COLORFUL ECUADOR - 15 DAYS
This great trip of 15 days / 14 nights offers you the opportunity to mix the main places of the Ecuadorian Andes and the Pacific coast. You will be able to enjoy the wonderful biodiversity, natural landscapes, and Cultural places of these two regions of Ecuador, such as the Otavalo indigenous market, the birdwatching paradise in Mindo, the active volcano Cotopaxi, the entrance of the Amazon basin in Banos and finally Cuenca city. Then we'll visit the Ecuadorian coast where its paradise beaches you can relax and enjoy a healthy environment in a magnificent tour.
CLOUDFOREST
ANDEAN CULTURE
PACIFIC COAST
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
-
Quito: The Historic Center of Quito was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on September 8, 1978. It is the least altered and the best preserved in America. Mitad del Mundo. This is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, You can visit the monument or the insitu museum called Inti-Ñan. You can discover the great details of the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator and ancient cultures and much more..!
-
Otavalo: Is a city in the Andean highlands of Imbabura Province, northern Ecuador. It is surrounded by volcanoes, including the Imbabura Volcano. It is known for its Otavalo Indigenous Market in the central Plaza de Ponchos, where locals dressed in traditional indigenous clothing sell colorful textiles and handicrafts.
- Mindo: One of the most famous cloud forests is located in a valley, the Mindo Cloud Forest, of which about 19,000 hectares are protected, which is called the Mindo Nambillo Protective Forest. About 500 varieties of birds and 90 species of butterflies live in this ecosystem. Likewise, in the Mindo reserve park, more than 170 species of orchids have been identified and bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens abound. Despite being small in size, Mindo is home to about 500 varieties of birds and approximately 90 types of butterflies. In addition, more than 170 species of orchids have been found. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see many birds.
- Cotopaxi National Park: Cotopaxi is a tourist place in Ecuador, one of the heights that you cannot miss visiting. Discover here how to get there, climate, altitude, biodiversity, and more. A representative volcano of the Sierra Region.
- Quilotoa Lagoon: Quilotoa or "princess diamond" in Kichwa, is one of the colossi of the avenue of volcanoes in whose crater lies a spectacular lagoon, hence you will always hear stories of the Quilotoa Volcano and the Quilotoa Lagoon.
- Baños: Also known as "Piece of Heaven", "Gateway to the Amazon", "Puerta de El Dorado" or "City of the Volcano". It is the land of rivers to practice extreme sports.
- Ingapirca: which means "Inca Wall" was, above all, an astronomical observatory of the movement of the sun and the moon, it was also a sacred space dedicated to the worship of their gods built by the Incas on the basis of a first Cañarí settlement, which populated the southern Ecuadorian.
- Cuenca: It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country and is made up of four rivers that cross it, charming colonial streets, European-style architecture, churches and cathedrals, ruins that reveal the passage of the Incas and cultural, art and craft centers of long standing.
- Los Frailes Beach: is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador, due to its extension, white sand, the tranquility it offers as it is separated from the road and because it is usually empty. It belongs to the Machalilla National Park and is surrounded by cliffs and a viewpoint.
-
Puerto Lopez: It is known as "Ecological and tourist city", it has beautiful white sand beaches, and the privilege of having the Machalilla National Park. It is a canton in the province of Manabí considered by nature a fishing port, tourist and agricultural center.
ITINERARY
| DAY | ITINERARY | OVERNIGHT | MEALS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TRANSFER AIRPORT - HOTEL | Hotel in Quito | N/A |
| 2 | QUITO CITY TOUR - MITAD DEL MUNDO - TELEFERICO | Hotel in Quito | B |
| 3 | OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET | Hotel in Otavalo | B |
| 4 | TRIP TO MINDO - BUTTERFLY FARM - ZIPLINE - CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE | Hotel in Mindo | B |
| 5 | COCK OF THE ROCK - RETUN TO QUITO | Hotel in Quito | B |
| 6 | COTOPAXI VOLCANO - QUILOTOA LAGOON - BANOS | Hotel in Banos | B |
| 7 | BAÑOS - ROUTE OF THE CASCADES - TRIP TO RIOBAMBA | Hotel in Riobamba | B |
| 8 | RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA | Hotel in Cuenca | B |
| 9 | CUENCA CITY TOUR - GUALACEO AND CHORDELEG | Hotel in Cuenca | B |
| 10 | EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK – GUAYAQUIL CITY | Hotel in Guayaquil | B |
| 11 | GUAYAQUIL - MONTANITA | Hotel in Montanita | B |
| 12 | MONTANITA - SPONDYLUS ROUTE - PUERTO LOPEZ | Hotel in Puerto Lopez | B |
| 13 | ISLA DE LA PLATA | Hotel in Puerto Lopez | B - L |
| 14 | LOS FRAILES BEACH RETURN TO QUITO | Hotel in Quito | B |
| 15 | TRANSFER OUT - END OF OUR SERVICES | No hotel | B |
ITINERARY DAY BY DAY
DAY 1: TRANSFER AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL
Welcome to Ecuador, our guide will receive you at the Airport at your arrival and he will take you to the hotel. Overnight in Quito.
