Ecuador Highlands Exploration

TEC103: 10 Days Private Tour of Quito - Otavalo - Cotopaxi National Park - Banos - Riobamba - Cuenca - Quito
Tour Type: Private tailor-made tour
Guide: English-speaking driver guide, experienced and knowledgeable
Vehicle: Air-conditioned car, spacious and comfortable
Accommodation: 4-star handpicked hotels, also be open to your own choice
Meals: Authentic local cuisines and western-style food for your choice
This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
From USD2599USD2339Free Inquiry
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Day 1 Arrival in Quito, Airport Pick-up
Welcome to Ecuador! Our driver guide will meet you up at the Arrival Hall of the airport, then transfer you to the airport. For the remaining free time of the day, you can have a good rest in the hotel or hang out at the nearby square and museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Dann Carlton Quito
Day 2 Enjoy full day Quito city tour
After breakfast, the driver guide will pick you up from the hotel and head to El Panecillo to start your Ecuador vacation. The higher location of El Panecillo makes it a great place to overlook the beautiful Quito city. Later in Old City Town, we will visit the landmarks Iglesiay Monasterio de San Francisco, Basilica del Voto Nacional and the church Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus, and you can watch the Palacio Presidencial from the outside. Finally we will drive to Mitad del Mundo, which is located in the center of the world. Firstly go to the Ethnographic Museum, then head to Equatorial Line Museum, where you will see some of the natural phenomena unique to the equatorial region and some demonstrations of equilibrium forces.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Dann Carlton Quito
Day 3 Explore Mindo Cloud Forest
After breakfast, we will drive about three hours to Mindo Cloud Forest. On the way, we will stop at the Alambi area to see hummingbirds and other birds. After arriving in Mindo Cloud Forest, you can choose to try strop, hike to the falls, or visit the butterfly garden and orchid garden. After the visit, we will drive back to the hotel in Quito.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Dann Carlton Quito
Day 4 Interesting Otavalo Indian Market tour
This morning, the driver guide will lead you to the Otavalo Indian Market, where you can find a wide variety of fine Indian handicrafts, textiles, ivory products, specialty jewelry, alpaca wool products and more. Then we will come to Cotacachi Town, famous for leather products and where the streets are full of leather shops. You can purchase any kind of leather goods you want, such as shoes, boots, furs, and purses. And finally we will head to appreciate the Cuicocha Lake. After the visit, go back to the hotel for a good rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Dann Carlton Quito
Day 5 Visit Cotopaxi National Park, Transfer to Baños
On the 5th day, we will drive to Cotopaxi National Park, taking about 1 hour 40 minutes. By the way, active Cotopaxi Volcano is located in this park. Upon arrival at the destination, the driver guide will escort you to appreciate the spectacular Limpiopungo lagoon, then hike to Jose Ribas Shelter for a unique high-altitude experience. At the end of the day, we will drive to Banos and check into the local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Monte Selva Hotel
Day 6 Explore Pailon del Diablo waterfall, Drive to Riobamba
Today we plan to visit the Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. It is located in Rio Verde Village, 25 minutes away by car. The Pailon del Diablo Waterfall is the most spectacular waterfall in Banos, with a maximum drop of about 80 meters. The strong water current creates a lot of water mist, and it also forms beautiful rainbows under the refraction of sunlight. At noon, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, then we will drive to Riobamba and check into a local hotel.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Mansion Santa Isabella
Day 7 Visit Inca ruins, Arrival in Cuenca
After breakfast, the driver guide will pick you up from the hotel and head to today's first stop, the Ingapirca Ruins. It is one of the major Inca empire archaeological sites in Ecuador and is home to one of the most important Inca structures, an oval platform known as the Sun's Temple. Then we will drive about 2.5 hours to our next destination Cuenca, Ecuador's third largest city. Check in the local hotel on arrival.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria
Day 8 Take Cuenca city tour, Visit Panama Hat Museum
Today we will visit local churches and museums: Catedral Nueva de Cuenca, Catedral Vieja de Cuenca, and Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla. Then go to the local handicraft market where you can taste some delicious snacks and buy souvenirs for your family and friends. And finally go to the Panama Hat Factory and Museum. After the visit, we will return to the hotel.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Victoria
Day 9 Full-Day Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca, Return to Quito
In the morning we will drive to Cajas National Park, which will take around 35 minutes. The park is a popular hiking destination, so upon arrival we'll hike into the park to see the beautiful lakes, dense primeval forests, and spectacular waterfalls. We will return to hotel after the visit. After a short rest, the driver guide will send you to the airport so you can catch the flight to Quito. You will arrive in 50 minutes and our local driver will transfer you to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Dann Carlton Quito
Day 10 Quito departure, Airport See-off
After breakfast, the driver will escort you to the airport on time according to your flight timetable. May you have a nice trip home!

Meals: Breakfast
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This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
Tour Prices
2024 & 2025 Special: 10% off - Book before Apr 30, 2024
Travelers2-3 Travelers4-5 Travelers
Year RoundUSD2859 USD2573USD2599 USD2339
  • Prices are per person on twin sharing basis.
  • The prices in red reflect 10% discount.
Price Includes
  • Economy class airfare of Cuenca - Quito
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
  • Service of English speaking driver guides as itinerary specifices
  • Services of private air-conditioned vehicles
  • Entrance fees for mentioned sights visited
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Quito, Baños Entrance Fees
Price Excludes
  • International flights into and out Ecuador
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
  • Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Ecuador visa fee
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