Charms of Ecuador 11-day tour

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Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador!

Welcome to Ecuador! It may be the smallest of the Andean countries, but this diverse country has a bit of everything. From the Andes to the Amazon, you’ll find a rich depth of beauty here, not only in nature but also in the welcoming people.

On arrival in the capital, Quito, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Today is at leisure, so spend it relaxing in your hotel or wandering the streets of this beautiful city before enjoying dinner.

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Day 2: Explore Quito’s cultural scene

After a relaxing breakfast, start the day with a captivating walking tour through the UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage Site of Quito. Immerse yourself in the enchanting colonial old centre as you take in the stunning architecture and vibrant squares.

Start with the lively Plaza de la Independencia with its imposing Metropolitan Cathedral and then wander through cobbled streets to the impressive Church of La Compañía de Jesús. After, climb the Panecillo, where the statue of the Virgin of El Panecillo towers above the city at over 3,000 meters above sea level. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the wonderful views over the city and try a canelazo, a traditional Andean drink.

After lunch, venture to the equatorial monument known as Mitad del Mundo. Get your camera out for the obligatory ‘foot in each hemisphere’ photo!

In the evening, it's time for another delicious dinner.

Otavalo

Day 3: ...Smell the roses

After breakfast this morning, it's time to breath in some heavenly scent. Roses thrive in Ecuador’s climate, so it's no surprise to learn the country is the world's leading exporter. Take a tour around a rose plantation this morning and see (and smell) lots of different varieties. Then it's time to enjoy a delicious lunch at a hacienda La Compañia where you’ll get to taste traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.

The afternoon brings you to Lake Cuicocha. Walk along the ridges of this magnificent crater lake and take in the abundance of orchids in this area. Following on from this, explore the cultural side of the area in the village of Cotacachi. The craftsmen here specialise in the art of leatherwork. Watch as this traditional craft comes alive before your eyes, then buy a leather purse or bag to take home.

The evening is free to relax in your hotel or explore Otavalo at your own pace. 

Otavalo - Papallacta

Day 4: Kaleidoscope of colour

Start your day at Otavalo Market, a real South American jewel. Have a go at haggling for beautiful handmade items like fabrics, ponchos and jewellery. Visit the vibrant fruit and vegetable market to try some fresh Ecuadorian flavours.

Later, it's time to move on to Peguche and learn more about craftmanship in the town, known for musical instruments. While you're there, be sure to visit the waterfall, tucked away in the forest behind the town.

Enjoy lunch in a welcoming family restaurant and tuck into Andean cuisine with garden-grown organic dishes. After lunch the adventure continues as you journey to the Amazon. This route offers a complete change of scenery and is a perfect example of the country's diversity. You'll cross the Andes to reach the lush vegetation and wide rivers of the Oriente, on the edge of Amazonia.

Once you've checked into your hotel, the rest of the evening is free.

Ahuano

Day 5: Gentle jungle adventures

Journey to Ahuano this morning, after a relaxing breakfast. Step aboard a motorised canoe for a unique ride to your lodge. Sit back and take it all in, as the jungle landscape becomes denser the further you go.

Following lunch, you can opt for a tubing experience. Let the gentle river current guide you along for some laid-back fun. Then, as the sun sets, join an evening forest walk and embrace the symphony of nocturnal forest sounds: bats, owls, insects, toads and frogs, all singing into the darkness Learn all about some often-misunderstood but essential Amazonian creatures like snakes, tarantulas and unique insects. And, if the skies are clear, be treated to the spectacular view of the Milky Way, a celestial delight unique to the equator.

It's then time to indulge in some dinner, and relax.   

Ahuano

Day 6: Into the heart of the Amazon

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, gearing up for a morning's adventure through the lush primary forest with your knowledgeable local guide. Gain insights into the intricate workings of the tropical ecosystem, learn ancient wisdom in the form of traditional medicinal plants and keep an eye (and an ear) out for vibrant birds and monkeys.

