Welcome to
ECUADOR
Active
Get ready for a unique experience in a country full of contrasts and extraordinary landscapes!
Active Ecuador invites you to explore in a unique way, where natural and cultural diversity intertwine to create an incomparable destination. From the peaks of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon and the paradisiacal Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is your gateway to unparalleled emotions and discoveries.
A Mosaic of Unparalleled Adventures
's Iconic Destinations
Ecuador awaits to captivate you at every iconic destination in Ecuador Efectivo!
's Vibrant Culture
, and more
OUR OPTIONS
Discover the diversity and excitement that await you with Ecuador Activo's programs.
We invite you to explore our exciting travel options and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience. Remember that our options are designed to serve as the foundation for your personalized adventure planning, so tailor them to your individual needs and tastes.
We are here to turn your travel dreams into an unforgettable reality.
Active Ecuador
- 9 days
- 8 nights
Begin your adventure in Quito with an exciting city tour, climb the Pichincha volcano, and enjoy horseback riding in Cotopaxi. Explore the crater of Quilotoa Lagoon, visit the impressive Devil's Cauldron, and experience canyoning on the Blanco River. Feel the adrenaline rush of rafting on the Jatunyacu River and relax in the hot springs of Papallacta. An unforgettable journey of nature and adventure awaits you.
Explore Ecuador with us!
INCLUDES
- Private transportation
- Bilingual guide
- Accommodation
- Meals according to itinerary
- Tickets to tourist attractions
- Horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park
- Activity equipment
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Foods not specified
- Items not specified
itinerary
1
Arrival in Quito
Once you arrive at Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito, we will be waiting to take you on a private transfer directly to your hotel, which is located in a central area with easy access to restaurants, bars, craft shops, and parks. On this first day, you will have time to explore on your own and begin to discover this beautiful city. Quito is located 2,800 meters above sea level, so we recommend that you relax and prepare yourself for the exciting adventure that awaits you.
2
Quito City Tour + Middle of the World
We will start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to the Historic Center of Quito, the largest and best preserved in Latin America. Our first stop will be the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, famous for its neo-Gothic style and detailed gargoyle and Ecuadorian fauna decorations.
We will continue our tour to Independence Square or Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the municipal building, and the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral. Our next stop will be the magnificent Church of La Compañía, whose interior is adorned with exquisite details crafted in gold leaf.
Afterwards, we will visit the open square of San Francisco and its monumental church and convent, known as El Escorial de los Andes, built in the 16th century by the indigenous people of the School of San Andrés. For lunch, passengers will enjoy a culinary experience at a fine dining restaurant located in the Historic Center.
We will continue our tour to El Panecillo, a hill crowned by the winged Virgin of Quito, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the impressive Andean landscape. In the afternoon, we will continue to Mitad del Mundo, located 22 km north of the city of Quito, where the equator is located. Here we will experience standing in both hemispheres and visit the Intiñán museum, where we will conduct a series of dynamic experiments that confirm the location of the equator.
At the end of the afternoon, we will return to the hotel to rest and relax after a day full of incredible experiences.
3
Rucu Pichincha Volcano
We will start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel to recharge our batteries. At 8:00 a.m., we will meet our transport and a certified mountain guide to head to the cable car, where we will ascend to the Cruz Loma station at 4,000 meters above sea level. From there, we will begin a hike along the ridge to the base of the mountain, continuing on an exciting journey to the summit at 4696 meters. We will take a break to take photos and then begin the descent back to the cable car to return to Quito.
In the afternoon, we will head to Machachi to continue our adventures.
4
Cotopaxi Volcano
In the morning, we will enjoy a horseback ride inside Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest active volcano in the world, standing at 5,897 meters above sea level or 19,388 feet, and one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains in Ecuador. During the tour, we will marvel at the incredible landscapes of the Ecuadorian Andes. In the park, we will visit the interpretation center to learn about the fauna and flora of the area, as well as important information about the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano.
