Rental Car Vacation Package

Self-Drive Tour in Ecuador for 10 days

For independent-minded travelers who like to make up their own minds as to the itinerary, drive past stunning landscapes, and stop for photo breaks whenever a self-drive holiday is the ultimate road trip.

Our self-drive trip itineraries have been carefully picked to show you the very best of Ecuador ́s amazing sights and experiences exploring off the beaten track in an SUV vehicle. You will have the opportunity to take your time at each place, choosing when to arrive and when to leave, as there are no tour guides, departure times, or other groups to worry about on this vacation.

Everything is tweakable, giving you the freedom to build a unique and personal trip for your chosen date. Upgrade your accommodation for all – or just part – of your trip, slow down the pace with a few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures on an exciting rental car vacation package.

Benefits

  • Freedom
  • Local Knowledge
  • Save Money
  • Local Support
ActivityAccommodationMeals
Arrival at Quito Airport and Transfer to your hotelIkala Quito-/-/-
Free Day in QuitoIkala QuitoB/-/-
Quito – MindoSisakunaB/-/-
Mindo – Cotopaxi HaciendaHacienda El PorvenirB/-/-
Cotopaxi Hacienda – Pailon del Diablo – BañosSangay Spa & HotelB/-/-
Baños – TenaHakuna MatataB/-/-
Tena – Hotsprings in Termas de PapallactaTermas de PapallactaB/-/-
Papallacta – Otavalo Market & Cuicocha LagoonHacienda PinsaquiB/-/-
Otavalo – QuitoIkala QuitoB/-/-
Sightseeing & Departure from Quito, DepartureB/-/-

B = Breakfast, BL = Box Lunch, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Tour Plan

Day 01
Arrival in Quito

You will arrive at Quito International Airport; rental car reservations will be properly made and the counter agent will have your information prior to your arrival at the rental car counter located a few steps next to Local Arrivals.

The car rental agent will ask for your passport, driver's license, and credit card for a deposit in case there are any traffic speed tickets or damages to the vehicle that will not be covered by the insurance.

The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m) and welcoming visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, and fourth-generation hat makers, as well as a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

Overnight: Quito

Day 02
Free Day in Quito

Spend today exploring Quito at your own pace. Visit the historic Old Town to discover the colonial churches of San Fransisco, La Compañia, and other historical landmarks, or head to the fascinating Equator Monument, which also houses the Ethnographical Museum. If you're feeling adventurous, ride a cable car up the slopes of nearby Volcán Pichincha for dizzying views over the city from 12,942 feet (3,944 m).

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Quito

Day 03
Quito – Mindo

Today you'll explore the lush green cloud forest of Mindo. Its location at the western slopes of the Andean highlands gives this region mild temperatures and lots of rainfall. Thanks to the favorable conditions, the Mindo forest has incredibly high

biodiversity. You'll get the chance to see some of the countless birds, butterflies, and insect species that call the region home. Visit the butterfly garden, hike to beautiful waterfalls, or fly between the treetops on a zipline. Afterwards, take a chance and learn to make chocolate and taste your creations.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Mindo

Day 04
Mindo – Cotopaxi Hacienda

Spend your last few moments strolling through Mindo, before making you towards Cotopaxi National Park. National Parks usually close at 17h00 so you will have enough time to rest and you could do horseback riding (Optional). Enjoy the history behind the corridors and walls of one of the oldest haciendas of the Cotopaxi region where you will spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Cotopaxi Hacienda

Day 05
Cotopaxi Hacienda – Pailon del Diablo – Baños

In the morning, you will leave your hacienda in Cotopaxi National Park and head to the town of Baños (approx. 3 hours), famous as one of Ecuador's outdoor capitals. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest a little bit. Driving south from Baños in the afternoon, following the "Avenue of waterfalls", you will follow the Pastaza River on its way through the valley of the same name. Passing a number of waterfalls, you will reach the village of Rio Verde, where you will stop to visit the well-known El Pailon del Diablo (The Devil's Cauldron) waterfall. You may also rent a bike and ride to the waterfall.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Baños

Day 06
Baños – Tena

After spending the day in Baños, enjoy one last time what you have pending in this adventurous city before parting to the Amazon city of Tena. Drive along the avenue of the waterfalls and notice how the vegetation shifters. Once you arrive at your hotel in Tena, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Tena

Day 07
Tena – Hotsprings in Termas de Papallacta

Today, you will be driving just a few hours west towards Papallacta, and you’ll absolutely feel the change in elevation when you arrive! The drive is along a twisty road up from the rainforest into the mountains.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Papallacta

Day 08
Papallacta – Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lagoon

In the morning, head to Otavalo. The city is the home of the well-known indigenous market where artisans come to sell colorful textiles and other traditional goods. Snack on fruits and other snacks while you browse the stalls for paintings, carvings, hand- painted bowls, and much more. Enjoy some street food (try the salted mango or fritada con mote—fried pork with cooked corn, then continue to the nearby town of Cotacachi for some free time and more shopping (the town is famous for its leather products). In the afternoon, stroll along the shores of the volcanic crater lake of Cuicocha. You can even take a boat ride around the two islands.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Otavalo

Day 09
Otavalo & Peguche Waterfall – Quito

You will head to the small waterfall Peguche, formed by the river of the same name. This waterfall is considered an indigenous ceremonial site. After visiting the waterfall, you could also stop by the local artisans who live and work in this area.
For your overnight stay, you return to Quito.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: -

Day 10
Sightseeing & Departure from Quito, Departure

Make your way towards Quito's Airport, and drop off your car rental to return back home. Make sure to return de vehicle in the same conditions, if you had any mishappen with the rental car make sure to let us know in advance.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: -

  • Crossover SUV or similar (upgrades available)
  • Unlimited Kilometers
  • Additional Driver
  • LDW Insurance
  • Liability Insurance
  • Gas prepayment upon car drop off
  • GPS Equipment
  • Parking Fees on Cuenca
  • Accommodations on 3.5-star hotel based on double room
  • Breakfast for every traveler
  • Assistance at Airport upon car rental pick up and drop off
  • Digital Booklet with Day to Day Activities and Recommendations
  • International Flights
  • Fuel
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Entrance fees
  • Meals not stated on the itinerary
  • Beverages
  • Parking fees other than Cue

Book your tour NOW!

Please note that the category stars given for the accommodations are estimated as local categories that do not fit international standards. Local categories are in all cases alike or higher than the ones given above.

NB: Please read all itineraries as a guide only. All routes and programs can change without notice due to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons, and the wildlife encountered during the travel. Flexibility is the key to the success of any expedition. Nevertheless, the safety and the interest of our passengers is always the first priority.

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