Discover Ecuador Tour 17 Days
Hola!….So you’ve decided to treat yourself to a once in a lifetime trip somewhere in South America, Ecuador mainland is one of the breathtaking countries of this site of the world. Taking in as many sights and attractions as possible has to be your top priority as there is so much to see and do but what you might not have thought about is how you are going to get to these places. This is why we customized as much as possible to fulfill all your travel expectations, this is a complete program, that covers the most famous and scenery sights of the Ecuador Mainland. Come and discover what does Ecuador has for you….
Tour Information
Price per person
USD 2200
Tour length
17 DAYS
Physical rating
All year round
Season
All year round
Group size
1 – 16 pax
Travel style
Start
Quito
Finish
Quito
Tour code
GE-EPB-03
Tour highlights
Start and end in Quito! With the best of Ecuador by Bus, you have a 17 day tour package taking you through Quito, Ecuador and 13 other destinations in Ecuador. Discovering Ecuador by Bus is a small group tour that includes accommodation as well as an expert guide, meals, transport.
Day 1
QUITO ORIENTATION MEETING & BRIEFING
This is the arrival day for all our tour participants. Depending on your flights, you can enjoy a day exploring one of the world's UNESCO heritage sites (Quito's Old Town) or simply rest at the hotel before our guide meets you in the lobby at 6 :30 p.m. for our orientation meeting and briefing prior to the start of the tour. During this meeting, you will be able to clarify any concerns or curiosity you may have about the tour in general.
Although Guidecuador does not offer activities on this day, we will still help you organize a full day in Quito or its surroundings if you let us know in advance.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation included: Overnight at Ibis Hotel or Similar ***
Day 2
QUITO CITY TOUR / EQUATOR LINE
On this day we will explore the beauty of Quito's old town. We will use public transportation to reach this historic area. Once there, we will visit the Presidential Palace, Main Square, the Cultural Center, the Church of “El Sagrario”, the Church of “San Francisco” and the famous street known as "La Ronda", where we can enjoy a special ice cream with local rum, tequila or one of the native fruit flavors.
Then, we will take a bus to Panecillo Hill, which is 10,000 feet high. This is the best viewpoint in the city!!! Afterwards, we will board a local bus to the equatorial site, a journey that will take us approximately one hour.
We will visit two equatorial sites, so we will see both! The first is the Inti Nan Museum, where you can observe experiments related to latitude 0.0.0. The second is a monument that commemorates the French expedition led by Charles Maria Condamine, who arrived to establish Ecuador in 1736. In this place, we can also pause for lunch.
Finally, we will return to the hotel by local bus to spend the night.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Overnight at Ibis Hotel or Similar ***
Day 3
PUBLIC BUS TO OTAVALO CITY
PUBLIC BUS TO OTAVALO CITY
This is time to say good bye to Quito!!!! We will take a local bus towards Otavalo City , it will take us 2 hours approx.
Once we arrive , we will check in at the hotel , then you will have plentty of time to explore to beautiful village surrounded by volcanoes.
So the rest of the day will be on your own....
Overnight in Otavalo
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Santa Fe Hotel or Similar **
Day 4
CUICOCHA LAKE FULL HIKE
Early in the morning , we will depart towards Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve , it is located 20 miles away from Oatavalo.
Once we arrive we will visit shortly the museum to clarify the entire trail around Cuicocha lake.
The total hike is 10 miles , the time approx. from 3 to 5 hours , it is a little bet active but , you will loved it..
This is one of the most beautiful protected areas in Ecuador and the views up there are fantastic. However the starting of the hike will be at 10,000 ft and the highest reached point will be 12,500 ft. but it is still possible to do with no issues at all.
This hike is the main attraction of the day , after this , we will take a bus back to Otavalo for overnight.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Santa Fe Hotel or Similar **
Day 5
PUBLIC BUS TO TENA
On this day , we will start at 6:00 am to be on time for our journey towards to Tena City.
It will take us pretty much all day , considering that we will take two local buses to get there.
Once we arrive to Tena , we will chance to have some lunch , then we will finally take a taxi to the Jungle lodge. Normally we get there by 4:30 pm , so you will still have some time to enjoy the rest of the afternoon realxing at the hotel pool or walking around the lodge.
