Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

15-Day Delights of Ecuador

  • view trip mapView Trip Map
  • downloadDownload
  • shareShare

Overview

Spend fifteen days hopping between the natural wonders and urban adventures on this Ecuador vacation. Beginning in Quito, over just two weeks you'll have an unforgettable journey as you meet the communities who hold traditions close to their hearts and create products that Ecuador is famous for.

During this trip, there is rarely a time where you are not in the mountains - most of Ecuador's cities are set in them! However, time in the city is time to learn about colonial architecture and the fascinating history that changes from north to south.

A true highlight of the trip is the day that you start on the famous scenic train ride of the "Devil's Nose" and finish with two of Ecuador's most outstanding waterfalls! This journey is a true immersion of Ecuador's verdant landscapes - you'll fall in love with nature here.
Outdoors & Nature
Food & Drink
Culture & Arts
Sightseeing
Wellness
Adventure
Hiking & Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Ecuador

Hide details accordion
Arrival in Ecuador

You'll have a private transfer with your English-speaking driver from Quito airport to your hotel. You will spend the night at Casa Gardenia hotel in the historical part of the city. This is a good time to take some well-deserved rest after your flight.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Casa Gardenia3 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 Old TownOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre to Hotel Casa Gardenia

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

Day 2

Quito Historic Centre

Hide details accordion
Quito Historic Centre

Discover the historic centre of Quito! You will go to the market of Santa Clara, a typical place to find fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. This is a perfect moment to meet people and discover local life. You will have lunch at the same place. The "hornado" (pork slowly cooked in an oven) is really delicious. Quito, Ecuador's capital, is a real treasure between the volcanoes of Pichincha, Cayambe and Antisana. At an elevation of 2830 metres, it is the second-highest capital in the world.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Casa Gardenia3 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

    Mercado Santa Clara

    Hotel Plaza Grande Cooking Class

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

Day 3

Middle of the World

Hide details accordion
Middle of the World

You will visit the site of the "Mitad del Mundo" where you can put one foot in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern hemisphere! You'll also have a chance to discover the ethnographic museum here before you go to the Pululahua crater. From the edge, you will have an incredible view of the fields that are cultivated in the bottom. In the afternoon, make your way to the natural reserve of Mindo.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Bicok EcoLodge3 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 Mitad del Mundo

    Intinan Solar Museum

    Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

    Mindo ValleyOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Quito to Mindo Valley

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Pichincha

Day 4

An Active Day in Mindo

Hide details accordion
An Active Day in Mindo

Launch yourself into the day with ziplining, an activity that could just be the beginning of your adventurous day in the eco forest. In the afternoon, you will stop at the archaeological site of Tulipe, home of the Yumbo civilisation. It provides you with details of the traditions and rituals of the culture. You will find the traditional "tolas" which are pyramids cut in half, made ​​with a mixture of mud and other materials.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Bicok EcoLodge3 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

    Mindo Canopy Zipline

    Mindo Valley

    Site Museum Tulipe

    El Quetzal de Mindo Chocolate Tour

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Mindo Valley to Site Museum Tulipe

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Pichincha

Day 5

Journey to Otavalo and San Clemente

Hide details accordion
Journey to Otavalo and San Clemente

You will take a scenic road through the Equatorial cloudy forest, then go through a desert area to reach the "hidden road" to avoid and follow Rio Guayllabamba valley. This path will let you discover diverse landscapes, small villages (such as San Jose de Minas, Perucho, Puellaro) and old churches. You'll stop by the stunning Cuicocha Lake before reaching Otavalo and the San Clemente community. You'll enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your hosts.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    San Clemente Community Accommodation2 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

    Cuicocha Lake

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Mindo Valley to Otavalo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Pichincha

    Imbabura Province

Day 6

Otavalo and the San Clemente Community

Hide details accordion
Otavalo and the San Clemente Community

You can accompany and assist the communities in their work with animals or in preparing breakfast. Visit the famous Otavalo's Indigenous market, the most significant in the Ecuadorian Andes, where you can meet the "Otavaleños" with their espadrilles, brown felt hats and blue ponchos. They are the wealthiest Indians in Ecuador and excellent sellers. Once again, you'll stay with the San Clemente community and learn their customs and practices in everyday life.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    San Clemente Community Accommodation2 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

    Community Activities at San Clemente

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Imbabura Province

    Otavalo

Day 7

Cooking Class and Papallacta

Hide details accordion
Cooking Class and Papallacta

In the morning, you will meet Claudia, who is from Otavalo, she will introduce you to the traditional food, Quichuas. You will cook this typical dish of the Andes with her, using special ingredients from the region, finally, you will be able to appreciate your own work. After your meal, you'll journey to the Papallacta Hot Springs at an altitude of 3220 metres surrounded with nature and two majestic Andean volcanoes, the Cayambe and the Antisana.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Termas de Papallacta

    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 Cooking Class

    Termas de Papallacta

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Otavalo to Papallacta

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Imbabura Province

    Otavalo

    Provincia de Napo

    Papallacta

Day 8

Hot Springs and the Cocoa Route

Hide details accordion
Hot Springs and the Cocoa Route

Continue your Ecuador vacation with a relaxing day. Spend the morning enjoying the rejuvenating hot springs. Then, spend your afternoon making your way the jungle. Along the way, you'll learn about the process of making cocoa in the Santa Rita community.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sacha Sisa Amazon Lodge2 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

    Pacari Adventure Half-Day Tour

    Jungle Trek

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Papallacta to Puerto Misahuallí

