From CAD $1,236 Was CAD $1,649
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
If you’re short on time it doesn’t mean your cultural experience in Ecuador shouldn’t be colossal. This eight-day tour mixes exciting stuff like cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lively markets, and natural wonders like Cotopaxi volcano, so you get to soak in impressive cityscapes as well as sweeping vistas like a well-travelled, insightful sponge.
Highlights
- Wander Quito and colonial cities on your own
- Marvel at an active volcano
- Shop at the Otavalo Market
Trip Details
Product Code: 2770
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Local bus, plane, private vehicle.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Classic
Supplier Code: SEHE
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Otavalo Handicrafts Market visit
- Cotopaxi volcano stay
- Cotopaxi National Park visit
- City Tour of Cuenca
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (5 nts), rustic mountain lodge (2 nts).
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
- Local bus, plane, private vehicle.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1236 (CAD $154 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening. Please check at the hotel reception for a welcome note from your CEO advising on the time and location of the welcome meeting.
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Kituandes
Day 2: Quito/Otavalo
Explore the largest handicraft market in South America, Otavalo market. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.Activity - Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo’s famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Try to arrive early for the best bargains (it starts at dawn), and try your hand at haggling – it’s expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price.Accommodation - Hotel Santa Fe
Day 3: Otavalo/Cotopaxi
Travel by bus to Cotopaxi National Park. In the afternoon, opt to explore the area or mountain bike with views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Spend the night in a mountain lodge near the national park.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Get out and explore the natural beauty of Cotopaxi.Accommodation - Tierra del Volcan
Day 4: Cotopaxi/Cuenca
In the morning, visit Cotopaxi National Park before continuing on with a full day of travel to Cuenca. Enjoy a boxed lunch on the way at a viewpoint overlooking the Andes Mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at 5,897m (19,342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow-covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Keep an eye out for park wildlife, including condors, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and more. For those who want to hike, there are options available (weather permitting). Please ensure you have proper hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof/windproof jacket and warm hats and gloves. Hike is approximately 1.5 hours.Accommodation - La Casona Cuenca
Day 5: Cuenca
This morning embark on a half-day city tour of the colonial city of Cuenca, including the Turi viewpoint, a Panama hat factory and the historical centre. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring or at one of Cuenca's many cafes.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Head out into this stunning colonial city with your expert local CEO. First visit the Turi viewpoint with sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains before stopping by a Panama hat factory. Then continue to the historical centre to discover the highlights like the new and old cathedrals and the flower market. Learn first-hand why this city deserves it’s UNESCO designation.Accommodation - La Casona Cuenca
Day 6: Cuenca
Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Cuenca. Opt to go hiking in Cajas National Park, visit Ingapirca ruins, or soak in nearby hot springs.
Explore the city's sights, including cobblestoned streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shaded plazas, and museums.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Head out and explore this colonial city!Accommodation - La Casona Cuenca
Day 7: Cuenca/Quito
Fly back to Quito and enjoy the night in this historical city.
Your CEO will escort you and assist you at the airport in Cuenca and once you arrive to Quito our G representative will be there to escort you to the hotel and give you additional information for optional activities in your free day in Quito.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Get out and explore this beautiful city. Accommodation - Hotel Kituandes
Day 8: Quito
Depart at any time.
Depart at any time.We recommend booking pre or post nights in Quito for additional time to explore. The optional activities may require additional time, speak to your CEO/ G representative for assistance booking these activities on trip.
Meals included: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Clive G. - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip with excellent guide and a good group of peop
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Matthew G. - Traveled, March 2024
Good trip, which could be improved with some small adaptations as per my suggestions!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2024
Catherine M. - Traveled, March 2024
With the exception of our experience in Quito the tour was gre
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Linda F. - Traveled, March 2024
The tour of the Highlands was very worthwhile. I loved the scenery and the side trips as well. Compliments to all!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Michelle S. - Traveled, March 2024
LOVED Cotopaxi - accom, horseriding, meals, vibe, relaxation - awesome. Enjoyed the Otavalo markets. Enjoyied hiking in the Cajas mountains and time in Cuenca. Quito is a cool city. Tour was fun. Enjoyed my time in Ecuador. Would have liked an extr...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2024
Michael L. - Traveled, March 2024
Great CEO and pleasant travel companions
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Martin K. - Traveled, February 2024
We have been on 5 G Adventure and this has been the most average.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Elise F. - Traveled, April 2024
Great tour overall would recommend to others
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
John Q. - Traveled, April 2024
I enjoyed the trip , the ceo and the country
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Danielle B. - Traveled, April 2024
I had a great time, I learnt a lot about Ecuador Ian culture and about some of the amazing sites there as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Vina J. - Traveled, March 2024
Overall experience is great just because of Angie
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
David P. - Traveled, February 2024
We had a great time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Barbara P. - Traveled, January 2024
Great tour. Learned a lot about the culture and people of Equador
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Laurie P. - Traveled, February 2024
Another exceptional experience with G Advebtures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/09/2024
Lisa D. - Traveled, January 2024
Ecuador is a gorgeous country full of wonderful people! The variety of activities and the inclusion of both city and nature experiences made the trip perfect.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
Kevin S. - Traveled, January 2024
Great trip! Lots of optional activities and Frank was a great guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/31/2024
Nga T. - Traveled, January 2024
That’s was a good tour, a little disappointed for me because I would love it to be more active and have more things to do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Ian F. - Traveled, December 2023
While Ecuador is synonymous with the Galapagos Islands, the Highlands of Ecuador tour provides a diverse set of city and nature experiences. These were brought to life by an experienced, enthusiastic, knowledgable and extremely personable guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Janet A. - Traveled, November 2023
Great itinerary. Enjoyed the variety of the cities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Denis L. - Traveled, November 2023
Great experience and views, the tour guide was very good, enthusiastic and had great recommendations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
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