7 days
Best of the Andes
“Mountains, culture and history, this is an unforgettable trip!”
Discover the Ecuadorian Andes and find an incredible world of stunning landscapes, hidden communities, indigenous cultures and massive volcanoes. Our 7-day Best of Andes tour takes you to the must-see attractions of Ecuador.
This amazing adventure through the mountains of Ecuador will take you deep into the heart of the Andean culture and their lifestyle.
Are you up for the 7-day Andes tour of Ecuador?
- NDiscover the rich history and culture of Quito
- NRoam the Otavalo indigenous market and discover beautiful, handcrafted products.
- NEnjoy hiking Cotopaxi Volcano and Quilotoa Crater Lake
- NA tour of Baños, the adventurous city of Ecuador
DAY 1 - Arrival Quito
Quito Airport Transfer.
Arrival in Quito, assistance at the airport and transport to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest in order to avoid ill effects due to the high altitude.
DAY 2 - Quito city tour
Pick-up from hotel at 8:30 am.
Today you will have your own personal guide with private transport at your disposal. The tour can therefore be completely adjusted to your wishes. Let your guide know if there are specific activities or sights that you would like to see.
Activities according to your wishes. Before the start of the tour, our guide will offer all the options.
Example tour Quito: we take some time to visit the city center and famous museums that show the heritage and culture of Quito and Ecuador. We will walk a popular route that visits La Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía (Gold Church), La Catedral, La Plaza and Church of San Francisco, La Ronda, La Plaza de la Independencia and, if the weather is good, we can go up to the viewpoint of the Panecillo. This tour will show you all the famous landmarks within Quito.
For people who love art and to try local food, you may want to choose to visit Guapulo viewpoint, the local market, the Botanic Garden or Guayasamim House museum. In the afternoon, we can continue to Mitad del Mundo (on the equater line), where you can visit the museums and do experiments to defy gravity as we know it!
Another great option is to take the Cable Cart to visit Rucu Pichincha mountain. This is a beautiful viewpoint of Quito city. Note that this is only possible in good weather.
Our tour will be finished around 17:00 pm with drop-off at the hotel.
There is an optional night tour with a local wine or beer tasting and a visit to La Floresta, the local food market, and more! Ask your travel agent for the option.
Overnight at the Hotel in Quito.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
DAY 3 - Otavalo indigenous market
Our Cotopaxi Volcano tour is available as a shared or private tour. The itinerary is the same for shared and private tours.
| We will leave from Plaza Foch (Juan Leon Mera and Reina Victoria) for transfer to Otavalo or Leave from Plaza San Blas (Caldas E1-83 y Pichincha) |
| We will visit Quitsato Sundial: a monument on the Equator line. Entrance $2 |
| At the Cayambe, we’ll enjoy a local biscuits factory: bizcochos. |
| After trying some lovely food, we will stop at viewing point ‘Mira Lago’ where it is possible to see Cayambe volcano. |
| Once we arrive at the market, you will have individual time to explore Otavalo indigenous Market. |
| On our way back, we will stop Cotacachi town and enjoy a local lunch. |
| We will then hike at Cuicocha for some wonderful views. |
| Then, we will drive back to Quito |
Overnight at the Hotel in Quito.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch.
DAY 4 - Cotopaxi Volcano
Our Cotopaxi Volcano tour is available as a shared or private tour. The itinerary is the same for shared and private tours.
| Departure from la Mariscal 7:15 am (Reina Victoria and Foch streets corner) / San Blas Square 7:30 am. |
| Entrance to Cotopaxi National Park 3200m (10498.69 ft.). On the drive, you will enjoy views and information about the area. The guide will give an explanation about the volcano, flora and fauna endemic of the Park. |
| We stop for photographs in the lower part 3600m (11811.02 ft.). (Optional: people who have the activity of Horseback ride, your guide will be waiting for you in this area, 3 hours of activity). |
| We will arrival Parking lot 4600m (15091.86 ft.) where the guide will explain the hike to the José Rivas refuge. |
| You will arrive at the José Rivas refuge at 4800m (15748.03 ft.). |
| After the hike back from Cotopaxi, we return to the parking lot. |
| Start of mountain-biking downhill from the parking lot to Limpiopungo lake viewpoint |
| We will enjoy a lunch at a Chaupi community restaurant. |
| You will return to Quito. |
Overnight at the Hotel in Quito.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 5 - Quilotoa Crater lake
Our Quilotoa Crater Lake tour is also available as a shared or private tour. The itinerary is the same for shared and private tours.
| Departure from la Mariscal 7:15 am (Reina Victoria and Foch streets corner) / San Blas Square 7:30 am. |
| Explore the market of Saquisili/Pujili (Thursday/Sunday) |
| Visit of native family house |
| Depart to Quilotoa Crater Lake |
| Walk to the Quilotoa crater (3 hours). On the way up, it is possible to ride a mule. |
| We will enjoy a well-deserved lunch |
| Discover Toachi Canyon and stop for photos. |
| You will return to Quito. |
Overnight at the Hotel in Quito.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6 - Baños tour - Waterfalls and Treehouse
Breakfast at hotel – pick-up at hotel at 8:00 am.
Today we will explore beautiful Baños city and area. We will start by taking the famous Ruta del Cascadas, a series of tall picturesque waterfalls such as El Pailon del Diablo. This is followed by a small drive to La Casa del Arbol, the swing at the end of the world. This treehouse is located on a cliff, overlooking unforgettable views.
Baños is known for it’s adventure sports. There are many options to enjoy ziplines, rafting and even bridge jumping and paragliding. Let our guide know if there are any activities that you would like to do!
Overnight at the Hotel in Baños. Please let us know your flight times in order to arrange transportation back to Quito the next day.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch.
DAY 7 - Departure Quito
Quito Airport Transfer.
Breakfast at hotel; at the scheduled time our representative will meet you in the hotel lobby, transfer and assistance on your departure.
Including
- N6 night(s) in hotel(s) in Quito, Cotopaxi & Baños
- NMeals: as mentioned in the itinerary
- NEnglish speaking guides.
- NAll transfers: airport, train or bus station transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off.
- NAll ground transportation.
- N24-hour support by our local staff.
Excluding
- KInternational and domestic flights (in case you request them, please ask your travel agent).
- KVISA procedures, travel insurance, pre and post tour accommodation.
- KOther expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).
- KTips for guides, drivers and other staff.
- KAnything not specified in the itinerary description.
Budget trip
shared daytours & budget transport- The budget option has fixed departure days, shared day tours, a budget cruise and more.
Premium travel
With private transport- Our premium travel has flexible departure, private tours & a premium Galápagos cruise and more.
Deluxe travel
Luxury transport & personal guide- Our deluxe travel offers luxurious travel with a private guide for your entire stay.
Book this trip!
Book your trip to South-America directly! Our travel agent will contact you within 24 hours to make sure every detail is discussed. Everything for an unforgettable trip!
Would you rather put together a custom trip with us? Or still have a quick question about the tour? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
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