Ecuador Explorer

Day 1  Quito    
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.    

Day 2  Quito    
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Quito’s beautiful old town. Highlights include the impressive Independence Plaza, the Presidential Palace and the spectacular Monastery of San Francisco. Later travel to the Equatorial Monument and stand along the equator at latitude 0°.    

Day 3  Otavalo    
Depart early and travel north through incredible Andean scenery to reach the vibrant market town of Otavalo. Explore the bustling stalls whilst haggling for colourful handicrafts and textiles. Later visit local artisans in Peguche, an indigenous village famous for its intricate weaving, before returning to Quito.    

Day 4  Quito to Baños    
Today travel down the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes. Marvel at the pictureperfect cone of the Cotopaxi Volcano and look out for the unique flora and fauna of this region. Wind through the mountains towards Baños, famed for the naturally heated thermal baths around the town.    

Day 5  Baños to Cuenca    
Begin your day with a short walk around the pretty town and a visit to the cathedral. Later head out of Baños to trek through verdant rainforest trails in search of hidden waterfalls on the edges of the vast Amazon jungle. Return to Quito for a flight to the charming city of Cuenca, arriving in the evening.    

Day 6  Cuenca    
Enjoy a full day private tour to the Inca fortress of Ingapirca. Travel along mountain roads high into the Cañar valley outside of Cuenca to discover the ruins, including the impressive Temple of the Sun which sits at the centre of the site.    

Day 7  Cuenca to Guayaquil    
Drive to the vibrant coastal city of Guayaquil. En route visit El Cajas National Park to see the beautiful lakes and scenery of this Andean cloud forest.    

Day 8  Guayaquil    
After breakfast transfer to the airport.