Itinerary Highlights
- Explore colonial Quito and Cuenca, from the cobbled streets to the ornate churches
- Marvel at the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, a highlight of Ecuador’s Andean spine
- Travel along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, past crater lakes and lush valleys
- Discover colourful indigenous markets and experience traditional Ecuadorian life
- Visit the Inca fortress of Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most significant archaeological site
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
11 nights from £4,985 per person
Jake Aley
Travel Specialist
Discover the rich tapestry of Ecuador, a place home to spectacular landscapes and vibrant cultures. This sample route is ideal for nature lovers and culturally curious travellers, allowing you to taste the city charm and striking scenery of a small yet diverse South American country.
Begin in Quito and end in Cuenca, two cities that balance colonial elegance with lively local life. Wander cobbled streets and picturesque plazas, admire ornate churches and explore bustling indigenous markets where brightly dressed residents trade their wares. You’ll also encounter talented artisans, gain insight into traditional crafts and enjoy the warmth of Ecuadorian culture.
From city streets to soaring peaks, the adventure continues along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Stand before snow-capped volcanoes, gaze across shimmering crater lakes and follow a patchwork of ploughed fields and verdant valleys that stretch down the Andean spine. Every day brings a new panorama and a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes.
This itinerary is perfectly suited for travellers who wish to tailor their journey. You can easily extend it to explore Ecuador’s other ecosystems—from the lush Amazon Rainforest to the ethereal Cloud Forest—or combine the trip with the Galapagos Islands for extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Ecuador
Depart the UK today on your chosen flights to the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. On arrival, you'll be collected and driven to your hotel in the city centre.
Day 2 | Quito
Today is a full day with your guide based in this dramatically situated UNESCO World Heritage city. You'll explore the highlights of colonial Quito through the narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and via the city's many steeples and cupolas rising above the numerous ornate historic churches. Quito has one of the best-preserved colonial centres in South America. Visit the 'Middle of the World' monument to see the Equatorial Museum and Mitad del Mundo Centre.
Staying at
La Casona de la Ronda
Day 3 | Quito to Otavalo
Today, drive to Otavalo and spend the next two nights at a traditional hacienda. Otavalo and the surrounding region are 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 centuries-old traditions.
Day 4 | Otavalo
Visit the Indian market in Otavalo. Famous for its craftwork, it's a must for your trip to the northern Andes of Ecuador. Here, under the watchful gaze of the majestic Mount Imbabura, you'll 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 Mount Imbabura. Visit local handicraft workshops in Agato and Peguche. After lunch, head to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve and enjoy a fantastic 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 5 | Otavalo to Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi National Park
Depart Otavalo this morning after breakfast and visit a rescue centre that protects birds of prey; amongst these is the magnificent Andean condor. Afterwards, continue by road towards Cotopaxi National Park. Weather permitting, you may see the snow-capped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes in the afternoon. Learn about the history of this spectacular volcano’s major eruptions and the local flora and fauna. Spend the next two nights at a lodge in the area.
Day 6 | Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi National Park
Today is a full day to explore more of Cotopaxi National Park. Visit Lake Limpiopungo and explore the surrounding area on foot. If you're more active, a two-hour walk is possible to Mt. Cotopaxi’s J. Rivas Refuge (4,800 m), where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks.
Day 7 | Cotopaxi to Riobamba
Riobamba
Depart Cotopaxi today towards 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 in Ecuador today. Visit the Quilotoa to appreciate the crater’s serenely mysterious green lake. There's an option for a short walk of about 1.7km 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 through Ingapirca to Cuenca
Today, you have the opportunity to ride the historic train journey down the spectacular Nariz del Diablo (‘Devil’s Nose’). The switchback rails allow for phenomenal views across the valley as you steadily move down the mountainside. Later, continue your journey south from Riobamba towards Ingapirca (Ecuador’s most famous Inca ruin), an observatory and fortress. You have time to explore the site with your guide before heading by road to the attractive colonial city of Cuenca.
Day 9 | Cuenca
When entering Cuenca, one of the first things to notice is the magnificent skyline marked by brilliant church domes. The city'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 to 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 around.
Day 10 | Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park
Today, you're invited to explore El Cajas, a 70,000-hectare national park known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from cloud forests to rugged, lunar-like landscapes. It's characterised by its numerous lakes (over 200 in total), nestled among the sharp peaks. The majority of El Cajas sits at an altitude of over 3,000 metres, with grasslands dominating the challenging terrain. You have a good chance of spotting the wild llamas reintroduced to the park in the late 1990s. Other elusive animal inhabitants include the spectacled bear, puma and tigrillo. The park also boasts a diverse bird population, with common sightings of hummingbirds, toucans and magnificent Andean condors.
Day 11 | Departure
This morning is at leisure before you're collected and driven to the airport at the agreed time for your flights back to Quito, where you then connect on for your chosen onward travel back to the UK. Should you wish to add more time in Ecuador, why not consider time in the Amazon, in the cloud forest north of Quito or an extension to the Galapagos Islands?
Jake Aley
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
11 nights from £4,985 per person
Jake Aley
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
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