Cuenca Multisport

Day 1 Arrive Quito

Arrive to Quito and overnight.

Day 2 Cloudforest Hiking and Biking (B,L,D)

Fly south to the delightful city of Cuenca. Today set out for some biking and hiking in a nearby cloudforest. Drive about an hour and a half to reach the cloudforest. This ecological reserve is one of the last remaining sections of Andean forest in the Azuay province. It protects vital habitat for the local water supply for 40 nearby communities as well as the forest wildlife. Hike through the reserve with its modest slope and enjoy a lookout point to see the entire valley of Gualaceo.

Continue hiking back to the reserve entrance where you next travel by bike down hill to the Paute valley passing local villages and fields where corn, potatoes, and sugarcane are grown. Bike for about an hour until you reach a gravel road that leads to Gualaceo. Here stop in to enjoy the colorful open-air handicrafts and food market.  This evening you stay at a local hosteria. Enjoy a nice relaxing dip in the pool and Ecuadorian dinner.

Day 3 Cañari Ruins and Climbing (B,L,D)

This morning set out towards a climbing rock, offering a 360 degree view of the city along with 100 routes from easy to challenging for you to choose from. After a safety briefing with the guide, set out to climb a route based on your comfort level and experience. You can opt to top rope or climb with a guide's assistance. After scaling the rock, head on to the top of the mountain and explore Canari Inca Ruins, offering a breathtaking view of the valley below. Return this afternoon to Cuenca and enjoy dinner in one of the charming restaurants in town.

Day 4 Rafting and Cuenca Exploration (B)

Early this morning set out for a 30 minute rafting tour of the city of Cuenca via the Tomebamba River (Class II). If water levels do not allow for the rafting, explore the city instead before breakfast with a leisurely biking stroll. Observe the church doors open, the flower market get into full swing, and meander this beautiful colonial town with its old architecture and recent modern influence.

Considered the most colonial city in all the Americas, red clay rooftops stretch throughout the city and baroque churches seem to stand on every corner. Also considered the adventurer's capital in Ecuador, the city is a great base for exploring the outdoors in the area! This afternoon you get to know Cuenca more in depth, meet a local artist, and enjoy a cup of coffee in a cozy cafe in the heart of the city.

Day 5 Horseback Riding (B,L,D)

Travel together to one of the world's most fertile and green valleys for your horseback riding adventure. Arrive to the equestrian center and choose your horses. Enjoy a safety briefing by the guide before mounting up for your 3 hour long easy paced excursion. Set out for the nearby hills and ride through cattle fields and Andean moorlands ecostystem. Chat with the locals as you encounter them on the ride and enjoy the scenery. Return to Cuenca this afternoon.

Day 6 Return Quito (B)

This morning return back to the Cuenca airport for your flight back to Quito. Connect with your international flight home, or extend your stay to visit the Amazon or Galapagos!