Itinerary Highlights
- Colonial Quito & Cuenca
- Snow-capped Cotopaxi
- Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Colourful Indigenous Markets
- Inca Fortress of Ingapirca
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
11 nights from £3,995 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
This itinerary showcases Ecuador's dazzling array of natural wonders and indigenous cultures. Experience Quito and Cuenca; charming cities of cobbled streets, picturesque plazas flanked with colonial architecture and ornate churches. Explore colourful indigenous markets and witness brightly dressed locals trading their wares, meet local artists and craftsmen and gain an insight into the Ecuadorian way of life and its rich cultural heritage.
Don’t forget, even though Ecuador is South America’s smallest country it certainly packs in a punch with its tremendous natural wonders. From snow-capped volcanoes, shimmering crater lakes, soaring Andean peaks and lush patchwork of ploughed fields; experience it all as you travel down through the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Who needs the Galapagos? (Please enquire if you do want to add them on!)
Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Quito
Depart the UK today on your overnight flight to the Ecuadorian capital of Quito via Bogota.
Day 2 Quito
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the old town. This UNESCO World Heritage area is the perfect location to stay with its maze of steep cobbled streets, picturesque plazas flanked with colonial architecture and ornate churches.
Day 3 Quito
Today on a private city tour, explore the highlights of Colonial Quito. This is a city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls , the city's many steeples and cupolas rise above the numerous ornate historic churches. Quito has one of the best preserved colonial centres in all South America, and it was declared a World Cultural Heritage site in 1978. For fantastic views of the city and the encircling volcanoes and mountains, visit the El Panecillo lookout point, instantly recognisable by the Virgin of Quito statue at its summit.
Day 4 Quito - Otavalo
Today drive to Otavalo and spend the next 2 nights at a traditional Hacienda. Otavalo and the surrounding region is made up of soaring mountain landscapes, high Andean peaks, shimmering lakes and traditional villages. Gain insight into the local way of life, rich cultural heritage and local traditions dating back centuries.
Day 5 Otavalo
Visit the Indian market in Otavalo. Famous for its craft work, it is a must for all visitors to the northern Andes of Ecuador. Here, under the watchful gaze of the majestic Mount Imbabura, visitors will find a sense of quiet and harmony primarily associated with this Quichua speaking region. The market is held every day on one of the town squares at the foot of the majestic Mt. Imbabura. Visit local handcraft workshops in Agato and Peguche. After lunch, visit the Cotacachi-Cayapas ecological reserve and enjoy a wonderful view of Cuicocha lagoon, a deep-blue crater lake on the lower southern flanks of Mount Cotacachi. Stop at the colonial town of Cotacachi, famous for its leatherwork.
Day 6 Otavalo - Cotopaxi
Depart Otavalo to Cotopaxi National Park today. Weather permitting you will be able to see the snowcapped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes. Learn about the history of this spectacular volcano’s major eruptions, as well as the local flora and fauna. Visit Lake Limpiopungo and explore the surrounding area on foot. For the more active; a 2-hour walk is possible to Mt. Cotopaxi’s J. Ribas refuge (4,800 m) where you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks. Spend a night at a lovely lodge within the area.
Day 7 Cotopaxi – Riobamba
Depart Cotopaxi today to Riobamba. Visit the Indian market towns of either Saquisili, Pujili, Zumbahua or Latacunga (market day dependent). These markets are as authentic and non-touristic as can be found today in Ecuador today. Visit the Quilotoa volcano crater to appreciate the crater’s serenely mysterious green lake. There is an option of a short walk of about 1.7 km along the crater's rim. Visit the art galleries in the community of Tigua, to admire paintings representative of the folklore of this special part of the Andes. Meet a local artist and learn about his work and life in the high Andes.
Day 8 Riobamba - Ingapirca - Cuenca
Today you continue your journey south from Riobamaba through towards Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most famous Inca ruin; an observatory and fortress. Spend the next 2 nights in the beautiful city of Cuenca.
Day 9 Cuenca
One of the first things to notice when entering Cuenca is the magnificent skyline marked by brilliant church domes. Cuenca’s winding rivers, graceful ironwork balconies and beautiful gardens, are part of the pleasant atmosphere of this historic city, declared a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1999. Walking along Cuenca’s cobblestone streets and watching the people go by in the town square dominated by the great cathedral is the best way to explore. This city is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the country due its architecture, surroundings and small-town ambience. Cuenca is traversed by four rivers and surrounded by green valleys and its people create some of the finest crafts in the country.
Staying at
Santa Lucia
Day 10 Cuenca - Cajas - Guayaquil
Depart to the Pacific port city of Guayaquil and en route stop at Cajas National Park. The National Park contains everything from cloud forest to rocky lunar landscapes. However, it is the lakes (more than 200 of them) scattered among jagged peaks that best characterise the reserve. In Cajas there is a good chance of seeing the wild llamas that were reintroduced to the park in the late 1990s. The park’s other animal inhabitants, such as the spectacled bear, puma, and tigrillo, are more elusive. The long list of birds that can be seen here includes hummingbirds, toucans and magnificent Andean condors. Spend the night in Guayaquil.
Day 11 Guayaquil - UK
This morning is at leisure before an evening overnight flight back to the UK. If you would like to continue on to the Galapagos Islands, please enquire for details.
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
11 nights from £3,995 per person
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
International and domestic flights, local guides in each destination, transfers, meals and excursions as per itinerary.
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
){kind=icon}