Compare Ecuador Adventure & Highlights | Mágico Ecuador by Latin Adventures vs Adventurous Ecuador by Culture Trip

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

Overnight in Quito.

Reception at the airport and transfer to hotel by private transportation.

Day 2: Quito City Tour – Cable Car – Mitad del Mundo

Overnight in Quito.

This city tour and Teleférico is a full day tour which includes the Basilica Church, where you will make a brief stop and next visit the “San Juan Mirador” from where you will have a beautiful view of The Colonial Center of Quito. After walking through the colonial streets, you will then stop at the Independence Plaza to admire the Cathedral and the Government’s Palace. Then you will visit La Ronda Street, The Company Church, Santo Domingo´s Church, The Sagrario´s Church and San Francisco´s Church, which was built during the 17th century. After visiting the historical site, you will go to the Teleférico. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the city with views of beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains and the capital Quito. From a point of more than 13,000 feet (4000 m) high, you will enjoy magnificent views. In the afternoon, you'll will go to Mitad del Mundo which is located fifty minutes from the northwest of Quito (Ecuador). You will visit the current equatorial line and straddle the two hemispheres. In addition you’ll have the chance to participate in several experiments at the Intiñan Museum. Things like watching water go down a drain in a different direction only inches away from either side of the equator, or balancing an egg on a nail, or using an ancient sun dial are some examples of what you can experiment here.

Day 3: San Pablo´s Lake – Cuicocha Lagoon – Otavalo Market – Cotacachi

Overnight in Quito.

Departure early in the morning from your hotel in Quito. We will take the north Panamerican up to our first stop in San Pablo lake, where you will enjoy of a nice view of the volcano and the lake. Then we will visit an indigenous weaving worshop in Peguche. We also will know the natives from Otavalo, indigenous people rich in traditions and customs that permits the tourists enjoy the typical, multicolored handcrafts. After lunch, we will visit an indigenous family that will show us how to make andean music instruments and how to play them. Then we will go to Cotacachi, best known for its leather goods. You can find leatherjackets, boots, hand bags, just about everything. The quality is very good and its fairly inexpensive. After that and we will head up to Cuicocha lagoon (Guinea Pig Lagoon). Cuicocha Lake is in the crater of an extinct volcano that last erupted 3000 years ago. It fell in on itself, and the dome makes a big island in the middle of the lake.

Day 4: Termas de Papallacta Spa – Hike – Relaxation

Overnight in Quito.

A full day tour that goes through the valley of Tumbaco and reaches Papallacta Hot Springs, just in the southeast side of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve famous place by its thermal water pools in Napo province; then we will walk about 1 1/2 hours from a private cloud forest reserve where we can admire the beauty of nature rich in flora and fauna. After hiking we will go back to the thermal waters and enjoy a delicious bath taking advantage of the medicinal benefits that this place spring offers.

Day 5: Cotopaxi National Park – Hike – Interpretation Center

Overnight in Cotopaxi / Chugchilan.

Departure in the morning to reach the Cotopaxi National Park in Cotopaxi province where we will visit the Interpretation Center and Limpiopungo lagoon; posibility to take a short hike in the surrounding of Limpiopungo valley, then we will drive up to 4.500 meters and walk up to Padre Rivas Refuge (4.830 meters). Stop for a drink in the refuge, after that if you are in a good shape try to get to the glacier (5.050 meters).

Day 6: Andes Landscape – Hike – Local Communities – Lake

Overnight in Baños.

On the way to Quilotoa we will stop to visit and indigenous local house from the “Paramos”, we will observe their clothes and customs, but the most important thing is that we are going to be with them in a typical indigenous house made of straw. we will sharing with them a short moment talking, watching and learning from them, about their life and how they prepare the soil to sow. We will also visit the town of Tigua, famous for its naive paintings. We will continue up to the Quilotoa volcano, where you will be able to descend to the lake located inside the crater or just walk around the crater. Prepare yourself to enjoy an unforgettable experience by mule back riding! Enjoy of the most beautiful landscape in the highlands and traditional indigenous villages! Possibly to visit and indigenous market.

Day 7: Pintoresque Waterfalls – Hot Springs – Village Scenery

Overnight in Baños.

A full day of exploration of the town of Baños and the picturesque Valley of the waterfalls. The Pailon del Diablo, is the largest and most spectacular Ecuador´s falls but other smaller ones are also impressive. There is also an opportunity to visit the hotsprings after which the town has been named. Our driver is at your disposal for the whole day to give you maximum flexibility in the visits that you would like to make such as: Visit to The House Tree, rafting, rest in the hotel, etc.

