Travel With El Nomad Immersion Programs, Ecuador
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” - Miriam Beard
Let El Nomad Immersion Programs, Ecuador guide you in your exploration Ecuador’s diverse regions. El Nomad Immersion Programs, Ecuador provides private full and half-day tours for up to 4 people in and around Cuenca. These tours are designed to be easily added to your independent travel experience or you can book them in addition to a volunteer vacation experience through El Nomad Immersion Programs, Ecuador . To learn more about our alternative vacation options visit our programs page.
Cajas National Park- Full Day
Come explore the pristine beauty and serenity of El Cajas National Park. In Cajas you will be surrounded by the natural beauty of 250 lakes, unique landscapes of a high grassland ecosystem, and numerous outdoor opportunities; all only an hour outside of Cuenca. This tour is for those looking to immerse themselves the natural beauty that lies within the country of Ecuador and those ready to explore its outdoor opportunities. From flora and fauna, striking photography, renowned bird watching, hiking, and its overall pristine natural beauty-you will experience it all in this full day tour to El Cajas National Park.
Tour Includes:
- Transportation to/from accommodation in a private vehicle
- A bilingual driver and guide
- Cajas National Park entrance fee
- A several hour hike Visits to lakes in the national park
- Lunch
Prices (per person):
1 pax $119.00
2 pax $90.00
3 pax $80.00
4 pax $75.00
Baños de Cuenca - Half Day
Relax in the natural hotsprings of Baños de Cuenca (only 20 minutes outside of the city of Cuenca). Allow yourself to relax from beginning to end with a pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in private transportation, a bilingual guide, a relaxing morning in the thermal pools of one of the classiest hot springs and spa locations, and a nice Ecuadorian breakfast. This basic thermal pool package includes entry to the thermal pools at one of the finest establishments in Baños and a late breakfast after your time the pools.
Tour Includes:
- Transportation to/from accommodation in a private vehicle
- A bilingual driver and guide
- Entrance fee to the basic thermal pools at one of the finest hot springs in Baños
- A late breakfast after the hot springs
Prices (per person):
1 - 4 pax $35.00
(Massages area available on-site for an additional charge of $20 for a partial and $40 for a complete)
Baños de Cuenca - Half Day Spa Package
Indulge yourself with a full morning of spa care in the natural hotsprings of Baños de Cuenca (only 20 minutes outside of the city of Cuenca). Allow yourself a morning of complete relaxation, from beginning to end, with a pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in private transportation, a bilingual guide, a morning in the classiest hot springs and spa locations in Baños. Our half day spa package includes entry to the thermal pools at one of the finest establishments in Baños with access to contrast thermal pools small pools at different termperatures), steam baths, walking paths, volcanic mud pools, box steam baths, resting terraces, stone pools, underground thermals, and a late breakfast after your time in the spa.
Tour Includes:
- Transportation to/from accommodation in a private vehicle
- A bilingual driver and guide
- All access entrance fee to the finest hot springs in Baños*
- A late breakfast after the hot springs
Prices (per person):
1 - 4 pax $65.00
(*Massages area available on-site for an additional charge of $20 for a partial and $40 for a complete)
Gualaceo Valley and Chordeleg - Full Day
The towns of Chordeleg and Gualaceo are located in the picturesque Gualaceo valley, about 22 miles (36 kilometers) outside of Cuenca. Chordeleg is known for handcrafted jewelry in gold and sliver and pottery. In addition to the beautiful scenerDuring your visit to Chordeleg you will spend the morning strolling the shops, bargaining for and purchasing fine Ecuadorian crafts. In the afternoon we will visit Gualaceo for their famous hornado lunch (slow cooked pork) and then head to the riverside for an afternoon of relaxing in the park. On Sundays the tour will also include a visit to the famous Gualaceo Sunday market.
Tour Includes:
- Transportation to/from accommodation in a private vehicle
- A bilingual driver and guide
- Price barganing lessons prior to arrival in Chordeleg
- Morning in Chordeleg to shop
- Afternoon in Gualaceo to relax
- Hornado lunch
Prices (per person):
1 pax $100.00
2 pax $75.00
3 pax $65.00
4 pax $60.00
Cuenca Artisan Route - Half Day
Let us take you to the best shops in Cuenca where you will find handcrafted leather products, Panama hats, jewelry, hats, shawls, traditional indigenous clothing, art, and other hand crafted items. We will teach you how to negotiate prices and ensure that you take home quality, Ecuadorian produced products. This tour starts at 10:00 am and is a half-day tour.
Tour Includes:
- Transportation to/from accommodation in a private vehicle
- A bilingual driver and guide
- Price barganing lessons and help while shopping
- Visits to the best stores in Cuenca for handmade Ecuadorian products
Prices (per person):
1 pax $65.00
2 pax $32.00
3 pax $22.00
4 pax $17.00
Cuenca Food Tour- Half Day
This tour is for those who want to explore and taste the traditional Ecuadorian meals that are made by everyday Ecuadorians. This is not a five-star food tour. We will take you to the streets to try the best locally made dishes including humitas, paps con cuero, barbequed pork, mote sucio, mote pillo, habas con queso, chuzos, tripa, and much more! Learn where the true "huecos" are in the city of Cuenca and taste the true sabor of Ecuador! This tour starts at 10:00 am and is a half-day tour.
Tour Includes:
- Transportation to/from accommodation in a private vehicle
- A bilingual driver and guide
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and desert as ordered by your guide*
- Explanations of the local foods you are trying
Prices (per person):
1 pax $85.00
2 pax $54.00
3 pax $44.00
4 pax $39.00
(*If you would like to try additional items that are not ordered by your guide these will be at your own expense)
Community Tourism
Ecuador is one of the world’s leaders in community tourism. El Nomad supports this effort by providing program participants the option of traveling to rural communities throughout Ecuador that most visitors to Ecuador miss. While in these communities, students will stay with local families, share local foods, and learn about local customs and ways of life. Multi-day excursions are available to various communities throughout the jungle, Andean, and coastal regions. For information on communities and program options please contact us.
