10 Days Best of Ecuador

Best of Ecuador

10 Days / 11 Nights

TOUR INCLUDES:

Accommodation in selected hotels and lodges
Daily breakfast and meals as per itinerary
All transfers and transportation as specified
Guided city tours in Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil
Visit to the Equatorial Monument “Middle of the World”
Visits to Otavalo Market, Cuicocha Lagoon, and Cotacachi
Relaxation time at Papallacta thermal springs
Excursion through Cotopaxi National Park and Laguna de Limpiopungo
Visit to a local flower plantation
Stop at Quilotoa Crater Lake and Andean market
Scenic train ride to the Devil’s Nose
Visit to Ingapirca Ruins
Visit to a cacao plantation
Professional English-speaking guides throughout
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary (unless stated otherwise)

Best of Ecuador

10 Days / 11 Nights

ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Quito

Welcome to Quito! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Ecuador’s capital city — perched at 2,800 meters (9,200 ft), it’s the second-highest capital in South America. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to acclimate and explore the charming Andean atmosphere.

Day 2 – Quito

Begin with a half-day city tour of Quito, whose beautifully preserved colonial Old Town was the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit its grand plazas, ornate churches, and narrow streets lined with colorful buildings. Continue to the Equatorial Monument, known as the Middle of the World, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere — a truly unique experience!

Day 3 – Quito – Otavalo

Travel north to Otavalo, home to one of the most vibrant indigenous markets in South America. Visit a local school project in Peguche, then explore the Otavalo Handicraft Market, famous for its colorful textiles, jewelry, and handmade goods. Enjoy free time to shop and experience local culture.

Day 4 – Otavalo – Papallacta

This morning, visit the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, a crater lake surrounded by majestic peaks, and stop at the charming village of Cotacachi, known for its leather craftsmanship. Continue to Papallacta, a small Andean village famous for its natural hot springs. Relax in the thermal baths and enjoy the healing properties of the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Overnight in Papallacta.

Day 5 – Papallacta – Cotopaxi

Drive along the scenic Avenue of the Volcanoes, a route lined with towering Andean peaks. Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Enjoy a peaceful walk around Laguna de Limpiopungo, a mountain lake nestled at the foot of Cotopaxi, and visit a nearby flower plantation to see Ecuador’s world-famous blooms.

Day 6 – Cotopaxi – Riobamba

Immerse yourself in Andean life with a visit to a traditional local market, then continue to the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its turquoise waters and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Later, travel to Riobamba, located in the shadow of Chimborazo — Ecuador’s highest peak.

Day 7 – Riobamba – Cuenca

Experience one of South America’s most spectacular train journeys — the Devil’s Nose Train Ride — an engineering marvel that winds dramatically through the Andes. Continue to the Ingapirca Ruins, Ecuador’s largest and best-preserved Inca archaeological site, where you’ll learn about the country’s pre-Columbian heritage before arriving in Cuenca.

Day 8 – Cuenca

Discover the beauty and charm of Cuenca on a half-day city tour. Visit the flower market, the Panama hat factory, and admire the city’s cobblestone streets, elegant plazas, and impressive colonial churches. Cuenca’s artistic atmosphere and warm hospitality make it one of Ecuador’s most enchanting cities.

Day 9 – Cuenca – Guayaquil

Journey toward the coast, stopping en route to visit a cacao plantation and learn about Ecuador’s chocolate-making process — from bean to bar. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, enjoy a short panoramic city tour to see highlights such as the Malecón 2000 waterfront and historic Las Peñas district.

Day 10 – Guayaquil

End of your Ecuador adventure. Transfer to the airport for your return or onward flight.