Quito City Tour and Middle of the World

Quito Old Town - Begin your adventure in the historic center of the capital, where you can admire the grand basilica cathedral and Plaza Grande, a charming square surrounded by significant historical buildings like the government palace and the iconic cathedral. Our tours are adaptable, allowing you to customize your experience by choosing from various historical sites such as the San Francisco Plaza and monastery, the church ‘La Compañia,’ and the vibrant area of La Ronda.

El Panecillo - Next, ascend Panecillo hill for a stunning panoramic view of Quito and the majestic Andean volcanoes in the background, a perfect opportunity for photos. You can set your own pace during the tour, ensuring you experience the city to its fullest.

Mitad Del Mundo - Continue to the Mitad del Mundo monument, where you can explore the area or visit the Inti Ñan Museum, offering a unique insight into the indigenous Quitus culture and their fascinating understanding of solar cycles. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to visit the Pululahua volcano crater.

Cotopaxi National Park

Laguna de Limpiopungo - On the second day, journey towards Cuenca begins as you depart from Quito, heading to the magnificent Cotopaxi volcano. Standing at 5,897 meters, it is Ecuador’s second-highest peak and a true highlight. As you enter Cotopaxi National Park, you’ll have the chance to observe and learn about the unique páramo biodiversity and its ecological importance. The Cotopaxi adventure starts with a short walk around the beautiful Lake Limpiapungo, followed by a continuation to the parking lot, where the day’s most thrilling part begins.

Cotopaxi Volcano - Embark on a spectacular hike to the first refuge of the volcano, located at an altitude of 4,810 meters above sea level. Upon reaching the base camp, there will be ample time to recover from this incredible hike and celebrate with a hot cup of soup. For those eager to climb further, there’s an option to continue to the glaciers, weather permitting. Your health and preferences are our priority, and we can tailor your experience to suit your desires.

Amazon Rainforest

Mirador Indichuris - On the third day, leave Baños and head to Puyo, the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The 1.5-hour drive is worthwhile as you enjoy stunning views.

Notice the scenery and vegetation gradually change as you travel through different climates. Just beyond Puyo, deeper into the Amazon Rainforest,
make the first stop of the day to visit a Quichua family from the indigenous Indichuris population, who will share insights into their unique culture and traditions.

A little further, arrive at the Indichuris viewpoint, where you can enjoy an incredible view over the Amazon and the Pastaza river.

Additionally, there’s a rare opportunity to embark on a canoe ride down the river, exploring more of the Ecuadorian Amazon under the guidance of a local expert (optional activity).

Cascada Hola Vida - Next, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near the Mirador, where you can try Allampaco, a traditional dish featuring steam-cooked tilapia fish wrapped in bijao leaves.

After lunch, head to the next natural wonder, the Hola Vida waterfall, perfect for relaxation and a refreshing swim. Before reaching the waterfall, take a short walk through the jungle, admiring the diverse trees and enjoying the incredible sound of birds.

Puyo - Lastly, visit a local cacao farm, where you can witness the fascinating process of transforming cacao beans into flavorful chocolate. Naturally, you’ll also have the chance to taste the results.

Baños - Route of the Waterfalls

La Casa del Arbol - Depart from Baños de Agua Santa to one of the tour’s main highlights: the breathtaking waterfall route.
Start the day with a short hike to ‘La Casa del Árbol,’ or ‘Tree House,’ a place where a National Geographic photo contest winner was taken, offering stunning views and a chance to take photos on the swing overlooking the valley.

CASCADA EL PAILON - The next destination is El Pailón del Diablo, a breathtaking giant waterfall among Ecuador’s top 10 largest waterfalls. Embark on a beautiful 2-kilometer hike, rewarded with incredible views of the waterfall from different perspectives.

Cascada el Manto de la Novia - Continue along the waterfall route, making several stops to admire miraculous waterfalls, including ‘Manta de la Novia,’ a paradise for adventure seekers. Here, you can experience a cable car ride through the green valley toward the enormous waterfall or participate in spectacular zip-line activities.

Riobamba - After a day of incredible nature and exciting activities, head to the next destination: Riobamba, located approximately half an hour from Baños. Here, rest for the night and prepare for a special day ahead.

