21 days tour

All You Need Is Ecuador Tour (21 Days)

All You Need Is Ecuador Tour (21 Days)

This tour includes:

Guide

All of our tour leaders are exceptional! They are fluent in English and Spanish. They are from the local areas where they guide and are among the very best guides available in each region. Our tour leaders treat our travelers like friends, showing visitors both the major highlights and the local treasures.

Transport

Our Ecuador tours utilize a variety of transportation including private vans/ cars, comfortable tourist buses, flights, canoes, etc. We use a mix of private/ public transportation to provide travelers with the safest and most efficient transportation in each area. If you have additional questions, just ask!

Accommodation

In Ecuador, we use charming accommodations that are locally owned and characteristic of the area. They can best be compared to small, family run bed and breakfasts, although you can also easily find international chain hotels around. All the hotels we have selected for the tours have private bathrooms, hot water, and clean comfortable rooms. Most are located within walking distance of the town center and the reception generally speaks English. You can also find historic haciendas in the Ecuadorian countryside, which provide comfortable accommodations complete with walking or horseback riding trails that trail through nearby orchards or forests.

Meals

Some meals are included. We have tried to balance flexibility and convenience regarding meal options. For this reason, we include meals on any of our tour days when you are traveling off the beaten path where restaurant choices are limited. For example, meals are usually included on all of the rainforest and Galapagos segments of our Ecuadorian tours. In the major cities, where there are a wide variety of restaurants, very few lunches or dinners will not be included, to allow our travelers the flexibility of choosing their own food preferences. Your tour leader or hotel staff can recommend some great restaurant options. (Please check itinerary for detail on meals included each day.)

Flights

Flights included Cuenca - Galapagos Galapagos - Quito

Not included:

Insurance

Trip insurance is not included in your trip cost. Ecuador Express highly encourages purchasing insurance as the unforeseeable is just that, unforeseeable. Shortly after registering for your trip your Trip Specialist will send you information if you wish to purchase travel insurance through us, or please feel free to do this with your local insurance company.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip All You Need Is Ecuador Tour (21 Days)

  • Day 1 Day 1: Quito
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Quito

      After being picked up from the Mariscal Sucre International airport we will take you to the hotel and provide you with an evening welcome meeting. All general information about the 21-day tour will be provided by one of our destination experts. Roomโ€™s distribution will be provided at the hotel. Relax at your hotel in Quito for the night and prepare for your adventure! Dinner to be confirmed depending upon time of arrival.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Quito / Ibarra / Salinas
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Quito / Ibarra / Salinas

      After breakfast in the hotel, we leave for Ibarra where you will embark on the โ€œLa Libertadโ€ train expedition. We will go across seven tunnels that were once dug with a pick and shovel and tall bridges across steep canyons. The la Libertad Train offers a unique journey starting from Ibarra towards Salinas. In Salinas we will discover colorful murals commemorating the history and culture of Afro-Ecuadorian people. You will visit museums and enjoy the local cuisine in a trip full of memorable experiences. On our way back, we will stop by the charming city of Ibarra, after this visit we will head to our hotel.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Ibarra / Cotacachi / Cuicocha
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Ibarra / Cotacachi / Cuicocha

      We start off in Cotacachi an artisan town famous for its leather goods and handicrafts. We will then head out on an adventure along Cuicocha Lagoon where we will go on a boat trip around the islets. Cuicocha lake is a 3 km wide crater lake at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano. In the evening we will enjoy a tour of San Antonio, which is known for the famous wood carvers and sculptures crafted by the talented locals. At the end of the day we will head back to Ibarra.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Cotacachi / Otavalo / Cayambe / Quito
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Cotacachi / Otavalo / Cayambe / Quito

      After breakfast we will visit Otavalo, in the city we will go to the largest artisan market in South America. We will head to Guachala and Cayambe, here we will be able to observe and take pictures of the beautiful valley and the Cayambe, the only snowcapped mountain located on the Equator. In Cayambe we will stop by a traditional biscuit bakery and enjoy these local treats (bizcochos), which are a specialty of this town, later we will visit a Rose Plantation. Ecuador produces the most beautiful roses in the world due to its unique altitude and location.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Quito / Pululahua Reserve / Mindo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Quito / Pululahua Reserve / Mindo

      From Quito we go towards the northwest of the capital. On our way to Mindo we will stop in the Pululahua viewpoint where we will observe an inactive volcano crater, this is one of two populated craters in the world. Mindo is a small village in the cloud forest of the Andes Mountains which is known for having one of the largest biodiversity per sqm in the world, this is why it is considered a top location for observing birds and wildlife. We will visit a butterfly farm and ride the cable car which leads to the sanctuary of waterfalls. To end this day, we will enjoy a Jacchigua Ballet presentation. This performance is considered the best folkloric representation in the continent.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Quito / La Mitad Del Mundo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Quito / La Mitad Del Mundo

