Ecuador 7 Days Tour from Quito to Cuenca

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Explore Quito’s Historic Center, El Panecillo, the Middle of the World & Intiñan Museum
6 stops
1
Centro Histórico
Begin your adventure exploring Quito’s beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. Stroll through Independence Square (Plaza Grande), surrounded by impressive colonial buildings and the city's most important landmarks.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
2
Fundacion Iglesia de la Compania
Visit one of South America's finest Baroque churches, renowned for its breathtaking interior adorned with intricate gold leaf decorations.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
San Francisco Convent (Pass by)
Discover one of Quito's oldest and most iconic religious complexes, celebrated for its rich history, remarkable colonial architecture, and beautiful plazas.
3
Continue to Quito's most famous hilltop viewpoint, home to the iconic Virgin of Quito statue, where you'll enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the Ecuadorian capital.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
Mitad Del Mundo
Stand on the Equator and visit the iconic monument marking latitude 0°, one of Ecuador's most visited attractions.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Intinan Equator Museum
End the day with interactive exhibits and fascinating demonstrations that showcase the science, culture, and traditions associated with the Equator.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Discover Otavalo Market, Cuicocha Crater Lake, Cotacachi & Andean Artisan Traditions
7 stops
6
Depart Quito and travel north through the scenic Andean highlands, making your first stop in Guayllabamba town, where you'll have the opportunity to taste the region's famous cherimoya, a delicious tropical fruit native to Ecuador.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Miralago
Admire breathtaking panoramic views of San Pablo Lake and the surrounding Imbabura Volcano while sampling the area's traditional bizcochos, a beloved local pastry. Here you can taste the famous biscuits.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
8
Otavalo Market
Explore one of South America's largest and most famous indigenous markets, where you'll have free time to browse colorful stalls filled with handwoven textiles, alpaca products, jewelry, paintings, and authentic Ecuadorian handicrafts.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
9
Visit local family run workshops to discover the ancestral techniques used to create handwoven textiles on traditional looms and handcrafted Andean musical instruments, preserving centuries of Indigenous craftsmanship.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
Taller Ñanda Mañachi
Visit the renowned Ñanda Mañachi workshop to discover the craftsmanship behind traditional Andean musical instruments. Learn how iconic instruments such as pan flutes, quenas, charangos, and drums are handcrafted, while gaining insight into the rich musical heritage and cultural traditions of the Indigenous communities of the Ecuadorian Andes.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
11
Cotacachi
Stroll through this charming Andean town, internationally recognized for its high-quality leather goods, boutiques, and welcoming atmosphere. Here we have the lunch
1 hour • Admission ticket free
12
Cuicocha Lake
Conclude the day from a viewpoint with to see this spectacular volcanic crater lake, surrounded by the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Enjoy stunning scenery, fresh mountain air, and unforgettable views before returning to Quito for the evening.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Explore Cotopaxi National Park, José Rivas Refuge, Toachi Canyon & Quilotoa Highlands
6 stops
13
Cotopaxi National Park
Journey into one of Ecuador's most spectacular protected areas, home to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes while learning about the park's unique ecosystems and wildlife.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
14
Refugio Cotopaxi (Jose Ribas)
Hike to the José Rivas Refuge at approximately 4,875 meters (15,994 ft) above sea level, where you'll be rewarded with unforgettable views of Cotopaxi's snow-capped slopes and the surrounding volcanic scenery.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
15
Visit the park's interpretation center to gain insight into the geology, biodiversity, volcanic activity, and conservation efforts that make Cotopaxi National Park one of Ecuador's natural treasures.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
Laguna de Limpiopungo
Continue to the picturesque Limpiopungo Lagoon, located within Cotopaxi National Park and surrounded by breathtaking páramo landscapes. Enjoy a short, easy walk along the lagoon's trails while taking in spectacular views of Cotopaxi Volcano and observing native high-altitude flora and birdlife in one of the park's most scenic locations.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
17
Canon del Rio Toachi
Stop to admire the dramatic landscapes of the Toachi Canyon, a scenic viewpoint offering spectacular panoramas of deep valleys, rugged cliffs, and the Andean highlands.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
18
Reserva Ecologica Los Ilinizas
Continue to the picturesque region entering to the Ilinizas Natoinal Park, surrounded by traditional Indigenous communities and stunning mountain scenery. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy dinner included before preparing to explore the famous crater lake the following day.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Explore Quilotoa Crater Lake, Journey to Baños, Visit Casa del Árbol & Pachamama Hands Viewpoint
3 stops
19
Laguna Quilotoa
Begin the day at one of Ecuador's most breathtaking natural wonders. Walk along the rim of the spectacular volcanic crater while enjoying panoramic views of its emerald green lake. For those seeking a closer experience, there is the option to descend approximately 40 minutes to the shoreline, where you may also choose to take an optional kayak or boat ride across the crater lake ( kayak or boat not included). After continue your journey through the Ecuadorian Andes toward the charming town of Baños, passing picturesque mountain landscapes and traditional rural communities along the way.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
20
Visit the iconic Casa del Árbol, home to the world-famous "Swing at the End of the World," where you can soar above the mountains while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and, weather permitting, Tungurahua Volcano.
