Discover Ecuador Tour 17 Days

On this day we will explore the beauty of Quito's old town. We will use public transportation to reach this historic area. Once there, we will visit the Presidential Palace, Main Square, the Cultural Center, the Church of “El Sagrario”, the Church of “San Francisco” and the famous street known as "La Ronda", where we can enjoy a special ice cream with local rum, tequila or one of the native fruit flavors.

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Then, we will take a bus to Panecillo Hill, which is 10,000 feet high. This is the best viewpoint in the city!!! Afterwards, we will board a local bus to the equatorial site, a journey that will take us approximately one hour.

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We will visit two equatorial sites, so we will see both! The first is the Inti Nan Museum, where you can observe experiments related to latitude 0.0.0. The second is a monument that commemorates the French expedition led by Charles Maria Condamine, who arrived to establish Ecuador in 1736. In this place, we can also pause for lunch.

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Finally, we will return to the hotel by local bus to spend the night.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Ibis Hotel or Similar ***

This is time to say good bye to Quito! We will take a local bus towards Otavalo City , it will take us 3 hours approx.

Once we arrive , we will check in at the hotel , then you will have plentty of time to explore to beautiful village surrounded by volcanoes.

Otavalo local Market is a great option since that opens all day and it is close by the hotel.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Santa Fe Hotel or Similar **

Early in the morning , we will depart towards Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve , it is located 20 miles away from Oatavalo.

Once we arrive we will visit shortly the museum to clarify the entire trail around Cuicocha lake. The total hike is 10 miles , the time approx. from 3 to 5 hours , it is a little bet active but , you will loved it.

This is one of the most beautiful protected areas in Ecuador and the views up there are fantastic. However the starting of the hike will be at 10,000 ft and the highest reached point will be 12,500 ft. but it is still possible to do with no issues at all.

This hike is the main attraction of the day , after this , we will take a bus back to Otavalo for overnight.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Santa Fe Hotel or Similar **

On this day , we will start at 6:00 am to be on time for our journey towards to Tena City. It will take us pretty much all day , considering that we will take two local buses to get there.

Once we arrive to Tena , we will chance to have some lunch , then we will finally take a taxi to the Jungle lodge. Normally we get there by 4:30 pm , so you will still have some time to enjoy the rest of the afternoon realxing at the hotel pool or walking around the lodge.

At Night we will have briefing and dinner also is included at the lodge.

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­Meals included: B - D

Accommodation included: Liana Lodge or similar ***

Early in the morning, we’ll start with breakfast. Afterwards, we’ll prepare our gear (boots and raincoats) to ensure we’re ready for the adventure ahead! We will hike for two hours up to El Mirador viewpoint; along the way our expert guide will explain you about the medicinal plants and let your try tropical jungle fruits.

Afterward, you’ll return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious local lunch. You will have the opportunity to swim in the river or simply relax in the serene natural surroundings before the next activity. Our guide will let you know time to be ready for next activity during lunch.

Then you’ll go by canoe on Arajuno River to visit the Animal Rescue Centre "AmaZOOnico," which specializes in rescuing wild animals for species conservation and reintegration into the wild. Here, we’ll observe a wide variety of species, including toucans, colorful parrots, various monkeys, jaguars, capybaras, and much more!

We will then return to the lodge on foot along secondary jungle paths. After dinner, we’ll gather around the fireplace for our usual meeting to share our experiences from the day.

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­Meals included: B - L- D

Accommodation included: Liana Lodge or similar ***

After breakfast, you will take another canoe ride towards to Runa Wasi lodge from where you will start the hike in the rainforest. It also another amazing trail full of endemic flora and fauna.

On the way you will see the Ceibo, one of the biggest trees in Amazon jungle, with its impressive buttress roots and height. At the place you can also see the surroundings because it is a hill with impressive views.

Our guide will show you the astonishing diversity of insects and the flora of the Selva. Finally hike back to the lodge for lunch and get ready for the next adventure afterwards.

In the afternoon we will visit a Quichua family to learn about their ancient culture and traditions, such as gold panning along the river shore, traditional pottery making, crafting the typical drink "chicha" from yuca (a traditional Ecuadorian manioc), and using the "serbatana" (blowpipe for hunting).

At the end of the day back to the lodge for dinner and your last good night sleep in the jungle.

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­ ­Meals included:  B - L- D

Accommodation included: Liana Lodge or similar ***

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After breakfast, we will take a taxi back to the city of Tena for our bus ride to Baños, which will take approximately 3 hours. This means you will have the rest of the day at your leisure. The estimated time of arrival in town is 13:30 p.m.

