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14 Days
Ecuador
From USD 3,459 p.p.Come see the best of Ecuador in this Self-drive tour! Traverse the wondrous landscapes of diverse Ecuador at your own pace, with hotels and select activities pre-arranged for a seamless journey. Visit some of the world’s highest active volcanoes to spot the majestic Andean condor, vibrant hummingbirds, and the elusive wild vicuñas. Explore the best-preserved pre-Columbian site in Ecuador and downtown Cuenca for a deep dive into the country’s history. Experience indigenous culture at renowned artisan markets in Otavalo and Guamote, filled with authentic Ecuadorian souvenirs. Witness the engineering marvel of Devil’s Nose Mountain and take in the sheer beauty of Ecuador’s most impressive waterfalls along the stunning Ruta de las Cascadas. Soak up nature at Cajas National Park near Cuenca and Hacienda La Danesa near Guayaquil.
Code:
FALL20
Tour Summary
Highlights
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Cotopaxi VolcanoOne of the highest active volcanoes in the world, covered with ice on its peak.
- Chimborazo Volcano
The highest volcano in Ecuador where you can spot the Andean condor, hummingbirds, and the timid wild Vicuñas.
- Papallacta Hot Springs
Waters that will help you to gently exfoliate your skin and relax your body.
- Ruta de las Cascadas
Route through the most impressive waterfalls of Ecuador.
Cotopaxi VolcanoReviews
Prices
| 1 guest | USD 6,659 p.p. |
| 2 - 3 guests | USD 3,552 p.p. |
| 4 or more guests | USD 3,459 p.p. |
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Download ItineraryDAY 1: Transfer to Quito
This is the first day of your Ecuador Self-Drive Tour. After you arrive at Quito Airport, an English-speaking driver will pick you up to bring you to your hotel, which is located in the center of Quito.
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Transport:Car. - Accommodation:Hotel Carlota or similar.
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DAY 2: Quito City Tour – Equator Line
After having breakfast, you will explore the beautiful center of Quito through a city tour. Afterward, you will visit the equator by private transport and see the highlights of Quito, like El Panecillo, La Basilica, La Ronda, and the Pululahua crater. Later, you’ll enjoy a typical local lunch and can relax for the rest of the day or explore the city by yourself.
- Activity:Relaxing. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Carlota or similar.
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DAY 3: Cayambe – Lago San Pablo – Condor Park – Otavalo
Today, your actual “self-drive” starts. You will be brought to the car rental parking lot from where you will pick up your car (SUV standard). We recommend a certain route with nice stops, but the only thing you “have” to do is to get to the Hacienda at the end of the day. The number of stops, how to get there, and where to eat are all your decisions.
The first stop will be at the Cayambe, where there is a nice local Bizcochos factory. Then, you will go to Lago San Pablo, where you can enjoy beautiful views. Afterwards, you will visit the Condor Rescue Park. The owner, Joep, who is Dutch, is committed to the preservation of the condors in the Andes. Twice a day, there is an air show with the condors (except on Mondays and Tuesdays). Later, you will drive to Otavalo, where on Saturdays there is a big native market with different kinds of handicrafts. You can also visit the beautiful lake of Cuicocha and do a hike there. The town of Cotacachi is also a nice place to visit; you can find here a lot of artisans who make the most beautiful leather products.
*Upgrades are available for an additional charge.
- Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hacienda Cusin or similar.
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DAY 4: Otavalo – Papallacta
After your breakfast, you can visit the surroundings of Lago San Pablo and Otavalo before you head to Papallacta. On the way to Papallacta, you will find a lot of flower farms for roses. About 20 minutes before arriving at Papallacta, you will go to the highest point of the road (4000 meters). Here you can have amazing views over the Antisana Volcano, and there is a little chapel where drivers sometimes stop to pray. You could visit the natural hot springs in the afternoon and enjoy the beautiful views. There is also a spa available with unique “volcanic mud” treatments. You can also do some self–guided hikes.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Relaxing. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Spa Hotel Papallacta or similar.
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DAY 5: Andes Mountains – Amazon
Today you will drive from the high Andes mountains to the Amazon. After approximately 3 hours driving, you will arrive at the sub-tropical climate of the Amazon. It is interesting to see how the vegetation changes in the different regions. Just before arriving in Tena, you find a charming eco-lodge along the river.
- Activity:Exploring.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Hakuna Matata Eco-Lodge or similar.
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DAY 6: Amazon
On this day, you will stay at Hakuna Matata and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Amazon. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, swim in the river, go by car to Tena, or arrange an excursion to the lodge.
- Activity:Exploring. Relaxing.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
- Accommodation:Hakuna Matata Eco-Lodge or similar.
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DAY 7: Tena – Waterfalls – Puyo - Baños
After having a large breakfast, you will drive from Tena to Baños de Agua Santa through the waterfalls trail. Along the way, you can make several stops for a small hike and pictures. Close to that is an animal rescue center that you can visit by yourself in Puyo (Tarqui) where Amazon animals are picked up by a local family. Additionally, in the evening, Baños is very entertaining with several restaurants and bars.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Wildlife Watching.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Samari Spa Resort or similar.
