Classic Ecuador

Tailor made tours

SUMMARY

10 Days

Ecuador

This Classic Ecuador tour takes in much of the country’s central region, known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Your Ecuadorian odyssey commences in the charming embrace of Quito, the capital city that sets the stage for this remarkable adventure. Roam through the historic heart, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where South America’s story unfolds in cobblestone streets and ornate facades.

Venture north from Quito, and you’ll find yourself in the embrace of the captivating Otavalo Valley. Here, immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of local life as you explore the renowned markets, a kaleidoscope of color and culture. Continuing southward, your journey takes you to Papallacta, a haven of relaxation nestled in the mountains. Dip into its thermal hot springs, a rejuvenating experience that cradles you in nature’s soothing embrace.

From Papallacta, your path leads to Cotopaxi, where the world’s loftiest active volcano graces the horizon. Marvel at its grandeur and power, a testament to nature’s raw magnificence. Traverse onward to Baños, a town cradled by the majestic Route of the Waterfalls. Each cascading ribbon of water tells a tale of nature’s artistry.

The enchanting colonial city of Cuenca awaits in Ecuador’s southern highlands. Behold its timeless beauty and indulge in its burgeoning culinary delights. As the tour winds to a close, descend to the fertile plains and the coastal embrace of Guayaquil. This vibrant city marks the end of your Ecuadorian escapade, but it also marks a beginning – the gateway to the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands.

Our Classic Ecuador suggested tour, meticulously crafted by our specialist team, serves as a wellspring of inspiration. With Contours Travel, the power to tailor this itinerary to your desires is yours. Tweak the locations, experiences, or accommodations to align with your timeframe and budget. Add your personal touch, transforming this journey into an indelible chapter of your own story.

HIGHLIGHTS

Admire Quito’s classic colonial architecture.
Travel to Otavalo to visit the famous indigenous markets.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Termas Papallacta and relax in the hot springs as you gaze up at the Andean sky.
Drive through the known avenue of volcanoes and get to see impressive waterfalls.
Enjoy a train ride along the iconic Devil’s Nose, one of the continent’s most impressive train journeys.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito

On arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Quito

Discover Quito’s beautiful colonial centre on this morning’s half-day tour. Visit Plaza de la Independencia and San Francisco Convent before heading to Panecillo Hill for great views over the city.

Day 3 Quito/Otavalo

Travel to Otavalo to visit the famous indigenous markets. After some time to browse you will have lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to the beautiful crater lake of Cuicocha.

Day 4 Otavalo/Papallacta

On your drive towards Papallacta Hot Springs, you will stop to visit a rose plantation. Ecuador is one of the top producers of roses in the world. Lunch will be served at an old beautiful Hacienda. Later, continue your scenic drive towards Papallacta from where you can see the impressive Cayambe volcano (third highest volcano of the Ecuador 5790 metres). As you gain altitude, you will drive through the highland paramo vegetation having great views of the Papallacta Lake. After the lake, take a detour on a dirt road that will take us to the hot Springs and our hotel. Papallacta, a small village located 10,491 feet (3.197 mt) above sea level, famous for its thermal springs (38º C) and lush vegetation.

Day 5 Papallacta/Cotopaxi

Midmorning, after enjoying a dip in the hot springs, drive to the Cotopaxi National Park. Turning off the main highway, you will enter the park, crossing the Andean Paramo and an extensive pine tree forest. Gently ascending the flanks of the volcano, passing through fields of ancient lava strewn with boulders, you will arrive at the base of the Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano (5,897metres). This desolated and rugged scenery captivates everyone.

Day 6 Cotopaxi/Patate

The second day at the Cotopaxi Province starts with a visit to one of the nearby colourful local markets. Then your journey will continue the Panamerican highway until Ambato city to make a stop and visit the Botanical garden and museum of Juan Leon Mera, one of the most well-known writers of the Ecuadorean Literature. As we leave the Panamerican Highway, heading east, we continue our drive through a unique multicolour patchwork of crop fields towards Patate Valley.

Day 7 Patate/Riobamba

This morning you will take a trip to Baños, an area rich in vegetation and orchids, famous for its nearby hot springs that provide hot running water to the local baths. You will see and visit beautiful waterfalls on the way. Lunch will be served only a short hike away from the road at a charming restaurant close to the Pailon del Diablo, an overwhelming waterfall. In the afternoon, you will continue to Riobamba. The city sits at the base of the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest one in Ecuador 6.268 metres.

Day 8 Riobamba/Cuenca

After breakfast you will head to Ecuador’s highest mountain, Chimborazo (6310m). Thanks to its location at the Equator, this is the closest point to the sun from the surface of Earth. Travel by car up to 4800m and then take a short hike up to a second refuge located at 5000m. During the hike you will be able to see llamas and vicuñas. Continue to Ingapirca, the most important Inca complex located in Ecuador. It was built during the Inca expansion into Ecuador at the end of the 15th century on a site that had been occupied by the Cañari people for 500 years. Today’s overland journey finishes in Cuenca where you will stay overnight.

Day 9 Cuenca/Guayaquil

In the morning you will visit Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city, locally known as “The Athens of Ecuador” in honour of its numerous poets. The city’s cobblestone streets, colonial plazas and religious art treasures recall its distant past, while the flower market on the little Plaza del Carmen and the new and old Cathedrals on the main Plaza Calderón provide some spectacular colours and impressive architecture. A trip along the Tomebamba River takes you to the Inter-American Centre of Popular Art, home to many regional handicrafts while a walk through the city centre will give you a chance to visit the ceramic, textiles, and jewellery stores. Lunch will be served at a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, we will drive to Guayaquil, located on the banks of the Guayas river, and called “The Pearl of the Pacific”. The city has a rich tradition and is proud of its monuments and points of interest such as The Iguanas Park. During your sightseeing tour you won’t only visit the park, but also tourist attractions like La Rotonda, the Moorish style clock tower, the recently reconstructed and impressive Malecon, the Cerro del Carmen hilltops, (providing a magnificent view of the city and of the convergence of the Daule and Babahoyo rivers which form the Guayas River), the Centenario Plaza, Las Peñas, another neighborhood built at the turn of the century, and the Church of Santo Domingo, the city’s first church built in 1548.