Ecuador's highlights: culture, nature & adventure journey

Quito

Day 1: Welcome to Quito!

Touch down at Quito's Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, where you'll meet a representative for a transfer to your accommodation - welcome to the vibrant Ecuadorian capital, where your 14-day itinerary begins!

You'll have the rest of the day to relax after your travels, though if you have energy left to burn, you could opt to take a stroll around the historic center, exploring its Spanish colonial heritage and marveling at iconic landmarks.

Quito

Day 2: Dive into the history of Quito

You'll have a full day to get to know this stunning city and dive deep into its cultural and historic draws. Take some more time to explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: visit the picturesque Plaza de la Independencia and Iglesia de San Francisco, before touring the Roman Catholic Basilica del Voto Nacional.

From the city center, you'll then head north into the outskirts for a visit to the Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) and the Intiñan Equator Museum, a wonderful opportunity to learn all about experiments conducted on the Earth's equatorial line. Return to the center of Quito afterwards, to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and an overnight stay.

Quito - Otavalo

Day 3: Journey to Otavalo

Check out of your accommodation and say goodbye to Quito today, as you travel to Otavalo. En-route you'll visit Cayambe, an agricultural service city in the shadow of the volcano with which it shares its name; there, you'll have the chance to enjoy a break and tuck into traditional bizcocho pastries.

Arrive into Otavalo, where you'll make a trip to its famous indigenous artisan market, a bustling place filled with life and exceptional handicrafts that showcase local traditions and skills. Spend a while there, picking out souvenirs to take home with you, before taking a short drive north to the town of Cotacachi, famous for leather goods. Enjoy a scenic trip to the nearby Cuicocha Lagoon, a 3km-wide caldera at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano, before eventually returning to Otavalo for an overnight stay.

Otavalo - Papallacta

Day 4: Relax in thermal hot springs

Today you'll continue your journey as you travel from Otavalo to Papallacta, approximately two hours' drive away. In this charming Ecuadorian village, located at an altitude of 3,300m, you'll get to kick back and unwind in thermal hot springs heated by the Antisana Volcano - a truly unmissable experience while you're visiting the area! Soak up scenic views of the Andean mountains, and optionally, make your trip here even more relaxing by indulging in spa treatments. Overnight in Papallacta.

Papallacta - Archidona

Day 5: Ride the Arajuno River to Archidona

Wake up to splendid views and Papallacta's relaxing atmosphere, before packing up and journeying to Tena, via a boat ride transfer on the Arajuno River. From there, travel on to your lodge in nearby Archidona, where you'll enjoy a welcome briefing and lunch before some time to settle down and rest.

In the evening, set out on a nocturnal hike to explore Archidona's Amazonian wildlife. This is a great opportunity to marvel at the local flora and fauna that emerge after dark, soaking up the mesmerizing sounds of the jungle at night.

Archidona

Day 6: Explore the rainforest & indigenous traditions

Wake up early this morning to visit a parrot clay lick, where you'll see myiad parrot species as they gather in hundreds on clay deposits in the rainforest - a fascinating experience that nature lovers shouldn't miss. Then, embark on a guided hike through the primary and secondary rainforest - keep your eyes and ears open to spot some of the marvelous wildlife that calls it home. This is your chance to learn all about Amazonian flora and fauna from your knowledgeable guide.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to a Kichwa community to learn about their culture and traditions. You'll get to participate in making and tasting their traditional chicha drink, as well as watch a dance performance and shop for handicrafts to help support the community. Return to your accommodation in Archidona afterwards, to relax after a day of adventures.

Archidona - Banos

Day 7: Journey to Baños

Leaving Archidona behind, it's time to travel to the city of Baños, a journey of around three to four hours. Along the way, you'll stop to visit the Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) waterfall, a mighty sight that showcases nature's sheer force and power. Cross a ravine on a cable car to see the Manto de la Novia waterfall, before heading into Baños to explore the city and relax in its natural hot springs. Optionally, you'll have a handful of fun-filled adventure activities to try out while you're here, from zip-lining to canyoning.

Banos

Day 8: Explore Baños at your own pace

Take the day to further explore Baños, whose scenic landscape is the ultimate playground for outdoor lovers and active pursuits. Go in search of the many waterfalls in the area, or simply spend your time getting to know the city and enjoying its vibrant atmosphere. You've the option to sign up for more active excursions today, if you're in the mood for another adventure. Overnight in Baños.

Banos - Cotopaxi

Day 9: In the shadow of Cotopaxi

Leaving Baños behind, today you'll make tracks for the Cotopaxi National Park, a stunning forested expanse known for its diverse floral and fauna and the Cotopaxi volcano at its heart. Hike the park grounds to explore at your own pace, learning about the history and geology of Cotopaxi as you go, and enjoying scenic views of the snow-capped volcano. Once you've had your fill, you'll head to a lodge near the park for a restful overnight stay.

Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Cotopaxi

Day 10: Crater lake hiking & cultural immersion

With your Cotopaxi lodge as your base, today you'll venture out to the Quilotoa Crater Lake for a hiking excursion, heading down to the water's edge and exploring the crater from all angles. The return trek can be arduous, so you could rent a mule for the journey back.

Afterwards, enjoy some downtime as you tour local markets in the nearby towns of Saquisilí or Pujilí (depending on the day of your visit). Pass through the beautiful Zumbahua Canyon and visit an indigenous family, to learn about their day-to-day lives and traditions firsthand, before finally returning to your lodge to rest for the day.

Cotopaxi - Riobamba

Day 11: A scenic drive to Riobamba

Today you'll travel from Cotopaxi to Riobamba, enjoying a scenic drive through the Avenue of Volcanoes along the way. Stop at the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve as you approach the town's outskirts, to witness the highest volcano in Ecuador and learn about the reserve’s flora and fauna. This protected site is home to a spectacle of wonderful creatures, notably the native guanaco and vicuña, alongside a large diversity of birds. Arrive into Riobamba afterwards, to soak up its laid-back charms and culinary scene before an overnight stay.

Riobamba - Ingapirca - Cuenca

Day 12: Journey to Cuenca via Ingapirca's Incan ruins

Leaving Riobamba behind, it's time to continue your Ecuadorian journey, stopping first to tour the ancient ruins of Ingapirca. Explore this significant archaeological complex and learn all about Incan history, before continuing your transfer to the city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Andes mountains. Take time to relax, perhaps enjoying an evening stroll around its colonial streets, before an overnight stay.

Cuenca

Day 13: A day of exploring in Cuenca

Spend a full day ticking off the many marvels of Cuenca: visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, tour the Panama Hat Factory to learn about its intriguing production process, and soak up the vibrant life and atmosphere across markets and plazas.

If you're in the mood for cultural pursuits, pay a visit to local museums and art galleries: the Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno de Cuenca shouldn't be missed, while the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures and Pumapungo Museum are great for soaking up the local heritage and archaeological history. Overnight in Cuenca.

Cuenca - Quito

Day 14: Goodbye, Ecuador

Sadly, it's time to say goodbye to Ecuador today. Check out of your accommodation in Cuenca, and transfer to Mariscal Lamar International Airport for your internal flight back to Quito. Depending on your schedule, you may have time to shop for souvenirs or explore more of the city, before transferring to the international airport for your departure flight back home. Safe travels, and visit again soon!