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Taste of Ecuador
8 Days
Quito to Guayaquil
Tour Code: TMTE
8 Days
Quito to Guayaquil
Tour Code: TMTE
From US$ 1,929
Reviews
Tour Overview
Enjoy eight days exploring some of Ecuador’s most beautiful regions. Drive along the spectacular ‘Avenue of Volcanoes’ and take the train that wraps around the breath-taking ‘Devil’s Nose’, situated high in the Andes. Combining charming colonial towns, countless wildlife as well as spectacular national parks, this tour offers a diverse view of Ecuador.
Please note: This is a sample itinerary and can be tailored to suit your own personal needs and budget. Click here for more information on our Tailor-made Tours.
About this tour
- Accommodation:7 night(s) in hotels
- Transportation:, Private Vehicle
- Meals:7 Breakfast(s)
- Country:Ecuador
Included Activities
- Arrival Transfer
- Quito Colonial City Tour & Equator
- Tour of Mindo
- Cotopaxi National Park
- Devil's Nose Train Journey,Ingapirca ruins
- Cuenca City Tour
- Entry & walk in Cajas National Park
- Departure Transfer
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! Today is free to arrive at your leisure and start enjoying the charming city of Quito. Famed for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and rich culture, the ancient beauty of Quito has placed it on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Spend time wandering the streets, explore the colourful local markets or start sampling the mouth watering food.
You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel, after which you are free for the remainder of the day.
Included Excursions
Arrival Transfer
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels 
Day 2 - Quito City Tour
Spend today discovering more about the history of Ecuador on an included colonial city tour. Your guide will collect you from your hotel.
Begin by visiting the downtown area of Quito, one of the biggest in South America and where you can see the oldest street in the city, La Ronda. This street has been home to many famous musicians, poets and politicians over the years. Next you will learn about the different spices that are used in Ecuadorian cuisine, before continuing to the house of handicrafts where you can see the wood and metal that is used in many of the traditional churches in Ecuador.
Next you will visit Independence Square and see some of the most important buildings in the city. Visit the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, El Sagrario Church and La Compania de Jesus Church, which is considered one of the most beautiful in South America. This is followed by a drive to the viewpoint at Panecillo Hill, which has some fantastic views of the city as well as the surrounding mountains and volcanoes.
You will be returned to your hotel for a free evening to relax.
Included Excursions
Quito Colonial City Tour & Equator
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 3 - Mindo & Quito
Your guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to the charming town of Mindo.
Located in the Andes Mountains, it?s known for its abundance of flowers and wildlife, including hummingbirds. Here you will visit the Butterfly Farm, an interactive butterfly garden home to 25 different species. You will also visited the Orchid Garden. This reserve rescues and conserves orchid species in the Mindo region, and provides educational tools for guests to learn about the Ecuadorian flora environment. Mindo is a wonderful area to hike around and enjoy this ecological paradise.
You will be taken back to your Quito hotel in the afternoon where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Included Excursions
Tour of Mindo
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 4 - Cotopaxi National Park & Riobamba
This morning you will be collected and travel south through the famous ?Avenue of the Volcanoes? to Cotopaxi National Park. It is famous for the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, which has been a place of worship for native people for centuries. The national park is a picture-perfect location home to various wildlife including horses, deer and llama. You will get the chance to hike around the vast Limpiopungo Lake, keeping an eye out for waterfowl and finches.
After enjoying Cotopaxi National Park you will continue to the city of Riobamba where the evening is at your leisure. On the way, we stop off at a typical local market to this region where you can pick up some produce or crafts.
Included Excursions
Cotopaxi National Park
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 5 - Devil's Nose Train Ride, Ingapirca & Cuenca
After an early breakfast, you will be taken to the quaint town of Alausi. En-route you will have several interesting stops including the Balbanera Church and the indigenous town of Guamote. Once you arrive in Alausi it is time to take an adventure on the famous Devil's Nose train, known as one of the greatest engineering feats in the world.
This historic journey takes a zigzag route along the Andes, passing spectacular views along the way. There are steep ascents and thrilling descents and you will see rivers, gorges and waterfalls on this sensational four hour journey. Your guide will then take you to a local community for lunch and where you can experience a traditional dance show. After lunch there are various options to enjoy the area, including horseback riding or a biking tour.
You will return to Alausi in the early afternoon where a bus will be waiting to take you to Ingapirca. Discover the ancient ruins found here, which are the best preserved in Ecuador, and visit the Ingapirca fortress located 3,100 metres above sea level.
After visiting the ruins you will be taken to the city of Cuenca, arriving in the early evening.
Included Excursions
Devil's Nose Train Journey,Ingapirca ruins
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 6 - Cuenca
Considered by many as one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador, Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage site and this morning you will enjoy a city tour of all the highlights.
Starting in the historic centre, you will visit the church of San Sebastian, a traditional neighbourhood in Cuenca, the Modern Art Museum, the Flower Plaza and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is considered one of the largest in South America. Next enjoy a visit to the hat factory, where you can view the process of creating some of the finest hats. The tour ends at a scenic viewpoint where you can witness the landscape in all its glory - a sea of red roofs and church domes framed by the imposing mountains.
This afternoon and evening is free for you to enjoy one of Ecuador's many cafes, sampling some of the best coffee in South America.
Included Excursions
Cuenca City Tour
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 7 - Cajas National Park & Guayaquil
This morning you will enjoy a guided trip to Cajas National Park, an hour away from Cuenca. It boasts spectacular rolling hills with over 200 lakes, and is home to various species of wildlife including llamas, condors and even pumas. Your naturalist guide will take you on a walk where you will see the local flora and fauna.
This afternoon you will continue to your final destination, Guayaquil. It is is the biggest city in Ecuador and is a natural port on the banks of the Guayas River. You will be taken on a brief tour, where you will learn about the strong heritage that can be seen as you wander the vibrant streets. From Guayaquil you are only a flight away from the wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Why not combine this tour with a Galapagos Islands cruise?
Included Excursions
Entry & walk in Cajas National Park
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 8 - Depart Guayaquil
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Included Excursions
Departure Transfer
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Essential Information
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
Enquiry
Prefer to speak to a specialist?
0800 804 8435
Tailor-made Operations Manager
Melita
Why I love this trip
In my opinion Ecuador is South America’s most underrated country. Beautiful volcanic scenery and lively cities blend to create a unique Latin experience. Contact me to discover more about a trip to the lesser known wonders of Ecuador.