Afterwards, we will walk for approximately one hour to visit the Limpiopungo lagoon. For those who want more adventure, we can arrange an ascent to the volcano parking lot, located at 4,600 meters, and from there walk an hour and a half to the José Rivas refuge, located 200 meters away on a steep slope.
5
Quilotoa Crater Lake
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will prepare for an early morning hike around the Quilotoa lagoon, which will take around 6 to 7 hours. This lagoon, located in an extinct volcanic crater, is one of the most beautiful and spectacular places you can visit. With its calm waters and beautiful green and turquoise colors, reaching the edge of the lagoon is an incredible experience that will allow you to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
6
Bathrooms - Canyoning
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, our day of adventure will begin at 9:00 a.m. We will gear up for the activities and head to Río Blanco in a private car, a journey of about 20 minutes. Once there, our guide will explain the rappelling techniques and safety instructions. We will have the opportunity to practice on land before entering the canyon. After getting ready, we will walk uphill for about 20 minutes through breathtaking scenery. Then, we will enjoy the experience of rappelling down three different waterfalls, and at the end of the canyoning section, we will have the opportunity to experience a natural slide, the highlight of this trip!
In the afternoon, we will visit the impressive Pailón Del Diablo waterfall, which is about 80 meters high and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls to visit in Baños and Ecuador.
7
Tena - Jatunyacu Rafting
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will prepare for an exciting morning activity: rafting on the Upper Napo River, known locally as the Jatunyacu River, which means "BIG WATER" in Quichua. This river is truly impressive, with big waves and lots of fun. It is an exciting trip for both beginners and experts, offering the perfect combination of thrilling rapids, calm pools, and fabulous jungle landscapes that will delight everyone. As the headwaters of one of the two rivers that form the mighty Amazon River, this rafting adventure is not to be missed! No previous rafting experience is necessary. After the activity, we will enjoy lunch and return to the hotel to relax.
8
Papallacta Hot Springs - Quito
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our journey back to Quito. On the way, we will stop to visit Papallacta, a small town located at an altitude of 3,250 m (10,600 ft) in the Andes, near the eastern mountain range that leads to the Amazon rainforest. Here you will find Termas Papallacta, a spa and hot spring resort located in a magical landscape in the high Andes. More than just a destination, it is a holistic experience that will awaken all your senses.
9
Transfer out
Passengers will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport to catch their flight home.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in US dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout the year, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; if a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated, tour operators will be informed, and itineraries will be updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
Spondylus Route
- 6 days
- 5 nights
Welcome to an unforgettable journey along the enchanting Spondylus Route, where the beauty of the Pacific meets Ecuadorian culture. This exciting tour from Guayaquil to Aguas Blancas will immerse you in spectacular landscapes, golden beaches, and unique cultural experiences.
The Spondylus Route in Ecuador is a picturesque coastal road that runs along the Pacific coast, offering stunning sea views and pristine beaches.
INCLUDES
- Transportation for visits and excursions
- Local guide
- Accommodation
- Maritime transport
- Meals according to itinerary
- Tickets to tourist attractions
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Foods not specified
- Items not specified
itinerary
1
Transfer in Guayaquil
We will meet you at José Joaquín de Olmedo Airport and will be delighted to accompany you on your private transfer to your hotel in the city center. There you will have the opportunity to discover restaurants, bars, craft shops, and parks. On your first day, you will have time to explore and discover everything this beautiful city has to offer. I am sure you will fall in love with every corner of this city.
2
Guayaquil city tour – Transfer to Puerto López
To start, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast at our hotel, followed by an incredible tour of the beautiful city of Guayaquil. We will begin at the Plaza de Administración, where the impressive neoclassical City Hall is located, before continuing on to the Moorish-style Clock Tower. Next, we will explore the spectacular Simón Bolívar boardwalk, an urban regeneration project that seeks to unite the city and its citizens with the beautiful Guayas River. It will be a wonderful 3 km walk! At the Rotonda, we will learn about the liberation processes in South America led by Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín. Afterwards, we will visit the historic and intimate neighborhood of Las Peñas with its beautiful wooden houses. And to finish, right from the hill of Santa Ana, we will enjoy a panoramic view that will take your breath away. We assure you that you will love it! After lunch, we will head to Puerto López where we can finally rest.
