8 Days in Ecuador's Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs

8 days
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Small Group Tour
Get ready for an incredible 8-day journey through the heart of Ecuador! We'll explore the charming streets of Quito, haggle for treasures in Otavalo's markets, and soak up the serene beauty of Cuicocha. Feel the power of Cotopaxi and gaze into the emerald waters of Quilotoa. Then, experience the awe of Pailon del Diablo, a breathtaking waterfall. Stand in awe...
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$1,834
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Immerse in the Vibrant Culture at Otavalo Market: A Colorful Fusion of Crafts and Tradition
    • Experience Serenity at Cuicocha Lagoon: Nature's Tranquil Oasis in the Andean Highlands
    • Marvel at the Majestic Cotopaxi National Park: Nature's Splendor Unleashed
    • Enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise lake surrounded by high Andean peaks.
    • Visit iconic waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo and Manto de la Novia, surrounded by lush rainforest.
    • Relax and rejuvenate in the soothing thermal waters of Papallacta Hot Springs.
    • Journey to Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest peak and the closest point on Earth to the sun.

What's this trip about?

    Get ready for an incredible 8-day journey through the heart of Ecuador! We'll explore the charming streets of Quito, haggle for treasures in Otavalo's markets, and soak up the serene beauty of Cuicocha. Feel the power of Cotopaxi and gaze into the emerald waters of Quilotoa. Then, experience the awe of Pailon del Diablo, a breathtaking waterfall. Stand in awe of Chimborazo's towering presence and find tranquility in the Papallacta hot springs. Join us for a week of culture, nature, and pure relaxation - memories guaranteed!

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityQuito
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Family Friendly
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Baños de Agua Santa
  • Cotopaxi National Park
  • Otavalo
  • Quito

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Hot Springs
  • Nature

Itinerary

DAY 1: WELCOME TO ECUADOR: LET YOUR ADVENTURE BEGIN!

We extend a warm welcome to Ecuador, and we couldn't be more excited to have you here! Your journey begins with a sense of relaxation and anticipation as you embark on a scenic 45-minute drive into the enchanting city of Quito. Along the way, the picturesque landscape...

DAY 2: ANDEAN ADVENTURE: FROM ANCIENT CLOCKS TO CRAFT MARKETS

Our journey takes us along the iconic Pan-American Highway, heading north to the Quitsato solar clock. This culturally significant site, constructed in pre-Hispanic times, was designed to track the solstices and equinoxes. It's also the very spot where the equator lin...

DAY 3: CITY TOUR QUITO

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, setting the tone for a day of exploration. You'll be picked up and whisked away to the captivating Historic Center of Quito, where every cobblestone, plaza, and colonial structure tells tales of centuries gone by. This ch...

DAY 4: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - QUILOTOA LAGOON – BAÑOS

After a delicious breakfast, you will continue north to Cotopaxi National Park. You will visit Lake Limpiopungo, located in the highlands of the park. Here, you will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano's gigantic cone. Lake Limpiopungo offers a variety of bird...

DAY 5: FREE DAY IN BAÑOS: (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY) - BAÑOS THROUGH THE VOLCANOES AVENUE

Experience the magic of Baños, the doorway to the Amazon rainforest, nestled in the shadow of the lively Tungurahua volcano. Here, you'll find a climate that's just right, setting the stage for thrilling adventures and encounters with nature. And of course, you can't ...

DAY 6: FREE DAY IN BAÑOS: (OPTIONAL ACTIVITY) - CHIMBORAZO: A BREATHTAKING ASCENT TO THE CLOSEST POINT TO THE SUN

Join us on an extraordinary adventure to Chimborazo Mountain, where you'll encounter the unparalleled tranquility of standing at the Earth's nearest point to the sun, a moment that will render you speechless and quite possibly breathless. Hike to astounding altitudes ...

DAY 7: FROM RAINFOREST TO RELAXATION: VISIT TO PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS

Get ready for a day packed with Ecuadorian wonders! Our adventure kicks off in the morning in Puyo, where you can grab a delightful breakfast (not included) to fuel your day. Then, it's off to Paikawe Lagoon for some enchanting wildlife encounters and a playful canoe ...

DAY 8: PRIVATE TRANSFER TO QUITO AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE

At the designated time for your international flight, your private driver will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby to help you with your luggage and drive you to the airport for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: -

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,310
Price per day$164
Last Updated: 4/26/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Responsible Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Responsible Travel Reviews & Ratings

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Other Responsible Travel Reviews

J

Jamie R.

Dec 2023

We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise.

We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise. Our travel agent...

J

Jessica S.

Sep 2023

Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing!

Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing! Our guides were very kind and knowledgeable. We learned not only about the are...

M

Mathew S.

Jul 2023

We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the initial interaction and Alvaro all the way through to o...

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Tour Operator

Responsible Travel

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We are a team full of travel enthusiasts with 13+ years of experience, ready to support and help you find the best out of your Trip.

We understand that travel is becoming an important part of people's desires and we are happy to help all travelers who want memories.

Alexander Humboldt admired and studied the diversity of nature along the equator during his American journey from 1799 to 1804. Subsequently, the world-famous Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 and was inspired to write his theory of evolution by their unique nature, flora, and fauna.

By traveling to Ecuador with Ecuador Galapagos Travels, you will be inspired by the country’s unique landscapes and diverse civilizations. Discover the wonders of the animal and plant worlds evolving on the Galapagos archipelago; immerse yourself in extraordinary and ancient cultures that have survived the ages while traveling through the Amazon basin and the Andean highlands; enjoy trekking through pristine national parks and horseback riding in the shadow of glaciated mountain peaks; or make new friends during a Spanish language course in Quito.

To guarantee that your expectations of Ecuador are fulfilled, Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Team specialize in tailor-made travel services to fit your every need, whether in the Amazon, the Andes, the coast, or the Galapagos Islands. From hotels to jungle excursions, Andean peaks to Galapagos cruises, and palm-fringed beaches to paramo hikes, we will help you realize your goals, escape the mundane, and get great care for your tailored vacation on the equator.

We warmly welcome you to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Transfers from and to the airport with private English-speaking driver  All transfers with private English-speaking driver,

Transportation & flights

Transfers from and to the airport with private English-speaking driver  All transfers with private English-speaking driver
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
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