Day 8: Optinal activities in the morning - Village Scenery

Overnight in Alausí.

This day you will have the guide and the private transportation at your disposal for the optionals activities such as: horseback ridding, canopy, bungee jumping. After that we will depart to Alausí.

Day 9: Alausí – Devil´s Nose train – Ingapirca Ruins

Overnight in Cuenca.

After breakfast, early in the morning we depart to Alausí, just less than 100km (62 miles), beautiful old town with one hundred houses. Time to take the spectacular train, considered the most difficult train of the XX century. You will descend gradually from the highlands to the lowlands, at times zigzagging, or hugging the cliffs. In the descending at the lowest point the incredible devils nose an interesting rock will appear in the horizon. The train descends and then returns to Alausí again. Then we will depart to visit the indigenous market of Cañar before reaching the ruins of Ingapirca for a complete tour of the ruins and archeological museum, during the visit you will see the vestiges of Incas.

Day 10: Cuenca City – Parque Nacional del Cajas

Overnight in Cuenca.

We’ll head to Cajas National Park, which is located 30km east of Cuenca. In this area there are about 200 recreational lakes propagated between 3,150 m 4,450 m. The lakes are connected by small rivers and crystal clear waters flowing into the Pacific. After a walk through the mountains, we’ll return to the city of Cuenca. City Tour in the afternoon.

Day 11: Chordeleg and Gualaceo Markets - Chorro del Giron Waterfall

Overnight in Cuenca.

Departure after breakfast to Gualaceo Valley, located 40 minutes from Cuenca. On the way enjoy the beautiful landscape of mountains, we´ll stop in the town of San Bartolome where we can see artistically crafted guitars and a variety of indigenous straw crafts. We’ll arrive in Gualaceo and come to appreciate the quality of the hand crafted gold and silver products there. In the afternoon we will visit the town of Chordeleg, famous for its hand crafted straw plant hats and silver. After that we will visit Chorro del Girón, this beautiful waterfall is about 70 meters high, its falling forms a natural pool of crystal clear water at the foot of the waterfall, there is a haven of approximately 10 x 10 m.Then follows the river with a width of 4 m. After this trip we will go to Cuenca again.

Day 12: Cuenca – Guayaquil

Overnight in Guayaquil.

Early in the morning we will depart to Guayaquil (4 hours) In the afternoon, we will have a walking tour around “Malecon 2000” and “Las Peñas” neighborhood. Optional: Morgan Cruise (not included)

Day 13: Guayaquil – Puerto López

Overnight in Puerto Lopez.

In the morning we will visit in the “Parque Histórico”, which was created through the initiative of the Central Bank of Ecuador, and is intended to preserve for future generations the best of wildlife, traditions and ancient urban architecture this coastal city. In the afternoon we will head to Salinas Beach. Finally, by taking the Route of the Sun, we will reach Puerto Lopez.

Day 14: Puerto López – Isla de la Plata

Overnight in Puerto Lopez.

We will depart to Puerto Lopez to take the amazing tour to Isla de la Plata by boat, this island is home to many peculiar birds: blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, waved albatrosses, tropicbirds and peruvian pelicans. Isla de la Plata has established trails that a guide will walk you through. In the excursión you could do snorkeling. If you bump into whales, dolphins, or orca to or from the island the captain will stop so you can observe them.

Day 15: Puerto López – Los Frailes Beach – Machalilla National Park

Overnight in Manta

Los Frailes is one of the most beautiful beaches of Ecuador, characterized by its natural environment, transparency of its waters, its stunning scenery and rock formations. We will also enjoy of 2 hours hike in Machalilla National Park.

Day 16: Montecristi Village - Handcrafts – Quito

Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast we will visit Montecristi, this village is internationally renowned for the high quality of the “Panama Hats” they produce (yes, you read correctly, Panama Hats are and always have been from Ecuador and not from Panama). Lying at the foot of a large hill called Montecristi, the small town of the same name has many attractions such as Eloy Alfaro’s (an ex-Ecuadorian President) house, the Hermanas Largacha Museum, and the Monserrate Sanctuary, where thousands of Ecuadorian and foreign pilgrims traditionally flock, especially on the weekends. Another place of interest is La Pila, whose artisans make a variety of sculptures and replicas of Pre-Colombian ceramics. In addition to hats, these artisan centers display other handmade crafts made of different types of straw and iron.

Day 17: Airport transfer

Latin Adventures Ecuador: Breakfast and airport transfer service depending on you flight

DAY 1

Arrive in Quito

Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you’ll be whisked off to your hotel in the Old Town district of Quito (the second-highest capital city in the world, at 2,850m/9,350ft above sea level) and meet our Local Insider at 6pm, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. In the evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner, washed down with a cold Pilsener – Ecuador’s favorite beer. Be sure to get a good night’s rest ahead of an action-packed day exploring the city tomorrow.