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DAY 8: Cotopaxi Volcano
Today, you will drive about 3 hours from Baños to the Cotopaxi volcano. You can not enter the park without a local guide, but you can always hire a guide locally. Entrance policies for the National Park change regularly. Rebecca Adventure Travel is not responsible for any extra fees or other restrictions. Once inside, you can drive around enjoying the beautiful sights or go for either short or long hikes.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hacienda Papagayo Sur or similar
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DAY 9: Chimborazo – Guamote Market – Local Activities
After breakfast, you will drive to the southern part of Ecuador. After about 4 hours of driving, you will arrive in Guamote. Along the way, you will have beautiful views of the highest volcano in Ecuador, Chimborazo. In Guamote, you will stay at Inti Sisa, where there are a lot of social projects organized by the Indian community. In the afternoon, you will have a cooking class from the cook of Inti Sisa. Every Thursday, there is a famous market in Guamote. From the surrounding communities high in the Andes, thousands of indigenous people come together to buy and sell their goods.
- Activity:Cooking. Exploring. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Inti Sisa Hotel or similar.
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DAY 10: Nariz Del Diablo – Ingapirca Ruins
Today, you can visit the small Andean town of Alausi, straddling a scenic river valley. The town has been named one of Ecuador’s “pueblos mágicos,” or magic villages, and is particularly well-known across Ecuador for its railway heritage. From Alausi, you can also take the breathtaking day 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. After this, you can drive to the Ingapirca ruins (journey time approximately 45 minutes).
- Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Posada Ingapirca or similar.
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DAY 11: Ingapirca – Cuenca
Today you will drive to Cuenca, which takes about 1.5 hours. When you arrive in Cuenca, you can visit the mirador, walk around the Historical center, and discover the villages around. There is also a very nice spa about 20 20-minute drive.
- Activity:Exploring. Relaxing. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast.
- Accommodation:Hotel Victoria or similar.
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DAY 12: Cuenca – National Park Cajas
After having breakfast, you will visit the historic center of Cuenca, and later the Cajas National Park. At the end of the day, you will go to a beautiful hacienda where you will stay the night.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
- Transport:Self-driven.
- Meal:Breakfast
- Accommodation:Hacienda Dos Chorreras or similar.
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DAY 13: Hacienda La Danesa – Guayaquil
Today you will drive from Cuenca to Guayaquil. After about 2,5 hours, you will arrive at Hacienda la Danesa, a very beautiful house where you will have lunch. Besides, you can decide between several optional activities, like horseback riding, tubing, mountain biking, or hiking (The activities are included, except for horseback riding). Additionally, it is possible to follow a workshop about cocoa or to learn how to milk cows. From La Danesa, you drive to Guayaquil, where you would have to hand in your car. The last night you will stay in Guayaquil, and you can enjoy the rich cuisine that this city has to offer.
- Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Biking. Tubing.
- Transport:Self-driven. Car.
- Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
- Accommodation:Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil or similar.
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DAY 14: Flight Back Home
On the final day of your Ecuador Self-Drive tour, you will be brought to the airport with an airport shuttle to catch your flight back home. Another option would be to extend your stay at the Galapagos Islands.
- Transport:Car. Bus.
- Meal:Breakfast.
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Transport:Car.
Accommodation:Hotel Carlota or similar.
Activity:Relaxing. Sightseeing.
Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
Map
Inclusions
- Meals as described in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in a double or triple room.
- Activities and transport as described.
- Transport in SUV standard.
*Upgrades are available for an additional charge.
- Basic car insurance (20 USD per day to upgrade to full risk).
- Wifi in your car.
- English speaking guide and entrance fees as describer in the itinerary.
- 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.
Exclusions
Cotopaxi National Park local guide: 40 USD ( 1 hour).
All entrances fees.
Meals and drinks that aren’t described in the program.
Optional activities.
Personal expenses.
All risk insurance.
Gasoline.
Optional tips for the guide.
Accommodations
Samari Spa Resort
Hacienda Cusin
Spa Hotel Papallacta
Hakuna Matata Eco-Lodge
Hotel Carlota
Hacienda Papagayo Sur
Inti Sisa
Posada Ingapirca
Hotel Victoria
Hacienda Dos Chorreras
Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil
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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.
- For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
- Rebecca Adventure Travel cannot take any responsibility for any illnesses or missed meals & tours due to an illness.
- Bring a rain poncho, otherwise buy it here in Ecuador and take it with you for the activities, because the weather could change suddenly in the rainforest and you might get wet.
- If you like to enjoy watching Animals please get some binoculars (10×40 are much better).
- Please take with you some plastic bags to protect your Camera and important documents, passports, and ID from the rain.
- 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 weigh 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 en route 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: 25SDAA14
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