Home
South America
Ecuador
Cultural
Ecuadorian Andes, Exploring Nature & Culture

Ecuadorian Andes, Exploring Nature & Culture

heart_plus

15 Views

8 Days From

~~$1195~~

$1040

Ecuadorian Andes, Exploring Nature & Culture

8 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, Independence Square, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, Pifo, Papallacta Hot Springs, Otavalo, Laguna de Cuicocha, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Machachi, Quilotoa Lake, Mindo Valley

Tour operator:

Ecuador Galapagos Travels

Tour code:

ECO8D

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

16-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Lactose Free, Gluten Free

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

From:

$1195

$1040 (USD) Operator discount: -$100 The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$55 -13%

Tour Overview

Get on a captivating journey through Ecuador, a land teeming with diverse landscapes and a rich cultural tapestry. Our meticulously curated itinerary guarantees an immersive experience, from seamless airport transfers to thrilling explorations of bustling markets, majestic volcanoes, pristine lagoons, and lush cloud forests. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Quito, explore the Middle of the World, and bask in the beauty of Ecuadorian roses. Relax in the Papallacta thermal springs and immerse yourself in the indigenous culture at Otavalo's renowned market. Venture to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa for exhilarating adventures, and discover the unique biodiversity of the Mindo cloud forest. Indulge in local gastronomy throughout your journey. As your adventure concludes, enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the airport. This itinerary promises to showcase the best of Ecuador's nature, culture, and adventure, providing an unforgettable travel experience.

Highlights

Quito Historic Center
Equator line
Papallacta Hot Springs
Otavalo market
Cotopaxi National Park
Quilotoa lagoon
Mindo cloud forest

Places You'll See

Quito's Historic Center

Mindo Cloud Forest

Quito's Historic Center

Mindo Cloud Forest

Itinerary

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Cultural tours in Ecuador Cultural tours Tours in Ecuador Small Group tours History tours Hiking tours Sightseeing tours Walking tours

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

As you wing your way into Quito, the walls of this Andean valley rise to greet you as do the volcanic peaks all around. The city spreads across the valley floor, climbing its sides up narrow, winding roads. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you land and take care of the formalities, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel, a charmingly colorful place with welcoming rooms.

Day 2 : Quito City Tour And Equator Line

Location: Quito, Independence Square, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin with breakfast, then explore Quito's Historic Center, known for XVI-XVIII century buildings. Visit the neo-Gothic Basilica with stained glass, San Francisco convent, and baroque La Compañía church. After lunch, head to the Middle of the World visit a museum of chocolate and beer, and enjoy panoramic views. Conclude at Intiñan, an interactive museum showcasing Ecuador's cultural and natural diversity. Return to rest at the hotel in Quito.

Day 3 : Rose Plantation And Papallacta Hot Springs

Location: Quito, Pifo, Papallacta Hot Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After hotel breakfast, visit a rose farm in Pifo with diverse rose varieties. Explore greenhouses, and learn about cultivation, selection, and bouquet preparation. Continue to Papallacta, a town at 3,250 meters, nestled between the Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes. Enjoy self-guided hikes, observe diverse flora and fauna, and relax in the Hot Springs with pools ranging from 97 F (36 C) to 104 F (40 C). Return to the hotel for rest.

Day 4 : Visit Otavalo

Location: Quito, Otavalo, Laguna de Cuicocha

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel down the Pan-American Highway to the Quitsato solar clock in Cayambe, a cultural site on the equator. Experience local cuisine with Ecuadorian coffee and cakes. Continue to Otavalo, boasting South America's largest indigenous handicraft market. Explore La Plaza de los Ponchos for two hours before heading to Cotacachi for a 45-minute artisan leather market visit. Finally, reach Cuicocha Lagoon, an active volcanic crater with handicraft stores and a scenic viewpoint. Return to the hotel for relaxation.

Day 5 : Cotopaxi National Park

Location: Quito, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Machachi

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel one and a half hours from Quito, stopping for acclimatization, breakfast (optional), and photos at 2945m (9,662.07 ft). Proceed to Cotopaxi National Park at 3200m (10,498.69 ft) to explore the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Hike to the glacier at 4600m (15,091.86 ft), then optionally bike down to Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3850m (12,631.23 ft). Finally, drive to your Machachi hotel.

