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9 Day Quito & Andes Immersion

Quito & Andes Immersion Tour: Culture, Volcanoes & Highlands Trails

Days Icon 9 Days
Location icon Ecuador Andes
Budget icon From USD 1,986 p.p.
Request a quote Book now

Tour Summary

This 9-day Quito & Andes immersion invites you to experience Ecuador’s highlands through culture, landscapes, and meaningful encounters. Explore Quito’s historic center, travel through dramatic volcanic scenery, and connect with Andean communities whose traditions shape daily life. From crater lakes and mountain trails to artisan workshops and local cuisine, each day blends active discovery with authentic cultural insight. Designed for curious travelers with a moderate activity level, this itinerary balances nature, heritage, and comfort. It is ideal year-round and especially rewarding in clear highland months. Choose this tour for a deeper, more intentional Andes experience.

Highlights

  • check Quito's Old Town

    Quito has the biggest and most well preserved historical center in South America.

  • check Cotopaxi Volcano

    One of the highest active volcanoes in the world, covered with snow at its peak.

  • check Quilotoa Lake

    Discover the beautiful Quilotoa crater-lake with distinct turquoise water.

  • check Peguche Waterfall

    Hike around the beautiful waterfalls and go into the Peguche cave.

Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Jennifer F 
 
12/09/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Beautiful, Safe, Ecuador! Get your cameras ready!!
Rebecca Adventure Travel worked with us to customize a 15 day, self-driven tour from the top of the country to the bottom of the country within the Ecuadorian Andes mountains. It’s was a fast paced trip but so worth being able to see the center of the country as well as some of own adventures. We planned the trip well in advance and selected each destination with purpose. Rebecca Adventure Travel did the rest. Fine hotels, excellent guides, car rental, attractions, some meals, and they provided FULL TIME guidance throughout the trip. We are well pleased with the team, communication was excellent and the hotels were beyond our expectations. We will use Rebecca Adventure Travel again and highly recommend their services. Many thanks to Maggie, Guillermo, Miguel, Katie!!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 petinab2017 
 
02/09/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
A trip to remember!
We booked the 23-Day Complete Ecuador & Galapagos tour through Juan in the Rebecca office. From the start there was clear communication and a helpful attitude, nothing was a problem. This continued throughout the whole trip. The guides were awesome and Carlos and the Operations team were always on call to help us if we needed it. This was a fantastic tour which covered all the main attractions including a week in the Galapagos islands which was amazing. I highly recommend Rebecca Adventure Travel!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Experience254329 
 
13/08/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Zorgeloos reizen in Ecuador!
Met Rebbeca’s Adventure traveling een individuele reis geboekt. 26 dagen Ecuador en de Galapagos eilanden en o.a. Quito, Mindo, Amazone, heetwaterbronnen, Cuenca, Baños en nog veel meer. Wat een fantastische reis hadden we. Eerst met ons gezin en halverwege sloten onze vrienden vanuit Aruba aan. Alles was perfect geregeld. Eigen busje met vaste gids en chauffeur. Bij iedere volgende locatie een update vanaf kantoor met de details voor de volgende bestemming. Hierdoor hadden we een zorgeloze tijd en hebben we Ecuador echt mogen leren kennen en beleven! Een volgende keer weten we jullie weer te vinden!
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 586 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 3,572 p.p.
2 - 3 guestsUSD 2,218 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 1,986 p.p.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download Itinerary

  • DAY 1: Arrival in Quito

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

    Land in Quito, a city framed by Andean peaks and layered with centuries of history. Your private driver greets you at the airport and transfers you comfortably to your hotel, giving you a first glimpse of Ecuador’s highland capital. As you settle in, breathe in the crisp mountain air and prepare for the cultural richness and volcanic landscapes that await in the days ahead during your Quito & Andes immersion.

    • Activity Activity:Transfer in.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Casona de la Ronda or similar.

  • DAY 2: Quito's Historic Center – Equator Monument

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

    Your Quito city tour starts after breakfast. Begin your day exploring the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Ecuador’s capital, where ornate churches, grand plazas, and cobbled streets reveal the city’s colonial legacy. Step inside architectural masterpieces and learn how history still shapes daily life in old town Quito, Ecuador. Enjoy a traditional lunch alongside locals, then stand at the Middle of the World, visiting the Equator Monument and the Intiñan Museum for a hands-on introduction to Ecuador’s equatorial identity.

    • Activity Activity:Sightseeing. Walking.
    • Transport Transport:Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Casona de la Ronda or similar.

  • DAY 3: Cotopaxi National Park biking tour

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

    Fuel up with breakfast, then head into Cotopaxi National Park for an active day beneath one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Cycle through sweeping páramo landscapes, past wild horses and glacial slopes, with expert guidance along the way. This shared biking experience adds energy and camaraderie to your Quito & Cotopaxi tour, placing you at the heart of Ecuador’s most iconic volcanic scenery. This beautiful peak belongs in any Ecuador Andes itinerary!

