DAY 1.- CATAMAYO CITY AIRPORT – LOJA

Early in the morning you will be picked up at the Catamayo-Loja Airport. Short visit to the town of Catamayo well known for its good climate, its friendly people and its delicious gastronomy, standing out as the main dish La Cecina (meat marinated with condiments and roasted in coal.)

Continuing our tour to Loja, we will stop at the Villonaco Aeolian Central. The only power station of its kind that is built and in operation in Ecuadorian continental territory.

When arriving at Loja, we will visit the main tourist, historical, cultural places of the city like: Museum Door of the City, the Central Park, the Government, Municipality, the Church of the Cathedral, Seat and Church of San Sebastian, Recreational Park of Jipiro, Lourdes Street, Theater Benjamin Carrión, Seat of the Culture.

Lunch at one of the city’s iconic restaurants.

Check in at the hotel in Loja.

In the afternoon, we will taste a delicious Lojano coffee. We will visit the Parroquia el Valle, the oldest parish of the city of Loja, the most emblematic relic of the Lojano architecture.

Return to the Hotel.

DAY 2.- LOJA – VILCABAMBA- HORSEBACK RIDING

Today we will move south from the city of Loja to the Vilcabamba Valley or known as the Valley of the “Longevity” because of the fame that its inhabitants usually reach an advanced age. Vilcabamba is a place of amazing color and beauty, it has a delicious and cozy climate with low elevations and is considered a “Paradise Lost” in the mountains. Check in at the hotel. Lunch.

After lunch we will take a horse ride (1 hour aprox) through Vilcabamba and its surroundings.

Return to the hotel.

Rest of the afternoon free.

DAY 3.- PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK & MANDANGO MONTAIN

After breakfast, we will start our day with a visit to the Podocarpus National Park, Cajanuma sector. It is characterized by the inclusion of mountain and pre-montane type forests. It is named after the only conifer species native to Ecuador, commonly known as romerillo.

We will hike 5km approximately, visiting the upper zone of the Park, passing from the cloud forest to the bush paramo in a matter of minutes.

We continue the journey to Cerro Mandango (God lying down in Kichwa), one of the most visited places because of its impressive shapes and cliffs. This hike allows you to connect with nature and renew your energy. The trail heads to its two peaks. Its second peak offers us a 360 degree view of the Vilcabamba Valley and its surroundings.

Overnight in Vilcabamba

DAY 4.- VILCABAMBA – SARAGURO – CUENCA

After breakfast we will check out at the hotel to continue our adventure to the Saraguro village, one of the most important indigenous centers in South America. Saraguro culture and tradition that takes us to a magical ancestral time.

We go to one of the sacred places, where they worship the Pachamama (Mother Earth) where we will have the opportunity to be part of a spiritual ceremony that consists of the purification of bad energies through medicinal plants, smoke, fire. Ceremony conducted by one or several Yakchas.

Return to the village to tour and get to know the town. Time for shopping.

Then we will participate in the “Pinzi Mikuna”, a traditional community meal based on grains, typical products produced by the Saraguros Indians. Products like corn, bread, potatoes, cheese, tortillas, chicken or guinea pig.

Return to Cuenca.

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

Private transportation

Professional bilingual tour guide

3 nights’ accommodation

Breakfast for each hotel night

Lunches

Native Guide in Saraguro

Activities mentioned in the itinerary

PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE: extra food, extra drinks, tips, unspecified services.

For further information and availability please.

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