Welcome to Ecuador! Pick up at Quito Airport and transfer to your hotel followed by free time to settle-in and acclimatize to your new surroundings.
Quito is at 2800m altitude so remember to take it easy the first few days and stay hydrated!
A full day to acquaint yourself with the best sites of the city of Quito. In the morning you will enjoy a tour of the colonial highlights including the cathedral and most impressive churches and pretty plazas. After lunch we head north to the equator - stand literally in the middle of the world! We also visit the unique Inti ñan museum where you can prove (or disprove) various scientific phenomena that only hold true at the equator. Don´t forget to take your passport along if you want a special equator stamp in it!
We often use Mid sized SUVs, such as a Hyundai Tucson, for day tours with a Driver/Guide. These SUVs typically are comfortable for 4 passengers. However, if you feel that you might want a bit more space, please let us know and for an additional cost, we can upgrade to a larger vehicle.
Breakfast
English speaking driver/guide
Entrance fees
A spectacular day visiting one of the highest active volcanoes in the world (5897m) and exploring the Andean grasslands (paramo). In the morning you will visit the picturesque Limpiopungo Lake and the small park museum. Afterwards you can head up to the volcano refuge at the snowline (approx. 1 hour hike up).
Warm clothes are recommended for today and remember to drink plenty of water to avoid the effects of high altitude.
We often use Mid sized SUVs, such as a Hyundai Tucson, for day tours with a Driver/Guide. These SUVs typically are comfortable for 4 passengers. However, if you feel that you might want a bit more space, please let us know and for an additional cost, we can upgrade to a larger vehicle.
Breakfast
English speaking driver/guide
Quilotoa is a real highlight of your tour that will literally take your breath away! An emerald green Laguna inside the crater of an extinct volcano with steep jagged cliffs and views straight down the entire valley of volcanoes (on a clear day), as well as amazing landscapes along the drive through what is sometimes referred as the Grand Canyon of Ecuador. The trek into the crater to the lake shore is very popular. There is a possibility for an optional mule ride out (approx. 10$) for those with tired limbs. At the shore you can also rent a kayak to explore the lake and fumaroles. The village of Quilotoa is also an interesting crafts center.
The village of Quilotoa is set at 3,800m so remember to stay hydrated throughout the day to help avoid the effects of the altitude. It can also be very windy and cold, so be prepared.
An incredible drive through the famous Valley of the Waterfalls. The Pailon del Diablo (in English known as Devil’s cauldron) is the largest and most spectacular of all, but the other smaller ones such as the ‘Manto de la Novia’ are also very impressive. You will have free time to explore the area and takes photos where desired.
A day exploring the impressive Chimborazo Volcano. Today we take you to follow Whymper´s footsteps - the British explorer was first to conquer this impressive summit - up to the second refuge at 5000 meter. On the way up, we may see lamas, alpacas, wild bulls and the beautiful vicuñas (wild lamas) and your guide will explain about the history of this region and the rich flora and fauna of this amazing landscape. If you prefer a gentler day then just let your guide know and he will devise an alternative itinerary in the park for you.
Warm clothes (including hat, scarf and gloves), and waterproofs are recommended for this tour. Also, remember that it's important to drink lots of water and stay hydrated while at high altitude.
Breakfast
Private transport (Spanish)
English speaking guide (tour)
An unforgettable visit to the Ecuador’s most impressive Inca ruins! Ingapirca was built in the 15th century on a strategic hilltop with excellent views over the surrounding countryside. A local guide will explain all about the believed origin and purpose of the ruins which combines both Inca and Cañari Indian history, and there is also a small museum to visit if you wish.
Please note that today is a long day on the road, but with worthwhile stops along the way to break the journey up as you go. Of course you can request stops to stretch your legs whenever necessary too.
Breakfast
Private transport (Spanish)
Shared Guided Tour Ingapirca (English or Spanish)
Entrance fees
A half day tour to acquaint you with the attractive white-washed city of Cuenca – for many considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador. The tour includes the colonial highlights of the city including its handsome plazas and domed cathedrals, as well as an introduction to its history and unique culture. You will visit the traditional Barrios of San Sebastian, the Museum of Modern Art, Calderon Park, the Flower Market, the Sagrario Catherdral and the Immaculate Conception Catherdral, which is considered the largest in Latin America.
Of course a visit to Cuenca is not complete without a visit to the famous Panama Hat Factory where you can observe the making of the world’s finest hats!
The tour ends with a visit to the “Turi Lookout”, where the landscape of a valley filled with red tiled roofs and blue domes is bordered by impressive mountains. Along the way we visit the Home-Ceramics Workshop of Eduardo Vega, the famous Cuenca ceramics maker.
An early morning flight takes you back up the Andes to Quito with great aerial volcano views on a clear day. You will be met at the airport by our driver and transported north to Otavalo where there is free time to relax at the pleasant Hotel.
Breakfast
Airport drop-off (Spanish)
Domestic flight Cuenca/Quito
Transfer to Otavalo (Spanish)
Hotel late check-out in Cuenca
Hotel early check-in in Otavalo
Your day in Otavalo begins with some free time to shop at the famous Indian handicrafts market at the Plaza del Poncho. The hustle and bustle of this colorful market is a great experience, where you can admire the great handmade crafts, ponchos, alpaca blankets and a variety of textiles. This is a great place for souvenir shopping! You also have the opportunity to visit the traditional local food market, where you can learn about the fruits and typical products the merchants offer there. During this visit you may see some tropical fruits that you perhaps have never seen before! Your shopping time is followed by a visit to the sacred Peguche waterfall and the local weaving and musical instrument workshops.
We often use Mid sized SUVs, such as a Hyundai Tucson, for day tours with a Driver/Guide. These SUVs typically are comfortable for 4 passengers. However, if you feel that you might want a bit more space, please let us know and for an additional cost, we can upgrade to a larger vehicle.
A relaxing day at the famous Papallacta hotsprings resort. Time to put your feet up and relax at the pools while enjoying the stunning mountain setting. Bathe in the rejuvenating waters of the clear natural hot springs and there is also an excellent spa available (at extra cost). We also recommend a 1-hour hike along the beautiful river before entering the pools.
You will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the airport in time for your international flight out.
