Enigmatic Ecuador
An unforgettable journey through Ecuador's diverse landscapes, from the UNESCO-listed colonial capital of Quito south along the dramatic Avenue of the Volcanoes to the vibrant port city of Guayaquil. Ancient Inca ruins, turquoise crater lakes, thermal springs, artisan markets, and one of South America's most beautiful cities - this is the soul of Ecuador, revealed in full.
Highlights
- Quito's UNESCO World Heritage historic centre - churches, plazas, and the equator itself
- The indigenous market of Otavalo - one of the largest and most celebrated in South America
- Hiking around the volcanic crater lake of Cuicocha
- Cotopaxi National Park - one of the world's highest active volcanoes - and a horseback ride through the Andean highlands
- The turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa - a short walk down to the water's edge
- The thermal springs and Devil's Cauldron waterfall at Baños, with the Swing at the End of the World over Tungurahua Volcano
- Ingapirca - Ecuador's finest Inca archaeological site - en route to Cuenca
- Cuenca - cobblestone streets, ornate churches, Panama hat workshops, and orchid gardens
- El Cajas National Park - a ghostly, beautiful landscape of hundreds of glacial lakes
- Guayaquil's Malecón 2000, the colourful hilltop district of Las Peñas, and the Historical Park
Day by Day
Day 1 - Arrival in Quito
Arrival in Lima. Your private host will be waiting to accompany you to your hotel in the heart of the city
Day 2 - Quito & the Middle of the World
A private tour of Quito's UNESCO-listed historic centre - the Plaza de la Independencia, La Compañía de Jesús, and the magnificent Basilica del Voto Nacional, with panoramic views from El Panecillo Hill. Continue north to the Middle of the World monument and the Intiñan Museum, where you can experience the effects of standing precisely on the equatorial line.
Day 3 - Otavalo & Cuicocha
Journey to Otavalo, one of the largest indigenous markets in South America - a riot of colour, textiles, and craftsmanship. Visit nearby artisan villages to meet local makers and learn their trades. Alternatively, hike the beautiful volcanic crater lake of Cuicocha.
Day 4 - Mojanda Volcano & Papallacta Hot Springs
Explore the extinct Mojanda Volcano and its three high-altitude lakes - Mojanda Grande, Negra, and Chiquita. Continue to the thermal pools of Papallacta, set beneath the shadow of the giant Antisana Volcano - the perfect place to unwind after a day in the mountains.
Day 5 - Cotopaxi National Park
Drive south along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes. A walk around Lake Limpiopungo at 3,800 metres, lunch at a local hacienda, and an exhilarating horseback ride through the Andean highlands.
Day 6 - Quilotoa & Riobamba
Visit Zumbahua, a small indigenous town known for its market and cultural authenticity. Continue to Quilotoa - a stunning turquoise crater lake formed in the caldera of an extinct volcano - with a walk down to the water's edge to take in the extraordinary colour and silence. On to Riobamba, a city of cultural richness set beneath the shadow of Chimborazo.
Day 7 - Baños: Adventure & Natural Beauty
The town of Baños - adventure, nature, and relaxation in one. Marvel at the Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) waterfall, one of the most impressive in Ecuador, and visit the famous Swing at the End of the World at the Casa del Árbol treehouse - with breathtaking views over the Tungurahua Volcano and the valley below.
Day 8 - Ingapirca & Cuenca
A scenic drive toward Cuenca, stopping at Ingapirca - Ecuador's largest and finest Inca archaeological site, where the Temple of the Sun stands as a remarkable testament to Inca engineering and astronomical knowledge, set within a high páramo landscape of haunting beauty.
Day 9 - Cuenca
A full day in Ecuador's most beautiful city. Wander cobblestone streets, visit the twin-domed Cathedral and ornate colonial churches, discover the origins of the Panama hat at a traditional workshop, and browse the fine jewellery of Chordeleg. In the afternoon, visit the orchid gardens of Ecuagenera in Gualaceo - home to hundreds of exotic species.
Day 10 - El Cajas National Park & Guayaquil
Depart Cuenca via El Cajas National Park - a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of extraordinary, otherworldly beauty, with hundreds of glacial lakes scattered across a misty highland landscape. Continue to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city and Pacific gateway.
Day 11 - Guayaquil & Departure
Explore Guayaquil - the Cathedral, the Malecón 2000 riverside promenade, and the famous Iguana Park. In the colourful hilltop neighbourhood of Las Peñas, climb the 444 steps of Santa Ana for panoramic views over the city. Visit the Historical Park of Guayaquil before your private transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Inclusions
- Private guides and drivers throughout
- Hand-picked boutique accommodations with preferred rooms
- All visits, entrance fees, and activities as described
- Itinerary tailored to your interests and pace
- 24-hour support throughout your journey
Exclusions
- International flights
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
This is a sample itinerary - a starting point, not a fixed package. Tell us what excites you most and we will shape it into your perfect journey.