Ecuador Discovery
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm ET
Sunday 12 pm - 8:30 pm ET
See all from volcanoes to cities
Explore ancient ruins, trek through volcanic national parks, take a dip in thermal waters, embrace local culture in large and small cities, and most importantly, discover the wonders of Ecuador for yourself!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Quito (UIO), out of Guayaquil (GYE)
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- 2 nights in Quito at the Mercure Alameda Hotel, or similar
- Quito City Tour with Equatorial Line Monument (6 hours)
- 1 night in Otavalo at the Hacienda Pinsaqui, or similar
- Visit to the School of Peguche (social project)
- Visit to the Otavalo Indian handcrafts market
- 1 night in Papallacta at the Hotel Termas de Papallacta, or similar
- Visit to Laguna Cuicocha
- Visit to Cotacachi and Papallacta villages
- 1 night in Cotopaxti at the Hacienda La Cienega, or similar
- Visit to Cotopaxti National Park and flower plantation
- 1 night in Riobamba at the Hosteria Abraspungo, or similar
- Visit to Quilotoa volcanic lake
- Train ride to Devil's Nose, with boxed lunch
- Visit to Ingapirca Inca monument (en-route to Cuenca)
- 2 nights in Cuenca at the Hotel Carvallo, or similar
- Cuenca City tour (half-day)
- 1 night in Guayaquil at the Unipark Hotel, or similar
- Visit to cacao project
- Guayaquil sightseeing tour
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
- Walk the equator of the earth at the Equatorial Line Monument in Quito!
- Visit Laguna Cuicocha and Quilotoa, both volcanic lakes on the path of your travels through Ecuador.
- Pick up a straw Panama hat, a style of hat which actually originated in Ecuador, while visiting a Panama hat factory in Cuenca.
- Learn all about the magical cacao bean while visiting a cacao plantation outside Cuenca.
Stroll along Guayaquil's riverfront view as the sun sets on your final days in Ecuador.
Start your 9-night adventure through Ecuador in the charming capital of Quito, where churches and monasteries line the streets. See the highlights on a guided tour before making way for Otavalo, where you'll get the chance to browse through the famous crafts market.
Next up is Papallacta, where you can go fro a dip in the thermal baths and visit the volcanic lake, Cuicocha, as well as Cotopaxi National Park. Along with boasting the title of Ecuador's largest national park, it also sports a mighty volcano! Head out to Cuenca via train ride through the Devil's Nose, and then stop in at Ecuador's most important Incan ruins. Spend two nights getting to know Cuenca's art and cultural scene. Enjoy a tasting of a cacao bean straight from a cacao plantation before heading off to your last stop.
Wander through the booming city of Guayaquil. Lose yourself in the rhythm of Ecuador's largest city, taking in amazing and colorful culture at every turn, before flying home.
Helpful links for travel to Ecuador:
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Quito (UIO), out of Guayaquil (GYE)
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- 2 nights in Quito at the Mercure Alameda Hotel, or similar
- Quito City Tour with Equatorial Line Monument (6 hours)
- 1 night in Otavalo at the Hacienda Pinsaqui, or similar
- Visit to the School of Peguche (social project)
- Visit to the Otavalo Indian handcrafts market
- 1 night in Papallacta at the Hotel Termas de Papallacta, or similar
- Visit to Laguna Cuicocha
- Visit to Cotacachi and Papallacta villages
- 1 night in Cotopaxti at the Hacienda La Cienega, or similar
- Visit to Cotopaxti National Park and flower plantation
- 1 night in Riobamba at the Hosteria Abraspungo, or similar
- Visit to Quilotoa volcanic lake
- Train ride to Devil's Nose, with boxed lunch
- Visit to Ingapirca Inca monument (en-route to Cuenca)
- 2 nights in Cuenca at the Hotel Carvallo, or similar
- Cuenca City tour (half-day)
- 1 night in Guayaquil at the Unipark Hotel, or similar
- Visit to cacao project
- Guayaquil sightseeing tour
- Breakfast daily
- Walk the equator of the earth at the Equatorial Line Monument in Quito!
- Visit Laguna Cuicocha and Quilotoa, both volcanic lakes on the path of your travels through Ecuador.
- Pick up a straw Panama hat, a style of hat which actually originated in Ecuador, while visiting a Panama hat factory in Cuenca.
- Learn all about the magical cacao bean while visiting a cacao plantation outside Cuenca.
Stroll along Guayaquil's riverfront view as the sun sets on your final days in Ecuador.
Start your 9-night adventure through Ecuador in the charming capital of Quito, where churches and monasteries line the streets. See the highlights on a guided tour before making way for Otavalo, where you'll get the chance to browse through the famous crafts market.
Next up is Papallacta, where you can go fro a dip in the thermal baths and visit the volcanic lake, Cuicocha, as well as Cotopaxi National Park. Along with boasting the title of Ecuador's largest national park, it also sports a mighty volcano! Head out to Cuenca via train ride through the Devil's Nose, and then stop in at Ecuador's most important Incan ruins. Spend two nights getting to know Cuenca's art and cultural scene. Enjoy a tasting of a cacao bean straight from a cacao plantation before heading off to your last stop.
Wander through the booming city of Guayaquil. Lose yourself in the rhythm of Ecuador's largest city, taking in amazing and colorful culture at every turn, before flying home.
Helpful links for travel to Ecuador:
Day 1. Welcome to Quito!
Arrive in Quito and enjoy a transfer to your first accommodation. Set at the foot of the volcano Pichincha and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Quito is easy on the eyes. The city is known for its colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish and Moorish architecture. >Quito has 86 churches and monasteries, giving it the name “Convent of America.
Spend your first night in Quito trying the local cuisine like hornado (roasted pork) or for the more adventurous eaters, cuy (guinea pig)!
Transfer to Quito hotel
Check-in - Hotel Mercure Alameda
Day 2. Quito
Wake up and enjoy a 6-hour tour of Quito's highlights including Panecillo Hill and the “Middle of the World” - the Equatorial Line.
Later, head to Quito's Old Town and admire its picturesque plazas and magnificent churches. San Francisco Square is a great place to get a true sense of the city!
Quito city tour with Equatorial Monument (5.5 hours)
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Quito through the historical center of this culturally diverse city! See the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral (outside), admire the facade of church La Compania de Jesus. Afterwards, visit the famous hill of the old town, Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the angel statue “Virgen de Quito.”
Later, visit the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” where you get a truly rare experience to stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously!
The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th-century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office with philatelic sales. Visit the monument and Ethnographic Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador.
Day 3. Quito - Otavalo
Leave Quito today for Otavalo, a town in the Andes that hosts a famous crafts market dating back to pre-Incan times. Browse the colorful selection, then head to the School of Peguche. After the visit, arrive in the town of Papallacta where you will spend the night.
Transfer to Otavalo
Check-in - Hacienda Pinsaqui
Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Imbabura Volcano in the heart of Ecuador's lake province, Hacienda Pinsaqui is a peaceful oasis of serenity and comfort. Just a stone's throw away from the famous Otavalo handicraft market, Cotocachi leather town, and the small town of San Antonio, this hotel boasts the perfect balance of countryside Ecuadorian tradition and modern amenities.
As soon as you pull up to this gorgeous property, you'll notice its lush surroundings, colonial architecture, and rustically beautiful exterior. Step into the lobby and feel welcomed by local artwork and a beyond-friendly reception team. Head up to your room and find comfy beds, WiFi, wooden furnishings, large windows, and much more. Browse around the hotel's library, indulge in a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, then cozy up around the central fireplace.
Visit to the Otavalo Indian handcrafts market
Discover the world-famous Indian handcrafts market in Otavalo with its central square Plaza de los Ponchos. The market sells unique and colorful bags, ponchos, tapestries and more made by the local indigenous people who have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their weaving skill. Enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts at the giant market and take some new souvenirs with you. Otavalo is a typical indigenous city where tourists can see families wearing their colorful garments and speaking Quichua as their first tongue and Spanish as their second.
Visit to the School of Peguche (social project)
Depart Quito in the morning and drive two hours to Peguche, an indigenous town of weavers. Visit a family and learn how wall hangings, chals, ponchos are still made by hand in looms. You'll then visit the school of Peguche and spend time with the children. One of the teachers will show you the project where children not only receive education, but also medical care. Before leaving Peguche, take a short walk to see the waterfall.
Day 4. Otavalo - Papallacta
In the morning, head out for your first excursion of the day to Laguna Cuicocha, a beautiful lake nestled within the crater of the Cotacachi volcano. After visiting the lake, head to Cotacachi and Papallacta villages. Pick up a leather souvenir in Cotacachi and relax in the thermal baths in Papallacta.
Transfer to Papallacta
Check-in - Termas de Papallacta Hotel
Relax and soak in the steamy spring baths while snow-capped mountains loom on the horizon during your stay at the Termas de Papallacta. The hotel features a spa, a restaurant, rooms and bungalows with free Wi-Fi, and of course the hot spring baths. Guests can enjoy thermal swimming pools, beauty treatments at the spa like aromatherapy, body treatments with mud and clay or chocolate, Turkish baths, and much more. Trekking adventures, horseback activities, and native guides can be organized to explore the area as well.