3
Los Frailes Beach – Agua Blanca
We would love to accompany you on your visit to the incredible Los Frailes beach and the beautiful community of Agua Blanca. This tour combines the natural beauty of the Ecuadorian coast with a unique experience of history and culture. Los Frailes is a spectacular beach with three consecutive beaches and different colors of sand, surrounded by hills, cliffs, and viewpoints that offer the most beautiful views of Machalilla National Park. During our visit, we will explore its trails and reach the highest point to discover some of the best views. Then, we will visit the community of Agua Blanca, located in the heart of the dry forest and home to one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the park. Our visit includes admission to the archaeological museum and a walk through the cultural sites and the tropical dry forest. Finally, the tour culminates at the sulfurous and medicinal lagoon of Agua Blanca, prized for its healing properties.
WHAT TO BRING
• Seasonal clothing.
• Swimsuit.
• Towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats.
• Sneakers, sandals.
4
Silver Island
We are here to provide you with information about an incredible tour. We will begin our journey from the Puerto López pier, where the guide will welcome you with great enthusiasm. At this point, each passenger must pay for the use of the pier directly. We will board a comfortable boat to explore the wonderful Isla de la Plata, known as "The Little Galapagos." This natural paradise is located about 40 kilometers off the coast of Puerto López and belongs to Machalilla National Park. Here, we will have the opportunity to appreciate the wide variety of seabirds that inhabit this place, such as blue-footed, red-footed, and masked boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans, tropical birds, albatrosses, and sea lions. It is also an ideal area for diving and snorkeling, as we will find the latest coral reef formations on the Ecuadorian coast. What's more, if you visit between June and September, you will have the chance to see whales during the tour!
- Departure to Puerto López
- Whale watching (June–September).
- Arrival on the island of La Plata
- Hike along the island's trails to
- Seabird watching.
- Lunch Box
- Sea turtle watching (November–May)
- Snorkeling Practice
- Return to Puerto López
Transportation is provided by yachts with a capacity for 16 people, equipped with two outboard motors, bathrooms, communication systems, and life jackets.
5
Silver Island
The departure will be from the Puerto López pier. There you will meet the guide and, in a very friendly manner, each passenger will be asked to pay for the use of the pier directly. Then we will board a boat to visit Isla de la Plata. This is exciting! The island is considered "The Little Galapagos" and is located just 40 kilometers off the coast of Puerto López. It is part of Machalilla National Park and is an impressive nesting site for seabirds such as blue-footed, red-footed, and masked boobies, frigatebirds, pelicans, tropical birds, albatrosses, and sea lions. What's more, it's perfect for diving and snorkeling! Here you'll find the last remaining coral reefs on the Ecuadorian coast, and between June and September you can go whale watching. It will be an unforgettable experience!
Duration: 7 hours
▪ Departure to Puerto López
▪ Whale watching (June–September).
▪ Arrival at Isla de la Plata
▪ Walk along the island's trails to observe seabirds.
▪ Box lunch
▪ Sea turtle watching (November–May)
▪ Snorkeling
▪ Return to Puerto López
Transportation is provided by yachts with a capacity for 16 people, equipped with two outboard motors, bathrooms, communication systems, and life jackets.
6
Puerto López - Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning to enjoy the beach. At approximately 2:30 p.m., passengers will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the city of Guayaquil.
7
Departure transfer
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport according to flight time. End of services.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in US dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout the year, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; if a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated, tour operators will be informed, and itineraries will be updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
Treasury Program
- 5 days
- 4 nights
Discovering the hacienda route is an incredible experience! The views are breathtaking: the mountains and the majestic El Cotopaxi volcano appear before you in vibrant colors—spectacular! You will forget the noise of the city and breathe in the fresh mountain air, a rest for the soul! Here, you will travel back in time and see firsthand the magnificence, design, and comfort that characterize these haciendas. I assure you that you will be captivated by everything you see! Don't miss out on this unique experience!