-
- Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Quito.
DAY 2: QUITO CITY TOUR - MITAD DEL MUNDO - TELEFERICO
We will visit some of the most famous squares, churches and colonial buildings. The Plaza de la Independencia with its Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Building, the Statue of Independence and the Cathedral. We will continue to the churches of El Sagrario and La Compañía, and then the church and convent of San Francisco. We will take a look inside the church and be amazed by the exuberant gold that was used to decorate the oldest church in Quito. Then we will move to the Panecillo and the statue of the Virgin of Quito. From here we will have the opportunity to see both parts of Quito and the surrounding snow-capped volcanoes!
In the afternoon we will continue the famous Mitad del Mundo. This is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, You can visit the monument or the insitu museum called Inti-Ñan. You can discover the great details of the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator and ancient cultures and much more..!
Finally you will visit the Teleferiqo (cable car) of Quito. Over 2,500 meters you will reach the top of the Pichincha Volcano, this great visit is a unique experience, which offers a great view of the landscape of the north, center and south of the city. After this visit we will be dropped off at our hotel. Overnight in Quito.
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Quito.
DAY 3: OTAVALO MARKET AND SURROUNDINGS
On this day in Otavalo, we'll visit the beauty cascade of Peguche with a short hike around the place. After this visit, we'll have time to visit the indigenous market of Otavalo, one of the largest in America. In this market, the people of the zone sell their textiles and handicrafts. After free time in the market, we'll continue the trip to the town of Cotacachi, recognized for leather clothing and crafts. we'll continue with our final visit of the day, the Ecological Reserve Cuicocha, where the main attraction is the lagoon located inside the crater. It's possible a short walk around the lagoon or a short trip in small boats on the lagoon. (with additional cost).
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Otavalo.
DAY 4: TRIP TO MINDO - BUTTERFLY FARM - ZIPLINE - CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
We head towards Mindo Cloudforest where fun and adventure in nature are guaranteed. Mindo is the most famous town for birdwatchers in the Andes of Ecuador, due to the number of species we can find in the area. Orchids, bromeliads, and more than 40 species of butterflies are the highlights of this area. Our guide will lead to some activities possible to do on this day, some of them could be birdwatching hiking, also an ecological walk to the waterfalls or canopy. You will have time for lunch (Not included) then we will visit the Chocolate Factory or Butterfly Farm.
-
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
- Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Quito.
DAY 5: COCK OF THE ROCK - RETUN TO QUITO
This day’s adventure begins at dawn with a visit to the famous Cock-of-the-Rock Lek, where you’ll witness the incredible courtship displays of these vibrant, scarlet-feathered birds. When the mist clears, you’ll watch the energetic males calling and performing in a colourful spectacle that’s sure to captivate birdwatchers and photographers alike. After the lek, the excursion continues with a search for some of the reserve’s most elusive residents: the Antbirds. Although the aim is to spot as many of the five species of Antbirds – Giant, Chestnut, Moustached, Ochre and Yellow – as possible, it’s important to note that sightings can vary from day to day, as these shy birds don’t always appear in time. However, with expert local guides such as Angel, Rodrigo and Andy calling the birds from the dense undergrowth, you’ll have the best possible chance of seeing these rare ground-dwellers. This compact and immersive tour provides a unique insight into the incredible biodiversity of the cloud forest and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatchers with limited time. Whether you are new to ornithology or already experienced, the Cock-of-the-Rock and Grallaria tour offers unforgettable sightings in one of Ecuador's most iconic birding destinations. Then we will return to Quito.
