Welcome to Ecuador

Angelika & Corwyn

This itinerary has been carefully curated for your one-week stay in Ecuador, thoughtfully considering routes, traffic conditions, and the best days to experience each destination seamlessly.

For the Cotopaxi Tour Day, I’d love to offer you a complimentary overnight stay at Casa Rodriguez the night before. Enjoy a private romantic evening on the terrace, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, with a cozy fire pit and a glass of wine.

Since we’ll need to leave early—around 6 AM—to arrive by 8 AM, staying here would be much more convenient. My location in the south of the city is an hour closer to the volcano, helping us avoid morning traffic. Otherwise, departing from your hotel would add an extra hour to the journey.

From my experience, the Cotopaxi is often hidden by clouds after 11 AM in April, and you’ll want to see it in its full glory. That’s why it’s essential to arrive as early as possible!

Please be aware that Quito's altitude of 9,350 feet means the air is thinner, so some acclimation may be necessary. We take this into account in our planning.

Happy to make adjustments per your preference, but please keep in mind some changes may incur charges.

Lastly, schedule is a projection and is subject to change depending on the weather or guide discretion.

Nestled in the Andes at an altitude of 9,350 feet, Quito stretches along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, flanked by the Panecillo and Ichimbia hills. Once a vital hub in the Inca Empire, it held strategic importance as both an administrative and ceremonial center. Colonized by the Spanish in 1534, Quito was built atop the ruins of the Inca city. Today, it proudly preserves one of the largest and best-maintained historic centers in the Americas, offering a unique blend of indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial architecture.

Quito stands out as a city of unparalleled uniqueness due to its rich history, diverse geography, and vibrant culture. Its position as a gateway to Ecuador’s varied regions and its deep historical significance make it truly one of a kind.

Proposed

Itinerary

AMAZON 4 DAY TOUR

SUNDAY // APRIL 13 - WEDNESDAY // APRIL 16

DAY 2*

8:30am - Pick up at AirBnB 11am - Arrive & head to Laguna Azul, to dip into the Natural Pools 1pm - Lunch 2pm - Hike/Canyoning Cascades 6pm - Return to Homestay 7pm - Fondue Making & Dinner

Guided Tour $195/pp - Includes:

  • English Speaking Driver Guide

  • 1x Entrance fees

  • Private Trans.RenaultDuster ‘24

  • Canyoning Helmet + Boots

  • 2x Meals, Snacks, Water

  • ALL Activities listed above

    *Please be flexible on this day, as its election day.

DAY 3

8am - Breakfast 9am - White Water Rafting in Jatunyacu River (Shared Raft). *picnic during lunch 2pm - Go to Hamadryade Lodge Driver can take you to Misahuallí for other activities, Dinner

Guided Tour $195/pp - Includes:

  • English Speaking Driver Guide

  • 1x Entrance fees (Rafting)

  • Private Trans. RenaultDuster ‘24

  • Rafting Fee + Equipment

  • 2x Meals, Snacks, Water

Additional Costs (Not Included)

Eco Suite: +$75/pp: Hotel + Next day's breakfast, Dinner or Suite Bungalow: +$108/pp: Hotel + Next day's breakfast, Dinner

Spa Activities, Other Activities

DAY 4

8am - Breakfast 9am - Cascades de Latas 12pm - Leave to Baños. 3pm - Visit Pailon Del Diablo 6pm - Check in Luna Volcan

Guided Tour $140/pp - Includes:

  • English Speaking Driver Guide

  • 1x Entrance fees (Cascades)

  • Private Trans. RenaultDuster ‘24

  • Snacks, Water

Additional Costs (Not Included)

Starting at +$135/pp for Hotel + Dinner + Next day's breakfast

Pailon Del Diablo Fee ($3)

DAY 5

9am - Breakfast 10am - Possible Activities: Zip Lining, Hiking, Tree Swing, Paragliding, Biking, Followed by Picturesque Roadtrip thru the Andes 7pm - Drop Off Casa Rodriguez 8pm - Dinner Casa Rodriguez

Guided Tour $140/pp - Includes:

Additional Costs (Not Included)

Lunch, Activities

Amazon Expeditions

Discover the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon with our curated recommendations for excursions, offering something unique for every type of traveler. Whether you're seeking guided hikes through lush rainforests, serene canoe trips along winding rivers, or immersive cultural experiences with local indigenous communities, we can help coordinate your journey into the wonders of the Amazon. Encounter incredible wildlife, learn about ancient medicinal plants, and experience the magic of one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Please note, these are not our tours, and while we’re happy to assist with planning, we are not responsible for the excursions themselves.

DAY 6

THURSDAY // APRIL 17

6:30am - Depart to Cotopaxi Park 8am - 1 Hour Horseback Riding 10am - Hike up to the refuge, not the summit 1pm - Lunch at Hacienda Porvenir 3pm - Return to Quito 6pm - Drop off @ SOMOS for dinner

Guided Tour $185/pp - Includes:

Includes: English Speaking Guide, Driver, 1hr Horseback Fee, Breakfast, Snacks, Bottled Water, Private Transportation 4x4

Additional Costs (Not Included)

Lunch

Horseback riding 

Discover the beauty of Ecuador’s Cotopaxi volcano on a breathtaking horseback adventure. Ride through lush valleys, past clear streams, and beneath the towering snow-capped peak. Guided by experts, you’ll traverse remote trails and open meadows, encountering wild horses, vibrant flora, and native wildlife. Suitable for all skill levels, this journey offers an unforgettable, immersive experience in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

FIRST DAY?

Ideally a Friday or Saturday

10am - Climb to the top of The Basilica 12pm - Explore Quito’s Historical Center 4pm - Quito High Tea at Casa Gangotena 5pm - Sunset & Canelazo at Cafe Mosaico 8pm - Tour La Ronda // Dinner Casa Geranios

Church Galore

Explore Quito’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Ecuador’s rich history. Stroll its cobblestone streets, marvel at colonial architecture, and visit iconic landmarks like La Compañía de Jesús Church, renowned for its ornate gold interiors. Enhance your journey with a visit to the Casa del Alabado Museum, where an exquisite collection of Pre-Columbian art offers a fascinating glimpse into Ecuador’s ancient civilizations. Unlike any other city, Quito sits high in the Andes, offering breathtaking mountain views, and it’s the only capital city directly on the equator, blending cultural heritage with unparalleled natural beauty.

Cultural Mosaic

Continue your Quito adventure with a delightful bite at Casa Gangotena’s Café, where local flavors meet the charm of the city’s historic center. As evening approaches, head to Café Mosaico for a warm canelazo, the perfect companion to a breathtaking sunset view over El Panecillo and the city below. End your day strolling through La Ronda, Quito’s most iconic street, where cobblestone paths come alive with music, art, and the inviting aroma of traditional Ecuadorian treats. It’s a perfect blend of flavors, sights, and culture that captures the magic of Quito.

COAST 2 DAY

THURSDAY // APRIL 17 - SATURDAY // APRIL 19 -

DAY 6

7:15pm - Depart UIO > MANTA 8pm - Arrive in Manta

1.5hr Drive to Puerto Lopez

Check-In La Terraza

DAY 8

Road Trip North via Spondylus Route aka Sun Route back to Manta.

Get a trusted driver from the Hostel, and stop by the town along the coast.

8:50pm - Flight Manta > UIO

11pm - Flight from UIO > USA

DAY 1

SUNDAY // APRIL 13

8am - Depart to Pululahua 9am - Hike the Pululahua 12pm - Lunch at The Crater 1pm - Tour - Temple of the Sun 3pm - Tour - Intiñan Musem 6pm - Drop off @ SOMOS for dinner

Guided Tour - $125/pp

Includes: English Speaking Guide, 2x Entrance fees, Bottled Water, Private Transportation

Volcano Crater Hike

Embark on a fascinating day trip to explore Ecuador’s unique wonders, starting with the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve—one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world. Hike through its lush landscapes, take in its diverse flora and the breathtaking views of this ancient caldera. A true hidden gem in Ecuador.

Next, dive into Andean culture at the Temple of the Sun Museum, an inspiring space dedicated to Ecuador’s indigenous heritage, art, and traditions. Conclude your journey at the Intiñan Museum, where you’ll stand on the true Equator line, witnessing fun, interactive experiments that reveal the unique forces at play on this one-of-a-kind latitude. This trip is a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture!