- ✓ Explore Quito’s UNESCO Old Town, colonial cathedrals, and bustling markets.
- ✓ Discover lush cloud forests, waterfalls, and butterflies in Mindo.
- ✓ Hike Cotopaxi Volcano for sweeping Andean national park panoramas.
- ✓ Experience Amazon jungle life on the Napo River near Tena.
- ✓ Unwind in Papallacta’s thermal springs with mountain views.
Explore the diversity of Ecuador as you travel through this fascinating country in just under 2 weeks. From the striking high-altitude capital of Quito, you’ll pass the equator line, see cloud forests, climb the side of a volcano, trek through Andean landscapes, cycle past waterfalls, glimpse the Amazon rainforest and soak in natural hot springs. You certainly won’t be bored!
Days 1 & 2 – ¡Hola Quito!
One of the highest capital cities in the world, and almost on the equator, Quito’s mountain location is something to behold. The city itself has lots of Latin charm too, with colonial buildings and impressive cathedrals, as well a youthful edge which you’ll see in the street art and bars. You’ll be picked up from the airport by our local partner, will spend a couple of nights in the trendy Mariscal district.
The next day, a local guide will take you into the heart of the city, starting at a local market before exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with its colonial buildings, grand churches and atmospheric plazas.
After your city tour, the rest of your time is free to enjoy Quito at your own pace before continuing your journey through Ecuador.
Days 3 & 4 – Cloud forests of Mindo
You’ll be picked up by a private driver who’ll take you from Quito to Mindo. The usual drive time is around 2.5 hours, but you’ll break up the journey with a stop at Mitad del Mundo – a monument and surrounding park which marks the Equator. Admittedly it’s a little touristy, but how often do you get the chance to stand with one foot in each hemisphere?
Mindo is in the heart of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest – a tranquil, almost mystical area full of lush green vegetation, waterfalls and hiking trails, as well as a huge variety of butterflies and birds. You’ll be staying in a cosy, rustic bungalow surrounded by tropical gardens.
During your stay we’ll arrange a visit to a spectacular butterfly house. There are also plenty of more adventurous activities on offer here like ziplining, along with hours of rural trails to explore.
Day 5 – High times at the Cotopaxi volcano
Today you’ll be transferred by private car from Mindo to Cotopaxi, this usually takes around 4 hours. You’ll spend the evening in a peaceful hacienda set on a farm in the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park, surrounded by cattle, horses and alpacas grazing on the grassy plains. Your first afternoon is free to relax and get used to the altitude, or perhaps take a walk through the countryside, before you head to the volcano cone tomorrow morning…
Days 6 & 7 – Villages and volcanoes of Quilotoa
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll drive to the foot of the Cotopaxi Volcano. From here it’s a 300m climb to the refugio – a mountain hut where you’ll be able to see over the National Park and other nearby volcanoes. It’s a fairly tough scramble as you’re walking on volcanic ash and at altitude, but the view makes it worth the effort. If you have the energy, it’s a further 200m up to the start of the glacier!
Your driver wil be waiting to continue your journey on to Isinlivi (around 3 hours drive). Over the next few days you’ll explore the beautiful Quilotoa region, visiting indigenous villages which have remained largely unchanged over the years. Beginning with an overnight stay in a mountain lodge in Isinlivi, you’ll then set out on foot with a local guide for a full day of trekking through lush green hills and deep gorges, all against a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes. Spend the night at a locally-run lodge in Chugchilan.
The trek requires a moderate level of fitness, and all meals will be included, as well as a driver and guide.
Days 8 & 9 – Wheels and waterfalls in Baños
After the night at a locally-run lodge in Chugchilan, you’ll be driven up to the huge, colourful crater lake of the Quilotoa Volcano, where you can walk around the rim, head down to the water, or just take in the spectacular view.
Then continue your journey to Baños, this takes around 3.5 hours. Tucked away amongst the forests, gorges, hot springs and waterfalls of the Central Highlands, Baños serves as the perfect base to explore nature and get active in the great outdoors. The town itself is pleasant, if a little touristy, but the real reason to come here is the setting.
During your stay, we’ll arrange mountain bikes and a route map so you can see what the region has to offer, and there are plenty of adventure activities you can arrange locally too!
Days 10 & 11 – Edge of the Amazon
Today you’ll take a private transfer from Baños to Tena, this is approximately 3 hours. On the western edge of the Amazon Rainforest, Tena is an easy-going and welcoming town where you can experience part of this mighty jungle. You’ll stay in a lodge on the Napo River, that is surrounded by nature and feels a million miles from civilisation. You’ll have a comfortable bed with your own bathroom and porch, and all your food is provided.
The following day a native guide will lead you into the jungle, where you’ll look out for colourful birds, frogs, insects, monkeys and perhaps even a coati, anteater or caiman. You’ll walk to a hidden waterfall for a refreshing dip before returning for lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring more of the Amazon. Depending on the weather, this could mean learning about local plants and medicines, rafting down the river or visiting an animal rescue centre. Or simply relax on your porch and enjoy the sounds of the jungle.
Day 12 – Hot springs of the Andes
After your time in the Amazon, you’ll be transferred to Papallacta which takes about 3.5 hours. Amongst the fresh air, beautiful Andean scenery and thermal springs, you’ll find the mountain village of Papallacta. This is a place to recharge your batteries and pamper yourself a little. Once you’ve settled into your comfy cabaña, you can jump straight into the lodge’s private thermal pools to soothe your muscles whilst looking out across the mountains. If you’d like even more pampering, then spa treatments can be booked on-site, and there’s also a restaurant and bar here, so you can have a truly lazy evening.
Day 13 - Travel to Quito and depart Ecuador
Take one final dip in the thermal pools. We’ll arrange for you to be transferred from Papallacta to Quito airport in time for your international flight home.
Accommodation
