Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Thursday, June 26: Welcome to Quito! 
After the arrival, our guide will welcome and transfer you from the airport to the hotel. He will give you all information about the city and general information about Ecuador. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 - Friday, June 27: "Quito’s Legacy of Faith: Honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus" 
Discover Quito’s spiritual and historical heritage through landmarks that honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Ecuador’s profound devotion. Begin at the Basílica del Voto Nacional, a neo-Gothic masterpiece dedicated to the Sacred Heart, offering awe-inspiring views of the city. Continue to the Catedral Metropolitana de Quito, where sacred artistry invites reflection, and the Convento de San Francisco, with its grand Baroque altar echoing the Sacred Heart’s message of grace and hope. Understand the importance of President Gabriel García Moreno, who consecrated Ecuador to the Sacred Heart, by visiting the relic of his incorrupt heart, a powerful testament to his faith. Conclude at the Museo de la Ciudad, where exhibits reveal the Sacred Heart’s influence on Quito’s identity. This year, the 350th anniversary of the Sacred Heart, offers a special opportunity to connect with this enduring legacy of love and faith.

Day 3 - Saturday, June 28: El Quinche Sanctuary & Trip to Riobamba City 
Aprox: 3:30 hrs. After an early breakfast, depart from Quito and begin your journey with a brief stop at the Estatua del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in Guápulo, a monumental figure symbolizing Christ’s love and compassion. This short visit allows for a moment of reflection as you admire the serene surroundings and the statue’s significance to the region’s devotion to the Sacred Heart. Continue to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de El Quinche, a revered pilgrimage site steeped in spiritual and historical importance. The sanctuary, dedicated to Our Lady of El Quinche, houses the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have protected and blessed countless devotees over centuries. Take time to explore the beautifully adorned interior, learn about the traditions associated with this sacred place, and join in the collective spirit of faith that fills the air. The current structure, built from limestone and brick, has a capacity of over 4,000 people. Thanks to the devotion of countless pilgrims and the faithful, the sanctuary has been expanded and enhanced over time. The new sacristy, covering 200 square meters, and the Campo Mariano, a 1,200-square-meter area adorned with ornamental stone walls, provide ample space for worship. After experiencing the serenity and holiness of El Quinche, we will embark on a scenic 4-hour journey to Riobamba, where we will spend the night and continue our adventure. Overnight in Riobamba

Day 4 - Sunday, June 29: Visit to La Balbanera Church, Religious Museum of the Conceptas, and Cotopaxi National Park (Panoramic Tour) – Return to Quito Aprox: 3:30 hrs. 
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our journey to Colta, home to Ecuador's first Catholic church, La Balbanera, built in 1534 on the banks of the Colta Lagoon. Its stone façade is a testament to history, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Chimborazo. The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is a symbol of the deep faith and devotion of the Ecuadorian people, with religious processions and events held at the nearby town plaza. Next, we visit the Religious Museum of the Conceptas, housed in the Convent of the Mothers Conceptas. This museum, established in 1980, features an impressive collection of colonial-era religious art, including the Custody of Riobamba, a 200-year-old masterpiece made of gold, silver, and precious stones. Here, you'll immerse yourself in Ecuador’s cultural and religious history. After lunch, we begin our return to Quito, with a scenic stop at the Cotopaxi viewpoint for photos and a moment to appreciate the natural beauty. We’ll spend the night in a hotel nestled in the valleys surrounding Quito, preparing for the next part of our journey. Overnight in Quito.

Day 5 - Monday, June 30: Visit the Peace Grotto & Cathedral of Tulcán 
Aprox: 4:30 hrs. After a restful night, our journey takes us north to La Gruta de la Paz, a serene sanctuary of the Virgin Mary nestled in an impressive cavern in the Apaquí River Canyon. Nature and faith come together in this stunning location, where the force of the river has carved a path through the mountain, creating a cavern adorned with stalactites. Small birds and bats make their home here, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. This peaceful grotto is one of the most iconic sites in northern Ecuador, attracting visitors from all over the world. Next, we will visit the Cathedral of Tulcán, a remarkable architectural gem featuring exquisite works of art. The cathedral boasts a beautifully carved golden altar, located just outside the main square. Restored in 2000, the building combines modernist elements with classical styles, particularly in the altars. Its monumental doorway is crowned by three domes, and the interior is adorned with stunning paintings, including depictions of the Virgin of Las Lajas and La Dolorosa, once part of the Padre Bedón School. Overnight in Tulcán.

Day 6 - Tuesday, July 01: Visit to Las Lajas Church & Tulcan Cemetery 
Aprox: 5:00 hrs. After breakfast, we will head north, crossing the border into Colombia, and travel to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas, a stunning Gothic church known as the "miracle of God in the abyss." Built on the Guaitara River Canyon near Ipiales, the church is said to have been the site where the indigenous María Mueses and her daughter Rosa saw an image of the Virgin Mary in 1754. This architectural marvel, built in the early 20th century, stands 100 meters tall, with a width of 17 meters and a length of 20 meters. Its three towers are supported by arches that span the canyon. Inside, the church is illuminated by light filtering through beautiful glass windows. It is one of Colombia’s most important churches. To reach the church, be prepared for a 15-minute walk downhill from the parking lot. For a stunning view, you can cross the bridge and hike up the opposite side of the canyon.Alternatively, a cable car offers a 15-minute ride with a unique perspective of the church and canyon. Afterward, we’ll visit the Cemetery of Tulcán, a modern marvel known for its intricate cypress carvings. Created by Mr. Azael Franco in 1936, the cemetery features impressive figures, including Augustinian motifs, pre-Columbian art, and giant masks, blending beauty and artistry in a unique way. Overnight in a hotel near Ibarra.

Day 7 - Wednesday, July 02: Visit to San Antonio de Ibarra, Hacienda La Compañía & Return to Quito 
Aprox. 2:30 hrs. In the morning, we’ll head back to Quito, making a stop in San Antonio de Ibarra, a charming town renowned for its wood carvings. Known as the "land of artists," San Antonio’s craftsmen, originally focused on religious sculptures, now create a variety of wooden figures, including animals, murals, busts, and abstract art. Next, we’ll visit Hacienda La Compañía de Jesús, famous for its rose production. With perfect climate conditions, this area is ideal for growing roses year-round. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and explore the French neoclassical house, still home to the owners. The Hacienda’s history dates back to the Jesuit era, and we’ll visit the 17th-century chapel, with its beautiful altar sculptures by the Quito School of Arts. You’ll also see a stunning exhibition of 70 varieties of roses grown on the property. Afterward, we’ll return to Quito for the night.

Day 8 - Thursday, July 03: Bye – Bye Ecuador 
At agreed upon time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the USA

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