Magic of Ecuador II Standard

Our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Free time to relax and acclimatize to your new surroundings.

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!

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).

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.

A free day in Baños to explore the town at your own pace. There is a whole array of potential activities to enjoy from relaxing hot springs to trekking, biking, canyoning and horse-riding to name but a few. You can also visit the famous Swing at the Edge of the world - if you are lucky you may also get a glimpse of the active Tungurahua Volcano!

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.

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, followed by free time to explore the city by yourselves. Overnight at Cuenca.

Cuenca to Guayaquil – today we journey from Cuenca down to the coastal city of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s biggest port and commercial centre. On route we pass through El Cajas National Park on route, and also views of banana and cocoa plantations on route. In the afternoon a guided tour will introduce you to the charms of the city such as the modern Malecon walkway along the impressive River Guayas, the Iguana park, and the colonial highlights.

A transfer takes you over the Ruta del Spondylus to the small beach town of Puerto Lopez. Enjoy the colourful scenery on the way - through small fishing towns and along the coast with amazing sea views. The afternoon is free to relax at the beach and explore the small town at your own pace.

A day to explore one of the prettiest islands along the Ecuadorian coast. Isla de la Plata is often known as “a poor man’s Galapagos” due to the similarity of the birdlife (blue and red footed boobies, pelicans, frigate birds) encountered here; the trip includes a guided hike and opportunity to snorkel. In season (aprox June to October) humpback whale watching is also included.

A fantastic day in the Machalilla National Park. This trip includes visits to the stunning secluded white-sand beach at Los Frailes, a short trek in the endangered tropical dry forest and a visit to the interesting Agua Blanca indigenous community to see the archaeological museum and natural Sulphur/mud pool.

Free time in the morning to relax at the beach is followed by a transfer to Manta Airport and a flight back to the highlands of Quito.

Transfer Out

You will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the airport in time for your international flight out.