20-Day Tour: Highlights of Ecuador

Quito Airport - quito

Day 1: Welcome To Ecuador!

Welcome to Quito!

Enjoy a private transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver from Quito airport to your hotel.

You will be greeted at the airport by an English-speaking guide. You will spend the night at your hotel in Quito.

Mitad Del Mundo - quito

Day 2: Explore Quito City

Start your day by meeting your English-speaking guide in a mode of private transport.

Quito, Ecuador's capital, is a real treasure between the volcanoes of Pichincha, Cayambe, and Antisana. At an elevation of 2830 meters, it is the second highest capital in the world. It was the first city classified by UNESCO in 1978 and its historic center is the biggest and best maintained in Latin America. First, go to the Panecillo, a small hill over the city with a statue of the Quito' Virgin, with a splendid 360 degree view. You will then have a visit of Quito's colonial center to see theChurch of the Compañia de Jesus, the Church of San Francisco, thee Presidential Palace (Carondelet), and Quito's Cathedral.

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! 

Otavalo

Day 3: Travel to Glorious Otavalo

You will get out of Quito and head to Otavalo, passing through one of the regions where they grow the famous Ecuadorian roses. You will appreciate a beautiful landscape made of numerous summits of the northern Andes. Visit the Cuicocha lake in the ecologic reserve of "Cotacahi - Cayapas," one of the most beautiful in Ecuador with shiny blue water.

At the center of a former crater at 3064 meters, nature lovers will enjoy various vegetation types (orchids, "elephants ears") with more than 400 species identified there. Go on a half hour boat tour on the lake. Stop in Cotacachi, Ecuador's leading artisanal manufacturers of leather goods which are exported around the world.

Finally, you will get to San Clemente, at the bottom of the Imbabura volcano, where you will spend the night.

Imbabura

Day 4: Go Hiking in Imbabura

Spend the morning with your host family and discover their lifestyle, culture, and traditions.

During a hike in the community with your hosts, you will learn about San Clemente, its population, its craftsmen, field workers, the medicinal plants they largely use, the guinea pigs husbandry, and many other things.

Depart from the community for a hike in the paramo on the Imbabura's slopes. Superb views over the valleys and the volcanoes around.

Otavalo - Cotopaxi

Day 5: Visit Otavalo's Famous Market

In the morning visit Otavalo's Indigenous market, the most significant in Ecuador's Andes, where you can meet the "Otavaleños" with their espadrilles, their brown felt hat, and blue ponchos.

They are the wealthiest Indians in Ecuador and excellent sellers. You will visit the village of Peguche, with its sacred fall and its Andean music instrument fabrication workshops.

You may witness a local music session as well as local weavers at work. This is an art well-established in the area. You will take the route towards Lasso, along the Avenue of Volcanoes.

Cotopaxi - Chugchilan

Day 6: Visit Cotopaxi National Park

Today visit Cotopaxi National Park, featuring Ecuador's second highest summit at 5897 meters. It is also the highest active volcano in the world although it mainly shows a few fumaroles from its ice covered crater. But sometimes it launches a huge column of smoke and ash right up from its center.

Afterward, you will walk around the Limpiapungo lagoon with a stunning view on the Cotopaxi. You will appreciate the flora and some fauna, typical of the "paramo,"  those wide plains swept by the cold winds of the Andes.

After driving up to the car park at 4600 meters you will continue by foot to the José Rivas hut 200 meters higher. The most motivated can also go and reach the snowline.

Quilotoa - Riobamba

Day 7: Travel to Quilotoa

The road to Quilotoa follows the Rio Toachi canyon to the small Andean village of Quilotoa. The emerald colored Quilotoa lake (3854m) lays in a still active volcano, its color is due to the presence of sulfur.

According to a legend, the Inca Atahualpa had hidden his treasure in the lake. If you desire, you can take a walk to the lagoon or simply enjoy the view from the top of the crater.

On the way to Riobamba, you will stop in the area of Tigua which specializes in painting on sheep leather. Images depict daily life in the Andes. Arrive in Riobamba, a peaceful Andean town totally rebuilt after the 1797 earthquake.