At Night we will have briefing and dinner also is included at the lodge.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Liana Lodge or similar ***
Day 6
AMAZON JUNGLE EXPLORATIONS
Early in the morning we'll have breakfast. Afterwards we must prepare our gear: boots, raincoat so we can be ready to begin the adventure! We will board a canoe and start our journey downstream through the enchanted Amazon Jungle along the imposing Napo River. Arrive to Misahualli, where we make a short stop to check our papers with local Marina, so don't forget your passport!! Continuing our canoe-trip we arrive to Arajuno River. Visit to Animal Rescue Centre "AmaZOOnico" which is specialized in the rescue of wild animals for specie conservation and reintegration into the wild. In here we will observe a great variety of species such as: toucans, all kind of colourful parrots, various kinds of monkeys, jaguars, capybaras and much more!
Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious lunch in the river shore, picnic style. We'll have the opportunity to swim in the river or just resting peacefully surrounded by a wonderful natural atmosphere.
After concluding this day's experience, we'll head back to the Lodge, but first we will visit a Quichua family and learn about their millenary culture and traditions such as gold rinse in the river shoreline, traditional pottery making, making of typical drink "chicha" made of yuca (a traditional Ecuadorian manioc), and the use of the "serbatana" (blowpipe for hunting use). Then we will return to the Lodge by foot over secondary jungle pads. Upon arrival enjoy a snack. At night, after dinner, we'll have our usual meeting around the fireplace to share our day's experiences
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Liana Lodge or similar ***
Day 7
AMZON JUNGLE EXPLORATIONS
After breakfast, we will embark on a ten-minute canoe ride upstream, arriving at a small shore where we begin an exhilarating one-hour walk, marveling at the diverse flora and fauna of the jungle's secondary forest.
Following this adventure, we will reach the breathtaking cascade "Las Latas," where we can take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters and enjoy the surrounding views. The combination of stunning scenery and jungle sounds creates an unforgettable experience. Then we will return to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch, we don our "wet gear" (boots and raincoats) to set off on an exciting jungle trek, ready to uncover the hidden wonders of this mysterious environment. Along the way, we will discover remarkable plant species with medicinal properties, explained in detail by our expert native guide, who will share their characteristics and how ancient jungle inhabitants utilized them. We’ll also observe a variety of insects and small groups of monkeys navigating the giant trees; we must remain quiet to fully appreciate these beautiful creatures.
Throughout our walk, dozens of curious, colorful birds accompany us, singing lovely melodies that delight our senses. After approximately three hours of exploration, we return to the lodge.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Liana Lodge or similar ***
Day 8
PUBLIC BUS TO BAÑOS
After breakfast we will take a taxi back to Tena city for our bus ride towards to Baños, it will take us 3 hours approx. which means that you will have the rest of the day at leasure.
the estimated time of arrival in town is at 11:30 am.
Baños is a place to enjoy and offers many options as tours or relax.. We will also help you if you need to arrange a tour or you can also discover the town on your own.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Santa Clara Hotel or similar **
Day 9
BAÑOS CITY FREE DAY
On this day, you can relax or book a tour, and we’re here to assist you if you need any help. Here are some recommended tours in Baños:
* White Water Rafting on the Pastaza River (Class III) - Moderate, 4-hour tour
* Canyoning at Río Blanco or Chamaná - Moderate, 3-hour tour
* Bike Rental to Explore the Avenue of Waterfalls - Easy, 3-hour tour
* Hike to the Tree House - Demanding, 4-hour tour
* Horseback Riding - Moderate, 3-hour tour
* Motorbike Ride - Moderate, 4-hour tour
There are many more activities in town, and you’re sure to find something that fits your plans. Enjoy your overnight stay in Baños!
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Santa Clara Hotel or similar **
Day 10
CHIMBORAZO VOLCANO TOUR
Early in the morning, we will depart from Baños City toward Chimborazo Volcano. This part of the tour will be conducted with private transportation and will take approximately 3 hours.
This will be the highest altitude you experience on the entire trip (and possibly the highest elevation you have ever reached) at 5,000 meters above sea level. While this location is quite high, it’s a great opportunity to acclimatize a little!
At the park, we will reach the first base camp located at 4,700 meters. From there, we will begin our hike to the highest point, known as the Whymper Refuge. From this vantage point, you will enjoy stunning views of the Andes before we drive to Riobamba for the night.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Overnight at Wanderlot or similar ***
Day 11
DRIVE TO INGAPIRCA RUNS & HAT FACTORY
In the morning, we will board on a 2-hour journey to the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex, the most significant pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. We will take a 1-hour walk through the site to learn more about the history of the Pre-Incas and Incas.
