Ecuador - Astride the Equator

Ecuador - Astride the Equator

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14 Days From

$3440

Ecuador - Astride the Equator

14 Days Starting and ending in Quito

Visiting: Quito, Cuicocha Lagoon, Otavalo, Tour en Coca, Amazon Ecuador, Macas, Guamote, Riobamba, Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, Quilotoa Lagoon, Cotopaxi National Park

Tour operator:

Undiscovered Destinations

Tour code:

ECR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $3440

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Take an exciting journey astride the equator through the rugged landscapes of the Andes Mountains and the lush rainforest. Observe the diversity of cultures from the Otavaleños and Afro-Ecuadorians in the north, to the Quichua and Shuar in the rainforest, and finally to the Kichwa in the central Andes at the foothills of the mighty volcano Chimborazo. On our journey visit vibrant markets, marvel at the impressive highland scenery on leisurely walks and enjoy the flora and fauna of the jungle.

Highlights

  • Explore the colonial capital of Quito

  • Enjoy the atmospheric and vibrant highland market of Otavalo

  • Observe the practices and customs of indigenous communities

  • Enjoy walks in magnificent Andean scenery and the Avenue of the Volcanoes

  • Relax in a rainforest lodge and observe tropical flora and fauna

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Patio Andaluz or similar

Arrive in Quito and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have time to explore the city. Overnight Patio Andaluz or similar. No meals are included today.

Day 2 : Quito – Cotacachi

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Runa Tupari or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning explore the colonial old town of Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visit the major colonial churches and monasteries including La Catedral, El Sagrario, La Compañia and San Francisco. Later, visit Independence Plaza flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Continue to the Church of San Francisco, one of the greatest religious buildings in South America. Its impressive façade and atrium lead to an opulent gold interior, a Baroque influence with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Visit the historic colonial quarter of Quito, resplendent with its churches, gilded altars and religious sculptures and paintings dating from the 17th 18th and 19th centuries. The tour continues through narrow streets, ancient colonial houses with Moorish-style arches and mysterious patios to El Panecillo, a vantage point for a stunning view of the city. This afternoon, drive from Quito north to Mitad del Mundo (literally middle of the world) where the Equatorial Line Monument is located. Here you can stand with one foot in the Northern, and one in the Southern hemisphere. Leaving Quito behind, continue to Cotacachi where you are welcomed by a local family. Overnight at Runa Tupari or similar (BLD)

Day 3 : Cuicocha Lagoon

Location: Cuicocha Lagoon

Accommodation Name: Runa Tupari or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we explore the surroundings of the Cuicocha Crater Lagoon during an easy to moderate grade 4-5 hour hike through the flora of the Andean highlands. We also visit Cotacachi, known for its handmade leather articles. Overnight Runa Tupari similar (BLD)

Day 4 : Otavalo – Peguche Cascades – Papallacta

Location: Otavalo

Accommodation Name: Termas Papallacta or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today visit Otovalo market and meet skilful native merchants that create colourful pieces using the same techniques as their ancestors, such as alpaca sweaters, ponchos, hammocks and pan flutes. We then visit a house of a respected maestro in rondador, a small panpipe producing a distinctive sweet sound. After the visit we continue to Peguche waterfall, an important place for the local people, where we take a short walk and be educated about the importance of this sacred place. We then make our way to Papallacta, a first-class hot springs resort, located in the Amazon region. Overnight Termas Papallacta or similar (BD)

Day 5 : Amazon Adventure

Location: Tour en Coca, Amazon Ecuador

Accommodation Name: Suchipakari Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we head to the upper Amazon along a scenic stretch of road that takes us out of the Andes highlands and into the Amazon. We stop at Wayra Reserve, where you can find a large variety of flora and fauna, and home to some amazing birdlife such as the Rufous-Breasted Wood Quail. After the visit we head to our lodge where we will spend the next 3 nights. Overnight Suchipakari Lodge or similar (BLD)

Day 6 : Amazon Experience

Location: Tour en Coca, Amazon Ecuador

Accommodation Name: Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today explore the jungle with your native guide, observing the variety of flora and fauna. We also visit the famous animal refuge known as AmaZoonico, founded to protect the native and wild animals of the area that have been injured, mistreated or confiscated due to smuggling. After lunch we visit a native Quichua family where we will learn how ‘chicha’, their local alcoholic drink, is prepared. You can also experience using the blowgun – an important weapon used by the people of the jungle when hunting food. After the family visit, explore the caiman lagoon where you can view the reptiles that live here. Overnight at the lodge (BLD)

