11 Days 
Ecuador, 
From USD 2,758 p.p.
Gallery
Highlights
Itinerary
Map
Inclusions
Request More InformationCalling all adventurous families! Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Ecuador‘s most iconic destinations. Start in Quito’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Stand on the equator in the Middle of the World and experience being in both hemispheres at once. Venture into the Mindo Cloud Forest, where you can enjoy thrilling zip line rides through lush greenery. Ascend Cotopaxi, an active volcano, and hike amidst the Ecuadorian Andes. Experience rich Andean culture in the Highlands, interacting with local communities and learning about their traditions. Marvel at Quilotoa’s turquoise crater lake and hike to the Devil’s Nose, an engineering marvel. Finally, explore Cuenca, with its charming streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene.
Tour Summary
Gallery
Highlights
Historical CitiesVisit Quito and Cuenca, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.- Cloud ForestMindo's biodiversity caters to the interests of family members of all ages.
- VolcanoesExplore the mighty Andes mountains and its imposing snow-capped volcanoes.
- Local VillagesMeet Kichwa families at the Tigua community before visiting the Guamote local market.
- Pacific CoastVisit Guayaquil and enjoy the best weather and seafood dishes.
Historical CitiesVisit Quito and Cuenca, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Itinerary
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DAY 1 AIRPORT PICKUP – TRANSFER TO HOTEL
Your Hidden Treasures Ecuador tour starts here. You will be picked up at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and brought to your hotel, which is located outside of Quito. Depending on the time of arrival at the airport, you will have the chance to explore Quito by yourself and taste the local dishes and drinks. Of course, it is also possible to rest because you might be tired after a long flight.
Transport:Car.
Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
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DAY 2 HISTORICAL CENTER – COOKING CLASS – CAPILLA DEL HOMBRE
After breakfast in the hotel, you will go to the Historical Center of Quito to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After getting an impression of this beautiful city, you will get a cooking class where you learn how to cook local dishes. In the afternoon you will visit the Capilla del Hombre where you have an amazing view of the city. (All transportation is included).
Activity:Cooking. Sightseeing.- Transport:Car.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.- Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
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DAY 3 INTIÑAN MUSEUM – PULULAHUA– CLOUD FOREST
In the morning we will first visit the Intiñan Museum and go to the Pululahua volcano. After that, you will be transferred to a beautiful place in the Cloud Forest. Before lunch, you will take a guided short walk to learn about some of Maquipucuna’s medicinal and useful plants. After lunch, you will walk through the Bear Trail and part of the Palmito or River trails in search of spectacled bears or their traces. This is a moderate hike (2 to 3 hours) through Secondary and some Primary Forest. A local guide is mandatory during Spectacled Bear season. At 6 pm the bar opens officially; however, if you desire a drink before then, please let the staff know and they will be happy to serve you. There is also the chance to do an optional guided night hike.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Maquipucuna Reserve Lodge or similar.
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DAY 4 BIRD WATCHING – HIKE TO WATERFALL / SELF GUIDED WALK
Wake up with a concert of birds and get ready for an early start. After enjoying a cup of our own freshly brewed coffee, you have the first birding hike from 6:30 – 8:30 AM to enjoy the sounds and sights of dawn in the forest. Before lunch, you will take the Humedal trail learning further about plants and watching birds as we progress into the the pre-Inca trail used by the Yumbos. As a reward, you will reach the Yumbo waterfall or swimming hole where you will have the opportunity to take a swim. After lunch, you will visit the coffee orchard, the orchid garden, and the organic garden.
Alternatively, after breakfast, you could take a half-day or full-day tour to the Ziplines, Tulipe archeological site, or Mindo butterfly garden. You can also do an optional guided night hike.
- Activity:Bird-watching. Exploring. Hiking. Swimming.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Maquipucuna Reserve Lodge or similar.
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DAY 5 COTOPAXI – HORSEBACK RIDING
After breakfast, you will drive to the Cotopaxi Volcano area, which takes about 4 hours to get there. You will start your tour with a very nice car ride from Quito through Volcano Avenue; including the Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Illinizas, and others. When you arrive there you will have lunch and after that, you will do a horseback riding tour on the slopes of the Rumiñahui Volcano.
- Activity:Horseback Riding. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hacienda El Porvenir or similar.
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DAY 6 COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK – LIMPIOPUNGO LAGOON – ISINLIVÍ
When you finish your breakfast in the morning, you will visit the Cotopaxi National Park and the Limpiopungo Lagoon. After that, you will depart to Isinliví and there you will have lunch. In the afternoon you will go for a trekking exploration around the Isinliví mountains. In the evening you will have a nice local dinner.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
- Accommodation:LluLlu Llama Mountain Lodge or similar.
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DAY 7 QUILOTOA – TIGUA – GUAMOTE – CHIMBORAZO
In the morning you will visit the Quilotoa Loop, and have the chance to hike down and actually feel the temperature of the lake, when time allows it you can even kayak on the lake. After that, you will go to Tigua, where you will visit the local community. In the afternoon you will drive to Guamote, on your way there you have the chance to take some amazing photos of the Chimborazo volcano.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Inti Sisa or similar.