Haciendas / Hotels: Patio Andaluz and Hacienda La Alegría
INCLUDES
- Transportation for visits and excursions
- Local guide
- Accommodation
- Meals according to itinerary
- Tickets to tourist attractions
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Foods not specified
- Items not specified
itinerary
1
Arrival in Quito – Airport transfer to hotel
Welcome to Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito! It will be our pleasure to take you on a comfortable private transfer from the airport to the beautiful city of Quito. Enjoy the ride while taking in the beautiful views of our city!
2
City Tour - Transfer to Hacienda La Alegría
We will begin our adventure today with a delicious breakfast at the hotel to get us ready and full of energy. Our friendly guide will pick us up at the hotel to take us to explore the largest and best-preserved historic center in Latin America. First, we will stop at the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, known for its neo-Gothic style and Ecuadorian fauna decorations that make it a unique place. Next, we will visit the beautiful Plaza de la Independencia, surrounded by buildings such as the Presidential Palace and the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral. We will continue our tour to the impressive Church of La Compañía and the historic Plaza de San Francisco. Our day will end with a breathtaking view from the Panecillo hill, where the winged Virgin of Quito is located. Finally, we will head to Hacienda La Alegría, located in the heart of the Andes, to enjoy dinner and accommodation.
3
Activities at Hacienda La Alegría
This is the perfect place to connect with the nature of the páramo, the Chagra culture, and ranch life, and enjoy an exciting experience in a stunning natural setting. On this day, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an incredible horseback ride led by our expert Chagras, who are thoroughly familiar with our safety regulations, including our prevention, mitigation, and evacuation plans. Adventure awaits you! In addition, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner and spend the night in our comfortable facilities. We hope you enjoy your stay at Breakfast at the Hacienda!
4
Cotopaxi National Park
Today is a day full of adventure. We will head south on the Pan-American Highway to reach the spectacular Cotopaxi National Park, home to the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, a place full of natural beauty and wonders to discover!
Along the way, we will stop to register at the southern checkpoint of the national park and learn more about the biodiversity and geography of the area at the interpretation center. Afterwards, we will take a walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon to see the impressive Cotopaxi volcano. It will be a perfect day for taking lots of selfies!
If you wish, you can visit the parking lot of the José Rivas mountain refuge, where you can discover much more about the impressive beauty of this place. We can also enjoy a special lunch at a beautiful hacienda! After a day full of exciting adventures, we will return to Quito to enjoy a delicious dinner and comfortable accommodation. See you soon!
5
Airport transfer
Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel to the airport to catch your international flight home.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in US dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout the year, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; if a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated, tour operators will be informed, and itineraries will be updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
Treasury Program
- 7 days
- 5 nights
The hacienda route is a unique experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes. Along this route, you can enjoy the majesty of volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Imbabura, Cayambe, and other spectacular landscapes such as beautiful lakes. As you travel through the mountains, you can breathe fresh air and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition, you will have the opportunity to travel back in time and experience the splendor, design, and comfort that these haciendas offer. We assure you that you will have an unforgettable experience on this wonderful nature tour!
Estates/Hotels: Illa Experience and Hacienda Zuleta
INCLUDES
- Transportation for visits and excursions
- Local guide
- Accommodation
- Meals according to itinerary
- Tickets to tourist attractions
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Foods not specified
- Items not specified
itinerary
1
Arrival in Quito - Transfer to Otavalo
Arrival at Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito. Private transfer from the airport to Otavalo. Dinner at the hacienda.
2
Otavalo (market - Cuicocha - Cotacachi)
Breakfast. At the scheduled time, passengers will be picked up from their hotel, and the guide will give an introduction to the tour and some recommendations for the day. During the tour, we will have the opportunity to visit the largest indigenous market in Latin America, meet the people, see their clothing, customs, and products that are valued around the world.
