Welcome to Quito, the highest capital city in the world (2,850 m/9,350 ft; over 2.6 MM inhabitants). 

Its historic centre is one of the largest, least-altered, and best-preserved in the Americas, and it was the first World Cultural Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.

You will be welcomed at the airport by an English-speaking guide and brought to your assigned  hotel.

This morning you will embark on a journey southward, until you reach the central Ecuadorian Andes. There, the majestic and peaceful Cotopaxi National Park is located. This is Ecuador’s most visited mainland reserve, as well as an important bird-watching area. 

The symmetrical and glaciated cone of Cotopaxi volcano has an altitude of 5,897 m/19,347 ft, making it the highest active volcano worldwide, with its last mild eruption happening in 2015. Your guide will show you incredible locations around these highlands, including the picturesque Limpiopungo lagoon (at 3,840 m/12,600 ft of altitude), where Cotopaxi’s majestic cone reflects into the water on clear days; though windy, cloudy or even foggy conditions occur as well. 

The hike here is rewarded with panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes and opportunities for birdwatching, with Andean gulls, Andean lapwings, black-chested eagles, and the endangered cóndor occasionally flying by. 

Next, you will be driven in sharp zigzags up the slopes of the volcano, until even páramo vegetation becomes scarce and you reach a mostly sandy and rocky area, which leads to a mountaineer’s refugee, at an altitude of 4,630 m/15,200 ft. After enjoying the atmosphere and breathtaking views, descend and get transferred to the hotel.

Today you will explore the beautiful Quilotoa crater lake! This is a water-filled volcano that erupted 800 years ago for the last time and is one of Ecuador’s most picturesque eye-catchers

The beautiful lake, in conjunction with the patchwork countryside, sacred rocks, and dramatic canyons, form a romantic backdrop that has been depicted in painting for many decades at the nearby indigenous town of Tigua.

You have time to a short hike by your own over the outer rims of the volcano, and reach the vibrant emerald-coloured lake.  

After enjoying the atmosphere and breathtaking views, you will descend back to the parking lot and get transferred to Baños (right picture), your upcoming destination located 3 hours away to the southeast.

Drop-off at your hotel for the night.

The 3h+ cascades tour has become one of the most sought-after activities in Baños.

There are several ways to enjoy the spectacle this route offers, but the best is on a bike.

You will be provided with a mountain bike, helmet and assistance by a guide to cycle along this 15-kilometer route that stretches between the limits of two grandiose National Parks: Sangay and Llanganates mountains.

Several cascades decorate the unique landscape, including the 80-meter high Pailón del Diablo (Cauldron of the devil), which has a winding staircase carved on the rock right next to it. Make sure to take great pictures and enjoy the drizzle!

 When finished, you will be taken to the Tree House Swing.

The Tree House, home of “The swing at the end of the world”, was a strategic place when Tungurahua was erupting, actually was created to observe the volcano eruptions. It is a perfect place to hike around the surrounding areas, relax enjoying the calm and peace, and take amazing pictures of the Andes mountains and, if the weather is good, of the massive Tungurahua volcano right in front of you!

Finally, transfer to hostel.

Today you will visit today the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. Located on the slopes of the highest mountain in Ecuador, it is visited year-round by adventure travelers who come to hike, bike, and climb this unique Andean habitat. 

With a peak elevation of 6,263 m/20,548 ft and its location along the equatorial bulge, the summit of Chimborazo is the closest point on earth to outer space! 

Your visit will begin at the reserve’s interpretation center, where your local guide will teach you about the local flora and the fauna and their importance. After this, it is time for some physical activity! You will climb the base of the volcano up to the mountaineer’s refuge, all while getting the chance to enjoy the awe-inspiring landscape and the sight of adorable llamas, alpacas, giant condor birds, and more.

This morning, you will embark on a scenic land journey through the generous valleys of the austral Ecuadorian Andes. 

On the route, you will stop for an exploration of the Ingapirca archaeological ruins. These date back to the Inca period (500 BC), when such empire (based in Machu Picchu) expanded north and established political control centers in the area where you are standing.

The highlight here is the elliptical Temple of the Sun, which crowns a rocky hillock that was considered a sacred place by ancient tribes. Mysterious tombs are silent witnesses of the fierce power disputes that occurred here before the final Spanish invasion in the 15th century. 

You will arrive in Cuenca, a city declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, for its architectural buildings and historical importance.

The guide will drop you off directly at the hotel.

Cuenca was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical importance. The city is located on a valley crossed by 4 rivers and has monuments, palaces and churches from the Inca (500AD - 1500AD), colonial (1534 - 1809) and republican (1830 - 1900) periods. 

Among more surprises, today you will visit the San Sebastian square, which breathes a vintage provincial atmosphere and is located next to the colonial cathedral of the same name. Next, you will admire the San Francisco square and its famous church, built on a beautiful neoclassical style from 1527 to 1789. It contains a fine carved, gold-covered altar as well as religious art pieces from old indigenous and mestizo masters. 

Adjacent you will find small handicraft shops selling exquisitely embroidered skirts on the style used by local indigenous women, as well as a daily flower market, where wonderful roses, orchids, and arum lilies compose a cheerful palette of colours and smells. 

Transfer back to the hotel.

This morning you will embark on a scenic journey while descending from the Andes to the Pacific coast region of Ecuador. 

1 hour after leaving Cuenca, you will arrive at El Cajas National Park. Ranging between 3,000-4,500 m/10,000-15,000 ft of altitude, this protected area has breathtaking views of jagged rocky peaks and outstretched paramo moorlands with about 250 scenic lakes, cascades, crystal-clear streams, and fairy-tale paper tree bushes.

Hiking is the best way to explore El Cajas because its natural treasures are often tiny and hidden as a result of the chilly paramo climate. 150 species of birds, including carunculated caracaras, giant hummingbirds, and the emblematic Andean condor inhibit this place, along deer, foxes, porcupines, mountain tapirs, pumas, ocelots, and spectacled bears. 

Just outside the national park limits,

2 hours after leaving El Cajas, you will already feel the increased heat and humidity in the air, which combined with the luscious views from your window, will confirm that you have arrived to the tropical coastal region. Transfer-in to your assigned  hotel in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest port city.