From the Andes to the Pacific

After a night in Quito, your Ecuador holiday begins with a visit to the small town of Otavalo in the highlands of northern Ecuador which is famous for its craft market. Then explore the luxuriant cloud forest vegetation of the Tandayapa Valley before heading south via the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park and the highest active volcano in the world.

Take the Devil's Nose train which zigzags its way the steep inclines, visit the Inca ruins of Ingapirca and overnight in Cuenca, one of Ecuador's most beautiful cities.

Spend the last few days of your Ecuador holiday on the Pacific coast close to Puerto Lopez. This is an excellent place to wind down at the end of a trip to Ecuador because here the atmosphere is relaxed, the beaches white and sandy and the coastal scenery stunning. An added bonus is Humback Whale watching from June to September.

Trip information

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Included

Transfers in private vehicle, local guides at Bellavista and Isla de la Plata, private guides on days 2, 7-11 and 13, all domestic flights.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip.

Best time

The driest season for the Andean regions is from about late May to early October. The whale watching season at Puerto Lopez is from June to September.

Getting there

You will need international flights to/from Quito. Prices from the UK start from around £675.

Weather and highlights

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Otavalo market and the surrounding indian towns
Exploring the luxuriant cloud forest of the Tandayapa Valley
Cotopaxi National Park
An exhilarating rooftop train ride through the Devil's Nose
Relaxing in the colonial splendour of Cuenca
Exploring Ecuador's Pacific coast

Itinerary

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Duration: 14 days

Day 1: Arrive in Quito. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Otavalo and visit market. (B, D)
Day 3: Free day based in Otavalo. (B, D)
Day 4: Transfer to Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge. (FB)
Day 5: Explore the cloud forest. (FB)
Day 6: Transfer to Cotopaxi. Afternoon free. (FB)
Day 7: Visit Cotopaxi National Park and transfer to Riobamba. (FB)
Day 8: If possible, take Devil's Nose train ride. Explore Ingapirca then end in Cuenca. (B, L)
Day 9: Tour Cuenca and surrounding countryside. (B, L)
Day 10: Transfer to Guayaquil via Cajas National Park. (B)
Day 11: Drive along the 'Ruta del Sol' to Puerto Lopez. (B)
Day 12: Day trip to Isla de la Plata. (B, L)
Day 13: Visit Las Frailes Beach and Aguas Blancas, then fly to Quito. (B, L)
Day 14: Transfer to airport for flight home. (B)

Pricing guidelines for Ecuador

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £750 to £1000 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Ecuador combines very well with Peru, but can also be linked with Brazil.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
2 weeks highlights of Ecuador’s mainland using good standard accommodationBetween £1800 and £2750
2 week trip staying in top end haciendas and lodgesFrom around £3500+
10 days Andes & rainforest holidayBetween £1200 and £1600
16 days Andes & Galapagos (this can be very variable due to Galapagos yacht prices)From about £3200+

Ecuador