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Papallacta

    Archidona

    Provincia de Napo

    Tena

Day 9

The Journey to Ahuano

Hide details accordion
The Journey to Ahuano

Follow your guide through the forest as you discover Ahuano. Today, you'll learn about all of the natural remedies used in Ecuador to help with all ailments, be it physical or spiritual - you'll even make your own mosquito spray!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sacha Sisa Amazon Lodge2 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

    Sacha Sisa Lodge Day Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tena

    Provincia de Napo

Day 10

Make Your Way to the Beautiful Banos

Hide details accordion
Make Your Way to the Beautiful Banos

Today, you'll journey towards Banos, a beautiful small town famous for its views. On the way, you'll stop by a rehabilitation centre outside of Puyo to learn about the monkeys there. Then, visit two of the most outstanding waters in the country before reaching your accommodation for the night.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sangay Spa Hotel3 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

    Paseo de los Monos

    Pailon Del Diablo

    Manto de la Novia Waterfall

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Puerto Misahuallí to Banos

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tena

    Pastaza Province

    Tungurahua

    Ecuador

Day 11

Chimborazo Park and Riobamba

Hide details accordion
Chimborazo Park and Riobamba

In the morning, journey to Chimborazo for the opportunity to climb to the highest peak in Ecuador at 6310 metres. There is also the Whymper, at 5100 metres. You'll have lunch and then take some rest as you make your way to Riobamba.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Bambú5 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

    Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Banos to Riobamba

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Ecuador

    Chimborazo Province

    Riobamba

Day 12

Devil's Nose and Ingapirca

Hide details accordion
Devil's Nose and Ingapirca

Perhaps the most beautiful day of the trip so far! You will pass by the "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil's nose) with successive Andean landscapes well worth the trip. You will be provided with a brief introduction to the history of the railway. Then, you'll journey to Ingapirca on the way to Cuenca, one of the largest and most fascinating Incan ruins in Ecuador. You'll be given a tour of the ruins.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Felicia Hotel & Suites

    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

    Train Nariz del Diablo

    Ingapirca Ruins

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Riobamba to Alausi

    Private Driver from Ahuano to Cuenca

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Riobamba

    Alausi

    Cañar Province

    Cuenca

Day 13

Cuenca and Spa

Hide details accordion
Cuenca and Spa

The city of Cuenca (2 550 m) is undoubtedly as charming as its former name of Guapondelic tells "the Valley as Great as the Sky". This colourful and lively city with superb historic buildings was classified as a World Heritage by the UNESCO since 1999. The best way to feel the warm colours of Cuenca is to walk around its paved streets, along with the white houses with roman tiled roofs and flourishing wrought-iron balconies. In the afternoon, relax in the thermal spa of your accommodation.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Felicia Hotel & Suites

    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 City Tour

    Cuenca Cooking Class

    Piedra de Agua - Fuente Termal & Spa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cuenca

    Azuay

Day 14

El Cajas and Guayaquil

Hide details accordion
El Cajas and Guayaquil

Visit of the rum distillery of Cava San Miguel in the morning. Then, you will follow up the western cordillera to Cajas park from Cuenca, where you will enjoy stunning views over the many lakes of this protected area. The journey to Ecuador's biggest city and economic capital takes you down from the mountains, passing by fertile lowlands with huge orchards and banana plantations before arriving in Guayaquil.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Palace4 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

    Cava Ron San Miguel

    El Cajas National Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Cuenca to Parque Nacional Cajas

    Private Driver from Parque Nacional Cajas to Guayaquil

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cuenca

    Azuay

    Guayaquil

Day 15

Departure

Hide details accordion
Departure

Your personalized Ecuador vacation has come to an end. When the time comes, you'll be transferred to the airport. Thanks for traveling with us.

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Dinner at Sacha Sisa Lodge

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Palace to Aeropuerto Internacional José Joaquín De Olmedo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Guayaquil

    Provincia de Napo

Included in Price

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • 29 activities
  • 13 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

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

Want to Read This Later?

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

Why Choose Designer Journeys

access

Access Exclusive Experiences

Open your eyes to a world of exclusive experiences that will make your next trip extraordinary. Designer Journeys’ local travel designers are connected to unique experiences that are out of reach for most people – so you’ll return with some amazing stories to tell.

local expertise

Extraordinary Local Expertise

Using highly experienced local travel designers means you have access to your very own local expert. You'll find experiences you never knew existed, avoid some of the common pitfalls and, most of all, feel like you have an insider guiding you every step of the way.

support

Supported Every Step of the Way

Our in-destination local travel designers are the first line of support when you are travelling. They are in your time zone and have the local expertise and knowledge to solve any issue that may arise – making you feel more confident about your trip.

custom travel designed

Travel Designed For You

Designer Journeys style of travel is all about how you want to travel – its private travel designed exactly to your needs. Our local travel designers customise every trip to suit you, whether completely bespoke or based on one or more of our 2,000+ gallery of itineraries.

Image - Designer Journeys
Image - Designer Journeys
DESIGN YOUR EXTRAORDINARY

Why Travel with Designer Journeys

Smile icon
Your Trip. Your Version of Extraordinary.

At Designer Journeys, we know that we all travel differently. That's why you decide where you travel, how you travel and your travel experiences when you design your trip with us.

Message icon
Connect and Design With an Expert.

Our trusted Local Designers use their destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning expertise to build your extraordinary trip. Our dedicated Travel Concierge team will be there every step of the way to ensure your perfect trip becomes reality.

Trust icon
Book with Confidence. We are Trusted.

Secure payment platforms, multiple accreditations, rigorous Local Designer selection process, and decades of travel expertise means you are in safe hands with Designer Journeys.

As seen on
Partners