Adventure Through the Andes, Southern Ecuador & the Coast - 16 Days

Highlights

• Stroll the cobbled streets of famous historic centers in Quito and Cuenca
• Hike volcanoes, soak in hot springs, and see spectacled bears in national parks
• Tour the pre-Inca temple ruins at Ingapirca and visit thundering waterfalls
• Go surfing, whale watching, and beachcombing on the pristine coast of Ecuador

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Visit Museo Casa de la Cultura

Welcome to Ecuador! Many adventures await you over the next couple of weeks, and it all begins in the capital of Quito. Located in Ecuador's famous Andes highlands and sitting at 9,350 feet (2,850 m) in altitude, this is the best spot to immerse yourself in the nation's rich history. Founded in 1534, Quito was one of the earliest settlements when the Spanish arrived in the Americas, and the city is famous for its well-preserved colonial center—so much so that it's been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A driver will pick you up at the airport and whisk you off to your hotel in the city. Once you've settled in, meet a guide for a grand introduction to Ecuadorian art and heritage with a visit to the Museo Casa de la Cultura. Located near the city's historic center, this iconic museum showcases the national culture through diverse exhibits. These range from traditional textiles to archaeological artifacts dating back thousands of years to artworks by some of the country's most renowned painters and sculptors. 

Day 2: Quito City Tour, Visit Mitad del Mundo, Ecuadorian Cooking Class

Rise and shine for a grand tour of the highlights in and around Quito. It begins after breakfast when you hit the streets on a guided walk of the city's famous colonial center. Admire the intricate stone carvings of Iglesia La Compañía and wander the cloisters of the 16th-century Iglesia San Francisco. Wrap up the historical portion of the tour with a walk down La Ronda, once a pre-Columbian walking trail, now a romantic pedestrian street full of cafés, live music venues, and eclectic shops.

Later on, head just north of Quito to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), a park dominated by the 98-foot (30 m) tall Monument to the Equator. It marks the precise location of the equator, the invisible line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. You can straddle the yellow line here, which means you'll have one foot in each hemisphere. Later, visit the Planetarium, which houses a small-scale model of Quito, and various exhibitions.

Upon returning to Quito, you'll cap the day with a group cooking class led by a local chef. This is your chance to enjoy an authentic culinary experience as you prepare regional classics, such as empanadas, ceviche, and tamales. First, you and your group will take a trip to a market to buy the ingredients needed for each dish. Then, learn the recipes and follow the steps to create a meal to share. It's a tasty and interactive experience that's great whether you're traveling solo or with the family.

Day 3: Antisana National Park & Laguna de la Mica Hike, Optional Hot Springs

Meet your driver/guide this morning for the 2-3-hour ride southeast from Quito into Napo province, home of the Reserva Ecologica Antisana (Antisana Ecological Reserve). The park gets its name from the snowcapped Antisana volcano, but today, you'll visit a different landmark: Laguna de la Mica (Mica Lagoon). Hike to the high-altitude lake following trails of varying difficulty. Throughout this three-hour hike, you might spot endemic wildlife like deer, rabbits, and (if you're lucky) the Andean condor.

After the hike, there's the option to visit the nearby Termas de Papallacta—natural hot springs comprised of eight geothermal pools. Here, you can take a relaxing dip in the warm waters and soothe your weary muscles as you admire views of nearby polylepis trees and the volcano. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Quito.

Day 4: Cycling in Cotopaxi National Park, Transfer to Baños de Agua Santa

It's road trip time! Your English-speaking guide/driver will pick you up at the hotel this morning, and you'll set off into the highlands on a full-day combined driving/cycling adventure. As you travel south out of Quito, you'll pass local villages and beautiful páramo (high Andean) landscapes. Your ultimate destination is Baños de Agua Santa, but you'll first take a detour and travel to Cotopaxi National Park, a pristine nature reserve that covers 129 square miles (334 sq km) in the Andean highlands and a great place to get some outdoor exercise.

You'll drive through verdant pine forests to the park's visitors center, and from there, transfer to a 4WD vehicle for a ride up dirt roads to a viewpoint at 15,000 feet (4,500 m) in altitude. After snapping some pics of the surrounding valleys and volcanoes, hop on a mountain bike for a ride along rugged trails. It's a thrilling adventure as you pedal 5 miles (8 km) downhill, passing volcanic landscapes abounding with wild horses galloping around you and Andean condors flying overhead.

After a lunch break at a nearby village, you'll take a short Jeep transfer to Laguna de Limpiopungo, a glassy lake where you'll finish with a 10-mile (16 km) downhill ride. Then, meet your driver for the ride farther south to the charming town of Baños de Agua Santa, located on the doorstep of the Amazon basin. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel.