Devils Nose Mountain and Ingapirca Ruins

The Devil’s Nose Train Ride - On day 5, depart early from Riobamba and head to Alausi, a beautiful traditional town in the Andes known for ‘The Devil’s Nose,’ an incredible train ride through steep mountainous landscapes, offering stunning views. However, due to certain inconveniences, the train ride hasn’t been operating lately. Instead, enjoy a short hike to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, learn about the fascinating engineering behind the Devils Nose Train.

For those who enjoy adventurous activities, there’s an option for an exciting mountain bike activity (optional at extra cost).

Afterward, visit a local farm near Alausi to learn about traditional farming methods practiced by the local community.

Ingapirca Ruins - Continue to Cañar to visit the Archeological complex of Ingapirca, the most impressive and best-preserved Inca ruins in Ecuador. Learn about the fascinating history of the ancient Cañari and Inca civilizations, including their sophisticated architecture, engineering, and rituals. Discover the Inca-constructed Temple of the Sun and the Canari-constructed Temple of the Moon, delving into the beliefs and spirituality of each culture.
After exploring the Ingapirca site, continue to the final destination: the breathtaking city of Cuenca, full of fascinating architecture and surrounded by mountains. The journey to Cuenca lasts approximately 1.5 hours, a ride worth it for the beautiful landscapes.

Cuenca - After exploring the Ingapirca site, continue to the final destination: the breathtaking city of Cuenca, full of fascinating architecture and surrounded by mountains. The journey to Cuenca lasts approximately 1.5 hours, a ride worth it for the beautiful landscapes.

Cajas National Park

Laguna La Toreadora - Travel to one of Ecuador’s most breathtaking national parks: Cajas. After a brief but beautiful drive from Cuenca, start with a moderate hike for the next 2.5 hours (depending on the group’s pace) through the highlands with its moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes. A naturalist guide will spot some of the endemic flora and explain the main facts about the geology, history, and culture of the area. Next, reach the unique forest of polylepis trees, considered some of the highest-growing trees in the world.

El Cajas National Park - After returning from the hike, stop at a local restaurant to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch. The specialty is trout, but other options like chicken or beef are available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are also accommodated.

Cuenca Half Day City Tour

Plaza Abdon Calderon - Spend the last day of the Ecuador adventure in the stunning city of Cuenca. Begin in the San Sebastian neighborhood, a traditional area marking the city’s western colonial border. Visit the Modern Art Museum, where the famous Bienal International of Cuenca takes place, part of a select group of macro art events in Latin America and the Caribbean. Explore the exhibits and the historical house with its traditional architecture. Next, explore the San Francisco market, the flower market, Abdon Calderon Park, the cathedral “El Sagrario,” known as the “Old Cathedral,” and finally, witness the “New Cathedral,” one of the largest churches in Latin America, featuring the famous gold leaf altar.

Homero Ortega - Continue the tour to a Panama hat factory, where you’ll learn about the fabrication of a fiber called “Paja toquilla.” The guide will explain the process of making these hats, the story behind the name “Panama Hats,” and their importance to the local economy. These hats range from classic simple designs to colorful, elegantly crafted, and costly ones.

Mirador de Turi - Conclude the journey by visiting the beautiful neighborhood of Barranco and “Mirador de Turi,” a scenic viewpoint offering a beautiful vista of the Cuenca landscape. It’s a perfect moment to reflect on the journey and share memories. All passengers will be safely dropped off at their accommodation, the airport, or the bus station.

• 6 Nights accommodation (Double or triple rooms)
• Private transportation
• Lunch
• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• Guide (English, Spanish)
• Activities, entrance fees and tickets as listed in itinerary

• Meals not specified
• Travel Insurance

Embark on a week-long adventure in Ecuador with our 7-day itinerary, journeying south from Quito to Cuenca along a stunning route. Discover the top attractions of the Ecuadorian Andes, engage with indigenous communities, and marvel at the stunning waterfalls as you venture into the Amazon Rainforest. Explore the captivating history at the country’s largest and best-preserved Inca ruins. This itinerary offers a perfect mix of nature and culture.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.