ACCOMMODATION

• Hotel Patio Andaluz

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Welcome dinner

DAY 2

Explore Quito and attend an Ecuadorian cooking masterclass

Kick-start the trip with an optional morning visit to the Equator – head to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Regroup in Quito’s historic center (a Unesco World Heritage site) for a walking tour of the Plaza Grande, Presidential Palace and La Compañía church. After admiring the impressive array of colonial architecture and wandering down lively La Ronda street, you’ll embark on a gastronomic journey at Altamira restaurant. Learn how to prepare a variety of traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a cooking masterclass, capped off with a chocolate-tasting session.

ACCOMMODATION

• Hotel Patio Andaluz

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Quito walking tour
• Ecuadorian cooking masterclass and market visit
• Chocolate-tasting session

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Ciudad Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum visit

DAY 3

Go horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park

Today, you’ll journey south towards Cotopaxi National Park, dominated by the 5,897m (19,347ft) high Cotopaxi stratovolcano – the second-highest peak in Ecuador. If the conditions are clear, you’ll spot the snow-capped summit as you hike around the Limpiopungo glacial lagoon. Learn all about the flora, fauna and eruption history of the park at the Interpretation Center. Next, set out on a scenic horseback ride, where you’ll be introduced to the chagra cowboy culture of the Ecuadorian highlanders. Following a picnic lunch in Salitre, continue on to your mountain hacienda for the night.

ACCOMMODATION

• Chilcabamba Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Limpiopungo Lagoon hike
• Cotopaxi Interpretation Center visit
• Horseback riding

DAY 4

Hike round Quilotoa Lake and visit a Tigua art studio

Prepare yourself for another unforgettable hike as you venture to Quilotoa – a volcano on the westernmost edge of the Ecuadorian Andes, off the usual tourist trail that's known for its emerald-green crater lake. After a short walk round the rim, stop by a Tiguan studio owned by Julio Toaquiza – an artist who pioneered a vibrant painting style, depicting life in the high Andes. In the afternoon, you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs at Salcedo Market – it’s a great place to get under the skin of Andean culture. Next stop, Baños – widely considered the adventure capital of Ecuador.

ACCOMMODATION

• La Floresta Hotel

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Quilotoa Lake hike
• Tigua art studio visit
• Salcedo Market visit

DAY 5

Cycle the magnificent Baños Waterfall Route

Start your day by visiting the Swing at the End of the World. Attached to a mountaintop treehouse, it offers jaw-dropping views of the Tungurahua volcano and the valley below. Feeling brave? Why not give it a go? From here, you'll embark on an adventurous bike ride to three waterfalls on the road from Baños to Puyo: Agoyán, Manto de la Novia and the 80m (262ft) high Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). The water from these falls eventually runs into the Amazon River. Enjoy lunch with the Yaku Runa indigenous community before moving on to Tena – the gateway to the Amazon rainforest.

ACCOMMODATION

• Kuyana Amazon Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Swing at the End of the World visit
• Baños Waterfall Route bike ride
• Yaku Runa project visit

DAY 7

Go white-water rafting on the Jatunyacu River

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Today, you’ll go white-water rafting through the jungle on the Jatunyacu River – one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River. Meaning 'big water’ in the native Quechua language, the Jatunyacu features a combination of wild rapids and flat, scenic stretches, allowing you to appreciate the rainforest scenery around you. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge. Come nightfall, take a guided forest trek and listen out for birds, monkeys and reptiles.

ACCOMMODATION

• Kuyana Amazon Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• White-water rafting
• Jungle night hike

DAY 7

Follow the Natural Oils Trail at Kuyana Amazon Lodge

After breakfast, you'll go on a guided hike to learn how natural essential oils are extracted from Amazonian plants for medicine and aromatherapy. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the waterfalls before making your way back to the lodge for lunch. It’s then time to leave the jungle behind and head up towards the Andes. You’ll eventually arrive in the village of Papallacta, where you can relax in hot springs or book yourself in for a soothing spa treatment at the hotel. Cap off your trip with a farewell group dinner.

ACCOMMODATION

• Termas de Papallacta

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Natural Oils Trail guided hike
• Waterfall swim
• Farewell dinner

DAY 8

Depart from Papallacta

The time has come to pack your bags as your Ecuadorian experience comes to an end at 9am. After one final breakfast, you’ll be driven back to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and catch your flight home – or extend your stay by joining our Galápagos Islands trip.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Airport transfer