Categoría: Best destinations

Hiring a private driver to Cuenca is the most recommended way to reach the city. The driver will take you to the best attractions of this city.

Cuenca is a charming city that travelers should visit. It is located in the south of the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. The lovely streets, colonial houses with their noble balconies, their monuments, and their architect do give off a certain European flair. In addition, it is a reference to culture, art, poetry, crafts, and politics. Consequently, Cuenca is known as the “Athens of the “Ecuador”.

Its architecture and colonial beauty of the Historical Center have been maintained for 400 years. Consequently, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1991. It has a pleasant atmosphere and its people are very friendly. As a result, it stands out as a tourist destination in the world.

Traveling from Quito to Cuenca is an incredible experience. If you hire a private driver you will feel more comfortable and make your trip very pleasant. You will have many options and a lot of fun visiting some picturesque towns, see gorgeous volcanoes and splendid green valleys.

CAJAS NATIONAL PARK IN CUENCA

Your private driver will head to the Cajas National Park is located 30 minutes from Cuenca, at an altitude of 3,200 m. (7.200 ft). Its temperature is an average of 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit). To reach this place is very easy, so, you have to take the main road Cuenca Molleturo – Guayaquil.

What can you see at the National Park?

It has about 235 lakes, three of the main ones are very close to the office of the park rangers.  Most of these lakes have trails and only the two main ones have guided trails with interpretation. Consequently, it is a very interesting place to observe local and migratory birds. The most recommended activities are camping and hiking.

INGA PIRCA RUINS

What does Ingapirca mean?

The name Ingapirca originates from two Quechua words: Inca and Pirca. Therefore, the two words together mean Inca Wall.

This archeological complex is located in the south of Quito, 7 hours driving and very close to Cuenca, just 1 hour and a half. These ruins are built in the upper part of the mountain, in the Province of Cañar at 3160 m.

It is considered the most important and preserved archaeological site in Ecuador. It was built by the Incas as a solar observatory, military and cultural center. Above all, it was a center of sun worship. It was the sacred place of the Incas.

In conclusion, Ingapirca concentrated on the Cañari culture and united diverse cultures through the Tahuantinsuyo and became, like Machu-Picchu (Peru), the symbol of the power of the Inca civilization.

I want to make sure your trip is comfortable and safe. Therefore, I suggest you hire private transportation or a private driver that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

I strongly recommend to do this charming trip to Cuenca in three days. However, you can also choose one of my itineraries for a more complete adventure. Don’t miss this incredible adventure!

For more detailed information about hiring a private driver to accompany you throughout your trip, do not hesitate to contact me

Enjoy a fantastic journey to the Quilotoa crater Lake with a private driver. During the tour, you’ll be able to admire breathtaking landscapes and incredible views. Additionally, you’ll pass through picturesque villages and witness the local way of life.

This fantastic trip to the Lake of Quilotoa is one of the best destinations preferred by travelers. You can enjoy this trip and its surroundings in one day. The crater volcano is similar to Cuicocha. Furthermore, its extraordinary views make the place one of the top attractions of Ecuador, along with the Cotopaxi volcano.

Your private driver will head from Quito to Quilotoa Lake. Along the way, you’ll traverse the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where you can observe several volcanoes such as Sincholagua, Atacazo, Illinizas, and Cotopaxi on the sides of the road.

After passing through the picturesque village of Pujili, the road becomes slightly steep. While ascending, you can appreciate the magnificent scenery until you reach the viewpoint of Yanarumi. From here, you can see the Cotopaxi volcano, the Latacunga valley, and the Tungurahua volcano. In summary, it offers an absolutely breathtaking panorama.

Then, you will arrive in Tigua, also known as the village of paintings. This place is closely associated with the art of the Andes. Similarly, their artwork represents rural life, the history of the sacred mountains, customs, and traditions, which, however, are not well known to travelers.

The private driver will show you more attractions nearby Quilotoa Lake.

After that, we will make some stops to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, especially recommended for travelers who appreciate picturesque landscapes. One of my favorite places is the village of Zumbahua. This place offers a unique landscape typical of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Continuing our journey, we will stop at the canyon of the Toachi River, which spans a gigantic 30-kilometer extension and reaches a depth of 100 meters. This canyon was formed by the eruptions of Quilotoa. Very close to this location is the fantastic Quilotoa Lagoon.

One of the attractions of this place is descending towards the crater of the volcano, a hike that takes about 45 minutes. In addition to the walk, you can also hire a kayak. Not far from this fantastic trip along the Quilotoa loop, we’ll find some interesting places, such as Insilvi and Chugchilan, two small villages well-situated in the area.

In addition, these places offer good overnight hotels and hostels. For example, Llullullama Lodge is an inexpensive ecologically friendly hotel. Travelers usually stay at this hotel to hike using different paths.

I want to make sure your trip is comfortable and safe. Therefore, I suggest you hire private transportation or a private driver that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

This fantastic trip to Qulotoa Loop is highly recommended to do in a single day. However, you can also choose one of my itineraries for a more complete experience. Don’t miss this incredible adventure!

For more detailed information about hiring a private driver to accompany you throughout your trip, do not hesitate to contact me

A private car to Papallacta allows you to enjoy customized consideration and service. Papallacta hot springs are one of the most renowned sites for travelers. This peaceful place is a unique relaxation site. Above all, It is located very close to Quito, an hour and a half away. The thermal pools are located very close to the small town of Papallacta, on the slopes of the Antisana volcano at an altitude of 3,300 meters. So, to reach this site you take the main road that connects the Sierra with the Amazon.