▪ Otavalo Market – The city of Otavalo has been declared the "intercultural capital of Ecuador" because it is a city with enormous potential in several aspects, possessing scenic charm, cultural richness, history, and commercial development. This town is mainly known for its colorful indigenous market, the largest
in Latin America.
▪ Cuicocha: The Cuicocha Volcano Crater is one of the most beautiful natural sites in our beautiful Ecuador. This site is located in the province of Imbabura, within the Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve. It is a lake with two islets in the middle of the lagoon: Yerovi and Teodoro Wolf. As an active volcano, it is a natural tourist attraction that draws the attention of locals and visitors alike. Near the islets, you can see bubbling springs that slowly expel their energy from within through these fumaroles. The wildlife is very rich in both flora and fauna. There are countless species of birds, bromeliads, and orchids throughout the area, and the most exquisite part of this adventure is the different views of the inter-Andean valleys of Otavalo, Cotacachi, Atuntaqui, and Peguche. And with luck on clear days, you can see the majestic Cayambe, the volcanic complex of Mojandas Fuya Fuya, Yanaurco, and Mojanda; and of course, the Colossus of Mama Cotacachi and Taita Imbabura.
▪ Cotacachi – The city of Cotacachi is located on the slopes of the volcano of the same name, in the northern part of the country. Its inhabitants are engaged in the leather industry (manufacturing and marketing).
At the end of the tour, passengers will be transferred to the hacienda. Lunch – Dinner.
3
Activities at Hacienda Zuleta
Breakfast.
Optional visits during your stay:
1. Visits to the Cóndor Huasi Project and the condor viewpoint, unique in Ecuador, without a guide.
2. Large gardens and lagoon.
3. Visit to the chapel.
4. 60 km of self-guided trails.
5. Visit to the community and various places of interest such as embroidery shops, saddle workshop, museum house, etc., without a guide.
6. Caranqui archaeological site, without a guide.
7. 1,700 hectares of farmland, cheese factory, vegetable garden, vermiculture, milking,
sheep, trout.
8. Foundation projects: embroidery shop
Lunch – Dinner. Accommodation.
4
Transfer from Otavalo to Quito - Mitad del Mundo
Breakfast. Return to Otavalo. During the trip, we will visit the Middle of the World, where the equatorial line is located. This location was determined in the 18th century by the French Geodesic Mission together with Spanish and Ecuadorian geographers. We will experience standing in both hemispheres and visit the Intiñán Museum to conduct a series of dynamic experiments that confirm the location of the equatorial line. Time for lunch (not included). Arrival in Quito. Accommodation.
5
City Tour - Cotopaxi National Park
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the historic center of Quito, the largest and best preserved in Latin America. The first stop will be the Basilica del Voto Nacional church, well known for its neo-Gothic style with gargoyles and Ecuadorian fauna among its decorations. We will continue the tour to the Plaza de la Independencia or Plaza Mayor, the main square, which is surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the municipal building, and the emblematic Metropolitan Cathedral. Our next stop will be the Church of La Compañía, whose interior is decorated and crafted with gold leaf. We will visit the open plaza of San Francisco and its monumental church and convent, known as El Escorial de los
Andes, built in the 16th century by the indigenous people of the School of San Andrés.
Then, we will leave the city of Quito taking the Pan-American Highway south and arrive at Cotopaxi National Park after a two-hour drive. Cotopaxi Volcano is Ecuador's second highest peak at 5,897 meters above sea level. It is an active volcano with a conical shape, snow-capped summit, and surrounded by beautiful Andean páramo vegetation.
The visit begins with the registration of travelers at the southern checkpoint of the National Park, and then we will transfer to the interpretation center to learn about the fauna and flora of the area and general information about the volcano and the Andes mountain range. After this stop, we will take a walk of approximately 1 hour around the Limpiopungo lagoon, an ideal place to admire the majestic volcano and take beautiful photographs. Optionally, it is possible to drive to the parking lot of the José Rivas mountain refuge and walk 200 meters to reach the refuge, which is used as a base camp by hikers who climb to the top of the volcano. The parking lot is located at 4,600 meters above sea level. Passengers will enjoy lunch (not included in the price). At the end of the day, we will head to the hotel located in Cotopaxi.
