude of 2,850m. Its historic quarter presents glorious churches and monasteries, cobbled old squares and steep narrow streets. The city lies at an important meeting point of traditional trading routes, hence it was developed by the Incas and then by the Spanish. Its setting is spectacular. The city isn't simply surrounded by mountains; it huddles beneath volcanoes – with Volcan Pichincha occasionally puffing out smoky ash to the west.
From the airport you’ll drive south towards the Cotopaxi area via the town of Sangolqui, with an optional stop at the Pita River. Back on the road, you’ll continue on to the lovely Chilcabamba Lodge for the night. Once you get there you’ll have time to try some of the easy self-guided walks around the property. The views are simply wonderful.
Day 4
Enjoy the day exploring in the Cotopaxi National Park. Once you have explored enough, continue your drive to the charming little town of Chugchilan. You’ll stay the night at Mama Hilda a homely and tranquil traditional style Andean hotel.
A day of breath-taking scenery ahead as you drive to the Quilotoa area. When you get to the Shalala viewpoint you’ll see the enormous Quilotoa volcanic crater with its serene green and turquoise lake. When you get to the Shalala viewpoint you’ll see the enormous Quilotoa volcanic crater with its serene green and turquoise lake.
Today you’ll be heading south making the transition from the Amazon to the Andes. Your drive winds along the Avenue of Volcanoes, a strip of 14 active, semi-active and dormant volcanic mountains: passing traditional haciendas, indigenous villages and protected natural areas. Head to Banos.
This morning you will take a ride on the train to the Devil's Nose. The biggest problem faced during the construction of the Trans-Andean railroad in the early twentieth century, was the Devil’s Nose, a mountain with almost perpendicular walls. To overcome the obstacle a zigzag track was built that climbs more than 500m in less than 12 km, with steep ascents and descents. Even today it is an impressive piece of engineering. Later visit the Inca ruins at Ingapirca, before heading to Cuenca and your hotel for tonight.
Today you’ll start out on the drive to Hacienda La Danesa, passing through El Cajas, one of Ecuador’s largest and most diverse National Parks. El Cajas 70,000 acres shelter everything from cloud forest to rocky lunar landscapes, but it’s the lakes (more than 200 of them) scattered amongst jagged peaks that best characterise the Park’s attractions. Most of El Cajas lies above 3,000 meters, with páramo covering most of the rugged terrain. You’ll also stand a good chance of seeing the wild llamas that were reintroduced to the park in the late 1990s. The Park’s other animal inhabitants, such as the spectacled bear, puma, and tigrillo, are a bit more more elusive, but even so, with a little bit of luck you may spot something. The long list of birds species you’ll be able to see here includes hummingbirds, toucans, and Andean Condors.
Make your way to Guayaquil where you will drop off your vehicle and continue your onward journey (either home or surely on to the Galapagos Islands?). Or maybe The Amazon..
Having a good, quality vehicle is key to every self-drive journey. We work carefully with our local team to source you the best vehicle available for your self-drive journey.
All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.
Simply, because we care. Whether you have travelled in Africa with Safari Drive or whether this is your first journey with us, we will be working hard behind the scenes to support your trip and ensure sure you have a fantastic self drive adventure.
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We will create the perfect trip, at your own pace, to your budget.
All our team in Latin America live in-country and have travelled extensively. Their knowledge and input is key to a successful self-drive safari.
We don’t mark up for our services, we only take commissions from the suppliers we use. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive.
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
