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Highlands of Ecuador

8 days, Quito to Quito

!

Please note that the Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on the following dates for preventative maintenance on the runway: May 11, 18, June 1, July 6, 13, 20, September 7, 14, and 21, 2024 between the hours of 2am and 12pm. The airport will also be closed on June 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2024 between the hours of 2am and 2pm. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double-check flight schedules with your airline in case of changes. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing.

If you’re short on time it doesn’t mean your cultural experience in Ecuador shouldn’t be colossal. This eight-day tour mixes exciting stuff like cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lively markets, and natural wonders like Cotopaxi volcano, so you get to soak in impressive cityscapes as well as sweeping vistas like a well-travelled, insightful sponge.

8 days

Quito to Quito

From$7823HKD
was $9779
Valid on Jun 7 2024
Trip Code: SEHE

Special Offers

Expires on May 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ADV06
Expires on May 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV015ADV06
Expires on May 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV010ADV05

If you’re short on time it doesn’t mean your cultural experience in Ecuador shouldn’t be colossal. This eight-day tour mixes exciting stuff like cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lively markets, and natural wonders like Cotopaxi volcano, so you get to soak in impressive cityscapes as well as sweeping vistas like a well-travelled, insightful sponge.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Classic

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 14

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

8 days

Quito to Quito

From$7823HKD
was $9779
Valid on Jun 7 2024
Trip Code: SEHE

Special Offers

Expires on May 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ADV06
Expires on May 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV015ADV06
Expires on May 31, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV010ADV05

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 8

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 74

Map of the route for Highlands of Ecuador

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Quito

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Quito/Otavalo

Explore the largest handicraft market in South America, Otavalo market. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Otavalo/Cotopaxi

Travel by bus to Cotopaxi National Park. In the afternoon, opt to explore the area or mountain bike with views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Spend the night in a mountain lodge near the national park.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Cotopaxi/Cuenca

In the morning, visit Cotopaxi National Park before continuing on with a full day of travel to Cuenca. Enjoy a boxed lunch on the way at a viewpoint overlooking the Andes Mountains.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5Cuenca

This morning embark on a half-day city tour of the colonial city of Cuenca, including the Turi viewpoint, a Panama hat factory and the historical centre. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring or at one of Cuenca’s many cafes.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Cuenca

Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Cuenca. Opt to go hiking in Cajas National Park, visit Ingapirca ruins, or soak in nearby hot springs.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Cuenca/Quito

Fly back to Quito and enjoy the night in this historical city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Quito

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Otavalo Handicrafts Market visit
  • Cotopaxi volcano stay
  • Cotopaxi National Park visit
  • City Tour of Cuenca
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (5 nts), rustic mountain lodge (2 nts).

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Allow USD220-290 for meals not included.

Transportation

Local bus, plane, private vehicle.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Quito City Tour and Equator - From $399.00

Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Highlands of Ecuador

| 8 days - Quito to Quito - from $7823 HKD