Highlands of Ecuador
8 days
from Quito to Quito
From
$ 849
Duration8 days
If you’re short on time it doesn’t mean your cultural experience in Ecuador shouldn’t be colossal. This eight-day tour mixes exciting stuff like cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lively markets, and natural wonders like Cotopaxi volcano, so you get to soak in impressive cityscapes as well as sweeping vistas like a well-travelled, insightful sponge.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: QuitoPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: QuitoAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Start place: Quito
There are no activities planned until the evening. Please check at the hotel reception for a welcome note from your CEO advising on the time and location of the welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
End place: Quito
Day 2: Quito/Otavalo
Start place: Quito
Explore the largest handicraft market in South America, Otavalo market. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
End place: Otavalo
Meals: B
Day 3: Otavalo/Cotopaxi
Start place: Otavalo
Travel by bus to Cotopaxi National Park. In the afternoon, opt to explore the area or mountain bike with views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Spend the night in a mountain lodge near the national park.
End place: Cotopaxi
Meals: B
Day 4: Cotopaxi/Alausí
Start place: Cotopaxi
In the morning, visit Cotopaxi National Park before continuing on to Alausi.
Meals: B
Day 5: Alausí/Cuenca
Board a train for an included excursion bound for the Devil's Nose, enjoy the ride on the switchbacks carved into the mountainside. After, head to Cuenca and marvel at its colonial architecture.
End place: Cuenca
Meals: B
Day 6: Cuenca
Start place: Cuenca
Explore the city’s sights, including cobblestoned streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shaded plazas, and museums.
Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Cuenca. Opt for a city tour, go hiking in Cajas National Park, or soak in nearby hot springs.
End place: Cuenca
Meals: B
Day 7: Cuenca/Quito
Start place: Cuenca
Fly back to Quito and enjoy the night in this historical city.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Day 8: Quito
Start place: Quito
We recommend booking pre or post nights in Quito for additional time to explore. The optional activities may require additional time, speak to your CEO for assistance booking these activities on trip.
Depart at any time.
End place: Quito
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Otavalo Handicrafts Market visit
- Cotopaxi volcano stay
- Cotopaxi National Park visit
- Devil's Nose train excursion
- Orientation walk of Cuenca
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Local bus, Plane, Private vehicle -
Accommodation
Hotels (5 nts), Rustic mountain lodge (2 nts)