15-Day Delights of Ecuador

See All Photos

Discover the historic centre of Quito! You will go to the market of Santa Clara, a typical place to find fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. This is a perfect moment to meet people and discover local life. You will have lunch at the same place. The "hornado" (pork slowly cooked in an oven) is really delicious. Quito, Ecuador's capital, is a real treasure between the volcanoes of Pichincha, Cayambe and Antisana. At an elevation of 2830 metres, it is the second-highest capital in the world.

See All Photos

You will visit the site of the "Mitad del Mundo" where you can put one foot in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern hemisphere! You'll also have a chance to discover the ethnographic museum here before you go to the Pululahua crater. From the edge, you will have an incredible view of the fields that are cultivated in the bottom. In the afternoon, make your way to the natural reserve of Mindo.

See All Photos

Launch yourself into the day with ziplining, an activity that could just be the beginning of your adventurous day in the eco forest. In the afternoon, you will stop at the archaeological site of Tulipe, home of the Yumbo civilisation. It provides you with details of the traditions and rituals of the culture. You will find the traditional "tolas" which are pyramids cut in half, made ​​with a mixture of mud and other materials.

See All Photos

You will take a scenic road through the Equatorial cloudy forest, then go through a desert area to reach the "hidden road" to avoid and follow Rio Guayllabamba valley. This path will let you discover diverse landscapes, small villages (such as San Jose de Minas, Perucho, Puellaro) and old churches. You'll stop by the stunning Cuicocha Lake before reaching Otavalo and the San Clemente community. You'll enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your hosts.

See All Photos

You can accompany and assist the communities in their work with animals or in preparing breakfast. Visit the famous Otavalo's Indigenous market, the most significant in the Ecuadorian Andes, where you can meet the "Otavaleños" with their espadrilles, brown felt hats and blue ponchos. They are the wealthiest Indians in Ecuador and excellent sellers. Once again, you'll stay with the San Clemente community and learn their customs and practices in everyday life.

See All Photos

In the morning, you will meet Claudia, who is from Otavalo, she will introduce you to the traditional food, Quichuas. You will cook this typical dish of the Andes with her, using special ingredients from the region, finally, you will be able to appreciate your own work. After your meal, you'll journey to the Papallacta Hot Springs at an altitude of 3220 metres surrounded with nature and two majestic Andean volcanoes, the Cayambe and the Antisana.

See All Photos

Continue your Ecuador vacation with a relaxing day. Spend the morning enjoying the rejuvenating hot springs. Then, spend your afternoon making your way the jungle. Along the way, you'll learn about the process of making cocoa in the Santa Rita community.

See All Photos

Follow your guide through the forest as you discover Ahuano. Today, you'll learn about all of the natural remedies used in Ecuador to help with all ailments, be it physical or spiritual - you'll even make your own mosquito spray!

See All Photos

Today, you'll journey towards Banos, a beautiful small town famous for its views. On the way, you'll stop by a rehabilitation centre outside of Puyo to learn about the monkeys there. Then, visit two of the most outstanding waters in the country before reaching your accommodation for the night.

See All Photos

In the morning, journey to Chimborazo for the opportunity to climb to the highest peak in Ecuador at 6310 metres. There is also the Whymper, at 5100 metres. You'll have lunch and then take some rest as you make your way to Riobamba.

See All Photos

Perhaps the most beautiful day of the trip so far! You will pass by the "Nariz del Diablo" (Devil's nose) with successive Andean landscapes well worth the trip. You will be provided with a brief introduction to the history of the railway. Then, you'll journey to Ingapirca on the way to Cuenca, one of the largest and most fascinating Incan ruins in Ecuador. You'll be given a tour of the ruins.

See All Photos

The city of Cuenca (2 550 m) is undoubtedly as charming as its former name of Guapondelic tells "the Valley as Great as the Sky". This colourful and lively city with superb historic buildings was classified as a World Heritage by the UNESCO since 1999. The best way to feel the warm colours of Cuenca is to walk around its paved streets, along with the white houses with roman tiled roofs and flourishing wrought-iron balconies. In the afternoon, relax in the thermal spa of your accommodation.

See All Photos

Visit of the rum distillery of Cava San Miguel in the morning. Then, you will follow up the western cordillera to Cajas park from Cuenca, where you will enjoy stunning views over the many lakes of this protected area. The journey to Ecuador's biggest city and economic capital takes you down from the mountains, passing by fertile lowlands with huge orchards and banana plantations before arriving in Guayaquil.