40 minutes • Admission ticket included
21
LA MANO DE LA PACHAMAMA
End the day at the impressive Pachamama Hands Viewpoint, a striking panoramic attraction offering unforgettable views of the lush mountains surrounding Baños an ideal spot for memorable photographs before heading to your accommodation for the evening.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Discover the Avenue of the Waterfalls, Manto de la Novia Cable Car, Pailón del Diablo & Riobamba
3 stops
22
After breakfast, set out along Baños' famous Avenue of the Waterfalls, one of Ecuador's most scenic routes, where lush cloud forests, deep canyons, and spectacular waterfalls create unforgettable Andean landscapes.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
23
Ride the cable car across the Pastaza River canyon for breathtaking views of the beautiful Manto de la Novia Waterfall. Adventurous travelers may also choose to experience the optional zipline (canopy) across the valley (zipline not included).
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
24
Visit one of Ecuador's most iconic waterfalls and enjoy a scenic walk through the lush forest to reach several spectacular viewpoints, where you'll experience the incredible power and beauty of this magnificent cascade up close. After travel through the scenic Ecuadorian Highlands to the historic city of Riobamba, often known as the "Sultan of the Andes." Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Explore Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, Ingapirca Ruins & Journey to the Historic City of Cuenca
6 stops
25
Depart Riobamba and travel to the majestic Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, home to Ecuador's highest mountain and the point on Earth closest to the sun due to the planet's equatorial bulge. Enjoy spectacular high-altitude landscapes while learning about the unique ecosystems of the Andean páramo.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
26
Ascend by vehicle to approximately 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level and continue with a short walk to the Hermanos Carrel Refuge, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Chimborazo Volcano and its surrounding glaciers.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
27
Continue with a short walk to the picturesque Cóndor Lagoon, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. This peaceful high-altitude lake offers excellent opportunities to admire native flora, wildlife, and the impressive landscapes of the reserve.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
28
Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
Explore Ecuador's most important Inca archaeological site, where you'll discover the fascinating history of the Inca and Cañari civilizations while visiting the remarkably preserved Temple of the Sun and other ceremonial structures.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
29
Take a short walk to the famous Inca Face, a remarkable natural rock formation whose profile resembles a human face, surrounded by beautiful Andean scenery and local legends.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
30
Cuenca
Continue to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca, where you'll check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Discover Cuenca’s Historic Center, Turi Viewpoint & the Art of Panama Hat Weaving
11 stops
31
Begin the day exploring the charming UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Cuenca, celebrated for its elegant colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and picturesque cobblestone streets.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
32
Stroll along one of Cuenca's most vibrant streets, lined with historic buildings, cafés, museums, and cultural landmarks that reflect the city's unique character.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
33
Experience the authentic atmosphere of Cuenca's oldest traditional market, where you'll discover local produce, regional specialties, colorful flowers, and handcrafted goods.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
34
Plaza San Francisco Cuenca Ecuador
Explore this lively square, home to local artisans and handicraft vendors, offering an authentic glimpse into the city's daily life and traditions.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
35
Admire one of Cuenca's most picturesque plazas, famous for its vibrant flower stalls and charming colonial surroundings
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
36
Calderon Park
Visit the city's main square, surrounded by historic landmarks and beautifully landscaped gardens at the heart of Cuenca's historic center.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
37
Discover the city's most recognizable landmark, admired for its striking blue domes, impressive architecture, and magnificent interior.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
38
Old Cathedral of Cuenca
Step inside the original cathedral, an important historical and religious monument that reflects the city's colonial past.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
39
Take in spectacular panoramic views over Cuenca from one of the city's most iconic viewpoints, offering unforgettable photo opportunities.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
40
Visit one of Ecuador's most renowned Panama hat manufacturers to learn about the traditional craftsmanship behind the world-famous handwoven toquilla straw hats, recognized as part of Ecuador's cultural heritage.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
41
Conclude your city tour with another stroll along Calle Larga before returning to your hotel, where your unforgettable journey through Ecuador comes to an end. You can find free time or we leave you at the hotel. End services.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

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