      After breakfast we will go to the โ€œTelefericoโ€ where we will travel up on a gondola lift that is built over an area of 160 hectares in the skirts of the Pichincha Volcano and reach the summit of Cruz Loma at 4050 meters. We will witness a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings that include more than 14 peaks of the Andes. We later visit the world-famous monument of the middle of the world and the intiรฑan museum.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Quito / Machachi / Parque Nacional Cotopaxi / Cotopaxi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Quito / Machachi / Parque Nacional Cotopaxi / Cotopaxi

      The adventure begins in Eloy Alfaro Train Station at Chimbacalle, from where we depart southwards to the โ€œAvenue of the Volcanoesโ€. Pichincha, Atacazo, Pasochoa, the Viudita, Rumiรฑahui volcanoes, among others flank the railway. The road descends through the โ€œjungles of Panzaleoโ€ where the wood for building the churches of Quito came from, through grasslands, croplands and haciendas. In Tambillo and Machachi you can enjoy the cuisine and culture of the chagras, the Ecuadorian cowboys. In El Boliche, the recreation area of Cotopaxi National Park, we discover its singular flora and fauna in an easy walk, then return to Machachi for lunch (not included) and the chance to visit the โ€œGranja La Estaciรณnโ€, a beautifully kept farm home of native and exotic animals. Tonight, we will stay in a hacienda hotel where we will enjoy the wonderful scenery of the Cotopaxi National Park.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Cotopaxi / Quilotoa Lake / Saquisili / Pujili / Zumbagua / Banos
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Cotopaxi / Quilotoa Lake / Saquisili / Pujili / Zumbagua / Banos

      After a magical breakfast in the Cotopaxi foothills, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world we will go to the lagoon of Quilotoa. We will pass through the indigenous markets of Saquisili, Pujili, and Zumbahua. We continue to the viewpoint of the Quilotoa lagoon located at 3800 meters above sea level, in the ecological reserve of the Ilinizas. The color of the water depends on the sunlight, so it can be emerald green, bluish green or almost yellow; creating a magical unique experience. We will descend walking (approx. 45 min) to the caldera where the lagoon is located. The return will take about 90 min approx. Villagers offer the option of horseback riding (optional). We will visit the indigenous community of Tigua, where its inhabitants will share their history, traditions, legends and customs through miniature paintings. In the afternoon we will arrive to the city of Baรฑos.

  • Day 9 Day 9: Banos
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Banos

      After relaxing in the hot springs, we will have breakfast at the hotel. Later we will visit the zoo and you will have the rest of the day free to experience this picturesque little town. There are endless activities to do in Baรฑos so choose your favorite and enjoy your time here. Our guide tour will have many suggestions and alternatives for you!

  • Day 10 Day 10: Banos / Puyo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Banos / Puyo

      We enter the jungle and experience the majestic landscapes, rivers and mountains. We will go along the waterfall route (Agoyan, Pailon del diablo and mantle of the bride). After lunch we continue our journey further into the jungle until we reach our hotel in Palora.

  • Day 11 Day 11: Puyo
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Puyo

      This day will be for full enjoyment of nature, we will go on a jungle tour through rivers and trails. You will enjoy many activities such as tubing, rafting, canoe tours, and more! All this while appreciating the magnificent wildlife and biodiversity that are unique to this part of the world.

  • Day 12 Day 12: Puyo / Macas / Chordeleg / Cuenca
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Puyo / Macas / Chordeleg / Cuenca

      On our way to Cuenca we will pass through Macas a beautiful small town of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Then we will go through Gualaceo and Chordeleg, famous villages for their silver and gold jewelry elaboration. We will visit one of the fabrics where they prepare jewelry. Lunch, in the afternoon, we will visit the multiple handicraft stores of Cuenca city.

  • Day 13 Day 13: Cuenca / Ingapirca
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Cuenca / Ingapirca

      In the morning we will visit the Ingapirca Ruins, one of the most important infrastructures of the Inca period. Then we will return to Cuenca for a city tour of the main tourist attractions of Cuenca, this city is considered a Cultural Heritage for its immense colonial wealth, we will visit the Cathedral, with its magnificent blue domes, โ€œPlaza de las Herrerรญasโ€ , โ€œParque de las Floresโ€ , after lunch In the afternoon we will visit Monument to the โ€œChola Cuencanaโ€, a symbol of the city, the โ€œTomebambaโ€ Canyon and the Turi viewpoint.

