7-Day Andes Cultural Tour from Quito with Quilotoa and Ingapirca

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Hike the rim of Quilotoa Crater Lake, a stunning volcanic marvel
• 02 Immerse yourself in the culture of Guamote, visiting a traditional weaver's house and an Indigenous family
• 03 Discover the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca and explore the charming city of Cuenca
• 04 Hike through breathtaking El Cajas National Park, known for its glacial lakes and diverse landscapes
• 05 Admire the volcanic scenery of the Ecuadorian Andes on the journey from Quito to Baños

Discover the Andes as you travel from Quito through Baños, Guamote, Cuenca, and Guayaquil, combining cultural encounters with some of Ecuador's most remarkable natural and historical sites. Visit Quilotoa Lagoon, Chimborazo Volcano, the Ingapirca ruins, and El Cajas National Park while experiencing the diversity of landscapes, from the high Andes to the coast. Along the way, connect with Indigenous communities, traditional crafts, and the rich heritage of the Equator.

Visit Quilotoa Lagoon, Chimborazo Volcano, the Ingapirca ruins, and El Cajas National Park while experiencing the diversity of landscapes, from the high Andes to the coast.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Cuenca, Guayaquil, Quito, Chimborazo, Quilotoa Lake, Baños de Agua Santa, Cajas National Park

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Quito

• As you approach Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you can already catch a glimpse of Quito, the immense Andean capital.
• After landing, your driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel in Quito.

2

Day 02

To Baños via Quilotoa Lagoon

• Today's drive takes you into the western Ecuadorian Andes.
• Visit the picturesque Quilotoa Lagoon, a spectacular crater lake formed centuries ago by a massive volcanic eruption.
• Walk along the crater rim to enjoy splendid views and take some memorable photos.
• Get back on the road and continue to Baños.
• Settle into your accommodation for the night.
• Your private guide/driver will make stops along the way so you can take pictures of the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

3

Day 03

Baños to Guamote and Tasting Guamote

• Leave Baños after breakfast.
• Make your way to the impressive Chimborazo Volcano.
• Spot the volcano several times along the way.
• Enjoy splendid views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
• Continue the journey toward Guamote, a small Andean town.
• Spend the night in Guamote.
• Upon arrival in Guamote, discover the larger context of the dining room, learn its meaning, hear about the artist behind it, and meet the individuals featured in it.
• Proceed to the project area.
• See the various handicrafts produced at the sewing project. These handicrafts are available for purchase by travellers. Conclude the tour.
• Enjoy hot, freshly brewed coffee and delicious empanadas in the eating area.

4

Day 04

Community Encounters in the Andes

• Kick off the day with a visit to the educational facility.
• A team of facilitators frequently visits nearby community schools to share expertise and offer alternative educational programs.
• Embark on a picturesque drive through the mountains.
• Learn about the local history, culture, and customs of the Indigenous people.
• First, stop at a primary school where English is taught.
• Students will give you an idea of student life, and you can prepare for a football or pato-gonzo game.
• Visit a traditional weaver's house.
• Witness firsthand the production process of signature ponchos made from sheep and alpaca wool.
• Visit an Indigenous family to experience mountain living.
• Take a look at their authentic housing, called a choza, before making your way back to Guamote.

5

Day 05

Ingapirca Ruins and Cuenca Discovery

• Continue the journey south to Cuenca.
• Stop at the Ingapirca ruins, the most important ruins in Ecuador.
• Drive to Cuenca after visiting the ruins.
• Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Cuenca.
• Make the most of your time in this Andean city.
• Walk around Parque Calderón.
• Visit the blue-domed Catedral Nueva.
• Explore other noteworthy landmarks, such as the Catedral Vieja and the Tomebamba River waterfront promenade.
• Purchase interesting handicrafts along the waterfront promenade.
• Arrive in Cuenca, located at about 2,560 meters (8,400 feet) above sea level.
• Cuenca is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical buildings and its historical importance as an agricultural and administrative center. Explore the city on your own.

6

Day 06

Cajas National Park to Guayaquil

• Enjoy a traditional local breakfast while admiring the landscapes of Cuenca.
• Drive to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador.
• En route, pass through El Cajas National Park, known for its 200 glacial lakes and numerous hiking trails.
• El Cajas National Park is located 105 miles (32 km) west of Cuenca.
• During the trek, cross gaps and Polylepis forests while your guide explains the moorland vegetation.
• Visit the Garden of the Virgin of Cajas or the Tres Cruces Viewpoint at 13,648 feet above sea level (4,160 masl).
• Stop for lunch on the way.
• Proceed with a 3.5-hour drive toward the coast of Ecuador.
• Reach one of the highest points in the Ecuadorian highlands and then descend toward the coast.
• Rice plantations will line the way to Guayaquil.
• Arrive in Guayaquil and check into your hotel to relax.
• Spend the rest of the evening at leisure in Guayaquil.

7

Day 07

Departure from Guayaquil

• At the designated time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel.
• Head to Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE).
• Take your scheduled flight from Guayaquil.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 6 nights in Tourist Class accommodation (3 stars)
• Private English-speaking driver and transportation throughout the itinerary
• Private English-speaking Quito guide
• Entrance fees to the mentioned places and activities
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Transfers according to the itinerary

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Domestic flights
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities/excursions
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

• Travel documents (passport, etc.)
• Day pack (or fanny pack)
• Duffle bag, suitcase, or backpack
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good traction
• Teva-style sandals
• Swimming suit
• Light to medium fleece jacket
• Gore-Tex (or similar) rain jacket
• Hiking pants
• T-shirts
• Long-sleeve shirt or blouse
• Lightweight full-length pants or trousers, either synthetic or cotton
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Socks
• Regular underwear
• Toiletries
• First aid kit and medication

Know before you go

• Make sure to adjust your watch and smartphone to Ecuadorian time.
• Mainland Ecuador Time Zone - GMT -5:00
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Respect wildlife and their natural habitat. Keep no less than two meters' distance from the animals so as not to affect their behavior.
• Avoid consuming disposable goods, and do not throw away organic waste or any other kind of waste until you find a proper place to dispose of it, as this can significantly affect the ecosystem. Try to recycle or reuse all solid waste.
• Respect the recommendations given by the park rangers and the entrance hours of each area.
• Stay on the trails and respect the signs. Do not destroy infrastructure.
• Carry out campfires, camping, and other activities only in the permitted zones of each area.
• Special care is required during the breeding, molting, or rearing season. Do not place yourself between two animals, especially between a mother and her young. Some species are highly protective and may attack if they suspect their young are threatened or leave the young more vulnerable to predators.
• Hunting of animals, entry with weapons, and alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden. It is also forbidden to damage the flora or take plants, animals, or geological remains. Check the list of permitted objects for entry to the corresponding Protected Area.
• Avoid flash photography so as not to alter the normal behavior of wildlife. Filming, professional photography for commercial purposes, and the use of drones require authorization from the corresponding Protected Area's management.
• Do not support the illegal trade of flora and fauna species.
• Use environmentally friendly insect repellent, and completely avoid aerosols. We recommend using cream-based repellents or other alternatives.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre, Quito, Ecuador

Tour start

Quito, Ecuador

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.