Day 5: Scenic Waterfall Route Drive, Hike to El Pailón del Diablo, Hot Springs

You've hiked and cycled around highland volcanoes, now it's time to experience natural wonders a bit lower in altitude. This morning, your driver will take you for a ride along the scenic Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) toward the village of Río Verde. When you arrive in town, take a one-hour hike to one of the area's famous waterfalls, El Pailón del Diablo ("Devil's Cauldron"). Here, the water cascades 265 feet (81 m) down through the cloud forest.

After marveling at the falls, you'll head back to Baños. On the way, stop just outside of town at Casa del Arbol, where you can soar on a swing placed at the edge of a mountain. If you like, afterward, you can stop for a soak at nearby hot springs before returning to your hotel in town. 

Day 6: Hike Chimborazo Volcano, Transfer to Riobamba

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Depart Baños early on a 2.5-hour ride west to Chimborazo. This dormant stratovolcano is Ecuador's tallest peak, standing an impressive 20,548 feet (6,263 m) above sea level. While you won't hike all the way to the top, you'll go on a hike up to Carrel Refuge, a mountain hut sitting at 15,748 feet (4,800 m) in altitude. Needless to say, the views of the surrounding valleys and mountains are spectacular. Afterward, continue driving about an hour south to Riobamba, the capital of Chimborazo province in central Ecuador, where you'll spend the night.

Day 7: Visit Ingapirca Ruins, Transfer to Cuenca

After breakfast, continue traveling south on a three-hour drive to the ruins of Ingapirca, one of the most important archaeological sites in Ecuador. Dating to the 15th century, the site was important to the Indigenous Cañari people and the Inca, as they coexisted peacefully for many years. Among the ruins, you'll find the Temple of the Sun, ancient terraces, and a Cañari tomb. From here, transfer to the nearby city of Cuenca, the capital of Azuay province, and check into your hotel.

Day 8: Cuenca City & Countryside Tour

Spend the morning on a walking tour of Cuenca's historic center. Known as the "Athens of Ecuador" due to its well-preserved buildings, it's a great place to stroll amid colonial history. Walk along Cuenca's cobbled streets to landmarks like the 16th-century Iglesia El Sagrario, known as the "Old Cathedral." Another highlight is the 19th-century Catedral Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción, also known as the "New Cathedral." While the old cathedral has been converted into a museum, the new one, with its famous blue and white domes, is still a working church.

Around midday, you'll travel outside the city and visit some charming villages in the Azuay countryside. First up is Chordeleg, a silversmith town known for filigree silverwork, which uses fine wires to form delicate jewelry; in Gualaceo, you'll visit an orchid farm where over 6,000 orchids are cultivated; and then there's Sígsig, famous for its traditional handicrafts and custom Panama hats. After a full afternoon exploring the province, you'll return to Cuenca, where you can enjoy dinner out at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Transfer to Loja, City Tour, Botanical & Orchid Garden 

Rise early for the four-hour transfer south from Cuenca to Loja. Known as the "Music and Cultural Capital of Ecuador," this small but vibrant city also features historic plazas, churches, monasteries, and other impressive landmarks. After checking into your hotel, you'll see the highlights on a walking tour led by a local expert. As you admire these colorful buildings with their wooden balconies, your guide will share knowledge about their history.

One highlight of the tour is La Puerta de la Ciudad (The City Gate), a castle-like tower with a museum, café, and galleries that display local artwork. You'll also stop by Plaza Parque Central, where you'll find the 19th-century Loja Cathedral with its Baroque facade. Also on the plaza is the Music Museum, which tells the story of Loja's progressive music scene. After passing by a few more historic sites, you'll reach the Botanical and Orchid Garden and admire the colorful blooms. The tour ends at a local café to enjoy a cup of what many say is the best coffee in Ecuador.

Day 10: Podocarpus National Park Wildlife Hike, Transfer to Vilcabamba

After breakfast, leave for an hour's drive south of Loja to Podocarpus National Park. This 558-square-mile (1,446 sq km) protected area is famous for its exotic wildlife, which includes Andean condors, colorful toucans, and other rare bird species. The real star, however, is the endangered spectacled bear. (Keep your camera handy in case one crosses your path!)

You'll seek out animals such as these on a four-hour hike through Podocarpus' cloud-forest ecosystem. Even if the animals prove elusive, you'll enjoy prime photo opportunities as you stop at various viewpoints overlooking Loja and the village of Vilcabamba below. After a day spent in the great outdoors, you'll head to the colorful town of Vilcabamba, where you'll overnight.

