This short journey offers a snapshot of mainland Ecuador. Starting in the old capital of Quito you travel south through the stunning central valley flanked by giant volcanoes, stopping in charming Cuenca before experiencing the contrast of Guayaquil on the Pacific coast.
This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in Ecuador. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; maybe a stay in a traditional hacienda or add a Galapagos cruise. We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1896.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK
Depart the UK for Quito, arriving the same day.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Patio Andaluz
Patio Andaluz
Located in the old quarter a short distance from the main square, Patio Andaluz is an attractive guesthouse restored to its original design as a colonial mansion. Most of the well-appointed rooms open on to two beautiful patios. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
Day 2:
Quito
Discover the charm and heritage of this UNESCO listed city on a guided tour of Quito’s old quarter. After lunch overlooking a volcanic crater you can straddle the equator line and visit the equator monument just north of the capital.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Patio Andaluz
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Patio Andaluz
Located in the old quarter a short distance from the main square, Patio Andaluz is an attractive guesthouse restored to its original design as a colonial mansion. Most of the well-appointed rooms open on to two beautiful patios. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
Day 3:
Otavalo
A private excursion, allowing you time to appreciate the dramatic Andean scenery and Indian culture. You'll depart early from Quito, travelling along the famous Panamerican Highway, and arriving at Otavalo in time to absorb the morning activity of the town's market. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets. Proceed to Peguche, an Indian village that's home to artisans who weave in the comfort of their house. You'll be able to watch them at work. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Patio Andaluz
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Patio Andaluz
Located in the old quarter a short distance from the main square, Patio Andaluz is an attractive guesthouse restored to its original design as a colonial mansion. Most of the well-appointed rooms open on to two beautiful patios. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
Day 4:
Avenue of the Volcanoes
Take a spectacular road journey down the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’. Travel into Cotopaxi National Park en-route and view the imposing, near-perfect volcanic cone of Cotopaxi before continuing to Riobamba.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Abraspungo
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Abraspungo
Located on the outskirts of Riobamba, this small hacienda offers comfortable accommodation with modern facilities and traditional character. There is a restaurant and bar, plus a plethora of activities in the lovely area surrounding this accommodation.
Day 5:
To Cuenca
Head further south to Cuenca and experience the hair-raising train ride down the Devil’s Nose canyon before visiting the beautifully constructed Inca ruins of Ingapirca. The train ride is a highlight - a thrilling, 800m descent on the zigzag cuttings of the rock of the Devil’s Nose.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Santa Lucia Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santa Lucia Hotel
Located in an historical building in the old town, this boutique hotel has elegant rooms with modern facilities surrounding the central courtyard, a restaurant, cafe and a bar.
Day 6:
Cuenca
Today you'll explore charming Cuenca. This is an opportunity to enjoy the colorful parks and plazas, religious monuments and handcraft shops. In the afternoon, drive up the Turi hill to admire the city and learn about Cuenca's geography and history from your guide.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Santa Lucia Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Santa Lucia Hotel
Located in an historical building in the old town, this boutique hotel has elegant rooms with modern facilities surrounding the central courtyard, a restaurant, cafe and a bar.
Day 7:
Cajas National Park and Guayaquil
Journey from the highlands down to the tropics of the Pacific coast and into busy Guayaquil. En-route visit Cajas National Park; a landscape of glacial lagoons with a rich diversity of Andean flora and fauna.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Hampton Inn
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hampton Inn
This business-style hotel is very well located on the main street of downtown Guayaquil just a few blocks from the seafront promenade. The rooms are comfortable and the service friendly and professional; there is a restaurant downstairs.
Day 8:
Depart Guayaquil
Explore vibrant Guayaquil on a city tour and watch the world go by along the Malecon riverfront promenade. From here you could continue to the Galapagos, head over to the Amazon or return home.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9:
Arrive UK