Day 6 : Quilotoa Lagoon

Location: Machachi, Quilotoa Lake, Quito

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Get on an art, culture, and adventure-filled tour to the famous turquoise Quilotoa lagoon. After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours to Saquisilí market, explore an indigenous hut, and descend to Tigua, known for vibrant wooden sculptures and paintings. Capture the Toachi River Canyon viewpoint before reaching Quilotoa's emerald-colored lagoon inside a volcanic crater. Visit the Quilotoa Community lookout and optionally kayak or swim at 3914m (12,841.21ft). Enjoy local cuisine before returning to Quito.

Day 7 : Full Day In Mindo

Location: Quito, Mindo Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit Mindo, northwest of Quito, near the Middle of the World monument. Begin in Calacali for optional breakfast and proceed to Mindo's cloud forest with diverse bird species. Stop at the Butterfly and Orchidarium before optional canopy adventure. Descend to a chocolate factory to observe production. Return to Quito, celebrating our adventures.

Day 8 : Transfer Out

Location: Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you can enjoy on your path the city before we ensure a smooth transfer to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport so you can take your international flight.

What's Included

Accommodation

7 Nights in a Double Room with private bathroom
Airport Transfers at Destination

Transfer from and to Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Fully Guided

English-speaking guides
Meals

Meals mentioned in the itinerary
Transport

Transportation to all the activities mentioned in the itinerary

What's Not Included

Additional Services

Optional Activities/Excursions
Insurance

Travel Insurance
International Travel

International Flights
Meals

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Mode of Transport

Coach Bus

Accommodation

Double Room with private bathroom

Videos

Check out our Q&As

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes, our guides speak English.
Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

Wi-Fi is available at the accommodations indicated in the itinerary.
What currencies are required for this tour?

The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

The hotels are Tourist category
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

The visa is not included in the services.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 16 people.
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

The guide will be with you in the different activities according to the itinerary.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, the transfers are included.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

We do not recommend that children under 10 participate in this tour.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, flights are not included in our rates. You can book on your own or request a quote from us.
Company Instant Book

We need to check on the availabilities first.
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, of course, at the time of the confirmation of the services you will know the name of the hotels that you will have throughout your trip.
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

Yes, there is a supplement for solo travelers in a single room.
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Yes, there is some free time for you to enjoy the place on your own.
What is the tipping policy?

Tipping is not mandatory; however, if you are satisfied with the service, you can tip up to 10%.
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Very good physical condition is required, since you will be doing various activities that require you to be fit.
Is the tour coach air conditioned?

Yes it is
Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, the entrance fees indicated in the itinerary are included.
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, we can arrange pre- or post-tour accommodation services.
Are vaccinations required for this tour?

No vaccine is mandatory for this tour.
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

A visa is not required to enter Ecuador, although passengers from some countries may need a visa.
Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

If there is such a probability.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

It depends on the amount of luggage your international and domestic flights permit.
What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?

For this trip, a minimum of 2 passengers is required.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

We can arrange it if you do it before the time limit of our cancellation policies, subject to availability.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

No, it is not possible
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

For the past 12 years, Responsible Travel has specialized in creating wonderful memories with our professional and trustworthy providers in every corner of Ecuador. We also collaborate with native communities and local suppliers to ensure that the incoming that comes through responsible travel generates profits for minorities.I am delighted that you are planning to spend your holidays in Ecuador;
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

At your arrival, you must present a COVID-19 vaccinations certificate with at least two doses completed at least 14 days before arrival. This is the only vaccine the government asks as a requirement to enter the territory.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

We operate a “single share” only in cruises options.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

You will receive an Invoice detailing our terms and conditions. a voucher of services that included all the reserved services.
How long has the tour company been trading?

For the past 12 years, we have been operating Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and recently South America destinations.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Karen United States of America

Amazing Journey to Ecuador

28-Nov-2023

Santiago was brilliant and attentive from the start of the planning stage right through to the tour itself. We were looked after through every step of our journey, which really was the trip of a lifetime! We felt so safe, and our guides were knowledgeable and made it so much fun. We did something different every day, and Santiago checked in with us regularly. I highly recommend Ecuador and Santiago at Responsible Travel!

Javier Spain

Fantastic journey in Ecuador

14-Nov-2023

Hi Paul Great initiative! Thanks to your company but especially to you for the excellent service you have given us. It has been a pleasure !!! We will keep in touch. Best regards from Spain

Tyler United States of America

Amazing Trip

06-Feb-2024

Excellent experience, excellent service, our guide Evi was the best of the best. Everyone was extremely knowledgeable and kind and their processes as a team work exceedingly well. An excellent experience.

Dates & Availability

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024

Saturday - Saturday

May 11, 2024 - May 18, 2024

~~$1195~~ $1040 (USD)