Day 11: Transfer to Cuenca, Pottery Class

Take a couple of hours this morning to relax in tranquil Vilcabamba before joining your driver for the return transfer to Cuenca and your hotel. Later in the afternoon, head to the home of a local artisan, who will welcome you into his workshop and share stories from his 40 years of working in this art form. That's right, this is a hands-on pottery lesson under the tutelage of a bona fide master.

During the lesson, you'll learn the fundamentals of this ancient craft as you work with local clay mixed with water. The next step is to spread the clay on a surface to mold it into the desired shape. Once done, the pieces are polished and sanded to be left to dry and baked in the oven. Besides crafting your own clay work, you can browse one-of-a-kind pieces for sale in the workshop, such as beautiful pots, ornaments, crockery, and black pottery. Afterward, spend the rest of the day relaxing in Cuenca.

Day 12: Hike El Cajas National Park, Transfer to Guayaquil

It's time to say goodbye to the highlands as you make your way to Ecuador's famous coast. Before you do, however, you'll embark on one more mountain adventure. Your driver will pick you up in the morning for the hourlong drive west of Cuenca to El Cajas National Park. With its 200 glacial lakes and numerous hiking trails, this is one of Ecuador's most spectacular sites.

Upon arrival, you'll set off on a half-day hike. During the trek, you'll skirt small gorges and pass through native forests as your guide points out the distinctive moorland vegetation. Highlights you'll stop at include the Garden of the Virgin of Cajas and Tres Cruces Viewpoint. The latter sits at 13,648 feet (4160 m) and offers jaw-dropping panoramic views.

After a break for lunch, get back on the road for a four-hour drive with your guide, approaching one of the highest points in the Ecuadorian highlands before descending toward the coast. Rice plantations dot the landscape as you near the port city of Guayaquil, where you'll spend the night.

Day 13: Transfer to Puerto Lopez, Half-Day Surfing Lesson

It's about a four-hour drive up the coast from Guayaquil to Puerto Lopez, an idyllic fishing village and prime surf destination. Though the drive is long, it's never dull, as you'll be treated to some of the finest coastal scenery along the Pacific. Of course, on the way, your driver/guide will make plenty of stops to visit secluded beaches, hidden coves, and coastal cliffs.

When you do arrive in Puerto Lopez, you'll check into your hotel and then make a beeline for the beach. The town has become increasingly popular among surfers in recent years due to its consistent waves, warm water, and laid-back vibe. Take advantage of it on a half-day surf outing that's ideal for both beginners and experienced wave riders.

Depending on your skill level, you'll head to one of the many surf beaches in the area, such as Los Frailes, Ayampe, and Montañita. Los Frailes is a beautiful beach located within Machalilla National Park, known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. The waves here are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers, and there are several surf schools offering lessons and rentals.

Day 14: Boat Tour to Isla de la Plata & Whale Watching

Enjoy another seafaring adventure as today, you'll board a small yacht for a three-hour tour to Isla de la Plata (Silver Island). The name derives from the legend that Sir Francis Drake buried treasure here. The island is also part of Machalilla National Park, a protected area home to incredible marine life like sea lions, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and waved albatrosses.

During a stop on land, you can stroll around the island before diving into the water and snorkeling the coral reefs surrounding the island. Later, on the boat ride back to Puerto López, look for migrating humpback whales and pods of dolphins—whale watching reaches its peak from mid-June to October here. Upon arrival ashore, you'll transfer back to your hotel in town.

Day 15: Transfer to Guayaquil, Stop at Los Frailes Beach

This morning, you'll head back to Guayaquil on a scenic coastal drive. If you haven't done so already, you'll stop at Playa Los Frailes for some beach time. This is one of the most gorgeous stretches of sand in the country, due in no small part to its location within Machalilla National Park, which protects the diverse ecosystems of the country's Pacific coast.

Over the next four hours, you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the prime coastal viewpoints. You'll also embark on a hike to other remote beaches as well as an Indigenous community. Afterward, you'll hop back in the car and return to Guayaquil in time for dinner.

Day 16: Guayaquil City Tour, Depart

Gear up for one last excursion in Ecuador as you leave your hotel this morning on a guided tour of Guayaquil. It starts with a visit to Seminario Park, where you can spot iguanas scurrying about and relaxing in the sun. After visiting the park's neo-Gothic Metropolitan Cathedral, you'll take a stroll down the famous Malecón, a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) boardwalk along the river.

Then, continue north to Las Peñas, a colorful neighborhood that dates to the 16th century and is famous for its cobbled streets and pastel-colored hilltop homes. At the tour's end, you'll say goodbye to your new iguana friends as you hop in a car for the transfer to the airport, where your flight home awaits. Adiós!

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