-
Meals inlcuded: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Quito.
DAY 6: COTOPAXI VOLCANO - QUILOTOA LAGOON - BANOS
Departure early in the morning from from our designated hotels, through the Panamerican Highway admiring the diverse ecosystems of the route, as a clear sign of the majesty of the Andes. We continue to the Cotopaxi National Park, arriving at the foot of the impressive active volcano. Visit the Museum Park, the Limpiopungo Lagoon and through an interesting hike will reach the forest of chuquirahuas to 4200 meters. (if the weather permits).
After this visit you will reach the Quilotoa Volcano, which has in its crater a stunning turquoise lagoon, making it one of the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of Ecuador. We take a short hike to appreciate the magnificent view of the volcano (if weather conditions allow). Then we’ll have the option to hike to reach the banks of this marvellous lagoon. Late in the afternoon we'll go to Baños, where you will spend the night. Overnight in Baños.
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Baños.
DAY 7: BAÑOS - ROUTE OF THE CASCADES - TRIP TO RIOBAMBA
After breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit the surroundings of the town. We will take the "Route of the cascadas" where you will visit the different cascades in the area such as: Agoyan, Manto de la Novia and San Pedro, and you will also be able to enjoy the famous "Tarabita", a small cable car that crosses the great canyon over the Pastaza River. Then we will do a trekking to get to "El Pailon del Diablo"; a beautiful waterfall where we can have the opportunity to walk through the cloud forest. Then trip to Riobamba with a short visit of the Chiborazo volcano for some photos. Overnight in Riobamba.
-
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Riobamba.
DAY 8: RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA
We will visist some interesting historic places of the city of Riobamba in the morning... Then we'll go towards south and we'll the Balbanera church, which is the first one founded in Ecuador. The a short time around the peaceful lagoon of Colta Lagoon. These two are unique Andean landscapes of the area.
We’ll reach the area of the Andean train called the famous "Devil’s nose" , the tour is not operating at this time due the company of trains is “out of business” but our guide will show you the operation and the route… After this visit we'll continue towards south and we’ll reach the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, famous place of inca ancient times. Ingapirca is the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. It is located in the southern Andean region of Ecuador, at 3,160 meters above sea level, in the province of Cañar. Ingapirca, a Kichwa word that means 'wall or wall of the Inca', is a symbol of Inca rule before the Spanish conquest of America; The four-hectare archaeological complex is an obligatory step for all those who want to know the Qhapaq Ñan – Andean Road System, since this site, in addition to concentrating the Cañari culture (500 AD) was an important ceremonial area, which united diverse cultures through Tahuantinsuyo... Finally we'll reach Cuenca city. Overnight in Cuenca.
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Cuenca.
DAY 9: CITY TOUR IN CUENCA - GUALACEO - CHORDELEG
We will start our adventure of this day have a city tour through the city of Cuenca, a beautiful city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will able to discover its cultural and architectural diversity. visiting the most important churches and monuments of this city. We will also visit the Turi viewpoint, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire city of Cuenca. After the lunch (not included) In the afternoon we will visit the colonial tows of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two of the most important towns near the city, famous for their handicrafts made with gold and silver, and for their colonial traditions. Overnight in Cuenca.
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Cuenca.
DAY 10: EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK – GUAYAQUIL CITY
After breakfast we go to a short excursion to El Cajas National Park or the Gualaceo Valley (depending on weather conditions) and then we will travel to Guayaquil. El Cajas National Park has several small lagoons (more than 230). They are the remains of the last ice age. The lakes are connected by small rivers, whose crystal clear waters flow into the Pacific. We will have a short walk through this protected area. We will continue the trip to Guayaquil.
-
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Guayaquil.
DAY 11: GUAYAQUIL - MONTANITA
Today we will drive around the famous "Ruta del Sol" passing by several beaches of the Pacific Coast. We'll visit the town of Ballenita. Some other small villages along the route. Finally we'll reach Montañita where we'll spend the day in the beach. Overnight in Montanita.
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Montanita.
DAY 12: MONTANITA - SPONDYLUS ROUTE - PUERTO LOPEZ
After breakfast, we will travel along the Spondylus route admiring various seascapes with the Pacific Ocean and coastal towns.
-
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Puerto Lopez.