Rooms are decorated with wooden furniture, and offer Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. Some bungalows also offer sitting areas with fireplaces .A car could take you to the commercial are in about 40 minutes, while Quito is an hour and a half away. The hotel is approximately 30 miles from the airport and an hours drive from Tumbaco.
Visit to Laguna Cuicocha
Visit Laguna Cuicocha, a caldera and crater lake at an altitude of 10,650 ft and a width of about 1.8 miles. The lake is named Cuicocha which in the Quichua language means the Lake of the Cuy (or Guinea Pig). In the center of the lake are two volcanic islands covered in vegetation and rimmed with totora, a type of reed.
Visit to Cotacachi and Papallacta villages
Just outside of Laguna Cuicocha is the small town of Cotacachi, known as Ecuador’s center for leatherworks. Stroll along the town's small streets and pop into one of the various shops to pick up a few souvenirs. Then transfer to the small Andean village of Papallacta, which is famous for its thermal baths.
Upon arrival in Papallacta 10,600 ft above sea level, visit the baths at Hotel Termas de Papallacta. Relax in the warm, odourless thermal waters surrounded by stunning landscape. After enjoying the baths you may go for a walk to get to know the typical flora and fauna of this region.
Day 5. Papallacta - Cotopaxi
Explore Cotopaxi National Park today! The focal point of the park is the symmetrically-perfect Cotopaxi volcano, the second-highest volcano in the world. Enjoy a guided walk as you learn about the local flora and fauna, then visit a flower plantation near the park and see how the flowers are cultivated, selected for exportation and packed.
Transfer to Cotopaxi
Check-in - Hacienda La Cienega
Visit to Cotopaxi National Park and flower plantation
See one of the most impressive national parks in Ecuador, Cotopaxi National Park. On a walk near the shallow lake Laguna de Limpiopungo, you will have the chance to learn about the typical vegetation of the so-called “Páramo” and will gaze in wonder at the beautiful view of Cotopaxi volcano (19,347 ft) in the background.
You will also visit a beautiful flower plantation where the friendly staff will explain everything about their great variety of flowers.
Day 6. Cotopaxi - Riobamba
After breakfast, visit a colorful and original Indian market. Continue about 10 miles to Quilotoa, the famous volcanic lake with stunning views. Late afternoon, continue to Riobamba, the capital of Chimborazo province where a great number of indigenous communities live.
Close to Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, you will spend the night in one of the atmospheric hosterias in the region.
Transfer to Riobamba
Check-in - Hosteria Abraspungo
Wander along the charming cobbled walkways of the Hosteria Abraspungo grounds. Enjoy Spanish galleries that open into the garden, colonial decour, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and free parking. Guests can enjoy breakfast served daily and are welcome to rent bikes.
Rooms offer garden views, flat-screen cable TV, chic decour, Free Wi-Fi private bathrooms, and free toiletries. Some also feature private balconies. Riobamba's Shopping Mall is under a mile away, while Sucre Park is 5 miles away. Riobamba's main bus station is also a 15-minute drive away, offering a further range of travel available.
Visit to Quilotoa volcanic lake
See the colorful goods at an Indian market before continuing about 8 miles to Quilotoa, the famous volcanic lake with a deep green color. At an elevation of more than 12,000 ft, the lake is tucked within a rugged countryside and offers many hiking trails all over the Andes mountain.
In the late afternoon, continue on to Riobamba, the capital of the province of Chimborazo, where a great number of indigenous communities live. lose to Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador, you will spend the night in one of the atmospheric Hosterías in the region.
Day 7. Riobamba - Cuenca
After an early breakfast, you will be taken to the train-station in Alausi to board the train for the famous Devil’s Nose ride. After an exhilarating ride, start the approximately 2-hour drive to Cuenca. On the way, stop at Ingapirca - the most important Incan ruins in the country.
Transfer to Cuenca
Check-in - Hotel Carvallo
A renovated house from the 19th century sporting canopy beds, luxurious furniture and fabrics, and a colonial-styled central courtyard makes up the Hotel Carvallo. While staying in the center of Cuenca's historical district, guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet served daily in the on-site restaurant, with room service available as well.
Room boast baths, minibar, cable TV, elaborate ceiling decoration, and stylish furniture. Some rooms also include living rooms and fireplaces. Wi-Fi is free, as well as parking upon reservation. The hotel is just a block away from Calderon Park, with car rental and currency exchanges available upon inquiry. The hotel can also arrange shuttles to run guests to the Mariscal Lamar airport, which is under 5 miles away.
Train ride to Devil's Nose, with boxed lunch
The most impressive part of Ecuador's railway is the Diablo de la Nariz (Devil’s Nose) a hair-raising trip down the rocky slopes of the Andes through some of Ecuador’s most breathtaking scenery. The zig-zagging route climbs 1640 ft in just 7 miles and remains an impressive piece of railroad to this day. The track was initially built in the early 1900s to link Quito with Guayaquil, and was given its name for the many deaths that occurred during its construction. A lunchbox is included.
