Quito: to Cuenca visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, the Amazon, and Ingapirca

Tour Overview

This 6-day guided tour from Quito to Cuenca covers iconic Ecuadorian destinations, suited for travelers seeking cultural and natural experiences.

Highlights

• Turn your transfer into an experiential journey.
• Visit several key sites in one comprehensive tour.
• Travel with an expert guide providing cultural insights.
• Experience unique Andean landscapes without logistical concerns.

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Quito with a selected pick-up. Breakfast stop at Cotopaxi National Park entrance (not included). Hike Limpiopungo lagoon inside Cotopaxi Park, near one of the highest active volcanoes globally. Lunch at a local Kichwa family restaurant (not included). Explore the 3 km-wide turquoise lake in Quilotoa’s volcanic crater. Stop for Ecuadorian ice cream en route to Baños, arriving at Basilica Park.

Day 2: Pick-up at Baños Basilica. Traditional Amazonian breakfast at a local restaurant (not included). Visit Yanacocha, an Amazon wildlife rescue center. Explore Las Orquídeas botanical garden, learning about Amazonian flora. Lunch features Maito, fish wrapped in Bijao leaves (not included). Walk through secondary rainforest to a waterfall with swimming opportunity. End at Indichuris viewpoint overlooking a major Amazon river and Andean landscape. Return to Baños Basilica.

Day 3: Free day in Baños with optional Chimborazo tour available for $85.

Day 4: Travel from Baños to Riobamba. Visit La Moya community to learn about Ecuador’s ancestral peoples and participate in a cleansing ceremony. Explore Guamote’s traditional market (available Thursdays only). Lunch with indigenous community (not included). Hike in Ozogoche hills among 45+ lagoons and highland fauna. Return to Alausí town.

Day 5: Meet at Alausí train station. Ride the Devil’s Nose Train, considered one of the world’s most challenging train journeys. Traditional lunch (not included). Tour Ingapirca Kañari-Inca ruins (open Wednesday to Sunday). Stop at Turi viewpoint for city views. Arrive in Cuenca, transfer to Calderón Park.

Day 6: Free day in Cuenca or optional Gualaceo and Chordeleg tour for $55. Tour concludes in Cuenca.

Includes

• Tourist transportation
• Certified national tour guide
• Tickets and visits to listed sites

Excludes

• Meals
• Accommodation
• Unspecified services

Important Information

• After booking confirmation, provide full names, passport numbers, nationalities, and dates of birth for all travelers.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking Tips

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, swimwear, and layered clothing for varying climates. The best time to visit is during the dry season for optimal hiking conditions.