Day 7 : Amazon Experience

Location: Tour en Coca, Amazon Ecuador

Accommodation Name: Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning take a hike through the protected rainforest of the lodge. Your nature guide will point out interesting medicinal plants and talk about the wildlife in the area. After the walk and lunch, we discover why Ecuador is the best place to enjoy chocolate. Learn how to make delicious chocolate from the local cocoa beans. After returning to the lodge, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the same lodge (BLD)

Day 8 : Macas

Location: Macas

Accommodation Name: Hosteria Piedra Amazónica or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

(approx. 4hrs driving)After breakfast, travel through the rainforest to Puno where we visit an Animal Rescue Centre to observe tropical animals of the Amazon region and meet some monkeys face to face. From here, continue deeper into the rainforest to the small jungle town of Macas. Here there will be some time to relax at leisure in the afternoon. Overnight Hosteria Piedra Amazónica or similar (B)

Day 9 : Macas - Shuar Waterfall – Lagoons Of Atillo – Guamote

Location: Guamote

Accommodation Name: Inti Sisa Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

(approx. 3hrs driving)A short drive, takes us to Shuar territory. Take a round trip of walk of around 3 hours through the forest to a sacred waterfall, where we participate in the spiritual waterfall ceremony of the Shuar, after which enjoy a soak in the waterfall and taste the typical food of the Shuar. Later, continue to the Atillo Lakes, crossing the Andean highlands to Guamote. Overnight Inti Sisa Hotel or similar. (BD)

Day 10 : Guamote – Riobamba

Location: Riobamba

Accommodation Name: Mansion Santa Isabella or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

(approx. 1hr driving)Our day begins with a visit to the Church of La Balbanera on the outskirts of Riobamba, first built by the Spaniards, making it the first catholica church in the region. Continue to Colta Lagoon and explore the area before driving to the community of La Moya, formed of 68 families. Experience the man’s relationship with the sacred mountain Chimborazo with their legends and traditions rooted in the community, and visit the mountain museum ‘Urkukunapak Wasi’ where the myths and legends are on display. Our final destination is Riobamba, Ecuador’s first capital city. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight Mansion Santa Isabella or similar (BL)

Day 11 : Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve - Tigua

Location: Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve

Accommodation Name: Posada de Tigua or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

(approx. 5hrs driving)Today we visit the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, located on the slopes of the highest mountain in Ecuador. We begin at the reserve’s interpretation centre (starting at 4630m) where you will hear about the flora and fauna of the reserve, before heading to the mountaineer’s refuge. After we continue to Tigua, a small village close to Quilotoa. Overnight Posada de Tigua or similar (BD)

Day 12 : Quilotoa Lagoon

Location: Quilotoa Lagoon

Accommodation Name: Mama Hilda Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(approx. 3hrs driving)This morning visit the Andean market of Zumbahua and experience the noisy and chaotic market before heading to the beautiful crater lagoon, Quilotoa. On a short hike, enjoy the changing views of the lagoon and the surrounding Andes Mountains. Overnight Mama Hilda Hotel or similar (BLD)

Day 13 : Cotopaxi National Park

Location: Cotopaxi National Park

Accommodation Name: El Porvenir or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

(approx. 4hrs driving)This morning we travel south to the central Ecuadorian Andes and Cotopaxi National Park. and enjoy an easy walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, learning about the typical vegetation of the Andes and, with good weather, enjoy superb views of the impressive Cotopaxi. Lunch is taken in the mountain refuge Tambopaxi surrounded by the impressive peaks of Sincholagua and Cotopaxi. Overnight El Porvenir or similar (BLD)

Day 14 : Departure From Quito

Location: Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

(approx. 2hrs drving)Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)Please book a flight after 1500 hours.

What's Included

  • Arrival and departure transfers

    Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included.

  • Overland transport throughout with professional driver

    All necessary overland transportation throughout the tour is provided, accompanied by a professional driver.

  • All accommodation

    Accommodation for the duration of the tour is included.

  • Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader

    The tour includes the services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader. For groups of 3 passengers or less, a combined driver/guide will be provided.

  • Meals as listed

    Meals are included as per the itinerary: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner.

  • Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

    Entrance fees to all sites listed as part of the itinerary are included.

What's Not Included

  • International flights

    International flights are not included in the tour price.

  • Any airport taxes

    Airport taxes are not included and must be paid separately.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Visa - when required

    Visa fees are not included and responsibility for obtaining visas lies with the traveler.

  • Drinks

    Drinks are not included and will need to be purchased separately.