*Due to weather conditions or technical problems of the train, train ride is subject to reconfirmation.
Visit to Ingapirca Inca monument (en-route to Cuenca)
On your way to Cuenca, stop at the Inca ruin site of Ingapirca, the most important monument of pre-Spanish culture in Ecuador and the country's largest known Inca ruins. The ruins are located on a grass-covered hill at an altitude of about 10,000 ft. On a walk through the former place where the Incas lived and held their ceremonies, you will learn about their beliefs and rituals as well as the way they constructed this ordination place in the shape of a puma.
Day 8. Cuenca
In the morning, enjoy a half-day tour taking you to some of the Cuenca's highlights including the "Todos los Santos" ruins and main square.
After the tour, head to one of several excellent museums dedicated to the city's rich and varied past. The Museo del Banco Central sits right next to the Pumapungo archaeological site, which was an Incan palace. See the artifacts on display in the museum, tour the ruins of the palace, and wander through the botanical gardens.Cuenca City tour (half-day)
Visit the sights of Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador. Founded in 1557 on an Inca settlement valley, Cuenca is Ecuador's most beautiful colonial city after Quito. However, for most Ecuadorian inhabitants – and travelers – this center of art, ceramics, panama hats, silver and gold is the most beautiful city in Ecuador.
As a result of its early 19th-century architecture, Cuenca was declared “Cultural Patrimony of Mankind” in November 1999. During the city tour, you will see historical buildings located along the Tomebamba River, the “Todos los Santos” ruins, flowers market and the main square with the old and new cathedrals. The tour ends at a Panama hat factory, a perfect place to pick up an authentic hat!
Day 9. Cuenca - Guayaquil
Leave Cuenca today for Guayaquil. On the way, you will notice the dramatic changes in vegetation. Observe the typical paramo grassland, small colorful flowers, mosses, lichens, and other fungi. Once in the lowlands, you will see a lot of rice, cacao and banana plantations.
En route to Guayaquil, stop at a cacao plantation and get to know the source of the chocolate many of us consume. You'll then arrive in Guayaquil where you will enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city.
Transfer to Guayaquil
Check-in - Unipark Hotel
Located directly across from Parque Seminario, Unipark Hotel offers luxurious comfort in the heart of bustling Guayaquil. Step through the hotel's doors and find contemporary decor and a smiling welcome staff. Once you check-in, head up to your room and open the door to WiFi access, a refrigerator, cable TV, air conditioning, and much more. Take a nap on your large comfy bed, then work all your stresses away in the top-notch fitness center. Equipped with a whirlpool, sauna, and modern equipment, Unipark's gym is the perfect spot to burn away your extra energy.
When you work up an appetite, you'll have a few on-site options. Head to the Unicafe for some classic Ecuadorian cuisine, or indulge in some delicious sushi - with a gorgeous view of the park and cathedral - at elegant Lobby Bar. Unwind with a refreshing beer or a glass of crisp wine, then cozy up in your spacious room. In the morning, take advantage of room service, or hit up the Unideli, which offers everything from pastries and breads to ceviche and empanadas.
Guayaquil Sightseeing Tour
Explore beautiful Guayaquil, a city that perfectly balances tropical paradise and bustling metropolis. Get to know the most interesting parts of Guayaquil on this amazing tour! Visit the city's most impressive landmarks, like the pleasant Parque Simon Bolivar, the Gothic Cathedral, the magnificent Malecon promenade, and much more.
Guayaquil has experienced some historically devastating fires, which destroyed many of its beautiful wooden houses. Today, only the small quarter of Las Peñas remains preserved and is now the oldest picturesque village of the colonial Guayaquil. This village is home to many famous people, it's known as an artist's haven, and is filled with small open-air exhibitions of paintings and sculptures.
Venture to the border of the Rio Guayas, where you will see Italian renaissance style architecture and the Palacio de Gobernacion. Pass by the Cementerio Geneal, which is lush with palm trees, beautiful decor, and eye-catching flowers.
Visit to cacao project
En route to Guayaquil, visit a cacao project and take a guided tour through cacao plantations. Learn everything about the cultivation of the cacao fruit, the process of harvesting and the cacao bean treatment. Ecuador produces some of the world's finest and most prized cacao beans, which in turn makes the chocolate we know and love!
Day 10. Depart Ecuador
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your bag and enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport. Board your plane and spend your relaxing flight home dreaming about your next adventure.
Transfer to Guayaquil airport (GYE)
Fly home!
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