15-Day Ecuador Highlights Tour with Andes, Coast, and Isla de la Plata

• 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.

Meals Included: None

• Embark on an unforgettable journey along the iconic Pan-American Highway, beginning with a visit to the Quitsato solar clock in Cayambe, a cultural monument on the equator with stunning views of the snow-capped Cayambe volcano.
• Savor authentic Ecuadorian coffee and the region's famous Bizcochos before heading to Otavalo, home to South America's largest indigenous handicraft market.
• Take in breathtaking views of San Pablo Lake and Imbabura Hill, then enjoy shopping at the vibrant La Plaza de los Ponchos and Cotacachi's artisan leather market.
• Conclude your adventure at the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, nestled in a volcanic crater, where a short walk to a viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the lagoon's turquoise waters and islets. Return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

• Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, setting the tone for a day of exploration.
• You'll be picked up and whisked away to the captivating Historic Center of Quito, where every cobblestone, plaza, and colonial structure tells tales of centuries gone by. This cherished district earned its UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 1978, and it's not hard to see why.
• Our adventure begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Basilica, a neo-Gothic masterpiece. Its stained glass windows come alive with vibrant floral scenes, while playful gargoyles pay homage to the country's rich wildlife.
• Climb the towers for a sweeping view that will surely steal your breath away. Next, step into the grandeur of the San Francisco convent, a sprawling testament to history, and be captivated by the opulent Baroque splendor of La Compañía church, where various artistic styles seamlessly blend within gold-adorned interiors.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• You will start your day at Cotopaxi National Park.
• You will visit Lake Limpiopungo, located in the highlands of the park.
• Here, you will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano's gigantic cone. Lake Limpiopungo offers a variety of birds, and occasionally even wild horses. A short walk around the lake will allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life along the way.
• Then, you will visit another highlight: Quilotoa Lagoon. This 2-mile (3 km) wide crater lake is filled with 820 feet (250 m) of mineral-rich green water.
• Hike along the lake's outer rim, enjoying the views from three lava domes, or follow a path to the lake itself. Hiking in the area, especially uphill, can be challenging, so consider renting a mule for some help along the way.
• After exploring the lake, it's time to travel south to Baños de Agua Santa, a city on the edge of the Amazonian Basin known for its hot springs and nearby waterfalls.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Choose your adventure today:

• Option 1: Explore Baños along the scenic Waterfall Route, visiting stunning cascades like Manto de la Novia and Pailón del Diablo, with optional cable car rides and forest hikes. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon back in Baños.
• Option 2: Immerse yourself in the Amazon with a visit to an animal rescue center, a guided jungle hike to a hidden waterfall, and breathtaking views of the jungle canopy from Indichuris lookout.

Both promise unforgettable experiences!

