Home / South America, Ecuador Tours / Eco
10 day(s)
Regular & Private
8-16 people
moderate
Discover Ecuador, the hidden treasure of the Andes! This small South American country awaits you with a world of wonders to explore. From the majestic peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest, and from the stunning Pacific coasts to the legendary Galápagos archipelago, every corner of Ecuador offers unique experiences that will remain etched in your heart.
But the true charm of Ecuador lies in its people. With unmatched warmth and hospitality, Ecuadorians are eager to share their traditions, vibrant culture, and of course, their delicious cuisine. Here, every encounter becomes a celebration of the diversity and richness of a country that will surprise you at every turn. Come and experience the magic of Ecuador!
Duration
10 day(s)
Max Group Size
8-16 people
Tour Code
EC001
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
Eco
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
12 - 80
Quito
16:35
Guayaquil
07:35
One of the smallest countries in South America, but also one of the most diverse, awaits you with open arms. Upon arrival at the airport, your guide and driver will be there to offer you a warm welcome to Quito, a megadiverse nation full of unforgettable experiences. After checking in at your hotel, you will have the afternoon and evening free to explore at your own pace and be amazed by the magic of this fascinating destination. Your adventure in Ecuador is about to begin!
Duration 00:45hrs.
Transfer in from the airport to the hotel . Only Driver
Time at leisure in Quito.
An experience of history, volcanoes, and the equator line
Live an unforgettable day in Ecuador’s Andean jewel!
We begin our adventure in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage city surrounded by majestic volcanoes and steeped in history at every turn.
Tour start time: 08h00 (hotel pick-up in Quito)
Our first stop is the Basilica of the National Vow, an impressive neo-Gothic church offering panoramic views of the Historic Center and, weather permitting, breathtaking sights of the Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana volcanoes emerging from the clouds.
We continue along the magical Avenue of the Seven Crosses, exploring the heart of colonial Quito:
?️ Free time for lunch (not included)
In the afternoon, we head north to one of the most iconic sites in Ecuador: the Middle of the World.
Here, you’ll experience the unique sensation of standing with one foot in each hemisphere. You’ll also enjoy spectacular views of the Andes mountain range, with landscapes that look like postcards.
We’ll visit the Equator Monument and the Ethnographic Museum, where you’ll learn about ancient cultures and scientific experiments related to the equator line.
Return to Quito around 18h00
A day full of culture, history, science, and nature. Simply unforgettable!
Duration 08:00hrs.
Today you will experience an exciting adventure in Cotopaxi National Park; the journey will take you through the majestic Avenue of the Volcanoes, where you can appreciate the impressive Andean elevations and páramos. Upon arriving at Cotopaxi National Park, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano (weather permitting), the most active in Ecuador, standing imposingly at 5,897 meters high. During the tour, you will visit the Limpiopungo Lake, a beautiful spot and home to a great variety of birds and plants that provides a perfect setting for appreciation and photography. From the parking lot, you will begin a 45-minute walk to the second José Rivas refuge, located at 4,864 meters altitude; there, under the guide's supervision, you can rest and admire the impressive Andean landscape that extends before your eyes.
Duration 08:00hrs.
Today we will explore the city of Baños de Agua Santa located in the province of Tungurahua; its name refers to the thermal waters that emerge in the area, which offers a pleasant tropical climate and a peaceful environment, perfect to enjoy the surroundings.
We will venture on the Route of the Waterfalls, where we will visit the famous Devil's Cauldron, an impressive waterfall over 80 meters high; its name is due to the "cauldron" shape that has been sculpted by the force of the water over time. To access this natural spectacle, we will cross hanging bridges that will allow us to appreciate the waterfall up close, and we will enjoy balconies that offer breathtaking views, ideal for taking photographs. Next, we will visit the fascinating Bridal Veil, another beautiful and impressive natural jewel whose image evokes a bridal veil with a 40-meter high water fall; it forms a white curtain that slides gently over a rock, resembling this delicate accessory, offering an unforgettable experience through lush landscapes of the region.
