11-Day Andes and Pacific Coast Tour in Ecuador with La Plata Island

Leave to visit Quito's old town, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the viewpoint called El Panecillo, located at 3000 m.

Walk around the main plaza, also known as Independence Square.

Visit the golden church of La Compañía de Jesús and San Francisco Square, jewels of colonial architecture in South America.

Drive 30 km to the equator line, where we will spend some time at the museum to explore the effects of this unique geographical location in many ways. Also discover Ecuador's amazing ethnic diversity and learn how the different tribes survive in the country's varied ecosystems.

Transfer to the hostel.

Depart from Quito via the southern Pan-American Highway to Cotopaxi National Park, a natural area whose main attraction is the conical volcano called Cotopaxi.

Drive up to 4500 m and try to reach 15,000 feet on foot.

Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you will enjoy nature by trekking around it and observing some species of birds and mammals.

Return to rest at your lodge.

Follow the same Pan-American route and visit the beautiful lake of Quilotoa. Quilotoa is an old volcano that, after its last eruption, filled its caldera with sulfurous water that formed the lake.

Go for a trek and enjoy the amazing landscape.

Proceed in the direction of Baños, famous for its hot springs and adventure sports.

Continue along the southern Pan-American Highway to reach the beautiful town of Baños.

Enjoy its nature, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Take a bath in the medicinal hot springs.

Visit the Avenue of the Waterfalls.

Take the cable car and trek through the subtropical area.

See the Devil's Pan Waterfall and finish by viewing the gateway to the Amazon jungle.

Return to Baños and drive to Riobamba.

Early in the morning, depart by car to Alausí train station and take the train to the Devil's Nose, a particular geological formation. For many years, it has been considered one of the most difficult train routes in the world.

Spend some time enjoying the Andean landscape, shopping, and watching a show of native dancers.

Continue towards Cuenca, another heritage city.

Visit Ingapirca, Ecuador's most famous Inca ruins.

Rest in a hotel or lodge.

Go on a city tour of Cuenca and see the viewpoint, museum, and River Boulevard.

Visit the Panama hat factory and Cajas National Park, a natural heritage site known for its wonderful lakes.

Go trekking around the lake and then drive to Guayaquil.

Rest in Guayaquil.

Early in the morning, travel to Puerto López, a lovely fishers' town.

Visit Agua Blanca Reserve and its archaeology museum.

Enjoy the semi-desert forest and take a bath in its sulfurous pool.

Return to the hotel.

Enjoy the day with a visit to La Plata Island. From June to September, there is a chance to see humpback whales that come from Antarctica for reproduction. You will also see bird species similar to those found in the Galápagos.

Enjoy trekking along its pleasant paths while admiring its unique vegetation, such as the giant candelabro cactus.

Have the chance to go snorkeling.

Return in the afternoon.

Visit the famous Los Frailes Beach, located in Machalilla National Park. Its warm water and clear sand make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

After a refreshing bath, return to Guayaquil to take your flight.