ITINERARIES IN ECUADOR

In no other country in South America you can travel so easily and discover such a diversity of interesting cultures and beautiful nature than in Ecuador. We have set up several itineraries for you, like classical Ecuador roundtrips, Ecuador in modules and Ecuador in special themes, on which you can experience the best of Ecuador in a limited period of time.

The itineraries depend on arrival and departure times of different airlines, ships and the train to the legendary 'Devil's Nose'. The following examples are only proposals and can be altered any time according to your wishes and interests. We are more than glad to put together for you your individual travel itinerary free of charge and without obligation.

Ecuador in special themes:
"Avenue of the volcanoes" - Ruta del sol - Adventure route - Extreme adventure - Naturalist route - Cultural route - Relaxation route

Day 1-2: Quito, pearl of South America and World Cultural Heritage
Day 3-4: Otavalo, hacienda life
Day 5-6: Cloud Forest, paradise for nature lovers
Day 6-7: Papallacta, relax in the thermal springs
Day 7-8: Baños, waterfalls and pure nature
Day 8-10: Cuenca, colonial city and Cajas National Park
Day 10-13: Vilcabamba, the "valley of longevity"
Day 14: Module to continue or return flight

Day 1: Quito
Arrival in Quito and transfer from the Mariscal Sucre Airport to hotel. This attractive and especially beautiful city surrounded by snow-covered volcanoes and lies only 22 kilometres from the Equator Line.

Day 2: Quito
Visit its historical old town, declared World Cultural Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1978, have a coffee in one of the small inviting and lovely decorated coffee-bars or just relax in a romantic carriage which will take you through the narrow cobblestone streets and astonishing illuminated churches and colonial buildings. City sightseeing tour.

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Day 4: Otavalo and haciendas
Travel north to Otavalo. After a visit to the famous indigenous market of “Plaza de los Ponchos” your journey continues to one of our partner hotels Hacienda San Pedro, Hosteria Las Palmeras Inn or Hacienda Cusin where a peaceful environment will be waiting for you. You can go on different trips into the surrounding area, such as for example to the Lagoon of Cuicocha or to the Lagoon of Mojanda.

Day 5: Otavalo
Have a homemade breakfast and enjoy nature by trekking or biking. Our partner hotels will also be delighted to organise for you interesting trips on horse or on foot within the meadows and primary woodlands. Admire incredible views: part totally wild and part under cultivation, ringed by snow-capped volcanoes.

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Day 5 - 6: Cloud Forest
Prepare yourself to visit cloud forests, located in the steep slopes of the Andes, ranging from 900m to 2500m of altitude. Cloud forests contain a high biodiversity and constitute a real paradise for nature lovers. Follow one of the trails within the private reserves of one our recommended lodges and enjoy the Jacuzzi and the swimming pool, surrounded by a nice warm weather and a unique flora and fauna. When the mist goes down, take a coffee or tea and admire the splendid landscape, or just enjoy all the comfort and beautiful decoration our partner lodges have to offer you.

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Day 6 - 7: Papllacta
Your journey continues to Papallacta, located 64km East of Quito with direction to the rainforest at an altitude of 4064m. You will find yourself amidst cloud forests and the rough páramo landscape. Arrival to Termas de Papallacta Spa, one of the most beautiful and trimmest spas in Ecuador with affiliated hotel and natural paths, situated about 1km out of the village of Papallacta in a high valley. Enjoy the relaying and therapeutic effects of the warm, odourless thermal spring water, whilst nestling amidst beautiful scenery. On clear days you will even have a marvellous view of the snow-capped giant Antizana (5704m) from the thermal springs.

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Day 7 - 8: Baños
The trip continues to Banos, a destination you cannot miss within this route. The name of the town alone (Baños=baths) refers to a plethora of swimming pools partly using the thermal water of Tungurahua. Especially in July and August many local and foreign tourists come to this little town due to the variety of interesting activities it offers, such as trekking, biking and horseback riding, along with more adventurous sports –tubing, rappelling, kayaking, among others. Enjoy your stay in our partner hotel Luna Runtun, the Adventure Spa, under Swiss management, offers comfort and relaxation. Let yourself be pampered by the 4 elements - water, air, earth and fire - enjoy unique massages, the great specialities of homegrown food and combine adventure with relaxation.

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Day 8 - 10: Cuenca
Travel southwards towards Cuenca city, declared World Cultural Heritage Site in 1998, and enjoy the unique flair that cobblestone streets and colonial buildings offer the city. Indeed, Cuenca is considered to be the most beautiful city in Ecuador. Gray Line Tours will be delighted to organise a city tour and a special evening for you. Overnight stay in Hotel Crespo or Mansión Alcázar, both of which offer a very special atmosphere, an astonishing decoration and a first-class service.

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Day 10 - 13: Vilcabamba
Continue the journey southwards to Vilcabamba Valley, better known as "valley of longevity". Many people living in this place reach the old age of 100 and scientists have argued that this phenomenon is due to the fresh air, the clear water and the stable climate of the area. The surrounding area invites you to extensive walks, as well as to horseback riding trips Don’t miss the opportunity of becoming younger in this idyllic valley. Overnight stay with our recommended partner hotel Hosteria Izhcayluma, where you will find a very familiar atmosphere and which will be glad to help you organising interesting activities during your stay.

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Day 14: Module to continue or return flight
Transfer to Loja and return flight to Quito or Guayaquil, Module Galápagos

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Ecuador Roundtrip I - Ecuador Roundtrip II - Ecuador in modules - Ecuador in special themes