Discover Ecuador’s remarkable diversity, from the colonial streets of Quito and colourful markets of Otavalo to the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, alive with hummingbirds, toucans and waterfalls. Journey south along the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park, then continue through the Andean highlands to the ancient Inca complex of Ingapirca.
Finish in beautiful Cuenca, exploring its cobbled streets, historic architecture and rich craft traditions, including traditional Panama hats, intricate silverwork and colourful handwoven shawls.
This adventure is perfect for travellers looking to experience the very best of Ecuador in one journey. From colonial Quito and colourful Otavalo to the Mindo Cloud Forest, Cotopaxi National Park and historic Cuenca, the itinerary brings together some of the country's most memorable landscapes, culture and heritage.
Our Journey through Ecuador tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Discover the biodiversity and spectacular scenery of Ecuador's enchanting Mindo Cloud Forest.
Admire the snow-capped beauty of Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes.
Discover Ecuador's most important archaeological site and uncover the legacy of the Inca civilisation.
Visit the Andean village of Pijal for an authentic cultural experience with the women of the Sacha Warmikuna community, learning about their sustainable way of life, traditional cuisine and handicrafts. Prepare ají before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch made with fresh local produce and browsing the community's handmade creations.
Discover the Ecuadorian origins of the famous Panama hat at a traditional factory in Cuenca, following the production process and learning about the craftmanship behind this distinctive local tradition.
Explore colourful Otavalo Market, browsing textiles, ceramics, jewellery and other locally made handicrafts whilst gaining an insight into the traditions and everyday life of the indigenous Otavalo community.
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Fly to Quito, Ecuador's Andean capital, sitting high in a valley beneath Pichincha Volcano. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Explore Quito's UNESCO-listed historic centre, strolling through elegant plazas and past centuries-old churches including La Compañía and San Francisco. Continue to the Middle of the World, where the equatorial line is celebrated through interactive exhibits exploring Ecuador's geography and culture.
Head north of Quito into the Andean highlands to Otavalo, renowned for its colourful handicraft market and indigenous traditions. In the village of Pijal, meet the women of the Sacha WarmiKuna project, learn about local customs and help prepare traditional ají (hot sauce) before enjoying a delicious lunch. Later, browse the leather workshops and shops of nearby Cotacachi before returning to Quito.
Leaving the high Andes behind, descend into the lush cloud forest surrounding Mindo, one of Ecuador's renowned birdwatching areas. Spend time at a local birdwatching site, keeping watch for some of the colourful species that inhabit this biodiverse region while enjoying your first introduction to the dense vegetation and misty forests of Mindo.
Delve deeper into Mindo's cloud forest, following forest trails and crossing by cable car as you explore an area dotted with waterfalls, keeping watch for hummingbirds, toucans and other birdlife along the way. You will also visit a butterfly nursery to learn about the different stages of the butterflies' life cycle.
Journey south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a spectacular corridor through the Ecuadorian Andes, where towering volcanic peaks rise above the highlands. Enter Cotopaxi National Park and walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, looking out for native birdlife and perhaps wild horses across the surrounding páramo, a distinctive high-altitude grassland ecosystem. Continue into Chimborazo Province for an overnight stay in a traditional Andean hacienda near Riobamba.
Continue through Ecuador's southern highlands, stopping at Alausí to hear the story of the celebrated Devil's Nose railway before crossing the unusual desert-like terrain around Palmira. At Ingapirca, explore Ecuador's most important Inca archaeological complex and learn how Inca and Cañari influences came together here. Later, travel onwards to the UNESCO-listed city of Cuenca.
Characterised by terracotta-tiled roofs, cobbled streets and picturesque riverside areas, Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s most characterful colonial cities. Take in Calderón Square, the New Cathedral and views from El Turi before learning how traditional Panama hats are made. You will also visit nearby Chordeleg and Gualaceo, which showcase the region’s craftsmanship, from intricate silverwork to colourful, handwoven Macana shawls.
Today is free to enjoy this charming city at your own pace. Browse artisan shops, visit a museum, or linger over coffee in a local café. Alternatively, venture into the high Andes on an optional excursion to nearby Cajas National Park, known for its rugged páramo and serene glacial lakes.
Transfer to Cuenca Airport and fly back north to Quito. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for your final night in the capital.
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to New Zealand
Places Visited: Quito (3N) - Mindo Cloud Forest (2N) - Riobamba (1N) - Cuenca (3N) - Quito (1N)
| Depart Date | Duration | Price | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any date you wish | 12 days | $6050 per person, twin share |
All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