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Baños is a wonderful destination that offers a variety of options for both tours and relaxation. We are also happy to assist you in arranging a tour, or you can explore the town on your own.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Santa Clara Hotel or similar **

On this day, you can relax or book a tour, and we’re here to assist you if you need any help. Here are some recommended tours in Baños:

* White Water Rafting on the Pastaza River (Class III) - Moderate, 4-hour tour

* Canyoning at Río Blanco or Chamaná - Moderate, 3-hour tour

* Bike Rental to Explore the Avenue of Waterfalls - Easy, 3-hour tour

* Hike to the Tree House - Demanding, 4-hour tour

* Horseback Riding - Moderate, 3-hour tour

* Motorbike Ride - Moderate, 4-hour tour

There are many more activities in town, and you’re sure to find something that fits your plans. Enjoy your overnight stay in Baños!

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Santa Clara Hotel or similar **

Early in the morning, we will depart from Baños City toward Chimborazo Volcano. This part of the tour will be conducted with private transportation and will take approximately 3 hours.

This will be the highest altitude you experience on the entire trip (and possibly the highest elevation you have ever reached) at 5,000 meters above sea level. While this location is quite high, it’s a great opportunity to acclimatize a little!

At the park, we will reach the first base camp located at 4,700 meters. From there, we will begin our hike to the highest point, known as the Whymper Refuge. From this vantage point, you will enjoy stunning views of the Andes before we drive to Riobamba for the night.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Wanderlot or similar ***

In the morning, we will board on a 2-hour journey to the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex, the most significant pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. We will take a 1-hour walk through the site to learn more about the history of the Pre-Incas and Incas.

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Afterward, we will drive to Cuenca City. Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Hat Museum (Panama Hat Factory). Finally, we will check in to our hotel for the night.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Orquidea Hostel or similar ***

Today, we will take you through the picturesque streets and plazas of Cuenca City! Get ready to enjoy and explore this magical UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized since 1999.

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Cuenca has something for everyone in your group. We will provide you with some recommendations for activities you can enjoy on your own this afternoon.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Orquidea or similar ***

On this day, ww will take a public bus ride to Guayaquil, which will take approximately four hours. Once we arrive at the hotel, you'll have the opportunity to explore downtown Guayaquil and visit Las Peñas Viewpoint.

Guayaquil is a modern city with nearly 3 million residents, making it a great place to stroll after a long bus ride. Remember that Guayaquil is located at sea level, just 4 meters above, so you can expect warm weather after your time in the Andes.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Gran Hotel Guayaquil or similar ***

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In the early morning, we will take a public bus ride to Puerto López, which typically takes about five hours from Guayaquil. Today, we have no other activities planned, so you can enjoy the beach or relax by the hotel pool.

Later in the afternoon, we will host a cocktail show at the hotel, where you will learn more about our local cocktails.

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Nantu Hotel or similar ***

On this day, we’ll visit the famous Silver Island, or Isla de la Plata, located 40 miles away from Puerto López by speedboat.

This island is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, featuring species similar to those found in the Galápagos, including blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, frigatebirds, and red-footed boobies.

During the tour, you’ll hike for two hours on the island, spotting these amazing animals. If we’re lucky, we might also see humpback whales, which travel from all over the world to the Ecuadorian coast for their breeding and mating season.

The whale watching season runs from May to September each year, and Machalilla National Park provides a safe and favorable environment for them.

You’ll also have the chance to snorkel near the island, exploring a rich diversity of fish and marine life. Afterward, we’ll return to Puerto López for the night, and in the evening, we’ll head out for some salsa classes!

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Nantu Hotel or similar ***

This day is yours to relax, stroll around town, visit a local community, explore Los Frailes Beach, and much more.

If you’re in the mood for adventure, we can arrange a biking tour or a diving tour. Puerto López offers a wide range of activities, so we’re confident you’ll find something that suits your interests!

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Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Nantu Hotel or similar ***

You will have a free morning, with check-out at 11:00 AM and transportation arranged to Manta City Airport for your late afternoon flight to Quito. This concludes our services (hotel night not included).

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Unfortunately, we must say goodbye upon arrival in Quito. We invite you to explore our other tours in Galápagos and Peru.

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If you’d like to add an extra night in Quito or extend your stay in Ecuador, we’re here to help with free advice to ensure you make the most of your time and continue exploring the paradise that is Ecuador.

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