Quito - Train "Nariz del Diablo" - Baños - Quito

Print Email

Detailed Trip Description

South of Quito is some of the loveliest mountain scenery in Ecuador. This part was named "Avenue of the volcanoes", by the German explorer, Alexander Von Humboldt, and it is easy to see why. An impressive roll call of towering peaks lines the route south: Cotopaxi, the Ilinizas, Carihuairazo and Chimborazo to name but a few. This area obviously attracts its fair share of trekkers and climbers, while the less active traveler can browse through the many colorful Indian markets and colonial towns that nestle among the high volcanic cones. Baños, named and famed for its thermal baths, is a spa popular with international traveler and Ecuadorians alike on the main road from the Central Highlands to the Oriente jungle. The convoluted topography of the provinces of Cañar and Azuay reveals an ancient non volcanic past distinct from the northern Sierra neighbors. The region is the home of many treasures. Here are Ecuador prime Inca sites, one of the most spectacular National Parks and Cuenca, the focal point for El Austro (as this part of the country is called). Cuenca boasts some of the country's finest architecture. The Cuenca basin is a major "artisan" center producing ceramics, gold and silver jewelry, textiles and the famous Panama hat.

Print Email
 

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Quito

 
Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Ríobamba
National Parks

Visit of the Cotopaxi National Park.

Quito National Parks picture
Hotel

Drive southward on the Pan-American Highway to Ambato and Ríobamba where you stay overnight.


Day 2 - Riobamba

 
Ríobamba - Train "Nariz del Diablo" - Baños
Train

Very early drive to the Railway station in Ríobamba from where the train leaves at 7 AM to Alausi through the ¨Nariz del Diablo¨.

Hotel

From Alausi we drive to Baños where you stay overnight.


Day 3 - Quito

 
Baños - Pastaza Valley - Quito
Sightseeing

In the morning visit of various Waterfalls around Baños before we return to Quito.


Request more info

Not the trip you were looking for?

Click here to find experts to book your trip (it's free!)

Submit Inquiry to Travel Specialist

Trips you may also be interested in

Highlights of Peru and Ecuador
If we had to pick two absolutely "must see" destinations in South America they would undoubtedly be the incredible Incan ruins of Machu Picchu and the naturalist's paradise of the Galapagos Islands. For this incredible itinerary we've added an unexpected twist; a visit to the Ecuadorian Amazon for three days ...
Discover Galapagos
Cruise the islands of the Galapagos. This fantastic cruise will take us to many islands where we will see and enjoy an amazing diversity of animal and sea life. An experienced naturalist guide will lead our group’s adventure. We will travel and live aboard a small yacht or sailing schooner ...
The best of Ecuador in 15 days
This 15-day custom tour of Ecuador will give you a great combination of ancient Incan culture and artifacts, Spanish colonial history, and waterfront nightlife and surfing. You will start with Quito, the seat of gouverment and the highest capital city in the world, then go to Cuenca, UNESCO world heritage ...
Ecuador Adventure
2-day biking excursion on Mt. Chimborazo, 3-day Ingapirca trek with local guide, cook and porters. Guided tour of Ingapirca, 3-day whitewater rafting trip on the Jondachi and Quijos River (level IV-IV +). Day trip to Otavalo market. ***Requires high level of physical fitness***
Search for travel inspiration