Ecuador 10-Day Itinerary: Discover the Best of Ecuador in 10 Days

Our representative will greet you upon arrival at Quito airport and transfer you to your hotel. You'll have free time to rest, acclimate to the altitude, and get ready for the adventure ahead. Optional activities such as a cooking class or salsa lesson can be arranged upon request.

We will explore all the main historical and architectural icons of Quito, the world’s highest capital and first World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, due to its well-preserved old town. Among the main attractions we have is the impressive Gothic-style Basilica, the La Compañía church, considered one of the most significant works of Spanish baroque, stroll to Plaza Grande surrounded by the remarkable architecture of the Carondelet Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, and Municipal Palace.

Then we will visit the“Mitad Del Mundo”, it is one of the most famous attractions nearby. The official equator monument for perfect photos with one foot in each hemisphere, and the Inti Ñan Museum, where you can perform fascinating scientific tests that only occur at the equator, such as balancing an egg on a nail and witnessing the Coriolis force that sends falling water in different directions in each hemisphere. Don't forget to bring your passport along if you want a special Ecuador stamp on it! 

Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous towns in South America, renowned for its vibrant handicraft market, but the area offers far more. The tour, of course, takes you to the famous handicraft market and allows free time to explore the many traditional wares, but we also like to take our guests a little further off the beaten path. We also visit a fascinating weaving workshop and have lunch at a local restaurant, where we will have the chance to see an indigenous family making and playing traditional musical instruments. 

Cotopaxi Volcano is the second-highest peak in Ecuador and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Its snow-capped cone rises dramatically above the windswept páramo of the Cordillera Real, creating a landscape both harsh and breathtaking. Our journey takes you in Cotopaxi National Park, where we explore the Limpiopungo Lake area—a serene highland wetland framed by wildflowers and nesting Andean gulls. Weather permitting, an ideal spot to admire the volcano’s majestic silhouette.

Led by expert guides, learn about the park’s fragile ecosystem. For those seeking adventure, we will drive to the parking lot at 4,500 meters, then hike to the José Rivas Refuge at 4,810 meters. Here, catch your breath and take in panoramic views of the Andes. If conditions allow, you may continue up to the glacier edge—a surreal experience on the shoulder of a living volcano.

We’ll travel south on the Pan-American Highway to Quilotoa, taking the well-known "Avenue of the Volcanoes". Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Andes, Quilotoa Lake, and the charming landscape of the moors as we drive. Upon arrival, our guide will advise about the hiking options based on your interests. You can descend to the crater lake's edge, or simply take a walk around the rim. Horseback riding and kayak activities are available for an extra cost. We will also visit a local indigenous family and the Tigua Painters. Depending on the day of the week, we will be able to visit a local indigenous market. 

Embark on a captivating Amazon day trip that begins in the riverside village of Puyo, where a Quechua family warmly welcomes you into their world. Discover centuries-old traditions, from natural medicine to artisanal crafts. Continue the journey with a serene paddle canoe ride along the Pastaza River, gliding silently through the rainforest’s green corridors. Then visit the Inchinduris viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the Amazon canopy framed by the distant Andes. The day concludes with a two-mile guided walk through lush jungle trails leading to the Hola Vida waterfall—a hidden gem where cool waters and vibrant wildlife offer a peaceful finale to this unforgettable exploration.

Enjoy a day full of adventure. We’ll start with a visit to the "Treehouse”, well known because it was the scene of the 2014 National Geographic Photo Contest winner. Enjoy the expansive views of the valley, wander through lovely gardens alive with hummingbirds, and ride on the fabled swing that has made this location famous. We will then explore the waterfall route, making multiple pauses so you can take in the spectacular scenery. The main highlight is the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, one of Ecuador's top ten largest waterfalls. After a two-kilometer journey, we arrive at this beautiful location, and the surrounding natural splendor will astound you. There is an option for those with a sense of adventure to ride a cable car across the valley or engage in the thrilling zip-line sport.

We continue our trip through the southern Andes to the quaint town of Alausi. Even though the train isn't in service at the moment, our trained guides will tell you the fascinating tale of the mountain's technical marvel, and we'll embark on a hike to see the same spectacular views of Devil's Nose Mountain and its surroundings. For those who enjoy bike riding, we provide a pleasant activity that descends to the Sibambe train station on gravel roads with little traffic for an extra cost. We'll also stop at a local family farm, where you may learn about the area's crops, customs, and culture. Then, we’ll tour Ingapirca, Ecuador's most extraordinary Incan ruins. The intricate Inca engineering, architecture, and design are displayed in these remains. Learn about the flawless integration of the Inca community with the Caari natives.

Visit the most beautiful city in Ecuador. We will explore some of the most traditional neighborhoods of the city. We will also visit the flower market, the main square, and the “New Cathedral,” which is considered one of the biggest churches in Latin America.  The famous gold leaf altar is found here. We continued our tour to a Panama hat factory.  Here we’ll observe the process of making “Paja toquilla.”  These hats range from classic, simple ones to colorful, elegantly designed, and costly ones.  Afterward, we will go to the “Barranco”, an area of terraced houses which is located next to the Tomebamba River.  Finally, we will go to the “mirador de Turi” (scenic viewpoint) to enjoy the beautiful vista of the Cuenca landscape. Free afternoon to rest or explore the city on your own, a great option is to visit the Piedra de Agua hot springs. 

From Cuenca, we will drive through the western Andes to Toreadora in Cajas National Park, considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Ecuador and the main source of water for Cuenca. You will be impressed with the beautiful scenery of the area, We will take a hike to explore the Polylepis Forest, the Moorland ecosystem, and the lakes. Then we will continue our driving to the lowlands, ever tasted the pulp of fresh cacao beans? We will visit a local family farm, the main product growing here is cacao (base to make chocolate), however, they have many other products such as breadfruit, coffee, passionfruit, and pineapple, among many others. You will be able to experience the process of craft chocolate making and try it if you like, while our tour guide explains the history of cacao. 

Drop off at the Guayaquil airport or hotel.