Experience the charm of Ecuador through its famous Golden Triangle: Quito, Baños, Riobamba, and Cuenca, extending to Guayaquil. A fascinating journey that blends culture, history, nature, and adventure. From the majestic volcanoes of the Andes to the waterfalls and scenic views of Baños, and the colonial treasures of the south, this program offers a complete experience of authentic Ecuador.
Day 1. QUITO
Assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel. All guides meet passengers at the National or International arrivals gate, holding a sign with the passenger’s last name. Quito’s airport is located approximately 40 km (about 1 hour) from the city. Accommodation.
Day 2. OTAVALO + COTACACHI
08:30 Departure from your hotel heading north to visit the “Plaza de Ponchos”, the famous handicraft and weaving market of Otavalo. Continue to Cotacachi, known for its fine leather goods and artisan shops. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes surrounding San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura and Cayambe volcanoes. This is essentially a shopping tour filled with culture and folklore. Return to Quito.
Day 3. QUITO + MIDDLE OF THE WORLD WITH ATTRACTIONS
08:30 Departure to explore the Historic Center of Quito, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Basilica (entrance included to access its towers and stunning stained-glass windows), Plaza Grande, Government Palace, and La Compañía de Jesús Church (entrance and guided visit included). Continue to San Francisco Square and Church, and then to the Virgin of El Panecillo Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, transfer to the Middle of the World, where you’ll visit the Equatorial Monument (entrance included) and the Intiñan Museum (entrance included). Return to your hotel. Accommodation.
Day 4. AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES – BAÑOS
08:00 Departure from your hotel in Quito along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and views of several snow-capped peaks and volcanoes. En route, pass through Pelileo and the Salasaca indigenous community, known for their traditional weavings. Upon arrival in Baños, take a walk to the impressive Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, followed by a cable car ride (tarabita) over the Pastaza River at either the Manto de la Novia or Agoyán waterfalls. If time permits, visit the famous Tree House (Casa del Árbol) to swing with a stunning view of the Tungurahua Volcano. Enjoy panoramic views of Baños. Accommodation.
Day 5. BAÑOS – RIOBAMBA
Adventure day with three activity options to enjoy Baños. Please select your preferred option at the time of booking:
Option 1: Rafting
Departure at 09:00 and return around 14:30. Includes a specialized guide, full equipment, instructions, and a short practice session. The rafting adventure lasts approximately 2 hours, and lunch is included. Return to Baños.
Option 2: Canopy (Zip Line)
Departure at 09:00 and return around 12:00. Located in the Puntzan Canyon, receive safety instructions before enjoying an exciting experience across 6 zip lines totaling 2,000 meters of cable. Return to Baños.
Option 3: Puyo
Departure at 08:00 and return around 13:00. Transfer to the Amazonian town of Puyo, visiting balsa wood craft workshops, an orchid garden, and a reserve of exotic birds. Return to Baños.
15:00 Transfer to the city of Riobamba. Accommodation.
Day 6. RIOBAMBA – ALAUSÍ – CUENCA
08:00 Departure from Riobamba heading south towards Alausí, where we will visit the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) train station, which ceased operation after the pandemic. We then continue to the Ingapirca Archaeological Ruins, an ancient Cañari–Inca site, where we will explore its impressive stone structures and historical significance. Finally, arrival in Cuenca. Accommodation.
Day 7. CUENCA – GUALACEO
08:30 Morning city tour of Cuenca, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich architecture and the beautiful scenery provided by the four rivers that cross it. Visit the Ethnographic Museum and the famous Ortega Panama Hat Factory. In the afternoon, excursion to the nearby towns of Gualaceo, with its beautiful Orchid Garden (entrance included), and Chordeleg, renowned for its traditional silver and gold jewelry workshops. Return to Cuenca. Accommodation.
Day 8. CUENCA – GUAYAQUIL
08:00 Land transfer to Guayaquil (approximately 4 hours), passing through the El Cajas lake region and enjoying the Three Crosses Viewpoint. Along the way, admire cacao and banana plantations. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, cross the Guayas River via its impressive bridges and visit Cerro Paraíso Viewpoint for a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Transfer to the hotel. 15:30 Visit Iguana Park and take a walk along the Malecón 2000, admiring landmarks such as La Rotonda Monument, Las Peñas Street, and La Perla Ferris Wheel. Optionally, end the visit with a short cruise on the Yate Morgan ($8 per person) along the river at sunset. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.
Day 9. GUAYAQUIL
Transfer to the airport at the designated time.
Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Guayaquil and Quito with professional drivers
Tourist transportation throughout the entire circuit from Quito to Guayaquil
Excursions as detailed in the activity itinerary
8 nights of accommodation in Quito, Baños, Riobamba, Cuenca, and Guayaquil
Daily breakfasts
Included tickets and entrances:
Basílica
La Compañía Church
Middle of the World Monument
Intiñan Museum
Rafting or Puyo excursion with lunch
Pailón del Diablo Waterfall
Tree House (Casa del Árbol)
Rose Farm
Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
Ethnographic Museum
Orchid Garden
La Perla Ferris Wheel
All taxes related to services included
Entrance fees to museums and other sites not mentioned, payable on site
Lunches and dinners
Entrance to nightlife entertainment venues
Personal expenses, alcoholic or bottled beverages, and extras
Rental of bicycles, horses, thermal pools, cable cars, “Chiva” ride to the Tungurahua Volcano viewpoint, etc.
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