Subsequently, we will take a tour of the city of Baños de Agua Santa, where we will visit important points such as the central park, the heart of the social and cultural life of this charming city surrounded by leafy trees and colorful gardens that reflect an oasis of tranquility and an ideal place to enjoy peace; we will visit the Baños market, a place where you can get to know and taste the multiple varieties of fruits grown in the region, experiencing immersion in the local culture and taking home fresh memories of the land. To conclude this experience, we will visit a melcochas factory, a traditional sweet made from sugarcane, known for its soft texture and unique flavor; you will see how this sweet is made in an artisanal way and, of course, enjoy a delicious sample!
Duration 08:00hrs.
Start your day visiting La Balbanera, the first Catholic church built in Ecuador, a beautiful stone structure dating back to 1534 and surrounded by scenic views of the Andes. Continue to a tagua workshop, where you’ll discover how this unique natural seed—often called vegetable ivory—is carved into exquisite eco-friendly crafts.
As the road unfolds, enjoy the ever-changing landscapes dotted with quinoa fields and ancestral homes of the Chocoto community, reflecting the deep cultural roots of the Andean highlands.
If your visit coincides with a Thursday, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Guamote Market, one of Ecuador’s most authentic Andean markets. It’s a vibrant gathering where locals trade fruits, grains, textiles, and livestock—an experience full of color, tradition, and genuine human warmth.
After a traditional lunch in Cañar, you’ll make a stop at the “Mirador del Diablo”, a viewpoint offering stunning panoramas of the Andean valleys and the legendary Nariz del Diablo (The Devil’s Nose)—a section of railway engineering once considered one of the most daring in the world. The zigzagging track carved into the rock face of the mountain tells stories of ingenuity and determination that helped connect the highlands to the coast.
Your day concludes with a visit to Ingapirca, the most important Inca archaeological site in Ecuador, where ancient stones reveal the wisdom of both the Inca and Cañari cultures. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city, to spend the night surrounded by its colonial charm and artistic spirit.
Duration 09:00hrs.
Entrance to the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
Duration 01:00hrs.
Full Day in Cuenca - Historic Center & Panamá Hat Museum
Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the charming historic center of Cuenca, a magical city known as the "City of Four Rivers." Head to the New Cathedral, famous for its impressive blue domes and magnificent interior, filled with artistic details. Stroll through Calderón Square, the heart of the city, and admire the surrounding colonial architecture. Then, explore the fascinating French Route and marvel at the iconic Broken Bridge. After a morning full of discoveries, enjoy an exquisite lunch. In the afternoon, visit the famous Homero Ortega toquilla straw hat factory and be amazed by the beauty of orchids at Ecuagenera. To end your day, head to the Turi lookout, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cuenca at sunset, wrapping up a fulfilling day filled with culture and beauty.
Duration 09:00hrs.
You start your day in Cuenca with breakfast at a cozy café, ready to embark on the journey to Cajas National Park, just 30 kilometers from the city. Upon arrival, you are amazed by the beauty of the mountainous landscapes and crystal-clear lagoons, especially the iconic Laguna La Toreadora, where you stroll among frailejones and enjoy a picnic by the water. After some time in nature, you continue to Hacienda Cacao y Mango, surrounded by stunning views of the Andes and lush fields. There, you immerse yourself in the process of growing and producing cocoa, participating in a chocolate-making demonstration. The experience is enriching and educational, connecting you with the local culture. To cap off the day, you enjoy a delicious lunch featuring dishes made with fresh cocoa and tropical fruits from the hacienda. In the end, you feel rejuvenated, with unforgettable memories of nature and Ecuadorian cuisine.
Duration 09:00hrs.
End of the Group Tour – Guayaquil & Optional Galápagos Extension
This itinerary is designed as a fixed-departure group tour (shared service). On the final day, the program officially ends in Guayaquil, which serves as the connection point for onward travel.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Guayaquil Airport, ensuring you arrive on time for your next flight.
? Important Information – End of the Main Tour
For passengers not continuing to the Galápagos Islands, this day marks the end of the tour.
Passengers will be assisted at Guayaquil Airport in time to connect with their international outbound flight.