    • Activity Activity:Biking. Exploring.
    • Transport Transport:Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Papagayo Sur or similar.

  • DAY 4: Quilotoa

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

    Today is your Quilotoa crater lake tour. Journey along the Andes to the emerald waters of Quilotoa, a volcanic crater lake formed centuries ago. Hike down the rim to the shore, where shifting light reflects off mineral-rich waters and highland winds sweep across the basin. If you prefer, ride a mule back up the trail. Along the way, encounter Indigenous communities whose vibrant traditions and dress define life in this remote Andean landscape.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Papagayo Sur or similar.

  • DAY 5: Cotacachi – Otavalo – Peguche Waterfall

    Rebecca Adventure Travel

    Travel north into Ecuador’s northern highlands, where volcanoes frame shimmering Lake San Pablo. Go on an Otavalo Market tour, meeting artisans and discovering vibrant textiles and handcrafted treasures. After a traditional two-course lunch, walk through the eucalyptus forest to the sacred Peguche Waterfall, Otavalo, a site deeply rooted in Andean spirituality. End the day near Cotacachi, settling into your lodge surrounded by mountain serenity.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hacienda Cusin or similar.

  • DAY 6: Free day

    Rebecca Adventure Travel A La Calera artisan spins wool on a wooden wheel inside a traditional workshop in Cotacachi

    Enjoy a slower rhythm today without planned guided activities and shape the experience around your interests. Wander the hacienda’s peaceful grounds or set out independently to explore the surrounding Andes. Hike toward Cotacachi, visit the crater lake of Cuicocha, or return to Otavalo for deeper cultural discovery. This flexible day invites you to savor the highlands at your own pace.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing. Walking.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hacienda Cusin or similar.

  • DAY 7: Mojanda Lagoon – Quito

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Mojanda Lagoon - Otavalo - Ecuador Andes

    After breakfast, head into the high páramo to discover Mojanda Lagoon, a serene Andean lake framed by rolling hills and volcanic peaks. Take a gentle hike along its shores, breathing in the crisp mountain air and wide open views. In the afternoon, return to Quito, carrying with you the quiet beauty of Ecuador’s highland landscapes.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
    • Transport Transport:Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Casona de la Ronda or similar.

  • DAY 8: Free day in Quito

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Local guide holding a tray of fresh exotic fruits at a colorful market stall during a immersive Quito Culinary tour

    Time for another free day! Spend it discovering Quito at your own rhythm. Wander local markets, explore hidden cafés, or relax at your hotel with views of the Andean skyline. If you crave more adventure, choose an optional day trip to Mindo’s cloud forest, Papallacta’s thermal springs, Baños’ waterfalls, or saddle up for horseback riding through the surrounding mountains.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing. Exploring.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Casona de la Ronda or similar.

  • DAY 9: Transfer to Quito airport

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

    Enjoy a final breakfast in the Andes before your private transfer takes you to Quito Airport. As your journey concludes, carry home the volcanic landscapes, vibrant traditions, and meaningful encounters that shaped your Quito & Andes immersion.

    • Activity Activity:Transfer out.
    • Transport Transport:Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a double or triple room.
  • Transportation as described in the itinerary.
  • Bilingual naturalist guide during the activities.
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Personal travel & health insurance.
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

Casona de la ronda-Front

Casona de la Ronda

Hacienda Papagayo - Machachi

Hosteria Papagayo

Hacienda Cusin - Imbabura

Hacienda Cusin

Quito & Andes Immersion FAQs

  • What are the main highlights of an Quito & Andes Immersion?

    This Quito & Andes Immersion includes exploring Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic center, biking Cotopaxi volcano, hiking Quilotoa’s 240-meter crater lake, visiting Otavalo’s Indigenous market, and discovering waterfalls, lagoons, and highland landscapes near Otavalo and Cotacachi.

  • Is this tour suitable for non athletes?

    Yes. The Quito & Andes Immersion balances easy city walks with moderate hikes. Cotopaxi biking includes supportive guides on a shared tour, and mule rentals assist the Quilotoa ascent, making this experience accessible for travelers with moderate fitness levels.

  • Can I experience local culture during the trip?

    Absolutely. During your Quito & Andes Immersion, explore colonial Quito, enjoy a traditional almuerzo, shop in Otavalo’s Plaza de los Ponchos, and overnight in a traditional hacienda near Cotacachi for an authentic Andean cultural experience.

  • What should I pack for high altitude areas?

    For an Ecuador Andes itinerary, pack layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes. At elevations reaching 13,000 feet, stay hydrated, move steadily, and allow your body time to adjust comfortably.

  • Are there free days or optional activities?

    Yes. This Ecuador Andes itinerary includes a free hacienda day with options like Cuicocha Lake hikes or Otavalo visits, plus a free Quito day offering Mindo, Papallacta hot springs, or Andean horseback riding excursions.

Additional information

  • Prices for 2027 are subject to change.
  • 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.
  • 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: 25QAND9

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