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11-Day Hidden Treasure Ecuador

11-Day Hidden Natural Treasures of Ecuador

Days Icon 11 Days
Location icon Ecuador
Budget icon From USD 3,086 p.p.
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Tour Summary

Calling 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.

Highlights

  • check Cloud Forest

    Mindo’s biodiversity caters to the interests of family members of all ages.

  • check Volcanoes

    Explore the mighty Andes mountains and its imposing snow-capped volcanoes.

  • check Local Villages

    Meet Kichwa families at the Tigua community before visiting the Guamote local market.

  • check Pacific Coast

    Visit Guayaquil and enjoy the best weather and seafood dishes.

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 4,840 p.p.
2 - 3 guestsUSD 3,394 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 3,086 p.p.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download itinerary

  • DAY 1: Airport Pickup – Transfer to Hotel

    The Virgin of Quito monument standing tall atop the green hill during a Panecillo Quito old town exploration tour

    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 Transport:Car.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.

  • DAY 2: Historical Center – Cooking Class – Capilla Del Hombre

    Quito Cooking Class

    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 will 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 Activity:Cooking. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Ikala Quito or similar.

  • DAY 3: Intiñan Museum – Pululahua– Cloud Forest

    Visitors walking along a paved path toward the equatorial monument during a cultural tour at mitad del mundo

    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 Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Maquipucuna Reserve Lodge or similar.

  • DAY 4: Bird Watching – Hike to Waterfall / Self Guided Walk

    Vibrant green hummingbird hovering in flight with wings outstretched during a Mindo Birdwatching cloud forest tour

    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 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 Activity:Bird-watching. Exploring. Hiking. Swimming.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Maquipucuna Reserve Lodge or similar.

  • DAY 5: Cotopaxi – Horseback Riding Tour

    Rider in a red jacket riding a dark horse across high Andean plains during a Cotopaxi horseback riding adventure

    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 Activity:Horseback Riding. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hacienda El Porvenir or similar.

  • DAY 6: Cotopaxi National Park – Limpiopungo Lagoon – Isinliví

    Snow-capped peak of Cotopaxi Volcano towering over green rolling hills and Andean fields under a bright blue sky

    When you finish your breakfast in the morning, you will visit the Cotopaxi National Park and the Limpiopungo Lagoon. After that, you will depart for 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 Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:LluLlu Llama Mountain Lodge or similar.

  • DAY 7: Quilotoa – Tigua – Guamote – Chimborazo

    Pack horse grazing along the grassy ridge above the deep turquoise waters of Quilotoa Lagoon framed by mountain peaks

    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 Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Dinner.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Inti Sisa or similar.

  • DAY 8: Guamote – Devils Nose – Ingapirca – Cuenca

    Ancient stone Temple of the Sun standing under a blue sky at the historic Ingapirca archaeological site in Ecuador

    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 Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Victoria or similar.

  • DAY 9: Cuenca – City Tour – Spa Circuit

    Blue and white domes of the New Cathedral under a moody sky in historic Cuenca city during an Ecuador urban tour

    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 Activity:Relaxing. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Victoria or similar.

  • DAY 10: Cuenca – Cajas – Guayaquil

    Panoramic vista of glacial valleys and alpine lakes stretching across Cajas National Park in the Ecuadorian Andes

    After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend half a 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 Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Wyndham Guayaquil or similar.

  • DAY 11: Transfer Out

    Exterior view of the terminal building and access road at quito airport under an overcast sky in Ecuador

    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 Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Map

11 Day Hidden Treasures Ecuador Map

Inclusions

  • 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.

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.

Accommodations

Scenic aerial view of Hacienda El Porvenir Camping site nestled in green pastures below Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Machachi

Hacienda El Porvenir

Traditional Andean hacienda near Cotopaxi offering mountain adventures and cozy rustic stay.

  • Historic hacienda
  • Mountain views
  • Horseback riding
Historic brick facade and arched entryways of Hotel Victoria - Cuenca along a paved street under blue sky
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Cuenca

Hotel Victoria

Charming colonial hotel overlooking the river with classic decor and refined dining.

  • Historic charm
  • River views
  • Onsite dining
Exterior view of Inti Sisa Hotel with brick facade, tiled roofs, and a sunflower sign in Guamote Ecuador
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Guamote

Inti Sisa Guesthouse

Cozy guesthouse offering authentic Andean hospitality, cultural tours, and local impact.

  • Cultural stay
  • Social impact
  • Andean views
Charming cottage cottage with wooden balcony set on a grassy hill under blue sky at Llullu Llama hotel in Ecuador
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Isinliví

Llullu Llama Mountain Lodge

Cozy eco-lodge in the Andes offering mountain views, hiking trails, and relaxation.

  • Mountain views
  • Eco lodge
  • Hiking trails
Curved hotel building facade with blue glass windows and palm trees at Wyndham Guayaquil under dramatic sunset clouds
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Guayaquil

Wyndham Guayaquil Puerto Santa Ana

Upscale riverfront hotel near Puerto Santa Ana featuring a rooftop pool and fine dining.

  • Riverfront hotel
  • Outdoor pool
  • Spa services
Rustic thatched-roof eco lodge nestled in lush cloud forest during a Maquipucuna luxury South America adventure
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Nanegal

Maquipucuna Reserve Lodge

Serene eco-lodge in a cloud forest reserve featuring birdwatching, trails, and river views.

  • Eco lodge
  • Cloud forest
  • Bird watching
Street corner view of the modern exterior and tree-lined sidewalk at Ikala Hotel - Quito under bright blue skies
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
📍 Quito

Ikala Quito Hotel

Stylish boutique hotel in La Mariscal featuring eco-friendly suites, spa, and rooftop dining.

  • Boutique hotel
  • Rooftop restaurant
  • Eco friendly

Additional Information

  • To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Semana Santa.
  • 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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