  • Items of personal nature

    Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips are discretionary and not included in the tour price.

Mode of Transport

Travelers will be transported across Ecuador's diverse landscapes in comfort, from the historic streets of Quito to the lush Amazon rainforest and the breathtaking Avenue of the Volcanoes, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.

Accommodation

Guests will enjoy a variety of comfortable accommodations, ranging from charming hotels in Quito to unique lodges in the Amazon and cozy inns in the Andes, providing a restful experience amidst the natural beauty and cultural richness of Ecuador.

Check out our Q&As

  • I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?

    In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, sorry this is not possible.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.

  • Can I alter the tour?

    On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been going since 2004.

Reviews of this operator

Amelia Fish (Google Reviewer)  

Very many thanks to Mark...

15-Oct-2020

Very many thanks to Mark Huggins at Undiscovered for helping us to arrange a private tour of the best of cape Town/ wine lands followed by an unforgettable safari in Greater Kruger Park. Having been on safari before we can say that this part of the holiday was really exceptional with regards to Marks knowledge of location whilst also very good value for money. We will certainly be back for our next big holiday!

Veronica  

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05-Apr-2022

We had a fantastic time touring the length and breadth of Albania. Despite Covid it actually felt like we were doing normal things for the first time in a long time! Amazing scenery, ancient towns and ruins, fabulous hotels and food and so cheap - we can't believe Albania isn't on more people's radar. This is the 2nd time we've travelled with Undiscovered Destinations and both times they've offered full flexibility in terms of changing dates. On this occasion we also switched to a different tour & country only a month beforehand - we were originally booked to go to Lebanon in 2020 and postponed to 2021, but we were offered full flexibility with our plans (go, postpone again, refund or book something else). Knowledgeable & helpful staff and great value for money. Highly recommend.

MattS,  

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Beth Sinclair (Google Reviewer)  

Had the most wonderful holiday...

08-Sep-2014

Had the most wonderful holiday in Madagascar with Undiscovered Destinations. Everything was planned very well, and to say it was stunning would be an understatement. I found it particularly relaxing knowing that all the details were taken care of. We had a detailed itinerary, with a mixture of animals, scenery, and history. Excellent and will definitely be organising another trip with this company.

Olivps  

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Fantastic cultural tour with diverse experience of multiple tribes in Western Africa. Undiscovered Destinations offers a very nice package of tours to Africa and other countries

Susan Talbot (Google Reviewer)  

We did an Undiscovered Destinations...

23-Jul-2014

We did an Undiscovered Destinations tour to Burma and it was excellent. When looking into trips we found most of the tours offered by the larger companies to be very similar. We wanted something different. This was our 3rd trip with UD, and we're already looking at number 4!

Jason  

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05-Oct-2021

Travelled to the lesser explored Albania. Destroyed and rebuilt be successive conquerors, Albania is a gem. Exquisitely fertile, with a long and varied history. A generous country with a comfortable pace to travel. Efficient, responding to queries quickly. Well organised.tour.

JuliaK  

An immersive tailor made trip in lesser travelled parts of India staying in heritage hotels with superb wildlife experiences

20-Dec-2019

With a car and driver we travelled through Rajasthan and Gujarat , staying at beautiful hotels and experiencing varied local life . We visited temples and with local guides explored udaipur, Mount Abu and the temples of palitana. We had a number of jeep safaris to spot leopards, lions and wild ass, each safari a magical experience. Undiscovered destinations, worked with us to tailor make our trip based on a group tour they run. We were keen not have only one night anywhere and ensure the travelling each day was restricted to half a day. We gave a budget we could afford and they came up with an amazing experience, with one driver and being joined by local guides where appropriate.

Julia Johnston (Google Reviewer)  

We booked through UD for...

20-Aug-2020

We booked through UD for our first family worldwide trip to Sri Lanka. We have always been keen travellers, and what an introduction for our 6 year old son, to the amazing world of travel. The destinations, the recommendations, the guide, the itinerary, the balance, all was faultless for a memorable trip. The sound knowledge given by the UD consultant was what made us book, and on returning from the trip, has given us the confidence to book again. WE as a family are back on the travelling circuit.

Sarah Tinsley (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic tour...

06-Sep-2023

We had a fantastic tour of Madagascar with this company, really detailed itinirerary with lots of variety including animals, scenery and time to relax. The hotels they booked us into were not what we requested and all transfers private which was unnecessary. Other than that, great!

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Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025
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Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025
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Prices last published on 30-May-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered destinations charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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