Classic Ecuador
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Boasting an incredible richness and diversity that belies its small size, Ecuador is South America in microcosm. Filled with colonial grandeur, stunning ancient ruins and spectacular landscapes, it provides the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure.
Beginning amongst the ornate splendour of Quito, you’ll have a chance to explore its colonial heart before travelling by mountain horses into the volcanic landscapes of the Bellavista Cloud Forest. You will have an opportunity to ...
Boasting an incredible richness and diversity that belies its small size, Ecuador is South America in microcosm. Filled with colonial grandeur, stunning ancient ruins and spectacular landscapes, it provides the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure.
Beginning amongst the ornate splendour of Quito, you’ll have a chance to explore its colonial heart before travelling by mountain horses into the volcanic landscapes of the Bellavista Cloud Forest. You will have an opportunity to visit one of the largest volcanic craters on earth and trek along trails brimming with birdlife, before heading south through the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes. Here you’ll experience the drama and spectacle of some of the most ancient landscapes on earth, set before the magnificent backdrop of the Ecuadorian Andes. Bike along the slopes of Cotopaxi and trek up the awesome Chimborazo Volcano before taking a chance to enjoy the waterfalls and hot springs of Baños.
The adventure then takes you deep into the Amazon Basin, where you’ll divide your time between gentle horse rides, jungle treks and an adrenaline packed day rafting on the Jatunyacu River, before returning to Quito.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the capital, Quito
- Ride and bike across volcanoes
- Zip-line through the cloud forest
- Trek to the top of an Andean glacier
- Go white-water rafting in the jungle rapids
- Horse ride around a volcano crater
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE QUITO
DAY 1: ARRIVE QUITO
Upon arriving in Quito, you will be welcomed at the airport and escorted to your hotel. Evening at leisure to acclimatise.
DAY 2: QUITO
DAY 2: QUITO
Today you will explore the city’s beautifully ornate and well-preserved old town. The tour starts with a visit to the impressive gothic-style basilica church before walking through the main colonial plazas, filled with palaces, cathedrals and monasteries. Learn about the place of these buildings in Ecuadorian history then top off the day with a trip up a cable car for spectacular city views.
DAY 3: QUITO – BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST
DAY 3: QUITO – BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST
Travel north to a ranch where mountain horses take you through the breathtaking landscape of an inhabited volcanic crater, one of the largest in the Americas. While circling the central lava cone, spot geological formations caused by mineral avalanches, then stop for lunch with vistas over the valleys and cloud shrouded peaks. At the end of the ride, you will arrive at your forest lodge.
DAY 4: BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST
DAY 4: BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST
A full day in the cloud forest to enjoy a guided trek, learning about the region’s unique ecology, or for the more adventurous, to explore the network of forest trails yourselves. The trails span a large area around the lodge and there is plenty of opportunity for bird watching and discovering the forest’s medicinal plants. Or just relax at the numerous hideaways around the lodge to watch the hummingbirds in an idyllic setting.
DAY 5: BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST – COTOPAXI
DAY 5: BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST – COTOPAXI
This morning travel to Mindo, which is a tiny town set amidst some of the most beautiful and peaceful countryside in the entire country. First up is the chocolate tour which includes a demonstration of the chocolate-making process with natural ingredients before, of course, tasting them too! Then fly along a network of canopy runs between towers high in the forest, a completely different way of taking in the beautiful surroundings. Heading south in the afternoon you will make a brief stop at the Inti Ñan Equator Museum, where you can perform scientific tests which only hold true at the equator. Finally arrive late afternoon to your hacienda, close to the Cotopaxi National Parks northern entrance.
DAY 6: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
DAY 6: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
Today’s biking tour starts high on the slopes of the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, from where you can enjoy the stunning views of eight different volcanoes on a clear day. Then bike downhill on dirt roads through volcanic ash to Inca ruins where a packed lunch is waiting. The afternoon biking continues along a single track to Lake Limpiopungo, through pine forest where you finish your ride and transfer back to the hacienda for a well-deserved rest.
DAY 7: COTOPAXI - BAÑOS
DAY 7: COTOPAXI - BAÑOS
The drive up to Quilotoa is one of the most spectacular in the Ecuadorian Andes, passing through various indigenous villages before arriving at the rim of the spectacular Quilotoa crater and the green, mirror-like lake below. Here you can take time to walk into the crater before continuing onto the spa town of Baños.
DAY 8: BAÑOS
DAY 8: BAÑOS
Embark on a unique trekking experience up the monstrous Chimborazo Volcano to participate in the 'Iceman' tradition; these are the locals who cut blocks of ice from the glacier of Chimborazo and bring them down on donkeys to the Riobamba market. Lunch is taken at a small refuge before continuing on to the summit of the glacier. Descend and drive back for a late return to Baños.
DAY 9: BAÑOS
DAY 9: BAÑOS
A free day to catch your breath and explore the small town of Baños at your own pace. The town is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike for its hot springs and adventure activities. You could also visit the nearby valley of the waterfalls or join a night-time volcano tour for the chance to see lava explosions from the active Tungurahua Volcano.
