Southern Ecuador 7 days

Home    |    Andes

Southern Ecuador

A microcosm of Ecuador itself, southern Ecuador provides an incredibly rich mix of history, culture and nature, all in easy reach from the UNESCO heritage site of Cuenca. Nestled in the mountains of the Andes, Cuenca is a perfect base from which to explore the south. The surrounding towns and villages are steeped in tradition and provide excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture, discover the crafts… and of course do a little shopping. From the rolling hills of the provinces to the glacial lakes of El Cajas, there are endless paths to follow and views to enjoy.

  • Transfer to hotel and introduction to tour
  • City tour of Cuenca, UNESCO World Heritage site

Activity length: Approx 7 hrs

Overnight: Cuenca

  • Explore the countryside of the Azuay province
  • Visit the IKAT weavers of Gualaceo, the artisan jewellers of Chordeleg and the community of Principal

Highlights # crafts, shopping, rolling hills, country life #

Activity length: Approx 8 hrs

Overnight: Gualaceo area

  • Ride the famous Devil’s Nose train
  • Visit to the Cañari and Incan archaeological complex of Ingaprica

Highlights # scenery, zigzag train track, archaeology, history, culture, sunset #

Activity length: Approx 9 hrs

Overnight: Ingapirca area

  • Free time to enjoy this beautiful colonial city

Highlights # architecture, culture, history #

Activity length: Depending on your choice of activities

Overnight: Cuenca

  • Enjoy the beautiful Azuay landscape from horseback
  • Visit to organic product centre/restaurant, with cooking class

Highlights # nature, scenery, food, horses #

Activity length: Approx 8 hrs

Overnight: Cuenca

  • Visit to El Cajas National Park, including moderate hike
  • Journey to Guayaquil through spectacular scenery, descending from the Andes to the Coast
  • Optional short city tour – Guayaquil

Highlights # hiking, mountain scenery, flora and fauna, glacial lakes, tropical journey #

Activity length: Approx 8 hrs

Overnight: Guayaquil

  • Transfer to Guayaquil airport for connections home or Galapagos, Amazon or Northern Ecuador extension tours (please ask for details)

Activity length:  Approx 1 hr

We keep our itinerary pages short and sweet, please contact us for the full detailed version or with any questions you may have.

* Tailor-made itineraries are also available*

Price: from $1299 p/p

INCLUDED

  • Private transportation
  • Bilingual guide
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy
  • Visits and excursions detailed in the itinerary
  • Breakfast is included in all packages
  • Other meals may be included, depending on your choice of package

NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Soft & Alcoholic drinks
  • Additional activities
  • Meals (other than breakfast), depending on your choice of package
  • Tips

Polylepis Tours

Polylepis Tours is a Tour Operator dedicated to delivering the best of Ecuador’s four regions to our clients. Bringing together the finest of our local providers, to showcase the amazing diversity that this wonderful country has to offer.