The Best of Ecuador Tour

The Best of Ecuador tour starts in the perfect city to connect your international or domestic flight either arriving in Ecuador for the first time or after your Galapagos trip, Guayaquil is Ecuador's biggest city.

We will pick you up from the airport to transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the afternoon free to relax and enjoy your new surroundings.

Accommodation: Hotel in Guayaquil

In the morning we will start off with a city tour of Guayaquil, visiting the city's main tourist attractions, like: Seminario Park, Parque de las Iguanas, Integration Plaza, Crystal Palace (Old South Market), Administration Plaza, City Hall building, Torre Morisca, La Rotonda, Las Peñas neighborhood and others.

After lunch, we make our way to El Cajas National park, where an amazing view of the Andean paramo awaits for us. On the way from Guayaquil to Cajas National park, you will see amazing cacao plantations as well as the change in landscapes from the coast to the highland paramo. We will end our day in the wonderful city of Cuenca, the third-largest city in Ecuador.

Accommodation: Hotel in Cuenca

Meals included: Breakfast

Discover the amazing city of Cuenca! We will stroll the lovely colonial town before reaching the Turi Lookout point, where you'll admire views of the city and the surrounding Andes mountains.

After lunch, we will visit the biggest Inca ruins in Ecuador at Ingapirca. We will also take a short hike in the area and finish our day at a tranquil lodge.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ingapirca area

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we board the Heritage Train. The renowned Devil’s Nose railroad takes you on a panoramic ride up into the hills. This 45-minute ride not only showcases impressive views of the Andes but also teaches you about the history of Ecuador’s train and its legacy.

In the afternoon, we will head north, close to the majestic Chimborazo volcano. Chimborazo is actually the highest point on Earth (and the closest to the sun). A magical lodge awaits us.

Accommodation: Chimborazo Area Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

We will gain some altitude to reach the mountain that holds the title of having the highest point on Earth: Chimborazo! On our way, we will see many Vicuñas along the road and amazing views of the paramo. We will reach the parking lot for a short hike up.

At the refuge, we will have a hot meal to recover our strength. It is also possible to reach the second refuge for more hiking.

After this visit, in the afternoon, we will head to the town of Baños, a subtropical paradise!

Accommodation: Hotel in Baños

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

This day is all about nature! We will go through the Valley of the Waterfalls of Baños, discovering some of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Our last stop will be at the Devil’s Cauldron, a huge waterfall with a secret rock passageway to go on the back of it! We can enjoy a tasty lunch with some fresh fish, among other options, and there are also chances to do some adventure sports like bungee jumping or zip lining (all optional).

In the evening, Baños is a perfect place to rest and relax or to go out in town to grab some drinks and experience some of the local nightlife.

Accommodation: Hotel in Baños

Meals included: Breakfast

After traveling for a while as part of our Best of Ecuador trip, we leave this day to you. You can book a massage in advance and enjoy the hot springs, rent bikes and ride through town, go horseback-riding, rafting, or many other activities available in Baños.

Your guide will be available to assist you at all times, if necessary.

Accommodation: Hotel in Baños

Meals included: Breakfast

Today it starts getting cold! We head north to the perfectly symmetrical Cotopaxi Volcano, where we will take a short hike to the refuge of the mountain and discover some of the paramo species living in the area.

Energize with a nice boxed lunch to enjoy the view next to Limpiopungo Lake, where various species of Andean birds can be seen. We will finish our day at a fantastic local hacienda. Horseback riding is also available and can be arranged by your guide.

Accommodation: Hacienda at Cotopaxi area

Meals included: Breakfast

Get ready for an impressive view of the Quilotoa crater lake! Once you arrive you will hike down to its shore, where kayaks are available for rental. The hike back up can be a little demanding but there is the option of renting a mule to assist with the climb.

Afterwards, we will enjoy a filling lunch before taking the last pictures and driving farther north to the city of Quito.

Accommodation: Hotel in Quito

Meals included: Breakfast

The Capital of Ecuador welcomes you! We will walk through the historical plazas and churches of the best conserved old town in South America.

In the afternoon we will visit the equator complex to take the obligatory photo and discover the amazing experiments that your local guide will show you as proof that you will be standing right on the Equator line! Enjoy the best of the city on this day.

Accommodation: Hotel in Quito

Meals included: Breakfast

To finish the tour in the best way, we will have a full day to relax in the cloud forest close to Quito. We will visit the Papallacta Hot springs and spa for a whole day. You can book a spa treatment in advance and get ready for your international departure the following day or that same night. There are also short and beautiful self-guided hikes which you can do in the area.

We will drop you off at the airport on time for your flight out, marking the end of our magical Best of Ecuador package, sure to leave you with a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences!

Meals included: Breakfast