DAY 13: ISLA DE LAPLATA
Get ready for the nature, due this day we will visit the Isla de la Plata. Called as "The little Galapagos" it's the perfect destination for nature lovers looking for a unique marine life. We will see also some species of birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigates, This place is famous for snorkeling due the diversity of marine life. From June to October you will be able to wacth humpback whales jumping in this area during their mating time. After this long day of adventure return to your hotel. Overnight in Puerto Lopez
-
Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Puerto Lopez.
DAY 14: LOS FRAILES BEACH RETURN TO QUITO
This day we will make a trip from Puerto López, a brief stop at playa Los Frailes. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador due its extension, white sand and tranquility. It belongs to the Machalilla National Park and is surrounded by cliffs and a viewpoint. To get to the beach you must go through a beautiful dry forest that exhibits species of flora and fauna typical of the area. Then we will continue to Manta, Santo Domingo and then to Quito. Overnight in Quito.
-
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
-
Accommodation in a double room at the hotel of your choice in Quito.
DAY 15: TRANSFER OUT - END OF OUR SERVICES
Breakfast. The guide will pick you up at your hotel at assigned time according the time of your inbound flight. Transfer to the airport.
END OF OUR SERVICES
-
Meals included: Breakfast.
YOUR
ACCOMMODATION
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
| MINDO | CASA AMARILLA LODGE | BREAKFAST |
| BANOS | LA FLORESTA | BREAKFAST |
| MONTANITA | MONTANITA | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | MANDALA | BREAKFAST |
| HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
INCLUDE:
- Meals according to the program.
- Private transportation throughout the program with an English-speaking guide-driver
- Hotel accommodation in double rooms.
- Excursions according to itinerary
- Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park
- Tour isla de la Plata.
- Entrance fees to museums throughout the program.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals are not specified in the program
- Extras Activities
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Bank transfer costs
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
| MINDO | CASA AMARILLA LODGE | BREAKFAST |
| BANOS | LA FLORESTA | BREAKFAST |
| MONTANITA | MONTANITA | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | MANDALA | BREAKFAST |
| HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
INCLUDE:
- Meals according to the program.
- Private transportation throughout the program with an English-speaking guide-driver
- Hotel accommodation in double rooms.
- Excursions according to itinerary
- Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park
- Tour isla de la Plata.
- Entrance fees to museums throughout the program.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals are not specified in the program
- Extras Activities
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Bank transfer costs
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | MERCURE | BREAKFAST |
| MINDO | SACHATAMIA LODGE | BREAKFAST |
| BAÑOS | SANGAY | BREAKFAST |
| MONTANITA | MONTANITA | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | LA TERRAZA | BREAKFAST |
| HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
INCLUDE:
- Meals according to the program.
- Private transportation throughout the program with an English-speaking guide-driver
- Hotel accommodation in double rooms.
- Excursions according to itinerary
- Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park
- Tour isla de la Plata.
- Entrance fees to museums throughout the program.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals are not specified in the program
- Extras Activities
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Bank transfer costs
| CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|
| QUITO | PATIO ANDALUZ | BREAKFAST |
| MINDO | BELLAVISTA LODGE | BREAKFAST |
| BAÑOS | LUNA VOLCAN | BREAKFAST |
| MONTANITA | MONTANITA | BREAKFAST |
| PUERTO LOPEZ | PUERTO LOPEZ | BREAKFAST |
| HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
|---|---|
| REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
INCLUDE:
- Meals according to the program.
- Private transportation throughout the program with an English-speaking guide-driver
- Hotel accommodation in double rooms.
- Excursions according to itinerary
- Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park
- Tour isla de la Plata.
- Entrance fees to museums throughout the program.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals are not specified in the program
- Extras Activities
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Bank transfer costs
MORE MULTI DAY TOURS
21 Days - From $4992
The 4 Worlds of Ecuador
Texto de muestra. Haz click para seleccionar el elemento de Texto.
The best of Ecuador
19 Days - From $2648
Amazing Ecuador
14 Days - From $2168
Natural Ecuador
11 Days - From $1548
Andes and Coast
6 Days - From $987
Andes and Amazon
5 Days - From $835
Volcanoes avenue & Cuenca
3 Days - From $404
Cotopaxi and Quilotoa
3 Days - From $399
Otavalo cultural tour
3 Days - From $411
Mindo Cock of the rock
3 Days - From $442
Banos Route of the cascades
2 Days - From $237
