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Ecuador Encompassed
17 days, Quito to Quito
Itinerary
Day 1Quito
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening. Please check at the hotel reception for a welcome note from your CEO advising on the time and location of the welcome meeting.
Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Quito City Tour & Equator Line
Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Otavalo Market - Full Day Trip
Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo’s famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Head north from Quito along the Pan-American highway for 2.5 hours. On the way, visit the village of Calderon to see colourful figures made of bread and visit Cayambe to taste typical ‘biscochos’ (local biscuits). Try your hand at haggling in the market – it’s expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price. After, continue on to the leather market at Cotacachi or Peguche the weaving town. The market is open daily, however Saturdays are the busiest.
This trip takes roughy 8 hours, departs daily at 8 am.
Day 2Quito/Baños
Travel to Baños and be spoiled over the next few days by the abundance of optional outdoor activities in the area like hiking, ziplining, and canyoning. Today, choose to take it easy and relax in local hot springs.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Enjoy a relaxing soak in the local hot springs and some free time to explore this adventurous town.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Pailon del Diablo Optional Visit
El Pailón del Diablo is located about 30 minutes outside of Baños. Choose to visit these powerful falls that plunge 80m down.
Total distance: 2km (1.3 miles)
Total elevation: 148m (485ft)
Hot Springs - Baños
4USD per personSoak weary muscles in the thermal baths that Baños is famous for. Head to hot springs at the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “little hell” in Quichua, or try some of the baths fed by the melt waters of Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Rise before the sun for an early soak – watching the sun peak over the mountains while relaxing in the warm waters is definitely worth the early start.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Baños
Enjoy a free day to take full advantage of all the activities in this adventurous town.
Opt to pre-book the "Baños Canyoning Adventure" or "Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Baños, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking, canyoneering, and relaxing in the hot springs. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Mountain Bike Rental
10USD per personHop on your bike and explore the amazing scenery surrounding Baños. Pass by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and changing vegetation – depending on what path you take. Enjoy the cool wind on downhill stretches, but be sure to bring sunblock; the sun can be strong.
Horseback Riding - Baños
25USD per personHop in the saddle and explore Baños’ beautiful countryside by horseback. Check out the unique vegetation in the region, and, perhaps, trot over to Tungurahua Volcano for amazing views.
Hiking - Baños
FreeHead to the mountains for some amazing treks; Baños provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor adventure.
Whitewater Rafting
30USD per personHit the rapids in the adrenaline capital of Ecuador. Choose a river that suits your experience level; there a number with varying ranges of difficulty. Enjoy amazing Andean scenery and a fun-filled ride!
Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle
25USD per personBuckle up your harness, put on your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along a zipline suspended 850m above the canyon below, dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you cross Tibetan Suspension Bridge above Pastaza River. Rock climb up to a second zipline to finish off this adrenaline-filled adventure. Please keep in mind this is a level 3/5 physical activity. Good mobility, no fear of heights, and a strong fitness level are required for you to have an enjoyable experience.
Baños Canyoning Adventure
Jump, slide, rappel, swim and float around Cascadas de Chamana on this canyoning adventure, while enjoying the stunning scenery near Sangay National Park. Please keep in mind this is a level 4/5 physical activity. Good mobility and a strong fitness level are required for you to have an enjoyable experience.
Visit Casa del Arbol
Perched on a hilltop behind Baños is La Casa del Arbol, sporting epic views of the Tungurahua volcano on a clear day. It was used previously to monitor the volcano's activity, but now has become a popular attraction because of the iconic image of a swing attached to the treehouse. Visit the viewpoint where you can choose to try whooshing over the abyss for yourself to feel the thrill of swinging on the edge of the world.
Day 4Baños/Tena
Travel by bus into the Amazon Jungle. Spend two nights in rustic jungle huts in a local Quichua community. Enjoy nature walks and learn about local culture.
Descend into the Amazon Jungle region. Notice the scenery change dramatically heading from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest.
Stay with a Quichua family and enjoy the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle firsthand.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience
Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life.
Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 5Tena
Enjoy a full day in the Amazon learning about local life in the jungle. Spend the night in rustic jungle huts in a Quichua community.
Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience
Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life.
Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Tena/Papallacta
Cycle to the nearby community of Shandia and discover the beauty of the Amazon with a member of the community as your guide. Later, take a local bus to Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools with volcanic views.
Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience
Cycle to the Indigenous Shandia community, a rural village surrounded by rivers and lush Amazonian landscapes. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive experiences led by the village’s youth. Spend an hour and 45 minutes cycling from Pimpilala village to Shandia stopping along the way to take in the beauty of the Amazon. These cultural tours are seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. This provides an economic opportunity for youth who traditionally would have left the community to find work. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a new generation in the community and contributing to the preservation of their culture.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Papallacta/Quito
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hot springs before travelling back to Quito for free time to explore.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit
Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. After an hour in the mineral springs, the group will have lunch together at the nearby restaurant featuring regional cuisine specialities.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Quito/Otavalo
Explore the largest handicraft market in South America, Otavalo market. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Otavalo Handicrafts Market Visit
Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo’s famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Try to arrive early for the best bargains (it starts at dawn), and try your hand at haggling – it’s expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Peguche Waterfall Visit
Enjoy a stroll to the famous Peguche Waterfall nestled within a gorgeous protected forest, Bosque Protector Cascada de Peguche. Take in the beauty of this natural wonder that’s also a sacred Indigenous ceremonial site used for purification baths.
Cotacachi Visit
Visit the mountain town of Cotacachi, known for its leather goods and handicrafts. Wander the streets of the scenic town and watch craftspeople make handmade leather goods. Take in local living, and be sure to pick up some goods and souvenirs.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Otavalo/Cotopaxi
Travel by bus to Cotopaxi National Park. In the afternoon, opt to explore the area or mountain bike with views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Spend the night in a mountain lodge near the national park.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Get out and explore the natural beauty of Cotopaxi.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Cotopaxi/Alausí
In the morning, visit Cotopaxi National Park before continuing on to Alausi.
Cotopaxi National Park Visit
Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at 5,897m (19,342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow-covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Keep an eye out for park wildlife, including condors, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and more. For those who want to hike, there are options available (weather permitting). Please ensure you have proper hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof/windproof jacket and warm hats and gloves. Hike is approximately 1.5 hours.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Alausí/Cuenca
Board the train for an included excursion bound for the Devil's Nose. After, head to Cuenca and marvel at its colonial architecture.
Enjoy Ecuador's most spectacular train journey. The famed Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) ride descends to the coast in a spectacular display of engineering around stunning mountain terrain. The journey returns back to Alausí after more than 1000m (3280 ft) in elevation loss.
Devil's Nose Excursion
Head out on an excursion on the famed Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) train ride, which descends to the coast in a spectacular display of engineering around stunning mountain terrain. Witness how the railway winds its way around curves and tunnels over a distance of only 26km (16 mi), but the drop in elevation is significant, well over 1,000m (3280 ft)! The train manages the descent through a series of switchbacks before returning to Alausí.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Cuenca
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt for a city tour or go hiking in Cajas National Park.
Explore the city’s sights, including cobblestoned streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shaded plazas, and museums.
Free Time
Head out and explore this colonial city!
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Cajas National Park Visit
65USD per personHead out for an excursion from Cuenca with a visit to Cajas National Park. Tour this natural outdoor playground that combines stunning scenery and wildlife with excellent areas for hiking. The terrain is quite stark, mostly above 4,000m (13,120 ft) in the páramo (grassy highlands), with many clear lakes. Try some of the variety of treks in the park’s vast 28,000 ha, and keep an eye out for oncillas, wild llamas, pumas, and a wide variety of birds, including toucans!
Day Trip to Ingapirca Ruins
65USD per personVisit the ruins of Ingapirca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is approximately an hour and a half drive north of Cuenca, through some of Ecuador's most beautiful countryside. Although it is a major Inca site, not a lot is known about its history.
Gualaceo and Chordeleg Day Trip
65USD per personExplore the countryside near Cuenca, visit nearby towns well-known for handicrafts, weaving, and textiles. Learn about the weaving process and pick up a shawl, guitar, or straw hat directly from the people who make them.
Cuenca Mud Baths & Hot Springs
40USD per personSlather volcanic muds on your face and body and relax in the natural hot springs.