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Enjoy a free day in Baños de Agua Santa, a paradise for adventure and relaxation.
• Soak in the rejuvenating hot springs, explore the vibrant town, or hike to stunning waterfalls.
• Embark on an exhilarating bike ride along the famous Ruta de las Cascadas, and try your hand at canyoning, zip-lining, or bungee jumping for an adrenaline rush. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting, take a scenic cable car ride, or visit the Swing at the End of the World for breathtaking views.
• With its diverse activities set against a backdrop of lush landscapes, Baños offers something for every traveler.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Begin your journey in Baños, traveling through the breathtaking Andean highlands with a scenic stop at Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador's highest peak and a stunning natural landmark.
• Continue to the historic town of Guamote, nestled in the heart of the Andes. Here, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the local indigenous communities.
• Visit traditional villages, learn about their customs and way of life, and interact with skilled artisans who share their craft and heritage. This enriching experience offers a perfect blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and authentic cultural connections, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Embark on a captivating journey from Guamote to Cuenca, enriched with historical and cultural experiences. Departing from Guamote, you'll travel through the picturesque Andean highlands, making your way to the Ingapirca Ruins, Ecuador's most significant Inca-Cañari archaeological site.
• At Ingapirca, explore the ancient complex, including the unique elliptical Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces, and courtyards. Learn about the fascinating history and architectural prowess of the Inca and Cañari civilizations from knowledgeable guides.
• After immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Ingapirca, continue your journey to the charming city of Cuenca. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, Cuenca offers a blend of historical landmarks, vibrant markets, and a lively cultural scene, making it a perfect destination to conclude your adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Start your day with a visit to the Pumapungo Museum, an archaeological site that unveils Cuenca's rich Inca heritage.
• Wander through the city's charming artisan neighborhoods and bustling central markets, where colonial architecture and vibrant local culture come to life.
• Explore the Modern Art Museum, showcasing contemporary artistic expressions, before admiring the grandeur of Cuenca's majestic cathedral. Conclude your journey at the Turi viewpoint, where breathtaking panoramic views offer the perfect snapshot of this historic city's beauty.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading on a scenic 40-minute drive to Cajas National Park, west of Cuenca. Your adventure starts with a hike to Laguna "La Toreadora," offering breathtaking views of the park's vast lake complex and highland landscapes.
• As you trek through the páramo for up to two and a half hours, you'll encounter unique flora and fauna, including the iconic Polylepis trees.
• In the afternoon, journey to a coastal agroecological farm, where you'll immerse yourself in the world of cocoa. Discover the process of harvesting and drying cacao, indulge in a chocolate tasting, and participate in a chocolate-making workshop. Lunch is available on-site (not included).
• After a short drive, you'll arrive in Montañita, a vibrant beach town known for its lively surf scene and laid-back atmosphere.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Begin your adventure with a boat ride to Isla de la Plata, a remote island teeming with wildlife. Explore scenic trails on a guided 2-hour hike, spotting blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies, frigate birds, and more.
• Along the way, uncover the island's fascinating history, from ancient cultures to pirate legends.
• After the hike, dive into the island's crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Swim alongside vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and - if visiting between June and September - humpback whales. On the return journey, enjoy a delicious box lunch before a leisurely afternoon to unwind or explore at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Begin your day with a visit to the ancestral community of Agua Blanca, where you'll walk through a dry coastal forest, spotting iguanas along the way. Conclude your trek with a relaxing soak in a natural sulfur lagoon, known for its therapeutic properties.
• Next, explore the breathtaking landscapes of Machalilla National Park. Hike through the dry forest to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Pacific before arriving at Los Frailes, considered the most beautiful beach on Ecuador's mainland.
• The journey continues to Montecristi, home of the world-famous Paja Toquilla hats. Discover the intricate art behind these handwoven masterpieces, a tradition recognized by UNESCO as part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity, before concluding your day in Manta.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Our journey commences with an immersive visit to the community of Chorrillos, where the ancient art of cabuya-making still thrives.
• Delve into the intricacies of this fading craft while exploring the myriad of handcrafted treasures that adorn the village. From there, we venture to the ethereal La Segua wetland, a RAMSAR protected area teeming with endemic avian life and embraced by vibrant local communities.
• As the day unfolds, we pause for a traditional lunch, allowing you to relish local delicacies such as crispy Chame (fish) and savory chicken tonga, thoughtfully prepared by the La Segua community.
• By evening, we find ourselves in Mushily, a heartwarming Tsáchila tribe community project in Santo Domingo. Here, under the evening sky, we savor a delectable dinner and nestle into our cozy hotel, a perfect immersion in Ecuador's rich cultural tapestry.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Start your day with a traditional Tsáchila breakfast, prepared by the local community.
• Then, embark on a scenic drive to Mindo, a lush paradise within the Choco Andino biosphere reserve. Here, a private natural reserve offers a mesmerizing birdwatching experience, where you'll observe hummingbirds and other exotic species up close.
• Dive into the world of high-altitude coffee, exploring the journey from bean to brew while sampling a variety of flavors.
• After enjoying a local lunch (not included), return to Quito for a visit to the iconic Equatorial Monument, standing at the crossroads of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This enriching day blends culture, nature, and gastronomy, ending with a restful night in Quito.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• At the designated time for your international flight, your private driver will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby to help you with your luggage and drive you to the airport for your departure.

Meals Included: Breakfast