6
Horseback ride to the viewpoint
Breakfast at the Hacienda, the ideal place to connect with the páramo, the chagra culture, and hacienda life. It is also an adventure center like no other in Ecuador, where you can enjoy exciting experiences in a stunning natural environment.
Today we will enjoy a 2-hour horseback ride to the Mirador viewpoint. This activity is led by our Chagras, expert horsemen who are thoroughly familiar with our safety regulations (prevention, mitigation, and evacuation plans).
Important to note:
• Riders cannot exceed 220 pounds in weight.
• Helmets must be worn during the ride.
• The activity is led by our native Spanish-speaking guides.
• Advance reservations are required to guarantee service.
• All horseback rides take place on the hacienda's exclusive trails.
• Private tours operate with a minimum of 2 people.
• Daily tours have a maximum number of participants (20 guests).
7
Airport transfer
Breakfast. Transfer from the hotel to the airport to catch your international flight home.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in US dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout the year, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; if a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated, tour operators will be informed, and itineraries will be updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
Epic Andean Adventure
- 14 days
- 13 nights
From the iconic Mitad del Mundo to the imposing peaks of Ruco Pichincha, Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Ilinizas, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and the indigenous communities of Otavalo, Peguche, Cotacachi, this program will immerse you in the geographical and cultural diversity of this amazing Andean country. Discover the beauty of its mountains, lagoons, volcanoes, and the authenticity of its communities as you explore the wonders Ecuador has to offer. Embark on an unforgettable journey of trekking and connecting with Ecuadorian nature and culture!
Embark on an epic 14-day trekking adventure through Ecuador's natural majesty.
INCLUDES
- Transportation for visits and excursions
- Bilingual and mountain guide
- Accommodation
- Meals according to itinerary
- Tickets to tourist attractions
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic or international air tickets
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Foods not specified
- Items not specified
itinerary
1
Arrival in Quito
Arrival at Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito. Private transfer from the airport to the hotel located in the city center, with easy access to restaurants, bars, craft shops, and parks. On this first day, passengers will have time to explore on their own and begin discovering this beautiful city. Quito is located at 2,800 meters above sea level, so we recommend that you relax on this first day and prepare for the adventure that awaits you.
2
Quito City Tour – Middle of the World
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the historic center of Quito, the largest and best preserved in Latin America. The first stop will be the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, well known for its neo-Gothic style with gargoyles and Ecuadorian fauna among its decorations. We will continue the tour to the Plaza de la Independencia or Plaza Mayor, which is surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the municipal building, and the emblematic Metropolitan Cathedral. Our next stop will be the Church of La Compañía, whose interior is decorated and crafted with gold leaf. We will visit the open square of San Francisco and its monumental church and convent, known as El Escorial de los Andes, built in the 16th century by the indigenous people of the School of San Andrés. We will continue to El Panecillo, a hill crowned by the winged Virgin of Quito, from where we will have a beautiful view of the city and the impressive Andean landscape. Here, passengers will enjoy a traditional lunch with a beautiful view of the city. In the afternoon, we will continue our tour to Mitad del Mundo, located 22 km north of the city of Quito, where the equatorial line is located. This location was determined in the 18th century by the French Geodesic Mission together with Spanish and Ecuadorian geographers. We will experience standing in both hemispheres and visit the Intiñan Museum to conduct a series of dynamic experiments that confirm the location of the equatorial line. At the end of the afternoon, we will return to the hotel.
3
Day Off
Free day for passengers to explore the city on their own.
4
Cable car – Rucu Pichincha
At the appointed time, passengers will be picked up from their hotel, where the guide will give them a brief introduction to the city and recommendations for the day. During the tour, they will be able to admire the city of Quito, volcanoes, mountains, and large buildings that surround it and make it unique from different vantage points. From here, you can set off for the summit of Rucu or nearby tourist attractions such as the Capilla de la Dolorosa chapel, the swing, or viewpoints. The trip to the summit can take between 5 and 7 hours round trip. At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel.