Private car to Papallacta. Why the hot springs are so famous!

Its thermal waters have therapeutic properties since they have mineral components that are known as medicinal mineral waters. Consequently, Its waters help blood purification due to the increase in body temperature, which increases oxygenation and blood circulation. Above all, eliminates toxins from the body through sweating, and helps digestion. In addition, it soothes body pain and relaxes the muscles.
The source temperature of thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). In some pools, the temperature can be different and oscillates between 36°C and 38°C (97°F and 100.4°F).

Can we visit Papllacta with a private car in a single day?

Papallacta can be visited in one day by hiring private transportation or a private driver. He will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the hot springs. During the tour, you can appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the mountains. That’s to say, on a clear day you can see the impressive Antisana volcano. If we are lucky we can also observe the Andean bear and the majestic flight of the Condor. All this area belongs to the Cayambe-Coca National Park.

I want to make sure your trip is comfortable and safe. Therefore, I suggest you hire private transportation or a private driver that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

This trip to Papallacta can be done in a single day. However, you can also choose one of my itineraries for a more complete adventure. Don’t miss this incredible adventure!

For more detailed information about hiring a private driver to accompany you throughout your trip, do not hesitate to contact me

Enjoy of the marble views of the Volcano

Just an hour’s drive south of Quito, the gorgeous Cotopaxi Volcano is an unmistakable snow-capped cone that dominates the landscape for miles in all directions. Rising to (19.347 ft) 5.897 meters, this iconic volcanic mountain is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Therefore, is one of the world’s highest active volcanos.

Discover some interesting animals around the Cotopaxi Volcano

Although breath-taking from a distance, be sure to visit for an up-close look at her natural wonders. The skies above the high windswept paramo are home to the majestic Andean Condor. Furthermore, small herds of feral cattle and horses, along with deer, rabbits, and even hardy lizards roam these high plains.

In addition, visitors will enjoy the good-looking lagoon of Limpiopungo. The trail around the small lake takes about 1.5 hours, with a great view of the Cotopaxi volcano. It is easy and above all flat, making it a perfect hike for those that aren’t handling the high altitude well. The shallow upland lagoon host a variety of wildlife including (a type of ducks) and Andean gulls. Above all the place is an important wintering ground for several migratory water birds. Look closely at the sturdy alpine plants with their remarkable variety of tiny blooms.

Get the best view of the Cotopaxi Volcano

Find other adventure options

All visitors will marvel at the incredible vistas from her slopes. For the adventurer, consider hiking or horseback riding up the flanks of the volcano to the snow-line or beyond. Also, have fun riding a bike around the areas close to the volcano. An iconic form in Ecuador’s landscape, Cotopaxi deserves a closer look to enjoy her spectacular and unique beauty.

One of the beautiful lodges in the area is Chilcapamba Lodge. A nice place with a great view of the volcano and the surrounding areas.

This trip to the gorgeous Cotopaxi Volcano is strongly recommended to do in a single day. However, you can also choose one of my itineraries for a more complete experience. Don’t miss this incredible adventure!

For more detailed information about hiring a private driver to accompany you throughout your trip, do not hesitate to contact me

Otavalo has the most colorful and popular Indian market.

Your private driver will head to the most popular Indian market in Otavalo in a single day. About two hours north of Quito is the charming city of Otavalo. It is a small town with a formidable handicraft market in the Plaza de Ponchos. Without a doubt, it is one of the most important and popular markets in all of Latin America.

Otavaleño Indians still maintain their traditions?

Otavaleños have a unique way of dressing, which is one of the ways they keep their culture alive today. Otavalo Indian crafts are often found in almost every city in Ecuador and a wide range of countries around the world. The animal market is located on the outskirts of town, which dates back to pre-Inca times. Many jungle products come up from the Amazon and are traded for highland goods. This great diversity of goods is why most travelers visit this popular Indian market in Otavalo.

Are there any other interesting places to visit aroeund Otavalo?

After visiting the most popular Indian Market in Otavalo, your private driver will encourage you to tour the area around. So, we’ll visit Peguche to observe the indigenous people weaving. Above all, we will stop at the Gran Condor workshop, owned by a traditional family from the town. Some weavers still use the ancient techniques of the backstrap looms to weave their crafts.

On the way to Peguche, you will see the beautiful San Pablo Lake. This lake lies at the bottom of the majestic Imbabura Volcano. Close to the town is located the Waterfall of Peguche. Above all, Indigenous people consider it a sacred place.

Did you know that Otavalo has a unique place in Ecuador where raptors are trained?

Then, we head to the Parque Condor a rescue birds center that will amaze you with the extraordinary show flights. Here you will have the unique opportunity to see hawks and eagles flying freely and returning. After that, we’ll head to the Cuicohca Crater Lake, an old crater volcano that is still active today.

We’ll do a short hike for about thirty minutes on paths around the lake enjoying the landscape. Moreover, boat tours are offered that provide an up-close view of the lake. Lastly, if you love leather, we’ll head to nearby Cotacachi to visit the fancy stores of the expert leather smiths.

I recommend a private driver to visit the market of Otavalo. Travelers can do this trip in a single day. However, you can also choose one of my itineraries for a more complete adventure. Don’t miss this incredible adventure!

For more detailed information about hiring a private driver to accompany you throughout your trip, do not hesitate to contact me