
Mainland Ecuador Highlights
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Begin in Quito and end in Guayaquil on an eight day adventure through soaring Andes, characterful cities and the equator. You’ll explore Quito’s historic centre, take in sweeping views and taste fine single origin chocolate, then stand astride the equator and look into Pululahua crater. Head for Cotopaxi National Park – tranquil lagoons, paramo wildlife and a warming herbal tea stop – before admiring Quilotoa’s turquoise rim, lively markets and Tigua folk art. Expect sacred mountain lagoons and pre Columbian sites at Ingapirca, then fall for Cuenca’s domes, riverside strolls and a Panama hat workshop. Conclude via Cajas National Park’s misty trails to coastal Guayaquil.
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
$3,485.00
$1,046.00
Tour Highlights
Prices
Included
Prices
Not Included
Prices
Itinerary
Prices
Day 1 - Quito
On arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, we greet you with an English and Spanish–speaking local guide and transfer comfortably to your hotel. Enjoy a warm welcome with a friendly expert on hand to assist, share local insights and answer any questions about your journey. Overnight in Quito.
Day 2 - Exploring Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. We embark on an exclusive private city tour blending history, culture, flavours and sweeping views. We begin in the Historic Centre, where cobbled streets and lively squares reveal the capital’s charm. We visit the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional and, if you wish, you can climb its towers for an unforgettable panoramic view. We continue to the golden interiors of La Compañía de Jesús, a baroque masterpiece that blends indigenous cosmovision with religious art, then ascend El Panecillo, crowned by the iconic Winged Virgin watching over the skyline. You have time to enjoy lunch. In the Historic Centre, we indulge in a guided tasting of single–origin chocolate – a delightful 20–minute experience that marries culture with flavour. In the afternoon, we travel north to the Middle of the World to visit the interactive Intiñan Museum and stand with one foot in each hemisphere, before stopping at the Pululahua Crater for a breathtaking panoramic view of one of the few inhabited volcanic craters on Earth. Overnight in Quito.
Day 3 - Journey to Cotopaxi
Starting from your hotel in Quito, we travel south to explore two national treasures – vibrant rose plantations and the awe–inspiring Cotopaxi National Park. We discover the process behind the country’s world–famous roses before heading to the high Andes. In Cotopaxi, we walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, spot Andean birds and, if conditions allow, we ascend to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,800 m. We pause for hot herbal tea amid the páramo with spectacular views of Cotopaxi, and lunch is served in a cosy mountain lodge. Overnight in Cotopaxi.
Day 4 - Avenue of the Volcanoes & Riobamba
Breakfast at the hotel. We journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes towards Quilotoa. Depending on the day, we visit a traditional indigenous market – such as Zumbahua or Saquisilí – full of colour and sound. We continue to the Tigua community, famed for its naïf paintings, where we create our own artwork with guidance from local artisans. We arrive at Quilotoa Lagoon and you can either hike down to its turquoise waters or admire the view from above. We enjoy an Andean lunch in a nearby community before transferring to Riobamba. Overnight in Riobamba.
Day 5 - Riobamba to Cuenca
Breakfast at the hotel. We travel towards the Ozogoche Lagoons, passing Lake Colta and visiting the historic Balbanera Church, the oldest church in the country, built in 1534. We discover the mystical beauty of the Ozogoche Lagoons, a sacred site within Sangay National Park, where cold, crystal–clear waters and Andean highlands are steeped in ancient legends and, with luck, Andean birdlife. We then continue to Ingapirca, the country’s most important archaeological complex, to explore the fascinating history of the Cañari and Inca civilisations. We proceed to Cuenca. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 6 - Exploring Cuenca
Breakfast at the hotel. We set out to discover Cuenca with a private guided tour showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. We begin in the picturesque neighbourhood of San Sebastián, home to the Modern Art Museum, then continue to the vibrant Flower Market and Parque Calderón, the central square ringed by remarkable architecture. Here we admire the Old Cathedral (El Sagrario), the majestic New Cathedral, considered the largest in Latin America, the Court of Justice and elegant French–inspired republican buildings that reflect the city’s rich history. Next, we visit the renowned Homero Ortega Toquilla Straw Hat Factory to witness the crafting of the finest Panama hats, where ancestral tradition meets modern style. We stroll along El Barranco beside the Tomebamba River, where colonial houses meet contemporary architecture, and finally ascend to the Turi Viewpoint for far–reaching city panoramas. We also step into Cerámica Vega, one of Cuenca’s most renowned pottery workshops, where a living gallery of hand–painted tiles, decorative vases and functional ceramics reveals the city’s artistic soul. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 7 - Cuenca to Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel. We depart Cuenca for Guayaquil, visiting Cajas National Park en route. We walk through the cloud forest of Llaviuco, enjoy panoramic views from Tres Cruces, and hike for about 2.5 hours from Toreadora Lake through highland grasslands and enchanted forests. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue descending towards the coast, arriving in Guayaquil in the late afternoon. Overnight in Guayaquil.
Day 8 - Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel. We transfer you to the airport for your departure flight – bringing your journey to a close with unforgettable memories of the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture and unique experiences.
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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