DAY 10: BAÑOS - AMAZON BASIN
DAY 10: BAÑOS - AMAZON BASIN
Today starts with a picturesque descent from the Andes to the rainforest; you will notice how quickly the scenery changes into lush green vegetation along the way. Arrive at your lodge in time to enjoy lunch and settle in. In the afternoon, horse-ride along rivers and through the dense forest.
DAY 11: AMAZON BASIN
DAY 11: AMAZON BASIN
Trek into the rainforest with a native guide who will provide explanations about the flora and fauna that you encounter as well as give some interesting insight into living in the biodiverse Amazon. Much of the beauty of the forest is in the micro details which would often be missed without an expert. Return to the lodge for time to swim in the pool or river before dinner.
DAY 12: AMAZON BASIN
DAY 12: AMAZON BASIN
An adrenaline packed day rafting on the Jatunyacu river; you will drift down both exhilarating white-water rapids as well as calmer stretches where you can appreciate the passing scenery.
DAY 13: AMAZON BASIN - QUITO
DAY 13: AMAZON BASIN - QUITO
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Quito with time along the way to stop and bathe in the beautiful Papallacta hot springs. The town of Papallacta is famed for exquisite hot pools boasting renowned curative properties. Just what you will need after two weeks of action-packed activities! Check into your Quito hotel for your last night.
DAY 14: DEPART QUITO
DAY 14: DEPART QUITO
You will be transferred back to Quito airport for your return international flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Patio Andaluz Hotel, Quito
The Patio Andaluz is a beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of Quito's old town -perfect for sightseeing and cultural museum visits. The hotel has lovely courtyards and retains its old colonial architecture with lots of exposed wooden beams and white-washed brick work. It is a spacious, airy hotel with 32 comfortable, well designed rooms and a gourmet restaurant and chic small bar. The staff are friendly and helpful making this a fine option in Quito.
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Lodge, Bellavista Cloud Forest
A truly unique place to stay in this idyllic natural area, the Bellavista is an ecolodge in a wonderful location. Guests can stay above the forest canopy; some prefer the wonderful four-storey, thatch-roofed geodesic dome, while others prefer the unusual Bamboo House or the half-timbered Trailhead House, both are incredible. On the 700-hectare property, deep in the forest, there are an excellent network of trails; over 10 km in length, ranging from easy to genuine adventure and four waterfalls. Ecuadorian and international cuisine are served in the humble restaurant and the excursions into the cloud forest are arranged with aplomb. Each full day at the lodge includes a morning and an afternoon activity which may include guided hikes through primary & secondary cloud forest, wildlife spotting, excellent bird-watching opportunities (including many species of hummingbird and the endangered tanager-finch), horse-back riding (extra cost), trips to local pristine waterfalls and self-guided trails to explore by yourself.
Hacienda El Porvenir, Cotopaxi National Park
On the gentle slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, in a truly privileged position, Hacienda El Porvenir is the ideal spot from which to explore the Cotopaxi National Park and to get to know the Andean way of life at first hand. The laid-back farmhouse is just one and a half hours from Quito by car and only four km from the northern entrance to the national park. Located at 3,600 m and surrounded by four volcanoes, guests can enjoy stunning views but must bear in mind that the altitude can make it cold throughout the year. With a capacity for just 42 guests, staff do their utmost to make your stay as welcoming and personalised as possible, in true rural Andean fashion. Rooms are kept warm and cosy with a simple, homely style; the lodge also has a lounge with a fireplace and indoor jacuzzies. There are just nine rooms with en-suite bathrooms which we use for our guests. The lodge has a restaurant serving traditional home cooked meals and activities can be arranged via the staff such as trekking and horseback riding. Being a working ranch, they also offer authentic Ecuadorian cowboy experiences for a glimpse into their everyday lives.
Posada del Arte, Banos
This delightful, family run boutique property is conveniently located on a quiet street within walking distance of Baños' main attractions. The quirky Posada is a colourful showcase for Ecuadorian artists packed with over 50 works of art, and the welcoming staff and attractive decor make it one of the best midrange options available. All 15 rooms feature private bathrooms with 24 hour hot water and are decorated with original paintings. Guests can enjoy the attractive gardens and comfortable lounge to relax, read, listen to music, or enjoy a crackling fire. From among the plants beneath the third floor skylight can be heard the gentle rush of the waterfall, which tumbles from the mountains just a half block away. The comfortable restaurant serves a variety of cuisine, from excellent local fare to international favourites.
Hakuna Matata Lodge, Tena
Located on the shores of the crystal-clear Inchillaqui River, 10 km from Tena at an altitude between 1968 and 2,789 m this private hacienda is the perfect place to explore the Napo region. The spacious cabañas close to the river have en-suite facilities with hot showers, comfortable mattresses and are fully mosquito proofed. The lodge is home to an excellent restaurant serving international cuisine, and the bar offers a variety of juices, cocktails, wines, beers and liqueurs. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Llanganati Mountains from the large pool which is fed by warm spring water. Around the pool, there are deck chairs and a special spot for relaxing with hammocks.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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EXPERT TEAM
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640