5
Day Off
Free day for passengers to acclimatize and prepare for several days of trekking.
6
Pasochoa Trekking
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Pasochoa, an extinct volcano that is very fertile as a result of lava and thousands of years of eruptions. Covered with Andean forests and moorlands, you can find many different species of plants, trees, animals, and insects. Our trek lasts around 6-7 hours in total. After reaching the summit of Pasochoa (4,200 m / 13,779 ft), we head to our lodge to rest for the night.
7
Rumiñahui
We continue on to Cotopaxi National Park. We begin our hike at the edge of the impressive Limpiopungo lagoon at 3,900 meters. Rumiñahui is a beautiful rocky mountain whose name means "rock face": Rumi (stone) Ñahui (face). We hike to the summit and return in approximately 4–5 hours. We cross beautiful moorlands, and the last part of the summit is a fun and easy rock climb to Rumiñahui Central. The view is incredible, overlooking the active volcanoes Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Pasochoa, and the surrounding valleys. We return to our lodge to rest.
8
Ilinizas Trekking
The trip takes about 30 minutes to the statue of the Virgin Mary at almost 4,000 meters. The hike to the cabin will take approximately 2 hours and an hour to return. Crossing moorlands and a small forest of polilepis trees, the hike is very picturesque with excellent views of the valley. We return to our lodge to rest.
9
Quilotoa Crater Lake - Riobamba
We head to the central Andes. Lake Quilotoa is one of the most spectacular sites in Ecuador, although relatively off the beaten track. The crater lake was formed when the volcano erupted many thousands of years ago. It is about 250 meters deep and is characterized by its incredibly bright turquoise color. We will walk around the lake for about 4-5 hours to complete the circuit around the crater. We will then be transferred to the south of the province of Chimborazo to our hotel for the night.
10
Chimborazo Trekking
After breakfast, we will go on a wonderful trek through the area and base of the mountain to admire the moors, views, and meet the Andean camelids, alpacas, and vicuñas. We will arrive at the mountain refuges and reach up to 5000m at the base of the mountain. We will return to Quito for our next adventures.
11
Day off
Free day for passengers to rest and explore the city on their own.
12
Otavalo – Indigenous Communities
We will leave the city of Quito and head north to visit some local communities in Otavalo, where we will see artisan workshops dedicated to making crafts and clothing using materials such as sheep and alpaca wool. We will visit an indigenous family in San Rafael to observe their craftsmanship with the natural fiber of a plant called "totora" (Schoenplectus californicus). We will also visit a workshop that makes Andean musical instruments. To complement our tour, we will enjoy a short walk in the Cascada de Peguche Protected Forest, then continue to the city of Cotacachi to enjoy lunch and then have some free time to walk around and visit the city. In the afternoon, we will return to the city of Otavalo to stay in the city center.
13
Cuicocha Lake Trekking
This interesting tour consists entirely of a hike around Lake Cuicocha, a crater lake. We start the tour at 9:00 a.m. from the city of Otavalo and then enjoy a 4- to 5-hour hike around Lake Cuicocha, an active volcano located within Cotacachi Cayapas National Park, which is very diverse in terms of plants and covers a large area. On clear days, we can see volcanoes such as Cotacachi (4939 meters above sea level), Imbabura (4630 meters above sea level), and Cayambe (5790 meters above sea level). Our guide will explain the origin of the crater and tell us about the medicinal, decorative, and edible plants and animals that exist along the route we will be walking. We will start at 3060 meters above sea level and reach an altitude of 3450 meters above sea level, the highest point of the route we will explore. In the afternoon, we will return to the city of Quito.
14
Departure transfer – international flight
Breakfast at the hotel. Passengers will be picked up depending on their flight schedule and taken to Quito airport to catch their flight home.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in US dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout the year, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; if a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated, tour operators will be informed, and itineraries will be updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
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