Enjoy some of our favorite destinations in Ecuador on this nine-day tour through the Ecuadorian Andes. Start in the colonial capital city of Quito where you'll find spectacular churches dating from the 1500's and a bustling city sprawling up the slopes of the 15,000 foot Pichincha Volcano. Next, head deep into the cloud forest where hummingbirds flourish and clouds linger in the air nourishing a rich, biodiverse ecosystem on the slopes of the Andes. Test your bargaining skills at the Otavalo Market, one of the world's most famous indigenous markets. Travel through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, stopping to visit beautiful lakes and lagoons along the way in Cotopaxi National Park. Enjoy relaxation time in Baños, the land of orchids and waterfalls.
Highlights
Hike Discovery Falls for a 360 degree view of Bellavista Cloud Forest
Attend Otavalo Market, the most famous in the region
Explore Cotopaxi National Park and search for the Andean Condor
Enjoy a free day in Baños and choose from numerous activity options
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
An early morning drive takes you up though the highlands and into the cloudforest. Arrive at Bellavista just in time for a gourmet breakfast. After settling in to the lodge, you can enjoy the flurry of hummingbirds or take a hike on the varied trails through this tropical cloudforest.
Spend the morning relaxing near the lodge or on an adventurous hike to a waterfall hidden deep in the forest. From here, head to the historic Hacienda Pinsaqui. The hacienda is nestled in the Otavalo Valley in the shadow of Imbabura Volcano. The 200-year-old hacienda with its gardens and old textile shops is yours to explore. From here you can visit the white city of Ibarra or the leather shops of Cotacachi.
Arrive early to the animal market for a riotous time of literal horse trading, and spend the day bargaining with the locals over fine sweaters, tapestries, and woodwork. Indigenous people from the mountains descend into the valley to sell their crafts, textiles, cows, and goats in the tiny town of Otavalo. This is the most famous Indian market on the continent, and the good-hearted Otavaleños are certain to win your heart.
For the rest of the day you can relax on the lovely grounds of Hacienda Pinsaqui and enjoy the many options of recreation. Enjoy the gardens, hike, or take horses to explore Cuicocha Lake.
Mid-morning, say goodbye to your gracious hosts and head south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. See breathtaking high plains as you head towards the magnificent snow-capped Cotopaxi - the earth's highest active volcano (19347ft/5897m). This area provides excellent opportunities to spot the Andean Condor. After lunch in the Limpiopungo Valley (12540ft/3800m), ascend to El Parqueadero (15180ft/4600m). From this point there is an optional hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano's refuge lodge (15840ft/4800m) and the nearest glacier.
Tonight you overnight in one of Ecuador's most famous haciendas, the 400-year-old Hacienda La Cienega. This enchanting hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi has hosted many of Ecuador's former presidents as well as the founder of modern geography, Alexander von Humboldt.
After breakfast this morning continue on your journey to Banos, one of the most charming towns of Ecuador. Considered the gateway to the Amazon river basin, Banos is a land of orchids and waterfalls at the base of the Tungurahua Volcano, and its hot therapeutic springs are famous throughout the country. Overnight in Banos
Head out from Banos today to visit Pailon del Diablo, a stunning waterfall located a short drive from the city. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the numerous options that Banos has to offer. Your guide is available to help you select optional activities that include white water rafting, bike riding, horseback riding, rock-climbing and more! You can also choose to simply relax in this charming Ecuadorian town and enjoy a slower paced day. Overnight in Banos.
Today, visit Salasacas, a native community that specializes in textiles and tapestries. Continue to Latacunga along the magnificent Central Valley, which is sheltered by two parallel mountain ranges. Visit Quilotoa, a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by several snow-capped volcanoes. Visit the village of Tigua, known for artists who create wonderful sheepskin paintings of traditional Andean village life that have been highly regarded since before Incan times. Return to Quito to enjoy your final night in Ecuador.
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Return home or continue your adventure with a trip to the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $600 + Internal Flight Cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
My travel consultant went out of her way to make sure everything went smoothly, everything from the flight reservations to the final booking.
johnw
5 months ago
We have told everyone we know about Adventure Life. What a great company to work with and no detail is missed. Call them for your next adventure!!
Paul Rupert
5 months ago
Clara was great to work with. She presented lots of options and always responded promptly. And she found excellent options within our price range.
Colorado Traveler
8 months ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
9 months ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.
