Ecuador Explorer

Day 1 Quito
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.              

Day 2 Quito
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Quito’s beautiful old town. Highlights include the impressive Independence Plaza, the Presidential Palace and the spectacular Monastery of San Francisco. Later travel to the Equatorial Monument and stand along the equator at latitude 0°.              

Day 3 Otavalo
Depart early and travel north through incredible Andean scenery to reach the vibrant market town of Otavalo. Explore the bustling stalls whilst haggling for colourful handicrafts and textiles. Later visit local artisans in Peguche, an indigenous village famous for its intricate weaving, before returning to Quito.            

Day 4 Quito to Baños
Today travel down the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes. Marvel at the picturesque cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano and look out for the unique flora and fauna of this region. Wind through the mountains towards Baños, famed for the naturally heated thermal baths around the town.            

Day 5 Baños to Riobamba
Begin your day with a short walk around the pretty town and a visit to the cathedral. Later head out of Baños to trek through verdant rainforest trails in search of hidden waterfalls on the edges of the vast Amazon jungle. Continue on to your hotel in Riobamba, a historic town in the Ecuadorian highlands.

Day 6 Riobamba to Cuenca
Set off for Cuenca. Stop along the way at the Royal Palace Community to learn about the interactions between the community and llamas, visit Inti Sisa Foundation which offers workshops and classes for local people and marvel at the impressive Fortress of Ingapirca.

Day 7 Cuenca
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour around Cuenca. Visit the Plaza San Sebastian for local handicrafts, Museum of Modern Art for contemporary art and finish the tour at a Panama Hat factory to see how these iconic hats are made.

Day 8 Cuenca
After breakfast transfer to Cuenca airport, stopping at El Cajas National Park en route to spot the diverse wildlife including black frogs, hummingbirds and wild orchids.