
Ecuador Andes & Coast
New
Set off from Quito on an 8 day journey ending in Guayaquil – a brilliant blend of Andean peaks, culture and valleys. You'll explore Cotopaxi National Park, walk round Limpiopungo Lagoon and, weather permitting, reach the Jose Rivas Refuge with tea in the paramo. Visit rose plantations, try a Tigua painting workshop and gaze into turquoise Quilotoa. From Baños, trace the Waterfall Route to the Swing at the End of the World and the Devil's Cauldron. Spot vicuñas at Chimborazo, hear tales of ice harvesters in La Moya, and wander Ingapirca's ruins and Cuenca's streets. Hike Cajas National Park – mirror lakes, cloud forest and big sky viewpoints.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Prices
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotelsStarts
QuitoEnds
GuayaquilMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Ecuador that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
EcuadorMeals Included
Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 5Tour Style
Prices
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Travel Style
Private Tours
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPassengers
$4,890.00
$2,445.00
Tour Highlights
Prices
Included
Prices
Not Included
Prices
Itinerary
Prices
Day 1 - Quito
Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, an English and Spanish–speaking local guide greets us and accompanies us on a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Settle in with a warm welcome, practical tips and insights, and assistance with any questions about the country. Overnight in Quito.
Day 2 - Quito to Cotopaxi
From Quito we set off south to two national treasures – vibrant rose plantations and the awe–inspiring Cotopaxi National Park. We discover how the country’s world–famous roses are cultivated before heading high into the Andes. At Cotopaxi, we stroll around Limpiopungo Lagoon, watch for Andean birdlife and – weather permitting – ascend to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 metres. We pause for hot herbal tea in the middle of the páramo with sweeping views of Cotopaxi, then enjoy lunch in a cosy mountain lodge. Overnight in Cotopaxi.
Day 3 - Avenue of Volcanoes
After breakfast we journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes towards Quilotoa, stopping – depending on the day – at a traditional indigenous market such as Zumbahua or Saquisilí, alive with colour and sound. In the Tigua Community we join a painting workshop led by a local artisan – a chance to create our own piece inspired by Andean life and landscapes. We then reach Quilotoa Lagoon, where you can hike down to the turquoise waters or admire the panorama from the rim. We share an Andean lunch with a nearby community before continuing in the late afternoon to the charming town of Baños – gateway to adventure and relaxation. Overnight in Baños.
Day 4 - Banos to Riobamba
After breakfast we head to the hamlet of Runtún to visit the Tree House and its iconic Swing at the End of the World, set at 2,660 metres on the flanks of the Tungurahua Volcano. We soak up sweeping views while hearing about the eruption history of this active giant, then follow the spectacular Waterfall Route linking the Andes with the Amazon Basin. Tracking the Pastaza River, the road reveals countless falls and cloud–forested hills, and we take a one–hour walk to the thundering Devil’s Cauldron, where water plunges into a narrow canyon. In the afternoon we transfer to Riobamba and check in at our hotel. Overnight in Riobamba.
Day 5 - Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve
After breakfast we travel through traditional highland communities and the dramatic La Chorrera Canyon to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, home to the country’s highest peak. We continue along a scenic dirt road to the Carrel Refuge at 4,850 metres, then follow a one–kilometre trail up to the Whymper Refuge at 5,050 metres for vast Andean vistas and a taste of high–altitude páramo. After descending we visit the La Moya Community for a traditional Andean lunch and the Mountain Museum, which shares the story of the legendary Chimborazo ice harvesters and their enduring craft. We return to Riobamba in the afternoon. Overnight in Riobamba.
Day 6 - Riobamba to Cuenca
After breakfast we travel via Lake Colta and the historic Balbanera Church – the oldest in the country, built in 1534 – to the Ozogoche Lagoons within Sangay National Park. We explore this sacred highland setting, learn about local traditions and, with luck, spot Andean birdlife amid the cold, crystal–clear waters and sweeping moorlands – a peaceful, spiritual experience in the heart of the Andes. We then continue to Ingapirca, the country’s most important archaeological complex, to uncover the intertwined histories of the Cañari and Inca peoples, before proceeding to Cuenca. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 7 - Cuenca to Guayaquil
After breakfast we depart Cuenca for Cajas National Park. We begin at Llaviuco Lagoon at 3,100 metres with a gentle one–hour walk through Andean cloud forest, then drive up to Tres Cruces at 4,160 metres – the park’s highest point – for a short trail to a sweeping viewpoint over valleys and glacial lakes. We continue to Toreadora Lake at 3,900 metres for a 2.5–hour hike through highland grasslands, the mystical San Luis forest and a chain of lakes including Unidas, Totoras and Patoquinuas, finishing at Toreadora or the Patoquinuas car park depending on conditions. Afterwards we enjoy a well–earned lunch at a local restaurant, then descend from cool Andean peaks to the warm coastal plains to arrive comfortably in Guayaquil, the nation’s bustling port city. Overnight in Guayaquil.
Day 8 - Guayaquil
After breakfast we arrange your transfer to the airport for your departure flight – a fitting finale to a journey of diverse landscapes, rich culture and singular experiences across the Andes and coast.
Tour Reviews
Prices
Extras and add-ons
Prices
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
Prices
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
Prices
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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