Ecuador Explorer - 7 Days

Welcome to Quito, South America's cultural heart and a UNESCO-listed treasure. Nestled at the foot of the Pichincha volcano, this colonial gem straddles the equator. Depending on your arrival time, wander its cobbled streets, uncover centuries-old plazas, and feel the pulse of history come alive in the old town. We'll gather with the tour leader and the rest of the group at 18:00, so everyone can get to know each other.

Airport transfers are not included on this tour, but we can arrange them for you.

Quito - Mindo. Our adventure begins with a journey north of Quito to the iconic Equator Monument—stand in both hemispheres at once and feel the magnetic pull of the Middle of the World. En route, we pause to admire the Pululahua crater, a vast volcanic caldera - remarkably it is home to over 400 residents.

From here, we descend into the lush cloud forest of Mindo, a haven of biodiversity and a paradise for bird lovers—keep an eye out for hummingbirds! In the afternoon, indulge your senses at a local chocolate producer, where we’ll follow the journey from cocoa bean to rich brownie or velvety hot chocolate. We're spending the night in Mindo.

Today, we delve deeper into Mindo’s magical cloud forest, riding cable cars and hiking to waterfalls through emerald canopies alive with toucans, hummingbirds, and other colourful birdlife.

In the afternoon, you can choose from a range of optional activities. Soar across treetops on a zip-line or brave the rapids with whitewater tubing as expert guides navigate the current (included). We then have an included visit to a butterfly sanctuary, where giant-winged beauties flutter around you—dip your fingers in banana nectar and feel them gently land on your outstretched hands. We spend a second night at our hotel in Mindo.

Mindo - Otavalo. This morning we explore the vibrant Otavalo Market, meeting the Otavalo Indigenous people dressed in their traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair. Learn about their daily life, local cuisine, and native language and wander through the market’s colourful stalls brimming with textiles, alpaca throws, rugs, knitted clothing, ceramics, jewellery, tapestries, and more—all at bargain prices. For lunch, we visit Pijal, a charming Andean village, where we join the women of Sacha WarmiKuna to prepare traditional “Aji” sauce and enjoy a meal made from fresh local ingredients. Explore their crafts, gain insight into Andean culture, and pick up a handmade scarf as a meaningful keepsake. Later, we continue to our accommodation, where we enjoy a relaxing evening.

Otavalo - Pijal - Papallacta. Today begins with a visit to the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, where you can marvel at the stunning scenery of the active volcano and its crystal-clear crater lake. A boat ride takes us to the centre of the crater, offering a close look at the bubbling volcanic activity, followed by a walk around the lake to enjoy panoramic views of the water and the island at its centre - a perfect opportunity for photos and to soak in the dramatic landscape (the walk can be adjusted to suit everyone’s comfort).

Later, we drive to Cotacachi, a charming town renowned for its high-quality leather goods, where there's free time to explore the shops or relax in the main plaza with one of Ecuador’s finest coffees. In the late afternoon, we arrive at the luxury Papallacta Hot Springs Resort, set against the backdrop of the majestic Andes, where you can unwind and enjoy the soothing thermal waters and spa facilities.

Papallacta - Cotopaxi - Quito. After breakfast and a final soak in the hot springs, we head south along the Pan-American Highway to Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano. Surrounded by a national park teeming with diverse flora, fauna, and Inca ruins, our adventure begins at the park's interpretation centre.

We’ll then drive across the Cotopaxi National Park to Limpiopungo Lake, where a short walk offers spectacular views of the nearly perfect cone of Cotopaxi and an opportunity to spot local birdlife. Afterward, we return to Quito for our final dinner together (not included).

Our tour ends today after breakfast. Your airport transfer is not included, so you can make your way to the airport or continue your travels independently.