Alausi - Ingapirca - Cuenca

Day 8: Head Over Devil's Nose on a Train

On today's journey, you will pass Colta Lake and visit the Balbanera church, the first one in Ecuador, built in 1534. Then, journey aboard the Andes train from the Alausi station to Sibambe.

The train is more modern than the former old Micheline and the trip is very safe. You will pass the "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil's nose) with Andean landscape views well worth the trip: highlands, forests, deep gorges, locals going about their daily activities. You will be provided briefings about railway history in Ecuador and the associated adventures.

Return to Alausi and to your vehicle. Get back on the road to travel to Ingapirca. After returning to the main site, you will have the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to this place discovered by the French scientist La Condamine. You will travel to the beautiful city of Cuenca by vehicle, following a scenic road in the middle of the Andes.

Cuenca

Day 9: Spend Time in Cuenca

The city of Cuenca is undoubtedly as charming as its former name of Guapondelic reveals: "the valley as great as the sky." This colorful and lively city with superb historic buildings was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

The best way to feel the warm colors of Cuenca is to walk around its paved streets, past white houses with roman tiled roofs and wrought iron balconies. Colonial art treasures can also be discovered in Cuenca in the churches and convents from the 17th and 18th centuries.

A visit to the cathedral, the El Turi viewing platform, the churches, and the covered market will gradually take you closer to the local life. Visit a Panama hat workshop as well!

Guayaquil

Day 10: Journey to Guayaquil

Journey west along the Pacific Ocean to get to Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city and economical capital. You will follow the Western Cordillera and cross Cajas Park where you will enjoy stunning views over the many lakes of this protected area.

Return from the mountains. You will then pass by fertile lowlands with huge orchards and banana plantations before arriving at Guayaquil. In Guayaquil you will visit the main streets, the neo-gothic cathedral, and Simon Bolivar Park, where you can find hundreds of green iguanas freely wandering around the park.

You will continue the visit to the Malecon 2000 and then reach the colonial area of Las Peñas, to admire there the architecture and the many art galleries. From Santa Ana Fort, you will enjoy a scenic view over Guayaquil and the Guayas River.

Guayaquil Airport - Baltra - Santa Cruz

Day 11: Fly to Lovely Santa Cruz

You will have a private transfer from Baltra airport to your hotel, and visit the "Parte Alta" and Gemelos with an English-speaking guide/driver. The "Parte Alta" or the highlands present diverse attractions.

First, visit Crocker Hill, which offers spectacular views of the island. Located in the high part, the hill is the highest point in Santa Cruz and is located in the zone of pampas, from this hill it is possible to observe landscapes of extinct volcanoes covered in endemic vegetation. They provide habitats for many birds.

You will also visit The Puntudo, a hill with a spectacular view of the island. You will also go to the farm of Manzanillo to observe huge tortoises.

Santa Cruz - Isabela

Day 12: Observe Majestic Giant Tortoises

After walking for about 2 hours, you will enjoy Tortuga Bay, which is home to one of the most beautiful beaches of the islands. Along the path, you can observe mangroves with specific fauna and have a moment to relax once you reach the beach.

Keep an eye out for marine birds, iguanas, turtles, and sharks in the distance. At the Charles Darwin Station, you can learn about the ongoing conservation efforts on these enchanting islands. The Research Station rears endemic Galapagos plants, land iguanas, and giant Galapagos Tortoises for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes.

You will have a private transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver from the hotel. You will travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela aboard a public speedboat.

Puerto Villamil - Los Tuneles

Day 13: Go Diving in Puerto Villamil

You will be picked up at your hotel on the island Isabela to bring you to Port Villamil, where you will board a shared boat that will take you to the Tuneles. Los Tuneles is one of the best places to practice diving since it offers calm, transparent, shallow waters. 

After finishing the course, return to Port Villamil where your expedition will end. During this excursion you will take a cycling tour to the "muro de las lagrimas." This wall constructed with lava rock and with a height of 10 meters, is a sad recollection of Isabela's history.

During this walk, you will enjoy the diversity of the Galapagos landscapes. You will find beaches of white sand, swamps, salt lagoons and tunnels of lava. This zone is full of giant tortoises, flamingos, and other birds. 

Sierra Negra - Volcano Chico

Day 14: Head up to Sierra Negra Volcano

The Volcano Sierra Negra has the second longest crater in the world, stretching for about 10 kilometers in diameter and 100 meters in depth. From here you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Galapagos.

