13 Days Ecuador – Trekking

Ecuador – Trekking

13 Days / 12 Nights

TOUR INCLUDES:

12 nights accommodation in superior and standard hotels as per itinerary
Daily breakfast throughout the tour
Guided sightseeing tours in Quito, Otavalo, Cuenca, and Guayaquil
Entrance fees to Mitad del Mundo, Cuicocha Crater, El Ángel Ecological Reserve, Ingapirca Ruins, and El Cajas National Park
Guided hikes around Cuicocha Crater, El Ángel Reserve, Limpiopungo Lagoon, Quilotoa Crater, Culebrillos Lagoons, and Chimborazo National Park
Visit to Otavalo handicraft market and Panama hat factory
Transfers and transportation in private vehicles as per itinerary
English-speaking local guides
Meals as indicated: thermal bath experience in Papallacta, local lunch during hikes, and tasting at cacao plantation

Ecuador – Trekking

13 Days / 12 Nights

ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Quito

Arrival in Quito and transfer to the hotel. Set in a circle of Andean peaks, Quito offers one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world.

Day 2 – Quito

City tour exploring the colorful history of colonial Quito, including the Cathedral and La Compañia Church. Continue to the “Mitad del Mundo” monument, where the northern and southern hemispheres meet.

Day 3 – Quito – Otavalo

Transfer to Otavalo and enjoy a 5-hour hiking tour around the scenic Cuicocha Crater Lake, featuring vibrant local flora and stunning views.

Day 4 – Otavalo

Excursion to the Ecological Reserve El Ángel, home to the endemic freilejón plant. Stop in El Chota village to explore Afro-Ecuadorian culture.

Day 5 – Otavalo – Papallacta

Visit the famous Otavalo handicraft market. Transfer to Papallacta, renowned for its thermal baths. Relax in the soothing hot springs surrounded by the Andean landscape.

Day 6 – Papallacta – Cotopaxi

Transfer to Cotopaxi National Park, dominated by the perfectly symmetrical Cotopaxi volcano. Hike along Limpiopungo Lagoon and observe native birds with panoramic views of the volcano.

Day 7 – Cotopaxi – Chugchilán

Hike 12 km to the extinct Quilotoa volcano crater and its emerald lagoon. From the crater rim, admire several snow-capped volcanoes. Transfer to Chugchilán for overnight stay at a basic hotel.

Day 8 – Chugchilán – Riobamba

Second visit to Quilotoa Lagoon with a steep hike down to the lake’s edge, followed by a 3–4 hour walk around the lake. Transfer along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Riobamba.

Day 9 – Riobamba

Visit Chimborazo National Park with easy trekking to observe vegetation adapting to high-altitude conditions.

Day 10 – Riobamba – Cuenca

Stop at the Culebrillos Lagoons for a short hike on the nearby Inca Trail. Visit the largest Inca site in Ecuador, Ingapirca ruins. Continue to Cuenca.

Day 11 – Cuenca

City tour of colonial Cuenca, including a visit to a Panama hat factory. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 12 – Cuenca – Guayaquil

Transfer to Guayaquil with a stop at El Cajas National Park for light trekking. Visit a cacao plantation to learn about cultivation and chocolate production.

Day 13 – Guayaquil

Transfer to the airport for homebound flight.