Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Package Type
Traditional
Activity Level
Moderate
Physical Difficulty
Cultural rating
Wildlife expectation
Discover the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes and cloud forests. Marvel at the incredible biodiversity such as butterflies and bird watching. Experience the cloud forests with beautiful waterfalls and witness chocolate making at its source in the tropical paradise of Mindo. Take a spectacular scenic drive through the mountains to reach the coffee valley of Intag, where you will visit a coffee plantation and taste the organic, fair-trade coffee. Venture back to the highlands to visit the spectacular Cuicocha crater-lake, head to the famous indigenous market town of Otavalo, and then share a unique experience sharing with local people in the heart of the Andes. Relax and acclimatize in the hot springs before you visit the Cotopaxi National Park to marvel at the highest active volcano in the world. Immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wonders that make Ecuador one of the most unique countries in South America. This compact country has it all!
Special features of our 7 day Classic Best of Ecuador Tour:
Type of Tourism: Nature, Biodiversity, Classic, culture Adventure
Places to Visit: Quito, Mindo, Otavalo, Cotopaxi
Duration: 7 Days and 6 Nights.
Type of Service: group tours.
Accommodation: 4 star hotels at every destination that you will visit. These hotels had been carefully chosen and we can guarantee that you will feel comfortable and your every need catered for!
Today is arrival day to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. This well preserved colonial city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. You can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area if you arrive early. In the evening, the guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 6 pm. We will discuss the details and questions you may have abou...
After breakfast, we will drive north of Quito to witness the “Middle of the world.” equator monument. This is an obligatory visit, to be able to stand on both sides of the planet's hemispheres, one of only a few place in the world you can do so! We will stop for a view of the Pululahua volcano crater, the third-largest inhabited volcano crater in the world, with over 400 people living there.
We will then continue to the small town of Mindo, nestled in the clo...
We will explore the pristine cloud rain forest of Mindo, via cable cars and hiking to stunning waterfalls, surrounded by a lush green forest, the habitat for toucans, hummingbirds and other colourful birds. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to enjoy the several optional outdoor activities offered in this area.
You can go white-water rafting or "tubing" as our guide steers you through the rapids. Or maybe a canopy zip-line over the beautiful tree canopy of th...
Today we will head back to the highlands to the famous indigenous town of Otavalo. In Otavalo, you will have plenty of time to wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, filled with the Indigenous people wearing the traditional blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair. Learn all about their way of life and their native language. We will visit the famous handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing, paintings, ceramics, jeweller...
After breakfast, we will head to the Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve to see the breathtaking scenery around this active volcano. We will hike along the Cuicocha Crater Lake's shores, taking a boat ride to the middle of the crater to observe the activity of this volcano, watching bubbles rising up from the centre. We will then head to Peguche, a small village located in the heart of the Andes, where we can experience an unforgettable cultural adventure. We will help the local peop...
Today, we will head to the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. The snow-capped volcano is surrounded by its national park, home to abundant flora, fauna and Inca ruins. We will begin our visit at the interpretation centre at the park's entrance before continuing our drive across the paramo to the Limpiopungo Lake. During a short walk around the lake, we can observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the conical Cotopaxi volcano. We will then head back to Quito for our final dinner in the capital!
After breakfast, we will head to the airport for your flight back home or to your next exciting destination!