You will continue your walk up to the volcano Chico. We can feel the hot ground as we approach, given that it is an active volcano. The panoramic view from this place is wonderful. In the afternoon, return to the hotel.

Santa Cruz - Baltra Airport - Quito Airport

Day 15: Travel to Scenic Santa Cruz

You will have a private transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver from your hotel. You will travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz aboard a public speedboat.

Enjoy transportation by an English-speaking driver from your hotel to Baltra Airport. You will take a flight of about 2 hours from Baltra to Quito. 

Quito Airport - Lago Agrio - Cuyabeno Bridge

Day 16: Catch a Plane From Quito to Lago Agrio

Enjoy a private transfer to Quito airport and get on your plane to Lago Agrio!

Your excursion begins in Lago Agrio. You'll travel by bus/truck to reach the Cuyabeno Bridge (the principal entrance of this Protect Reserve). Its now the time for the box lunch. Later you'll travel down the river to your lodge. Then your excursion into the rainforest starts. At the beginning of the river, you can observe some species of monkeys and birds from very close.

Finally, you arrive at the Nicky Amazon Lodge and you'll have some time to relax. Later you will have a walk around the lodge. After dinner, your naturalist bilingual guide will give you a briefing on the upcoming activities for the next days and about the areas.

Cuyabeno Reserve

Day 17: Visit the Cuyabeno Reserve and Search for Caimans

After an early breakfast, you´ll start your journey because the morning hours are the best time to see the rainforest. You'll do a trek into the rainforest with your naturalist guide who will share his knowledge. You will learn about the use of the medicinal plants, which has been taught by local ancestors for generations.

You will also discover some species of amphibians, butterflies, centipedes and millipedes, snakes, birds, monkeys or any footprints of mammals along the trail. Return to the lodge. Have lunch. Later you will navigate along the Cuyabeno River to turn around the Kapok Island trying to find species of monkeys.

You will also have a good chance of seeing the freshwater pink dolphins. Before dinner, you will take a walk into the forest to find species of insects, spiders, tarantulas, snakes, and colorful frogs.

Cuyabeno Reserve

Day 18: Go on the Laguna Grande

An early activity permits you to enjoy nature with a good chance to watch some monkeys and birds. After breakfast, you will follow the “taricaya” that means turtle trail to visit the Seoqueya Community, where some local families of the Sionas Indigenous group live. 

After, you will navigate down-stream to visit the shaman's house where he will teach you ancient healing traditions and about his way of life using the mystic practice of natural medicine. Return to the lodge. After lunch, you will have time to relax and enjoy the place.

In the afternoon you will go out with the motor canoe upstream to visit the Laguna Grande where you will navigate the amazing lake and admire the flooded forest. Before returning to the lodge you will search for Caimans.

Cuyabeno Reserve - Lago Agrio - Quito Airport

Day 19: Today, Return to Quito

The last early activity is a short canoe trip to enjoy the awakening of nature. This is a good opportunity for bird watching. This activity allows us to make one last memory of this wonderful place. After breakfast, you will have time to prepare your luggage for the trip back.

After lunch, your bus will take you back to Lago Agrio, to catch the bus or the plane back to Quito.

Catch your domestic flight from Lago Agrio to Quito. If there is time before taking off, go to Central Park, 5 minutes from the airport, where you will see alligators and anaconda. Enjoy a private transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver from Quito airport to your hotel and a reception at the airport by an English-speaking guide.

quito - Quito Historical Centre

Day 20: Farewell, Ecuador!

On your last day, you can visit two museums. Mindalae has a collection of crafts from all over the country and Guayasamin is a colonial house dedicated to the work of the most famous modern Ecuadorian painter (one of his works adorns the walls of a UNESCO office in Paris), and archaeological objects he collected during his lifee (Bellavista district).

Also, see the Artisanal Market, visit the cable car, and enjoy one last climb to the edge of the volcano Pichincha for a view of Quito and its surroundings. You can also visit Guápulo, a small village behind the city with a church dedicated to the Virgin of the Clouds.

Enjoy a private transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver to Quito Airport from where you can catch your plane home. Safe travels and visit again soon!