The highlights of Ecuador

Tiny Ecuador is one of the most diverse countries in the world. This tour takes you from the colonial heart of Quito to the colorful markets of Otavalo, the rugged landscapes of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, to the vibrant city of Guayaquil. Highlights such as the Devil's Cauldron waterfall, the filigree art of Chordeleg and a boat trip through the mangroves of Puerto El Morro make this trip unforgettable.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid for at least 6 months after return, with at least 2 blank pages.
A visa is not required.
Vaccinations for yellow fever and hepatitis A is recommended. The yellow fever vaccination is required if you have recently been to a region where yellow fever is prevalent. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Upon arrival in Quito, your guide will be waiting with a sign with your name. After a warm welcome, he will escort you to your first accommodation for the next three nights: a stylish boutique hotel with pool and rooftop terrace in the historic center.

Day 2: Discover Quito

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up for an exploration of Quito's historic center. You will visit La Plaza de La Independencia, the impressive Jesuit temple La Compañia de Jesus, San Francisco Square and El Panecillo, where the Virgin of Quito overlooks the city. After lunch, travel on to "Mitad del Mundo" and the Intiñan Museum, located on the equator. Here you will participate in fascinating experiments and experience how gravity works exactly at latitude 0°.

Day 3: Day trip to Otavalo

In the early morning you will meet your guide and driver for the drive to Otavalo. Along the way you will admire the majestic Cayambe volcano, the highest point on the equator. In Otavalo you will visit the famous indigenous market, a vibrant place full of colors and traditions. Then you will continue to the serene Cuicocha Lake, nestled in a volcanic crater. You will end the day in Cotacachi, a charming town known for its artisan leather products. At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel in Quito.

Day 4: Cotopaxi National Park

Your day begins today on the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes. This extraordinary region gets its name from the succession of volcanoes that dotted the landscape like a string of pearls, including the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. Your guide will unravel the mysteries of this unique ecosystem and teach you about the various species that live here, including the Andean condor. After this exploration, have dinner at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will continue to and typical local hacienda where you will spend two nights.

Day 5: Quilotoa

The day begins with a visit to the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater, once a towering volcano that experienced a massive eruption 800 years ago. What remained is a caldera that over the centuries filled with water and turned into a lake surrounded by steep volcanic walls. Along the way, you'll drive through the colorful villages of Zumbahua and Tigua, known for their traditional houses and vibrant local art. Once at the crater, you will descend to the shores of the lake while enjoying spectacular panoramas and fascinating stories from your guide about this beautiful place.

Day 6: Baños

In the morning you will depart for Baños, a charming town in the Andes. Upon arrival, you will visit the Devil's Cauldron waterfall, where you will feel the refreshing spray as the water cascades down with force. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Andean landscape from a cable car, which offers spectacular views of the surroundings. The afternoon is devoted to exploring with your guide: stroll past artisan stores, discover geothermal springs and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Baños. You will spend the night in a four-star hotel on a beautiful four-acre ranch.

Day 7: Riobamba

In the morning, you travel on to Riobamba. Your day begins with a visit to the Infinity Swing, where you dangle above a breathtaking landscape. Here you may spot the majestic condor soaring through the sky. Next, dive into local culture at Mercado La Merced, where you sample traditional hornado and fresh fruit. A lunch of regional specialties concludes this culinary experience. In the evening you will enjoy a dinner with numerous flavors of the region. You will spend the night in an authentic hacienda just outside the city.

Day 8: Cuenca

Early in the morning you will depart for Cuenca. Along the way, explore Lake Colta and admire Ecuador's first church in Balbanera. At the next stop you will stop at the Inca remains at Ingapirca. Although the use of this complex is not clear, many experts claim that it was a ceremonial temple and part of a garrison to protect the temple. Afterwards, continue south to Cuenca, where you will spend three nights in a boutique hotel in the center of town.

Day 9: Cuenca

Start your day with a visit to the old town and the impressive Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción. For lunch, try the Cuy, a regional delicacy, or opt for a more conventional but equally delicious option like Locro de Papa, a creamy potato soup. Afterwards, visit the Pumapungo Museum and Archaeological Park, where you'll learn more about the country's indigenous cultures and explore the remains of the ancient Inca city of Tomebamba. At sunset you will visit the panoramic viewpoint the Mirador de Turi and end the day with a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant in the city center.

Day 10: Chordeleg and Gualaceo

The day begins in Chordeleg, a town known for its masterful filigree art. You'll stroll past stores where artisans create jewelry using an ancient technique. Next, you'll travel to Gualaceo, a charming village at 2,250 meters above sea level. Here you will discover local products such as hand-woven textiles and artisan creations that reflect the rich traditions and culture of the region. To finish, visit the Ecuagenera Orchid Farm. Here, a passionate family shares their knowledge and dedication to the preservation and cultivation of all kinds of orchids.

Day 11: Cajas National Park and Guayaquil

You'll check out of your hotel in Cuenca and travel on toward the breathtaking Cajas National Park, known for its vast biodiversity and more than 270 lakes and lagoons. Embark on a guided hike through this rugged landscape, where the paramo and cloud forest provide a unique habitat for diverse flora and fauna, perfect for taking stunning photographs. Afterwards, drive on toward Guayaquil, a vibrant port city with colorful architecture and street art. Check in for a four-night stay at a luxury hotel on the banks of the Daule River in the exclusive Samborondón avenue.

Day 12: Guayaquil

Today you will visit some must-visit sites that capture the essence of Guayaquil, including the Miraflores viewpoint and Seminario Park, also known as Parque Bolívar or Parque de las Iguanas. This picturesque urban oasis in the heart of Guayaquil was once the city's main square during the colonial era. Today it houses a monument dedicated to Simón Bolívar and is a haven for countless iguanas.

Day 13: Puerto el Morro

At dawn you depart Guayaquil for Puerto El Morro, a charming fishing village surrounded by mangroves and a rich estuary. Here you board the boat for a peaceful boat ride through the Manglares El Morro Wildlife Refuge, a paradise for birds and marine animals. Playful bottlenose dolphins frolic around the boat, while pink herons and frigates can be seen along the waterfront. After the boat ride, take a short walk on the island, where you will encounter unusual plants and animals such as sloths and monkeys.

Day 14: Manglares Churute

Today you will visit the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve, where you will spot numerous bird species and wildlife such as howler monkeys and raccoons. Have lunch at the scenic Ranch Cacao & Mango, where you can sample cocoa and mango, of course. After lunch, delve into the fascinating cacao process from bean to bar. You will have the unique opportunity to make your own chocolate bar and participate in the harvesting of various tropical fruits on the ranch.