This afternoon, venture into a nearby Kichwa community. Immerse yourself in their customs and way of life, observing their profound connection with the forest and its inhabitants. Witness the fascinating process of crafting chicha, a fermented cassava beverage. Enjoy a traditional dance performance by the local children, before taking a look at their shop brimming with locally made handicrafts. 

After this fascinating encounter, head back to your lodge to dine and reflect on the day's activities. 

Banos

Day 7: Amazonian animal sanctuary

Your Ecuadorian journey continues southward today, as you'll be leaving the Amazon and travelling to the charming town of Baños de Agua Santa.

En route, a visit to Yana Cocha park offers a unique opportunity to explore remarkable Amazonian fauna. Regrettably, many of these species fall victim to illegal trafficking. However, Yana Cocha serves as a vital sanctuary, working to rescue and rehabilitate animals that have been injured or saved from dire circumstances. Here, they receive care and protection, with some even returning to their natural habitat.

The evening is free for you to enjoy your beautiful accommodation and explore the town. 

Chimborazo - Riobamba

Day 8: Soaring volcanoes

After breakfast this morning, visit the Chimborazo Reserve, home to Ecuador's highest volcano, reigning supreme at 6,268m. Hike up from the Carrel refuge car park at 4,850m to the Whymper refuge at 5,000m and, if you’re feeling fit, you can set your sights on the Condor Cocha lagoon 100m higher up. However high you go, appreciate the dramatic Andean landscapes that surround you. This is also a great place to spot remarkable wildlife, including the graceful vicuñas and an array of birds of prey like condors, caracaras and falcons.

At lunchtime, you'll enjoy a meal in a local community at the foothills of the majestic Chimborazo. Experience the power of community tourism here, as the local women welcome you into their lives through demonstrations of alpaca shearing and showcasing their weaving expertise.

Ingapirca - Cuenca

Day 9: From ancient ruins to colourful markets

Visit the historic Balbanera church this morning, Ecuador's first Catholic church, constructed during the colonial era. Next dive into the vibrant Guamote market, nestled amid the scenic train lines. This bustling marketplace, one of rural Ecuador's largest, offers a truly authentic experience.

The day continues with a visit to Ingapirca, Ecuador's best-preserved archaeological site. This ceremonial complex holds a rich history, initially built by the Cañaris, who inhabited the region long before the Inca's arrival. The fact that this site still remains is testament to the Incas’ willingness to embrace and learn from the cultures they encountered, rather than simply destroying them.

To finish the day, visit a Panama hat factory. Here, you'll unravel the intricate craftsmanship behind these iconic straw hats and have the chance to acquire one as a souvenir. 

Cuenca

Day 10: Charming colonial cities

Explore the enchanting colonial city of Cuenca today. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a historic centre full of magnificent churches and monuments that the Spanish built beautifully, incorporating the remains of the Cañari and Inca cultures.

After a visit to the flower market square, witness the impressive craftmanship this town prides itself on, with local people specialising in ceramics, silverwork and weaving.

In the afternoon, delve deeper into the region's history and cultures with a visit to the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures. Journey through time, spanning over 15,000 years, as you explore the diverse pre-Columbian cultures that have graced this land.

The evening is free for you to explore more of Cuenca, finding a place to eat a farewell dinner or admiring the street scenes some more.  

Guayaquil

Day 11: Pearl of the pacific

Travel through banana plantations and rice paddies today as you leave the Andes and journey to the coastal plain. Have your camera at the ready for several stunning photo stops along the way.

Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate-making at lunch in a visit to a cocoa farm. Witness the cocoa harvest and learn the art of crafting mouth-watering chocolate.

The afternoon takes you to Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, affectionately known as the Pearl of the Pacific. Take a leisurely stroll along the Malecón 2000 and bask in the sun with the city's unique residents - iguanas - in Seminario Park.

Afterwards, your guide will take you to the airport in time for your onward flight.