9 Day itinerary in Ecuador, South America
Discover Ecuador through its volcanoes, cloud forests, vibrant markets, and healing hot springs on this 9-day Ecuador Volcanoes Route. This private tour combines Quito’s UNESCO Heritage charm with breathtaking Andean nature—from exploring colonial landmarks to trekking around Cotopaxi’s slopes and k... Read More
By Karem and Responsible
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Hiking
Indigenous culture
Nature & Adventure
Walking tour
Wildlife
Visit markets
Meet local people
Historic & cultural landmarks
Nature & Wildlife
Start/End
Night
Explore Quito’s UNESCO Heritage wonders
Discover the mystique of the Chocó cloud forest
Experience vibrant indigenous markets
Trek majestic Andes volcanoes
Explore Quito’s UNESCO Heritage wonders
Discover the mystique of the Chocó cloud forest
Experience vibrant indigenous markets
Trek majestic Andes volcanoes
Accommodation Categories
Transfer in Quito
Our tour starts at the time of arrival in Ecuador, a specialized guide will pick us up at Mariscal Sucre airport on the outskirts of the city of Quito to accompany us to our hotel. Quito, one of the oldest capitals in South America, boasts a rich colonial legacy. Baboo is celebrated for its locally curated, one-of-a-kind experiences.
City Tour Quito & Intiñan – Mindo
After a delicious breakfast, we will take a city tour through the beautiful and magical Quito Colonial capital of Ecuador that has outstanding architecture in addition to the largest and best-preserved historic center in South America. We will visit the Basilica, one of the best representations of the neo-Gothic, the church of San Francisco, the Company of Jesus, the Cathedral and The Big Way, after these visits we will have time for lunch and continue to the Middle of the world, to visit the interactive museum Intiñan. We continue our journey to Mindo. This ancient city was once a vital center during the Spanish colonial era, enhancing your encounter with Ecuadorian history.
Meals: Breakfast
Mindo Cloud Forest – Otavalo
After breakfast, we will start to explore Mindo, a cloud forest that is located on the edge of the chocó bio-region, just two hours from Quito, which is the perfect place for adventure, relaxation, bird watching and to enjoy the subtropical flora. In this area, you can find a wide variety of birds including Tangara's, toucans and hummingbirds among other prominent species. During our tour, we will be able to visit the butterfly, the waterfalls and for those who enjoy the sweet, we will be part of the chocolate process. Then we will continue our journey to Otavalo to rest. Mindo is renowned as a biodiversity hotspot with a vibrant birdwatching scene that has attracted naturalists for decades.
Meals: Breakfast
Otavalo Market & Cuicocha - Papallacta
After breakfast, we will start to explore the beautiful city of Otavalo, where we will visit the most famous artisan market in South America, where we will find handmade garments and accessories by the communities that will surprise them in their manufacture and color, we will continue our tour with the visit to Cuicocha and Cotacachi. During these visits, we will have time to have lunch. We will continue our journey to Avenue of the Volcanoes to Papallacta where we can rest after a beautiful day. Otavalo’s market has deep indigenous roots that date back centuries, reflecting the local cultural traditions.
Meals: Breakfast
Papallacta Hot Springs - Cotopaxi
Enjoy a relaxing day in the Andes. We will walk around the Papallacta river, where we will be able to observe the flora and fauna of the place. Next, you can relax in the hot volcanic pools of Papallacta. This outdoor thermal place has various benefits. Due to its minerals, these waters will help you gently exfoliate your skin and relax your body. You can enjoy additional services such as facials, massages and aromatherapy (for an additional cost). At the end of this experience, you will have lunch at a local restaurant, and then we will go to the Cotopaxi to rest. Papallacta hot springs have been soothing visitors since pre-Colombian times with their natural warmth and healing properties.
Meals: Breakfast
Cotopaxi National Park
In the morning we will be ready to start our exploration of the Cotopaxi Volcano which is the highest and most active in the world. We will start our visit by heading to the Limpiopungo Lagoon for a hike around it. We will be able to observe the typical vegetation of the mountains and local birds such as the Andean hummingbird and the condor on some occasions, we continue with the ascent to the parking lot in the vehicle and then on foot to the Jose Rivas Refuge (optional) where we can enjoy a privileged view on a clear day and tasty chocolate. Then we will continue our journey to Quilotoa to rest. Cotopaxi Volcano remains one of the most prominent natural wonders in the Andes and a powerful symbol in Ecuadorian folklore.
Meals: Breakfast
Quilotoa Lagoon
Early we will head to visit the Quilotoa Lagoon, first, we will enjoy the view of the Lagoon and the Crater from the view point, then we will continue with the descent to the base of the lagoon where we can enjoy the flora of the place, in addition, they will have the opportunity to enjoy activities such as kayaking (optional), after a relaxing time on site we will start the ascent again the same as you can do on foot with the guide or rent a mule with the community (optional). We'll have time for lunch and then continue to Baños de Agua Santa. Quilotoa lagoon is a volcanic caldera lake formed thousands of years ago, adding an ancient mystique to your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Baños de Agua Santa
Located in a valley of waterfalls and hot springs, the city of Baños has much to offer its visitors. After breakfast, Beautiful waterfalls and green areas surround the quiet village of Baños. We start our day with the tour of the Route of the Waterfalls until we reach the imposing fall of the Pailón del Diablo. Afterward, we will have time to enjoy the thermal baths to relax and swim (optional). The day would not be complete without looking at the active Tungurahua volcano. After a great day, we will continue to Quito. Baños has been celebrated as a spa destination since colonial times, inviting you to both adventure and relaxation. Meals: Breakfast
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer Out – Quito – International Conection
We end our program with the transfer to the airport. Quito’s Mariscal Sucre airport is a primary gateway for international travelers, reflecting the city’s importance as a cultural and economic hub.
Meals: Breakfast
Meals
Transport
Activities
Not Included
TEAM LEAD
+1 Local experts
Baboo Certified
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Hiking
Snorkeling/Diving
Visit markets
Meet local people
Indigenous culture
Kayaking
Rafting
Nature & Wildlife
Hi, I am Karem, your local expert for your next adventure in South America! I´ve worked and lived in various locations in Ecuador including Galapagos and the Amazon Jungle. Lately, I enjoy connecting with Nature by peaceful trekking in the mountains
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