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DAY 8 GUAMOTE – DEVILS NOSE – INGAPIRCA – CUENCA
Around 08:00 AM you will hike to the Devil’s Nose. The trail offers incredible views of the river valley and a bird’s eye view of the inoperative tracks. You will learn about one of the greatest rail engineering feats worldwide while passing through the beautiful Andean scenery. In the afternoon you will visit the Ingapirca ruins after which you will be transferred to your hotel in Cuenca.
- Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Victoria or similar.
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DAY 9 CUENCA – CITY TOUR – SPA CIRCUIT
Today, you will have a very relaxing day. This is your time to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. Cuenca won South America’s Leading City Break Destination of 2018, and you will see in this tour why that is the case. It is an amazing city with a lot of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will start this day with a city tour around Cuenca, and after that, you will visit Piedra de Agua hot springs, a nice spot where you will get the chance to relax and unwind by doing a Spa Circuit.
- Activity:Relaxing. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Victoria or similar.
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DAY 10 CUENCA – CAJAS – GUAYAQUIL
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend a half day at Cajas National Park. In this park, you will spot many beautiful lakes. It is also home to many wild animals such as Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, and coatis. After exploring the great wildlife and nature, you will continue to Guayaquil where you will enjoy the city by night and enjoy its beautiful panoramic views. You will visit the most beautiful areas and buildings of Guayaquil.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Wyndham Guayaquil or similar.
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DAY 11 TRANSFER OUT
This is the last day of your Hidden Treasures Ecuador tour. Depending on the time of your flight, you will be brought to the airport. Any time of the day is fine to get your flight out, we will arrange a transfer to the airport for you.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast.
Transport:Car.
Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.
Activity:Cooking. Sightseeing.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
Map
11-Day Hidden Natural Treasures of Ecuador
- Meals as described in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in a double or triple room.
- Airport transfers to/from Quito and Guayaquil Airports.
- Private transportation with a Spanish speaking driver.
- Private bilingual guide during the activities.
- All activities as described in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees as described.
- Guided horse tour on healthy strong horses for all levels.
- 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
Meals as described in the itinerary.
Accommodation in a double or triple room.
Airport transfers to/from Quito and Guayaquil Airports.
Private transportation with a Spanish speaking driver.
Private bilingual guide during the activities.
All activities as described in the itinerary.
Guided horse tour on healthy strong horses for all levels.
24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
Exclusions+ International flights.
+ Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
+ Optional mules rent at Quilotoa.
+ Optional 30 min. kayak trip in the lagoon at Quilotoa.
+ Personal travel & health insurance.
+ Personal expenses.
+ Optional tips for the guide.
Additional information
- Prices for 2025 are subject to change.
- Single supplement fee USD 365 p.p.
- For children under 12 years old, we can offer a 10% discount.
- When the group reaches at least 6 guests, you will have a private guide for the whole tour.
- If you would like to have a German guide please contact us for details.
- This itinerary is fixed, it can’t be changed. If you are looking for a customized itinerary, please send us an email.
- Important things to bring: warm and waterproof clothing, gloves, water, energy snacks, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
- Keep in mind that the weather at 13,000 ft (4,000 m) can change suddenly from sunny to cold with stormy winds and wet snow.
- Since you will ride on steep mountain trails where oxygen is limited, it is our safety recommendation that the rider weighs 220 lbs (100 kg) or less.
- Inform yourself about food safety when traveling to tropical countries. Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
- It is mandatory to have valid travel and medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
- Rebecca Adventure Travel and the respective cruise operator reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions, availability, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
- If you would like to enter the Cotopaxi National Park (for example, to visit Limpiopungo or the Cotopaxi Refugio, or to stop underway to take pictures), you are required to rent the services of a local guide. The cost is USD 40.
ADVANTAGES OF BOOKING WITH REBECCA ADVENTURE TRAVEL
- Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
- Empowering Locals: Support family-owned accommodations, involving local communities and contributing to local economies.
- Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva.
- Travel With Trust: We are here for you every step of the way with solid insurance, certifications, and rebooking facilities.
- Personalized Travel Curator: Ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
- When you book a tour with us you agree to our terms and conditions.
Exact Code: 75HTEC11
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What our travelers say about us
★★★★★
Epic Tour Of Ecuador
This vacation was absolutely EPIC!! Everything went as planned. Great guides, and beautiful scenery. Everything about it was great.
This is a go-go-tour. We added a few days in between for rest and relaxation. I would probably add one more day.
Wonderful wonderful time!!
★★★★★
Galapagos Adventure
We went with Rebecca Adventure Travel to the Galapagos and experienced some of the best snorkeling of our lives! Of the tour operators we talked to, Rebecca Adventure Travel was by far the most responsive and provided a lot of small but important touches to our day tour.
Adam M
★★★★★
6 Day Ecuador Multisport
Great active tour with a great guide! The team of Rebecca was really on point with answering questions through email and gave us a lot of information beforehand. Would highly recommend 🙂
Jill V.
★★★★★
Land-based tour of the…
We got a lot of help to customize it to our interests. Overall the experience was very good. They arranged day tours at each destination and all transfers. We had great tour guides, they were timely, the boats were great, and they fed us well. The snorkeling guides were very professional.
Madeleine