  • Day 14 Day 14: Cuenca / Isla Santa Cruz
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Cuenca / Isla Santa Cruz

      Transfer to the Airport. In the morning we depart from Cuenca to the Galapags Islands - Baltra Island and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Accommodation in HOTEL PALMERAS. In the afternoon we will go to a private RANCH located in the highlands of the Island. We will walk along paths surrounded by the rich vegetation of the island. In this area we will find a large number of freshwater turtles in their natural state. We will go through a lava tunnel that is approximately 800 meters long. We will also visit the Twin Craters. Tour not guided, exclusive for sighting and photography.

  • Day 15 Day 15: Isla San Cristobal
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Isla San Cristobal

      6am Pick up from hotel. Departure from Santa Cruz to San Cristobal. Pick up of hotel 06h00. Departure from Santa Cruz to San Cristรณbal at 07h00.โ€ฏ Scheduled visits:โ€ฏ * Kicker Rock: One of the most impressive landmarks of the Islands, It consists of two giant volcanic rocks that tower 140 meters tall. From a distance it looks like a gigantic sleeping lion, which is why it has its name in Spanish โ€œEl leon dormidoโ€. Between the two rocks a channel is formed, an ideal spot for snorkeling, where you will see sharks, hammerhead sharsk, endless types of tropical fish, rays, turtles, sea lions, and more. This area is known as "marvelous marine world". Box-lunch on board the boat.โ€ฏ * Manglecito Beach: This stop consists of two visiting areas: the mangrove area and the beach area. The mangrove area provides a perfect location for interpretation and observation of marine birds, whereas the beach area is used as a solely recreational area. There is a lagoon here where it is common to see Galapagos ducks, among other endemic and native species. The presence of a rocky reef on one side of the island produces waves that are ideal for surfing. The return to Santa Cruz Island is at approximately 3:00 p.m.

  • Day 16 Day 16: Tortuga Bay
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Tortuga Bay

      Breakfast. We will visit the Charles Darwin Scientific Station in the morning. This is a research center for the conservation of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon will go walk along along a trail that will lead us to the magnificent and impressive beach TORTUGA BAY. It is characterized by its white sand beach and by the presence of a longitudinal dune that divides it into two beaches that contrast completely, thus, the one is calm and closed, ideal for kayaking; the other one of strong and open waves, ideal for surfing.

  • Day 17 Day 17: Isla Bartolome
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: Isla Bartolome

      In the morning, weโ€™ll have an early departure to Bartolome Island. Where we will visit one of the most beautiful places of the archipelago with breathtaking landscapes. We will be able to observe the landscape of the two bays of Bartolomรฉ, it is separated by a dune populated partially by mangroves. In one of these bays we will see Pinnacle Rock, a famous leaning tower of natural rock and a beach of golden sand where we can have a refreshing swim. On the other bay, we can find a beach of white sand and crystal-clear waters. We will see the colorful Galapagos crabs, penguins and sea lions. Breakfast and lunch aboard the yacht.

  • Day 18 Day 18: Isla Santa Fe
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Isla Santa Fe

      Breakfast, 8am Pick up from hotel. The boat ride should be approximately 40 minutes. In the morning the tour begins with bird watching on the cliffs. From here we will be able to swim in the Santa Fe Bay crystal clear turquoise water. You can snorkel and observe sharks, turtles, sea lions, and more. This area is known as the Marine Aquarium since you can observe so much marine life. Box-lunch on board the boat. We complement the excursion with a refreshing swim in the Hidden Beach. We return at 4:00 p.m. Dinner.

  • Day 19 Day 19: Isla Santa Cruz / Quito / Papallacta
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 19: Isla Santa Cruz / Quito / Papallacta

      After breakfast we will fly to Quito. We then go approximately 1 hour and a half east from Quito and arrive in the beautiful โ€œPapallacta Hot Springsโ€ located in the paramo (high plains). We will experience a spectacular natural view and landscapes from Ecuador. The hot springs contains anti-stress therapies which are good for your health. We will enjoy all the facilities from the hotel such as (pools, hot springs, ecological walks).

  • Day 20 Day 20: Papallacta / Quito
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 20: Papallacta / Quito

      This day will be spent in Quito, we will go on a city tour of the historical downtown. Today we will have some free time to buy souvenirs and explore. In the evening we will have the farewell dinner. Time to rest and enjoy last night in Ecuador!

  • Day 21 Day 21: Quito
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 21: Quito

      We will be taken back to the โ€œMariscal Sucreโ€ International Airport, to catch our flight back to our city of origin. End of Tour!

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 2 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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