Explore Ecuador's 'Avenue of the Volcanoes'

Quito

Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! Upon arrival, find your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the center of Quito. 

Check in and take a moment to settle in before heading out to explore your surroundings.

Quito - Otavalo

Day 2: A guided tour of Quito & journey to Otavalo

After breakfast, your private guide will meet you to take a guided tour of the colonial heart of the city. You’ll also visit the statue of the Virgin of Quito, located high on a hilltop overlooking the city. Later, gaze at the golden interior of the Church of the Society of Jesus and stroll around the Plaza Grande, flanked by the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral.

In the afternoon, make your way to Otavalo. On the way make a stop at the 'Middle of the World," where you can put one foot in the Southern hemisphere and the other in the Northern hemisphere!

Otavalo - Lake Cuicocha - Cotopaxi National Park

Day 3: Otavalo's Indigenous market

Nestled among beautiful lakes and towering volcanoes, Otavalo has long been a hub of trade, renowned for its skilled craftspeople who still wear colorful traditional dress. Start your day at the Otavalo Market, one of South America's largest, and browse stalls filled with fabrics, ponchos, leather goods, and handmade jewelry. 

After lunch, enjoy a walk along the picturesque banks of Lake Cuicocha, known for its orchids and stunning views of Cotacachi Volcano, before making the journey to Cotopaxi National Park.

Cotopaxi National Park - Banos

Day 4: Wild landscapes in Cotopaxi National Park

It's time to explore Cotopaxi National Park, home to Ecuador's second highest summit at 5897m (and the highest active volcano in the world). Walk around the Limpiapungo Lagoon, taking in stunning views of Cotopaxi.

Next, it's time to transfer to Baños. Famous for its thermal baths, spend the evening relaxing, soaking in your beautiful surroundings.

Banos - Chugchilan

Day 5: A waterfall & canoe adventure

Begin your day with an early morning visit to Pailon del Diablo, Ecuador's most famous waterfalls. You'll get an up-close view from a scenic platform. Continue your journey by crossing the Pastaza River in a suspended basket, called a tarabita, to reach the stunning Manto de la Novia waterfall.

Next, embark on a thrilling half-day canyoning tour at Rio Blanco in Baños. Once equipped, you'll be transported to Rio Blanco for this exciting adventure.

Afterward, return to Baños before heading north to the breathtaking Quilotoa area, where you'll stay overnight in Chugchilan.

Chugchilan - Tigua - Riobamba

Day 6: The beauty of Quilotoa Lake

Start the day with a visit to the emerald Quilotoa Lake that lies in an active volcano. Take a walk or simply enjoy the view from the top of the crater.

Continue to Riobamba but not before stopping in Tigua, here you'll encounter a local art including colorful paintings on sheep leather representing life in the Andes.

Riobamba - Chimborazo - Guamote

Day 7: Hiking & traditional cooking class

Head north to Chimborazo, a tranquil Andean town that was completely rebuilt after the 1797 earthquake. Visit the Chimborazo Natural Reserve, where you can often spot vicuñas roaming freely. Here you have the opportunity to hike!

Continue your journey south to Guamote, a traditional Andean village. Here, you'll participate in a cooking class to learn how to prepare regional dishes.

Stay at the Inti Sisa Community in Guamote. Situated high in the Andes, in the shadow of Chimborazo, this training center serves local people from diverse backgrounds, nestled between the coastal region and the rainforest.

Guamote - Ingapirca

Day 8: Visit Ecuador's most significant Inca site

Start the day with a visit to Guamote Market, embrace the colorful sights surrounding you.

Afterward, continue your journey to Ingapirca, the most significant Inca site in Ecuador. Explore the historical grounds, rich with history and legends, as you walk among the ancient ruins.

That evening you'll spend the night in accommodation right next to the archaeological complex.

Ingapirca - Cuenca

Day 9: Explore the artisanal heritage of Cuenca

Today, you'll make your way to the charming city of Cuenca. On the way, stop at small villages to experience rural life, traditional markets, and fine jewelry.

Once you arrive in Cuenca, you'll take a guided tour to explore the city's artisanal heritage. Your tour begins in the Las Herrerías District, where you can visit various iron shops and watch skilled blacksmiths shaping iron. Next, head to the Ortega Company, renowned for crafting the famous Panama hats from paja toquilla, a plant native to Ecuador.

Cuenca - Cajas National Park - Guayaquil

Day 10: Incredible views in Cajas National Park

Travel along the Western Cordillera to Cajas National Park from Cuenca, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the area's numerous lakes. Here you'll hike through the national park with a local expert guide - the length and difficulty it up to you.

Continue your journey to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and economic hub. As you descend the mountains, pass through fertile lowlands adorned with extensive orchards and banana plantations before arriving in vibrant Guayaquil.

Guayaquil

Day 11: Ecuador's past & a chocolate tour

On your last in Ecuador, you will visit the Guayaquil Historic Park, where you can explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Ecuador's largest city. This park offers a fascinating glimpse into Guayaquil's past with its meticulously recreated buildings, lush botanical gardens, and a diverse array of wildlife.

Afterward, visit a nearby cocoa plantation to learn about the history and processes of cocoa production in Ecuador. You'll even have the opportunity to taste and make your own homemade chocolate.

Guayaquil

Day 12: Farewell, Ecuador

It's time to say goodbye to Ecuador. Your driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive you directly to the airport in Guayaquil for your safe flight home.