Enigmatic Ecuador
Take an unforgettable journey through Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, from the bustling capital of Quito down to the vibrant port city of Guayaquil. Breathtaking scenery, authentic cultural and historical experiences, perfect for those seeking to uncover the soul of Ecuador.
Day 1
Arrival in Quito. We’ll be there to escort you to your accommodation in the heart of the city.
Day 2
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quito, visiting key landmarks, before heading north to the Middle of the World monument and Intiñan Museum to engage in equator-related experiments.
Day 3
Journey to Otavalo, one of South America’s largest indigenous markets, pausing in nearby villages to meet artisans and discover their crafts. Alternatively, hike around the stunning Cuicocha crater lake.
Day 4
Explore the extinct Mojanda Volcano with its three lakes: Mojanda Grande, Negra, and Chiquita. Unwind at Papallacta Hot Springs, soaking in the mineral-rich thermal pools beneath the towering Antisana Volcano.
Day 5
Travel south along the renowned “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to Cotopaxi National Park, where the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano awaits. Stroll around Lake Limpiopungo at 3,800 meters altitude, and enjoy an exhilarating horseback ride.
Day 6
Visit Zumbahua, a quaint indigenous town celebrated for its market and cultural authenticity, before driving onward to Quilotoa, famed for its stunning turquoise crater lake. Continue to Riobamba, renowned for its cultural richness and scenic vistas.
Day 7
Baños offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, and stunning natural beauty. Marvel at the impressive Pailón del Diablo waterfall and visit the famous “Swing at the End of the World”.
Day 8
Embark on a scenic drive to the inviting city of Cuenca, one of Ecuador’s most beloved cities. En route, step back in time at the awe-inspiring site of Ingapirca.
Day 9
Today explore Cuenca, the artistic and cultural heart of the country. Wander cobblestone streets, marvel at ornate churches, and visit elegant plazas. Browse fine jewelry in Chordeleg and visit Gualaceo, known for its Ecuagenera laboratory.
Day 10
Depart Cuenca and travel towards Guayaquil, stopping to explore Cajas National Park along the way. Wander the trails amidst hundreds of stunning glacial lakes, remnants of the Ice Age, and soak in the peacefulness.
Day 11
Explore Guayaquil, the largest city and economic center of Ecuador. Climb the 444 steps of Santa Ana in Las Peñas for panoramic city views and wander the Historical Park. Later, head to the airport for your international flight home.
Day 1
When you arrive in Quito we’ll be waiting to accompany you to your accommodation in the heart of the city.
Day 2
Your day begins with explorations of the vibrant city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You’ll cover the key landmarks such as Plaza de la Independencia, La Compañia de Jesus, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, complete with its 24 chapels and crypts housing several former presidents. Your city tour will conclude with a panoramic view from El Panecillo Hill, overlooking the city, before continuing to the north to the Middle of the World monument, where French scientists determined the shape of the planet. You’ll also visit the nearby Intiñan Museum, where you can engage in fascinating experiments which demonstrate the effects of being on the equator.
Day 3
This morning, you’ll head for Otavalo, one of the largest indigenous markets in all of South America. En route, stop in the town of Miralago for delicious bizcochos and take in views of the nearby San Pablo Lake. After browsing the vibrant textiles and traditional clothing of the market, head for nearby villages to meet local artisans and learn their crafts. Alternatively, hike around the beautiful crater lake Cuicocha.
Day 4
Your destination today is the extinct Mojanda Volcano, which contains within three lakes, Mojanda Grande, Negra and Chiquita. Embark on a picturesque hike around the area, taking in the serene beauty, with ample opportunities for photography to preserve the memories of this unique adventure. You’ll continue to Papallacta Hot Springs, where you can relax in the mineral-rich and rejuvenating thermal pools, under the shadow of the giant Antisana Volcano.
Day 5
Take a drive south along the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes” to the Cotopaxi National Park, home to the towering Cotopaxi Volcano. Enjoy a walk around Lake Limpiopungo at an altitude of 3’800m, taking in the invigorating mountain air. After lunch at a local hacienda, take a thrilling horseback ride to appreciate the beauty of the Andean highlands.
Day 6
Your first stop this morning will be Zumbahua, a small and charming indigenous town known for its market and authentic cultural experiences. Continuing, you’ll arrive to Quilotoa, a crater lake renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters. You’ll take a walk down to the banks of the lake, allowing you to soak in the tranquility of this natural wonder. After a traditional lunch, you’ll head from here to the culturally rich and scenic city of Riobamba.
Day 7
The nearby city of Baños offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, and stunning natural beauty. You’ll discover the local flora, fauna, and geological formations, as you marvel at the impressive waterfall of Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). A visit to the famous “Swing at the End of the World” will offer breathtaking views of the Tungurahua Volcano and lush valleys below.
Day 8
Today embark on a scenic drive to the inviting city of Cuenca, a journey from the heart of the Andes to the vibrant charm of one of Ecuador’s most beloved cities. En route, you’ll step back in time at the awe-inspiring site of Ingapirca, testament to the Inca civilization’s architectural and engineering prowess.
Day 9
Ecuador’s third-largest city is the artistic and cultural heart of the country. Today you’ll wander Cuenca’s cobblestone streets, taking in the ornate churches and elegant plazas, and discover the origins of the famous “Panama” hat, among other handmade crafts. In the afternoon browse the fine jewelry in Chordeleg, then head to Gualaceo, complete with hundreds of exotic species of orchids at the Ecuagenera laboratory.
Day 10
Depart Cuenca this morning on the road to Guayaquil, stopping to visit Cajas National Park en route. Here, walk the trails around hundreds of stunning glacial lakes left over from the Ice Age. Enjoy the peacefulness as your guide shares insights to the unique ecosystem and biodiversity of the park.
Day 11
For your final morning in Ecuador, we will explore Guayaquil, the largest city and economic center. You’ll visit the cathedral, the more recently developed Malecon 2000 riverside boardwalk, and the famous Iguana Park, where land iguanas live in the trees. In the oldest district of Las Peñas, climb the 444 steps of Santa Ana for amazing views over the city. Stop in at the Historical Park of Guayaquil where the old urban architecture, traditions and wildlife of the area are preserved for future generations to enjoy. Later, your private transport will escort you back to the airport as you take your international flight home. ¡Buen viaje!
This is a sample itinerary covering highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes from the capital, Quito, down to the largest city, Guayaquil. Understanding more of yourselves, we can create the perfect balance of visits and activities here.
Cost per person (2024): US $
Inclusions
Privately guided with your own personal guides and drivers
Hand-picked boutique accommodations with preferred rooms
Domestic flights
First-hand knowledge and recommendations from our team for each destination
Itineraries customized according to your interests and schedule
A seamless travel experience from arrival to departure, with 24-hour assistance
Exclusions
International flights
Gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance