11 Day Hidden Treasure Ecuador
Day 1.- Welcome to the Ecuador - Transfer to Hotel - Accommodations Hotel Patio Andaluz or Similar
Your Hidden Treasures Ecuador tour starts here. You will be picked up at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) and brought to your hotel, which is located in the center of Quito. Depending on the time of arrival at the airport, you will have the chance to explore Quito by yourself and taste the local dishes and drinks. Of course it is also possible to rest, because you might be tired after the long flight. Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ecuador’s capital. It’s considered the cultural capital of South America and the second most important city of the old Inca Empire. Because of its strategic location in the middle of the Andes, you can organize fantastic day trips such as Quito City tour, including a visit to the Equator Line,Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Lake, Otavalo Indian market and Island Galapagos Cruises.
Day 2.- Historical Center - Cooking Class - Capilla del Hombre
After breakfast in the hotel you will go to the Historical Center of Quito to explore the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After getting an impression of this beautiful city, you will get a cooking class where you learn how to cook local dishes. In the afternoon you will visit the Capilla del Hombre where you have an amazing view over the city. (All transportation is included). OverNight Patio Andaluz
Day 3.- Intiñan Museum - Pululahua - Cloud Forest - Accommodations Maquipucuna Lodge
In the morning we will first visit the Intiñan museum and go to the Pululahua volcano. After that you will be transferred to a beautiful place in the Cloud Forest. Before lunch you will take a guided short walk to learn about some of Maquipucuna’s medicinal and useful plants. After lunch you will walk through the Bear trail and part of the Palmito or River trails in search of spectacled bears or their traces. This is a moderate hike (2 to 3 hours) through Secondary and some Primary Forest. A local guide is mandatory during Spectacled Bear season. At 6pm the bar opens officially; however, if you desire a drink before then, please let the staff know and they will be happy to serve you. There is also the chance to do an optional guided night hike.
Day 4.- Bird Watching - Hike to Waterfall - OverNight Maquipucuna Lodge
Wake up with a concert of birds and get ready for an early start. After enjoying a cup of our own freshly brewed coffee, you have the first birding hike from 6:30 – 8:30 AM to enjoy the sounds and sights of dawn in the forest. Before lunch you will take the Humedal trail learning further about plants and watching birds as we progress into the pre-Inca trail used by the Yumbos. As a reward, you will reach the Yumbo waterfall or swimming hole where you will have the opportunity to take a swim. After lunch you will visit the coffee orchard, the orchid garden and the organic garden. Alternatively after breakfast, you could take a half day or full day tour to the Ziplines, Tulipe archeological site or Mindo butterfly garden. You can also do an optional guided night hike. Accommodations Patio Andaluz
Day 5.- Cotopaxi - Horseback Riding
After breakfast you will drive to the Cotopaxi Volcano area, which takes about 4 hours to get there. You will start your tour with a very nice car ride from Quito through the Volcano Avenue; including the Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Illinizas and others. When you arrive there you will have a lunch and after that you will do a horseback riding tour in the slopes of the Rumiñahui Volcano.
Day 6.- Cotopaxi National Park
When you finish your breakfast in the morning, you will visit the Cotopaxi National Park and the Limpiopungo Lagoon. After that you will depart to Isinliví and there you will have lunch. In the afternoon you will go for a trekking exploration around the Isinliví mountains. In the evening you will have a nice local dinner.
Day 7.- Quilotoa Lake - Guamote - Chimborazo
In the morning you will visit the Quilotoa Loop, and have the chance to hike down and actually feel the temperature of the lake, when time allows it you can even kayak on the lake. After that you will go to Tigua, where you will visit the local community. In the afternoon you will drive to Guamote, on your way there you have the chance to make some amazing photos of the Chimborazo volcano.
Day 8.- Guamote - Devil's Nose - Ingapirca - Cuenca
Around 08:00 AM you will hike to the Devil’s Nose. The trail offers incredible views of the river valley and a bird’s eye view of the inoperative tracks. You will learn about one of the greatest rail engineering feats worldwide while passing through the beautiful Andean scenery. In the afternoon you will visit the Ingapirca ruins after which you will be transferred to your hotel in Cuenca.
Day 9.- Cuenca - City Tour - Spa Circuit
Today, you will have a very relaxing day. This is your time to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. Cuenca won South America’s Leading City Break Destination of 2018, and you will see in this tour why that is the case. It is an amazing city with a lot of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will start this day with a city tour around Cuenca, and after that, you will visit Piedra de Agua hot springs, a nice spot where you will get the chance to relax and unwind by doing a Spa Circuit.
Day 10.- Cuenca - Cajas - Guayaquil
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend a half day at Cajas National Park. In this park you will spot many beautiful lakes. It is also home to many wild animals such as Andean condors, giant hummingbirds and coatis. After exploring the great wildlife and nature, you will continue to Guayaquil where you will enjoy the city by night and enjoy its beautiful panoramic views. You will visit the most beautiful areas and buildings of Guayaquil.
Day 11.- Transfer OUT
This is your last day of your Hidden Treasures Ecuador tour. Depending on the time of your flight, you will be brought to the airport. Any time of the day is fine to get your flight out, we will arrange a transfer to the airport for you.
Galápagos
Galápagos
Galápagos
Galápagos
Galápagos
Galápagos
Galápagos
Galápagos
You will explore the Hidden Treasures of Ecuador through a combination of organized day tours with an English-speaking guide and have time to explore by yourself with our self-guided packages. These include a document full of information, such as walking routes, and useful tips. You will stay in local tourist superior class hotels with a private rooms and bathrooms. All tours include some meals, transportation to the mainland, and activities mentioned in the tour itinerary. Discover the Hidden Treasures of Ecuador!
WHAT INCLUDES?
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Meals as described in the itinerary
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Accommodations in double or triple room
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Airport transfer to/from Quito and Guayaquil Airports
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Private transportation with a Spanish speaking driver
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Private bilingual guide during the activities
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All activities as described in the itinerary
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Entrance fees as described
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Guided gore tour on healthy strong horses for all levels.
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24/7 assistance in English
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
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International Flights
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Food and drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary
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Optional mules rent at Quilotoa
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Optional 30 min, Kayak trip in the lagoon at Quilotoa
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Personal travel and health insurance
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Personal expenses
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Optional tips for the guide
IMPORTANT NOTES
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The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications, and unforeseeable circumstances.
