Ecuador Complete

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito in the afternoon. On arrival, you will drive through the picturesque Andes and charming countryside to Otavalo. Otavalo is famous for its colorful Indigenous market, where handmade handicrafts, textiles and jewellery are sold. After a scenic drive, you will reach your hotel, where you can check in and start your journey in a relaxed manner.

Start your day with a trip to the famous, lively indigenous market in the center of Otavalo. There you will find a wealth of offerings, from traditional clothing to ornate jewelry and local food. Stroll through the alleyways of the market, browse for souvenirs and immerse yourself in the atmosphere with its diverse sounds and scents.

Afterward, you’ll visit the Cuicocha Lagoon, which is located north of Otavalo and was formed around 3100 years ago by a volcanic eruption. You have the option of either taking a five-hour hike around the crater or exploring part of the crater rim to take photos and enjoy the magnificent view over the lagoon. You will then return to your hotel in Otavalo in the afternoon.

After breakfast, set off from Otavalo and enjoy a relaxing drive through the picturesque landscape of the Andes while admiring the breathtaking views. Along the way you may notice the changing vegetation and increasing humidity, meaning you are approaching the cloud forest of Mindo. Upon arrival in Mindo, you will have time to explore the town and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon offers a variety of activities, such as bird watching tours or a visit to a butterfly farm. Immerse yourself in the magnific nature of the cloud forest and discover its diverse flora and fauna. Overnight stay in Mindo.

Today you’ll make your way to the spectacular waterfalls of Mindo, where you can hike through the cloud forest and admire the refreshing beauty of the waterfalls. After this stop, you will visit an orchid farm to discover the fascinating variety of these flowers. You will then head to a chocolate workshop where you will learn the secrets of chocolate making and make your own chocolate. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy local delicacies made with chocolate. In the late afternoon, you will have time to explore the city further or shop for souvenirs before returning to your hotel. This tour offers an unforgettable experience that will appeal to nature lovers and foodies alike. Overnight stay in Mindo.

After a relaxing time in Mindo, continue your journey and stop at the equator at Mitad del Mundo. Learn about the fascinating history and geography of this unique place and take part in interactive experiments that demonstrate the effects of the equator on gravity. Finally, the tour takes you back to Quito, where you have the opportunity to continue exploring the charming capital of Ecuador or relax at your hotel.

Experience a fascinating city tour in Quito, the enchanting capital of Ecuador. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage city as you stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the colonial center. Admire the magnificent churches and historic buildings, including the impressive Quito Cathedral and the majestic La Compañía de Jesús church. Enjoy the panoramic view over the city from one of the viewpoints in the surrounding hills, such as the Panecillo or the viewpoint of the Monastery of San Francisco. Discover the lively atmosphere of the local markets and try traditional Ecuadorian dishes in the cozy restaurants of the old town. A walking tour through Quito’s historic quarters is an unforgettable experience full of culture and charm.

Your day begins with a scenic drive through the Andes landscape as you approach the national park. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the imposing presence of the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Embark on an exciting drive to the base of Cotopaxi, where you will take a walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon, which stretches out against the breathtaking backdrop of the volcano. For your overnight stay, you’ll go further south to Baños de Agua Santa, known as the gateway to the Amazon region.

After a relaxing overnight stay in Baños, you’ll take an excursion to the famous “Pailón del Diablo” waterfall (also known as the “Devil’s Gorge”). You will follow the course of the Pastaza River through the valley of the same name, passing numerous smaller waterfalls along the way. Near the small village of Rio Verde, you will finally reach the impressive waterfall of Pailón del Diablo. A 15-minute walk takes you to the viewpoints above the waterfall.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to relax, either by visiting the thermal baths or making a tour to the famous “Casa del Árbol” (tree house), where you can enjoy the feeling of swinging on the edge of the world. You then return to your hotel in Baños for the night.

After breakfast, you will set a trip to Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador and the highest mountain in the world when measured from the center of the earth. Upon arrival at Chimborazo, you will have the opportunity to go on a short hike and enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. With a bit of luck, you may even spot some of the local animals such as vicuñas and foxes. After your visit to Chimborazo, continue your journey and make your way to Ingapirca, an archaeological site that houses the ruins of an ancient Inca settlement.

The day begins with an exploration of the pre-Columbian ruins of Ingapirca, an important archaeological site in Ecuador. These ruins, the remains of an ancient Inca settlement, bear witness to the rich history and heritage of the indigenous peoples who once lived in this region. You will have the opportunity to explore the various structures, including the Temple of the Sun, the enigmatic stone observatory and the stone buildings, as you learn more about the history and significance of this site. You will then continue your journey and make your way to Cuenca, a charming colonial city known for its historic architecture and vibrant culture.

Today’s program includes a city tour of the colonial city of Cuenca. You will have the opportunity to visit the city’s most important sights, including the impressive Cathedral, a masterpiece of colonial architecture known for its blue domes and richly decorated facades. During your city tour, you have full flexibility to adapt the pace of the tour and pursue your own interests. We recommend a visit to the Mirador de Turi: a viewpoint on a hill south of the city from which you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Cuenca and the surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon, visit the surrounding village of Chordeleg. Your first stop could be one of the local jewelry stores, where you will have the opportunity to admire the artful work of the local craftsmen and perhaps even take home a piece or two as a souvenir. The traditional craftsmanship of Chordeleg encompasses a variety of styles and techniques, from intricate silver work to colorful gemstones and beads.

Today you’ll make your way to Cajas National Park, which is located around an hour west of Cuenca. On the way, you will have a short photo stop to admire the breathtaking scenery of the national park, which is known for its misty mountain lakes and unique moorland landscape.

After the photo stop, continue your journey and head south towards Guayaquil. On the way, you will visit a cocoa bean hacienda, where you will learn more about cocoa bean cultivation in Ecuador and have the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the plantation. You can learn about the process of harvesting and processing cocoa and even sample some of the delicious chocolate products made on site. After your visit to the cocoa hacienda, you will continue your journey to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador and the country’s most important commercial center. Once here, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

A city tour in Guayaquil offers a fascinating journey through the history, culture and lively atmosphere of this vibrant Ecuadorian city. You will start your tour at Malecón 2000, an impressive waterfront promenade on the banks of the Guayas River, and explore the many attractions along the way, including parks, gardens, monuments and restaurants. Stroll through the historic Las Peñas district, known for its colorful houses and narrow streets, and climb Santa Ana Hill for a breathtaking view of the city. Visit the Parque Seminario, also known as “Iguana Park”, to see the impressive green iguanas and admire the imposing Guayaquil Cathedral, a magnificent example of colonial architecture. These highlights offer just a glimpse of Guayaquil’s rich cultural heritage.

Transfer to the airport according to your flight itinerary.