Biodiversity, hikes, and adventure…
FERNANDO’S WORD OVER THIS TOUR
Join us on this charming adventure, brimming with authentic activities from the Mindo region to the southern Andes. Over the course of 10 days, you’ll witness changes in scenery and encounter great biodiversity, especially in the Mindo region (cradle of numerous bird species).
You will observe a dramatic shift in the landscape as you journey from the cloud forest —a lush, humid, and often misty environment—to the Andes, where you’ll encounter distinct vegetation, lunar-like vistas, and vibrant, multicolored mountains and hills.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore three of the country’s most enchanting cities: Quito, the capital city recognized by UNESCO; Baños, a charming spa-town that eagerly awaits your visit, promising relaxation and rejuvenation; and lastly, Cuenca, considered by many as the most picturesque city in the country!
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival and Transfer-in | The cloud forest (activities) | The cloud forest > Quito downtown | Quito city tour |
| Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 |
| Quito > Cotopaxi National Park | Cotopaxi > Quilotoa > Lasso | Lasso > Baños | Baños > Ingapirca > Cuenca |
| Day 9 | Day 10 | ||
| Cuenca city tour | Cuenca > Guayaquil (departure) |
Tour highlights :
– Completely private tour, with an English-speaking guide.
– Visit the colonial cities of Quito & Cuenca
– Discovery of the isolated, authentic and picturesque Zumbahua indigenous market.
– Time to relax in the spa-town of Baños
– Discovery of the Cotopaxi National Park and the Quilotoa Lake
– Activities in the private Bellavista reserve (cloud forest)
Rates/per person:
| 2 People | 4 People |
|---|---|
| $2862 | $2212 |
– The rate decreases/increases according to the group size. The prices provided are based on the “Superior” 3/4**** and “Comfort” 2/3***category. Let us know if you would like this program in the “Luxe” 4/5***** category. The final cost of this trip depends on the way we personalize it specially for you. The exact price will be provided in your personalized quote when you BOOK THIS TRIP.
Rate Includes
– All transfers, vehicles, drivers and their costs and fees.
– Charming accommodation
– National-licensed guides as indicated in the guidance part.
– Meals (9 breakfasts / 7 Lunches / 7 Dinners).
– Entrances to sites, museums and national parks specified in the program.
– Licenses (ITK travel agency and our guides and drivers).
Rate Doesn’t include
– International flights
– Individual equipment
– Visits indicated as “Optional” or “at an additional cost”.
– Drinks in bars, hotels, restaurants or villages.
– Not indicated meals
– Tips
Explore in more detail :
Day 1 : Arrival and transfer In to the Bellavista Reserve (cloud forest)
Arrival in Quito & transfer to this beautiful reserve located in the Mindo region.
Meal
D
Visit
No
Hike
No
transport
2h00
Day 2 : Bellavista Reserve (cloud forest)
Activities in the reserve. You will be able to observe a great number of bird species included the emblematic cock-of-the-rock bird.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
5h00
Hike
2h00
transport
0h20
Day 3 : Bellavista Reserve > Quito downtown
You will be transferred to one of the most beautiful Latin American capitals, Quito. On the way you will visit an authentic Museum and the “Middle of the world”.
Meal
b/D/L
Visit
5h00
Hike
from 1h00
transport
1h30
Day 4 : Quito city tour
In the company of your guide, you will undertake a discovery tour of the colonial past of the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. Listed as UNESCO world heritage.
Meal
b/d/l
Visit
6h00
Hike
1H30 to 2H30
transport
0h30'
Day 5 : Quito > Cotopaxi National Park
Along the volcanoes alley, you will take the road to the south to visit the Cotopaxi National Park. You will visit the Cotopaxi volcano: You will climb to the José Ribas refuge 4.864m / 15.958ft and you will go around the Limpiopungo lagoon. Overnight in front if this emblematic volcano.
Meal
b/d/l
Visit
3h30
Hike
2h00
transport
3h30
Day 6 : Cotopaxi National Park > Quilotoa > Lasso
After an early departure, you will visit the Zumbahua Andean Indigenous market. You will then reach the Quilotoa lagoon (you can go around the lagoon – around 5 hours). Finally you will be transferred your charming hotel located in Lasso
Meal
b/D/l
Visit
3h00
Hike
1h30 to 5h00
transport
4h45
Day 7 : Lasso > Baños
You will continue your way to the south, this time to the relaxing spa-town of Baños. Traveling along the Volcanoes Alley you will reach this lively town at the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. Free day to relax and discover at your own pace.
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
2h30
Day 8 : Baños > Ingapirca > Cuenca city
Transfer to one of the most beautiful cities in the country. On the Way you will visit, the Balbanera Church, the Colta lake, and Ingapirca.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
3h00
Hike
1h30
transport
6h30
Day 9 : Cuenca city tour
Today you will discover the city of Cuenca, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador, alongside Quito, Cuenca will welcome you with its numerous colonial buildings and tranquility.
Meal
b/l
Visit
6h00
Hike
2h30
transport
0h45'
Day 10 : Cuenca > Guayaquil
Departure transfer to the Guayaquil International airport, on time, to catch your flight.
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
2h30
B: Breakfast
L: Luch
D: Dinner
«Comfort » category : charming and comfortable accommodation 2/3*** category. Clean and offering an adapted-to-European and American customer service.
« Superior » category : charming accommodation 3/4**** category. Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service. Spacious and tasteful rooms.
« Luxe » category: top of the range accommodations 4/5***** category offering an irreproachable quality of service. The rooms are luxurious and spacious. .
* Cloud Forest:
=> Activities in the Bellavista reserve will take place accompanied by an English-speaking guide in groups.
* Andes:
=> Private Guide/Driver (Days 3-9) : private transfers, activities, and excursions accompanied by your local English-speaking guide with his own vehicle. (Vehicle type: Kia Sportage or Hyundai H1).
=> Driver (on Days 1 & 10) : private transfers accompanied by your local Spanish-speaking driver (Vehicle type: Kia Sportage or Hyundai H1). Your driver will understand English allowing you to communicate the essentials.
Note : for 4+ people you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide + a Spanish-speaking driver.
Clothing :
-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 warm walking trousers
-2 Fleece jackets
-1 breathable warm jacket(type softshell)
-1 waterproof jacket (type gore-tex)
– light t-shirts
– hike shoes
– casual shoes
-1 pair of gloves for high altitude walks
-1 warm hat for high altitude walks
– cap
Additional :
-1 water bottle
– sunglasses
– solar cream
– hiking bag (between 25 to 45L)
– hike sticks
– camera
– binoculars.
– No specific physical or technical level is required for this trip. However, Some walks will be planned, they will not be physically hard but you will have to accept to walk 1 to 2 hours straight.
– Transfers and visits times are indicative.
– Foresee between $ 5 and $ 30 per meal not included, per person.
– Tips: we recommend between $ 10 and $ 20 per worked day for a guide, and between $ 5 and $ 10 per worked day for a driver.
– Have a look at our USEFUL INFORMATION page to better prepare your adventure!