Your guide will assist you with the boarding process at the airport, making the departure smoother and more comfortable.
Optional Extension to the Galápagos Islands
Passengers who wish to extend their journey to the Galápagos Islands may do so by adding the optional Galápagos extension. In this case, the trip continues from Guayaquil to Galápagos instead of ending with the international departure.
Once the extension is confirmed, the journey continues as follows:
Our specialized Galápagos guide will be waiting for passengers at the exit of Baltra Airport to assist with the transfer. Together, we will take a public bus to the Itabaca Channel pier, followed by a short public ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island.
Upon arrival, private transportation will be waiting to take us to Puerto Ayora, the main hotel and activity hub of the island.
Along the way, we will:
Explore fascinating lava tunnels
Visit a giant tortoise reserve, where these iconic animals roam in a natural environment
Afterward, we will proceed to the designated hotel so passengers can drop off their luggage, before continuing to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you will learn about the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, their geological formation, and ongoing conservation efforts, as well as observe giant tortoises in captivity.
At the end of the visit, passengers may choose to:
Return to their hotel, or
Spend free time exploring the Puerto Ayora pier, discovering local crafts, souvenir shops, and traditional stores.
Duration 00:15hrs.
Galapagos Islands Experience: Santa Cruz Express 3D-2N
The Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean about 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador, are world-famous for their unique flora and fauna, which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a Biosphere Reserve, these islands harbor endemic species, and their ecosystem is extremely fragile. Their protection is a global priority, reflected in strict regulations for tourism and conservation.
Santa Cruz Island is one of the most populated, developed, and touristic islands in the Galapagos archipelago; its main settlement is Puerto Ayora, making this island a key point for visitors, providing access to various points of interest. Santa Cruz often serves as a base for exploring other nearby islands.
Galapagos Islands Experience: Santa Cruz Express Day 1: Welcome to Galapagos and visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
To start this incredible experience, you will be picked up at the Baltra airport exit by our guide to accompany you on a public bus to the Itabaca Channel dock; from there, we will cross by public ferry to Santa Cruz Island, where transportation will be waiting to take us to Puerto Ayora,
During the journey, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating lava tunnels and visit a giant tortoise reserve, where you can have an introduction to this great experience; then, we will head to the hotel to check-in and drop off the luggage before continuing to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you will learn more about the Galapagos Islands, their unique biodiversity, geological formation, conservation efforts, and also have the opportunity to observe some giant tortoises in captivity. At the end of the tour, you can choose to return to the hotel with our team or on your own, as many visitors usually decide to walk along the dock and explore the different crafts or traditional stores.
Night at hotel in Santa Cruz Island.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will enjoy a unique adventure at Tortuga Bay Beach; after a 40-minute walk through a natural trail, you will arrive at this paradisiacal beach, famous for its white sand and green mangroves. In the area known as "playa mansa", you will have the opportunity to swim and enjoy a peaceful morning at the beach, you will also have free time to have lunch on your own (not included in the plan, but our team on site will recommend the best places to do so).
Later, we will board a yacht to explore the bay, where our first stop will be "La Lobería", so named because of the numerous sea lions that inhabit it; here you can enjoy the experience of snorkeling and observing marine life up close. Continuing our tour, we will head to the "Canal del Amor", a spectacular natural landscape that allows us to admire its unique beauty; at the end of the canal, a few meters away, we will visit a viewpoint where you can spot white-tip sharks, and then we will take a short walk to "Playa de los Perros", where you can observe marine iguanas in their natural habitat. We will also visit Punta Estrada, an important point on the island before returning to the dock.
Night at hotel in Santa Cruz Island.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will make the respective transfer to Itabaca Channel, where we will take a public ferry to Baltra Island, and then head to the airport on public buses. During the journey from the hotel to the channel, we will make a brief stop at the craters known as 'The Twins', formed by the collapse of volcanic materials and surrounded by a forest of scalesias, unique characteristics of the local flora. In this way, we will conclude this magnificent adventure.
Flight from Galapagos to Guayaquil
Duration 00:50hrs.