Cuenca City Tour
35USD per personHead out into this stunning colonial city with your expert local CEO. First visit the Turi viewpoint with sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains before stopping by a Panama hat factory. Then continue to the historical centre to discover the highlights like the new and old cathedrals and the flower market. Learn first-hand why this city deserves it’s UNESCO designation.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Cuenca/Montañita
Head to the coastal laid-back surf town of Montañita. En route, stop at a traditional cacao hacienda.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Foodie Moment: Traditional Cacao Hacienda
Renowned as one of the top producers of cacao in the world, Ecuador is the place to learn about this magical bean. Visit a family-run dairy and cacao farm where they have been perfecting the process for over 145 years. Explore the farm and learn about the production of cacao and taste it in various stages of its lifecycle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Montañita/Puerto López
Head to the beach town of Puerto Lopez and the beautiful Machalilla National Park that surrounds it. There are tons of activities in the area to take part in over the next few days.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Puerto Lopez, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like snorkelling, hiking in Machalilla National Park, and taking a day trip to Isla de la Plata. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Day Trip to Isla de la Plata
45-60USD per personExplore Isla de la Plata, affectionately known as the “poor man’s Galápagos.” Be sure to bring your camera to this wildlife watching haven. Meet colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies and a number of other sea birds. View the migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island.
Snorkelling
25USD per personGrab a mask and fins and hit the surf. Discover the coral reef around Isla de la Plata, and keep an eye out for turtles, manta rays, and, a wide range of marine life.
Machalilla National Park Hike
15USD per personGo trekking at Machalilla National Park, Ecuador’s only coastal national park, which covers more than 40,000 ha of tropical dry forest and cloud forest as well as 20,000 ha of Pacific Ocean. Explore the park's coastline, which contains the country’s only coral formations (just off the mainland). Get your blood pumping with some day hikes to soak in the beautiful scenery and learn about the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife.
Los Frailes Beach
FreeGrab a tuk-tuk to the park entrance and make your way to one of its beaches. Chill out on the incredibly soft white sand, take a dip, and enjoy.
Agua Blanca Community Museum
15USD per personVisit an indigenous community and hike through the grounds with a local guide. Stop to soak in therapeutic mud, learn about flora and fauna, or wander through the archaeological museum.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Puerto López
Enjoy free time to explore. Optional activities include hiking in Machalilla National Park, relaxing on white-sand beaches, or whale- watching (when in season). Or, opt for the popular day-trip to Isla del Plata, home to a variety of seabirds including blue-footed boobies and fantastic snorkelling that rivals the Galápagos.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Puerto Lopez, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like snorkelling, hiking in Machalilla National Park, and taking a day trip to Isla de la Plata. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Day Trip to Isla de la Plata
45-60USD per personExplore Isla de la Plata, affectionately known as the “poor man’s Galápagos.” Be sure to bring your camera to this wildlife watching haven. Meet colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies and a number of other sea birds. View the migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island.
Snorkelling
25USD per personGrab a mask and fins and hit the surf. Discover the coral reef around Isla de la Plata, and keep an eye out for turtles, manta rays, and, a wide range of marine life.
Machalilla National Park Hike
15USD per personGo trekking at Machalilla National Park, Ecuador’s only coastal national park, which covers more than 40,000 ha of tropical dry forest and cloud forest as well as 20,000 ha of Pacific Ocean. Explore the park's coastline, which contains the country’s only coral formations (just off the mainland). Get your blood pumping with some day hikes to soak in the beautiful scenery and learn about the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife.
Los Frailes Beach
FreeGrab a tuk-tuk to the park entrance and make your way to one of its beaches. Chill out on the incredibly soft white sand, take a dip, and enjoy.
Agua Blanca Community Museum
15USD per personVisit an indigenous community and hike through the grounds with a local guide. Stop to soak in therapeutic mud, learn about flora and fauna, or wander through the archaeological museum.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Puerto López/Quito
Fly Back to Quito and enjoy free time. Opt to take a city tour, ride the cable car up the nearby volcano, or relax in one of the city's many cafés and restaurants.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
Teleférico
9USD per personEnjoy spectacular views of Quito from this sky tram up Volcán Pichincha. Choose to go for a hike at the top, or just come along for the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Quito
Depart at any time.
We recommend booking pre or post nights in Quito for additional time to explore. The optional activities may require additional time, speak to your CEO for assistance booking these activities on trip.
Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow
Quito City Tour & Equator Line
Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Teleférico
9USD per personEnjoy spectacular views of Quito from this sky tram up Volcán Pichincha. Choose to go for a hike at the top, or just come along for the ride.
Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day
Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening. **Park entrance fee is not included and is split among the number of travellers in the group**