Afterward, we will drive to Cuenca City. Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Hat Museum (Panama Hat Factory). Finally, we will check in to our hotel for the night.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Overnight at Orquidea Hostel or similar ***
Day 12
EXPLORE CUENCA !
Today, we will take you through the picturesque streets and plazas of Cuenca City! Get ready to enjoy and explore this magical UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized since 1999.
Cuenca has something for everyone in your group. We will provide you with some recommendations for activities you can enjoy on your own this afternoon.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Overnight at Orquidea or similar ***
Day 13
PUBLIC BUS RIDE TO GUAYAQUIL
On this day, ww will take a public bus ride to Guayaquil, which will take approximately four hours.
Once we arrive at the hotel, you'll have the opportunity to explore downtown Guayaquil and visit Las Peñas Viewpoint.
Guayaquil is a modern city with nearly 3 million residents, making it a great place to stroll after a long bus ride.
Remember that Guayaquil is located at sea level, just 4 meters above, so you can expect warm weather after your time in the Andes.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Gran Hotel Guayaquil or similar ***
Day 14
PUBLIC BUS RIDE TO PUERTO LOPEZ
In the early morning, we will take a public bus ride to Puerto López, which typically takes about five hours from Guayaquil. Today, we have no other activities planned, so you can enjoy the beach or relax by the hotel pool.
Later in the afternoon, we will host a cocktail show at the hotel, where you will learn more about our local cocktails.
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Nantu Hotel or similar ***
Day 15
ISLA DE LA PLATA TOUR
On this day, we’ll visit the famous Silver Island, or Isla de la Plata, located 40 miles away from Puerto López by speedboat.
This island is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, featuring species similar to those found in the Galápagos, including blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, frigatebirds, and red-footed boobies.
During the tour, you’ll hike for two hours on the island, spotting these amazing animals. If we’re lucky, we might also see humpback whales, which travel from all over the world to the Ecuadorian coast for their breeding and mating season.
The whale watching season runs from May to September each year, and Machalilla National Park provides a safe and favorable environment for them.
You’ll also have the chance to snorkel near the island, exploring a rich diversity of fish and marine life. Afterward, we’ll return to Puerto López for the night, and in the evening, we’ll head out for some salsa classes!
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Nantu Hotel or similar ***
Day 16
PUERTO LOPEZ FREE DAY
This day is yours to relax, stroll around town, visit a local community, explore Los Frailes Beach, and much more.
If you’re in the mood for adventure, we can arrange a biking tour or a diving tour. Puerto López offers a wide range of activities, so we’re confident you’ll find something that suits your interests!
Meals included: B
Accommodation included: Nantu Hotel or similar ***
Day 17
FLIGHT BACK TO QUITO END OF THE SERVICES...
Free morning , 1:00 pm check out and transportation to Manta City Airport to take a flight to Quito late in the afternoon , then transportation to the Hotel in Quito
Unfortunately we have to say good bye after we arrive in Quito and we invite you to see one of our other tours in Galapagos and Peru Tours..
However if you desire to add one more night in Quito City or extend your staying in Ecuador , we can always help you out with free advise to make sure you optimize the time and continue exploring this paradise called Ecuador.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT FOR TOMORROW CHECK OUT IS AT 12 am
TRANSFER OUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
The program includes
- Hotel accommodations as mentioned in TWIN / Shared Room
- English Speaking Adventure Tour Guide will escort you through your entire journey
- American breakfast included everyday
- Lunch ( just at the jungle lodge )
- Dinner ( just at the jungle lodge )
- This Itinerary is based on Public Transportation, however there is few tours that we included private Transportation too in some parts of the tour.
Not included in Program
- Local Flight from Manta to Quito is not included, however, we recomend that you book it directly through us.
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Chimborazo MTB tour
-
Diving at Puerto Lopez
-
Biking tour at Puerto LopezPersonal ExpensesPhone CallsDrinksany activity no specified in programGratuities
GUARANTEED DEPARTS EVERY DAY !
24/7 Booking Phone Number: +1-888-469-2230
Tour Overview
AGE RANGE : 18 to 65 year old
ACCOMMODATION: Hostel, Jungle Lodge
MIN GROUP SIZE : 4 ( IF YOU ARE SOLO TRAVELER , PLEASE ASK FOR SINGLE RATE)
MAX GROUP SIZE : 16
TRANSPORTATION : Bus, Private Vehicle, Plane
PHYSICAL RATING : Moderated
TRAVEL STYLE : Discovery
