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11-Day Wonders of Ecuador

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Overview

Travel to Ecuador and tour the most picturesque places in the country. Starting in Quito, you'll venture through mountain passes and passed volcanoes, stopping by national parks, small towns and villages to see the very best of Ecuador's mountainous landscape.

Along the way, you'll witness famous sites such as the "Middle of the World" where you'll be able to put one foot on each hemisphere. While journeying through the mountains, you'll stop by a lagoon that was formed by the eruption of Cotocachi Volcano, one of the highest peaks in the world.

Finally, you'll make your way to Cuenca, but not before you visit the Ingapira Ruins, one of the best-preserved examples of Incan architecture in the country.

On this trip, you'll experience the very best that Ecuador has to offer: nature and culture!
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Hiking & Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Quito

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Arrival in Quito

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres, under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. You cannot travel to Ecuador without a visit! You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned for this day. It's advised to take it easy to acclimatize. On arrival at Quito airport, you will be taken to your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel La Cartuja3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Minivan from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre to Le Parc Hotel

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

Day 2

Quito Old Town & The Equator

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Quito Old Town & The Equator

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is nestled in an Andean valley at an elevation of 9000 feet. The historic centre of Quito is replete with narrow and winding cobblestone streets, magnificent churches, and open squares. Visit the official equator monument for your perfect photo with one foot in each hemisphere. You will also learn about the importance of the 1736 Geodesic Mission scientific study and perform scientific Equator tests at the Inti Ñan museum, as well as other fun activities.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel La Cartuja3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Quito City Tour

    Quito Mitad del Mundo

    Intinan Solar Museum

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

Day 3

Otavalo Day Tour

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Otavalo Day Tour

The indigenous town of Otavalo is famous across South America for its colourful market, diverse handicrafts, and indigenous Indian groups, but the area offers far more. Located 2 hours north of Quito, it offers a combination of activities such as visits to the beautiful lagoons in the Andes, indigenous weavers, handicraft markets, waterfalls, Andean birdwatching, it is a fantastic place to visit.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Doña Esther4.5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Otavalo Market

    Cascada de Peguche

    Condor Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Le Parc Hotel to Hotel Doña Esther

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Otavalo

    Imbabura Province

    Yantzaza

Day 4

Cotacachi

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Cotacachi

Visit Cotacachi, located only 10 minutes away from Otavalo, it is an artisan town famous for leather products, handicrafts and clothes. Afterwards, you will visit the beautiful Cuicocha Lagoon. With a wide caldera of 3 kilometres (2 miles) that was created by an eruption, it's at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. It has two forested islands; although it is prohibited to visit them, you can take a boat around the lake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel La Cartuja3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cotacachi

    Cuicocha Lake

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Doña Esther to Cotacachi

    Private Driver from Cuicocha Lake to Hotel La Cartuja Hotel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Otavalo

    Cotacachi

    Imbabura Province

    Quito

Day 5

Cotopaxi National Park

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Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park is home to Ecuador’s most captivating volcano. Towering at 5897 metres, the giant Cotopaxi peak boasts a perfectly symmetrical snow-capped cone and picturesque surrounding parkland. You will have lunch at the park ́s restaurant. Trek up to the volcano refuge and enjoy panoramic views from the snowline (on clear days). Visit the Cotopaxi National Park Museum to learn about the destructive history of the volcano. Stop for photos and a short walk at pretty Limpiopungo Lake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hacienda Hato Verde3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cotopaxi National Park

    Laguna de Limpiopung

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel La Cartuja Hotel to Cotopaxi National Park

    Private Driver from Laguna de Limpiopung to Hacienda Hato Verde

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Cotopaxi Province

    Pichincha

    Latacunga Canton

Day 6

Quilota & Banos

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Quilota & Banos

Quilotoa crater lake is a rewarding day trip in the Ecuadorian Andes, especially when trekking to the lakeside. Not only will the crater lake take your breath away but there are wonderful landscapes and indigenous villages along the way. Visit Tigua art workshop to see the famous colourful artwork that originated in this region of Ecuador. Enjoy fine views of Toachi Canyon and rural scenery during the road journey to Baños.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel La Floresta3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Laguna Quilotoa

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hacienda Hato Verde to Laguna Quilotoa

    Private Driver from Quilotoa Lake to Hotel en Baños Ecuador - La Floresta

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Latacunga Canton

    Cotopaxi Province

    Banos

Day 7

Baños City

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Baños City

Enjoy a day at leisure in Baños, with its multiple activities, you are in a location that marks the point where the Amazon and the highlands meet, so you can see mountains covered with plants of the Amazon, a lot of waterfalls and a very picturesque landscape. The town is located at the bottom of the Tungurahua volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. At a time agreed with your guide, you will visit the swing at the end of the world for a unique and breathtaking picture.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel La Floresta3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Baños

    La Casa del Arbol

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Baños to La Casa del Arbol

    Private Driver from La Casa del Arbol to Hotel en Baños Ecuador - La Floresta

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Banos

    Tungurahua

Day 8

Devil's Nose Train and Ingapirca

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Devil's Nose Train and Ingapirca

Your day starts early morning with a transfer to Alausi to get board the famous Devil ́s Nose Train. Recently restored, this is one of the principal tourist attractions in Ecuador. Next is an unforgettable visit to the most impressive Inca ruins in Ecuador, Ingapirca. Built in the 15th century on a hilltop, there are excellent views over the surrounding countryside from the ruins. A local guide will explain the origin and purpose of the ruins and give you the lowdown on Incan history in Ecuador.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Carvallo4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Devil's Nose Train

    Ingapirca Ruins

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Banos to Alausi

    Private Driver from Alausi to Hotel Carvallo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Banos

    Alausi

    Cañar Province

    Cuenca

Day 9

Cuenca

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Cuenca

A full day amidst the white-washed buildings and cobbled streets of Cuenca. An introductory tour to the colonial highlights of the city including its handsome plazas and domed churches. Then head to the famous Turi Lookout, for a beautiful view of the city. You will also see how the famous Panama hats are made by local families as the Panama hat is actually Ecuadorian, a fact that many people don't know.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Carvallo4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cuenca Historic Centre

    Mirador Turi

    Homero Ortega Hats

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Carvallo to Cuenca

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cuenca

    Azuay

Day 10

El Cajas and Journey Back to Quito

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El Cajas and Journey Back to Quito

Today, we journey from Cuenca down to El Cajas National Park. There are more than 260 lakes in the park, with the most famous one been Lake Lupa. Beware that the park is cold and windy, so warm clothes are recommended. You will also find very interesting and different flora and fauna, such as the Polylepis tree (paper tree) and with some luck, the South American Condor. Head back to Cuenca to take a flight to Quito. On arrival, you will be taken to a hotel near the airport.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Quito Airport Posada Mirolindo

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    El Cajas National Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Cuenca to Parque Nacional Cajas

    Private Driver from Parque Nacional Cajas to Mariscal Lamar International Airport

    Plane from Cuenca to Quito

    Private Driver from Mariscal Sucre International Airport to Hotel Quito Airport Posada Mirolindo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cuenca

    Azuay

    Quito

Day 11

Departure

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Departure

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time, just remember the check out is around midday, but if your flight is later, you can leave your bags at the reception, or pay for a late checkout.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Minivan from Hotel Quito Airport Posada Mirolindo to Quito Airport Center

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

Included in Price

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • 18 activities
  • 10 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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