Ecuador Highlights Tour

The tour starts with a trip north from Quito in the early morning towards the Otavalo indigenous market. En route, we'll stop briefly at a stunning panoramic lookout of the Imbabura Volcano and San Pablo Lake. The small town of Otavalo bustles with activity and makes the perfect first stop to immerse you in a world of artisan goods, from colorful textiles, alpaca coats, paintings, jewelry, leather, and so much more. Then in the afternoon, you'll head to Cotacachi market, where the town's masterfully crafted leather goods have earned it a well-deserved reputation. The day ends with a stop in the small village of Peguche, known for its hand-crafted musical instruments and its beautiful waterfall.

Overnight at a historic Hacienda in the area

Today we will drive through the winding Andean paramo, where you might see incredible animals like the cara-cara, Andean condor, deer, pumas, or perhaps even a spectacled bear. Then you will arrive at the day's only destination - Papallacta Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak your worries away in the volcanic waters of their pools backdropped by stunning mountains and colorful paramo flowers.

Overnight at Papallacta Hotsprings Spa

Meals included: Breakfast

An early morning marks your departure from the highlands and your descent into the tropical Amazon Rainforest, with a curvy and beautiful drive through the Sierra. At the Guango Reserve, you'll see many different species of hummingbirds, followed by an opportunity to see the blanket of clouds covering the Amazon at the Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout. Then, when you arrive in the Arajuno River, a motorized canoe will take you on a short ride to Itamandi Amazon Eco-Lodge for the evening.

Overnight at Amazon Rainforest Lodge

Meals included: Lunch and dinner

Depart the lodge in the morning on a canoe towards the AmaZOOnico, where conservationists shelter animals in danger of extinction. You'll also have a chance to learn about the indigenous cultures when you visit a local Kichwa community. Here, you will learn about their way of life and their daily activities and also have the opportunity to learn how to cook some local recipes and perhaps even how to make chocolate in its purest form.

Overnight at Amazon Rainforest Eco-Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Witness a balsa carving shop as you drive further south to Puyo. We will also stop in Sangay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the infamous Pailon del Diablo waterfall. Afterwards, you will have some time to explore other famous waterfalls around the town of Banos. Later on, there is another chance to soak in the hot springs at the base of the active Tungurahua Volcano.

Overnight in Hotel in Baños

Meals included: Breakfast

This day takes you to the majestic Chimborazo Volcano, soaring to an elevation of 6,310 meters above sea level (the furthest point from the center of the earth!). This peak dominates the landscape for miles in every direction. You will have an opportunity to do a short hike to the Glacier's edge as well before heading to the classic mountain lodge for the evening.

Overnight at lodge in the Chimborazo Area

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Embark on one of the most daringly engineered railroads in South America - the Devil's Nose. From the small town of Alausi, you will board this switchback railway that zigzags from the highlands to the coast in a rapid descent. Afterwards, you'll visit the Inca ruins at Ingapirca, where you will learn about how this site is a unique fusion of Cañari and Inca architecture and how it was relevant as a religious site. The day ends in the colonial city of Cuenca.

Overnight at hotel in Cuenca

Meals included: Breakfast

Your final day takes us through the historic colonial town of Cuenca, visiting the major highlights including Calderon Square, the New Cathedral, El Turi panoramic lookout, and El Barranco. Then you'll visit a factory where the Panama hats are made. A short evening flight to Quito brings your 8-day tour to a bittersweet end.

Meals included: Breakfast