Private Tour Highlights
- Strolling through the brightly colored and bustling markets of Otavalo, home to some of the most vibrant bazaars in South America.
- Losing count of all the beautiful butterflies and orchids at the lush conservatory in the village of Mindo.
- Relishing a delicious lunch and delightful overnight stay in a lovely, traditional hacienda in Otavalo.
- Straddling the middle of the world during a visit to the equatorial line while in Quito.
- Enjoying beautiful views of the Cotopaxi Volcano and enigmatic National Park.
- Taking a walk through Independence Square in Quito, stopping off at the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery and El Sagrario Church along the way.
Tour Overview
Enjoy exploring Mainland Ecuador with culture, cloud forests, and Quito. This region is comprised of mountains, volcanoes, and the high plains full of diverse and indigenous cultures. Visit the market town of Otavalo, see the massive Cotopaxi Volcano, and take the exciting Devil’s Nose train from the small village of Alausí. We will spend two nights in Cuenca, arguably the most beautiful setting in Ecuador, before returning north to Quito.
Inclusions
*Saquisili Market
Saquisili is one of the most colorful and complete Indian markets in Ecuador. The whole town is a market on Thursdays and one can walk around and shop for handicrafts of all kinds. Especially attractive is the animal market.
*Latacunga Market
The small city of Latacunga celebrates its market day in five plazas. This is a very colorful spectacle and a photographer’s delight.
*Devil’s Nose train departs on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, the Chaski Antawa program (starting on day 7) can start any day except Wednesday and the best day to visit the Otavalo Market is on Saturday.
Package Price: From £$ 5296
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Quito
Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the hotel.
Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & The Equator
The read more...
The tour begins today with a visit to Independence Square where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. Also visit the Church of La Compania (1605), and enjoy a brief visit to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). The oldest Ecuadorian church, the collection of artwork here includes paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Leaving the churches, visit the recently restored 24 De Mayo Boulevard, named after the battle which sealed Ecuador´s independence.
Also visit La Ronda Street in Old Quito. Lined with colonial houses and inspired by painters, poets, musicians and historians, this visit gives a taste of traditional Quito. The tour will then continue 30-minutes outside of Quito, towards the Middle of the World. Visit the main Monument honoring the correct location of the equator and visit the Ethnographic Museum, located inside the Equator Monument. Or, visit the Inti Nan Museum, a scientific and cultural Museum located in the exact place where the Equator Line crosses. ...read less
Quito - Cotopaxi – Banos
Pick up at the hotel in Quito and transfer in private transportation to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and have an optional hike. Head to the Hacienda La Cienega for a tasty lunch (included). La Cienega is one of the oldest haciendas, dating back to the seventeenth century. After lunch, stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (Tuesday or Saturday), see information on these markets below. Transfer to Banos and evening at leisure.
Pick up at the hotel in Quito and transfer in private transportation to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and have an optional hike. Head to the Hacienda La Cienega for a tasty lunch (included). La Cienega is one of the oldest haciendas, dating back to the seventeenth century. After lunch, stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (Tuesday or Saturday), see information on these markets below. Transfer to Banos and evening at leisure.
Banos – Devils Nose Train – Ingapirca – Cuenca
Early in the morning, drive to the village of Alausi, enjoying spectacular mountain views on the way. Here, board the famous "Devil's Nose" train (operates only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). From Alausi, travel south to Cuenca, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca en route. Stay overnight in the enchanting city of Cuenca. Box lunch included.
Early in the morning, drive to the village of Alausi, enjoying spectacular mountain views on the way. Here, board the famous "Devil's Nose" train (operates only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). From Alausi, travel south to Cuenca, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca en route. Stay overnight in the enchanting city of Cuenca. Box lunch included.
Cuenca
City tour of Cuenca. Visit the Calderon Park, new and old Cathedral, The Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Canari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. Overnight in Cuenca.
City tour of Cuenca. Visit the Calderon Park, new and old Cathedral, The Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Canari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. Overnight in Cuenca.
Cuenca – Quito
Transfer to airport to take the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the selected hotel.
Transfer to airport to take the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to the selected hotel.
Quito – Otavalo - Cotacachi
Departing from Quito towards the north, visit the famous village of Otavalo framed in the majestic Andes. Visit the craft market and from there, head to a traditional hacienda to check-in and for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the crater lagoon of Cuicocha. On the back, stop at the village of Cotacachi, well-known for its varied leather manufacturing. Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui.
Departing from Quito towards the north, visit the famous village of Otavalo framed in the majestic Andes. Visit the craft market and from there, head to a traditional hacienda to check-in and for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the crater lagoon of Cuicocha. On the back, stop at the village of Cotacachi, well-known for its varied leather manufacturing. Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui.
Chaski Antawa Train – Otavalo – Quito
After read more...
After an excellent breakfast in the hacienda, depart from Ibarra 30 minutes north. Take the “Chaski Antawa Train” (messenger train) for a great adventure and scenery experience. This rail road was built at the beginning of the twentieth century and was not finished until a few decades later and connects the northern highlands with the tropical coast of San Lorenzo.
From Ibarra aboard the “Chaski Antawa”, descend to the warm and dry valley of Ambuqui; all along great scenery views of well-kept crops, the most prevalent is the sugar cane, in a unique biodiversity. Magical environments surround the landscape, crossing mysterious tunnels through the mountains, large canyons and astonishing bridges. During the 26 km ride to the Salinas town Station, well known by the salt mine extraction. Experience the descent from 2,200 mts to 1,500 mts (7,216 to 4,920 feet) in an approximately 2 hours ride. A box lunch will be served on this community and from there, drive a few miles north to the village of Mascarilla; an afro-Ecuadorian community known by the unique clay made masks. Learn about this work with the native people of this place. After this cultural interaction, go to Otavalo for a short visit to its famous indigenous craft market. This colorful and magical market is the biggest and most important in South America.
In the afternoon, return to Quito and detour to the Equator complex and to the extinct crater of Pululahua Volcano. Accommodation at “El Crater Hotel”; located right by the brim of the caldera for overnight. ...read less
Mindo – Quito
After breakfast, depart west and down the slopes of the Andes. Cross the cloudy rain forest on a curvy road loaded with great forest and impressive waterfalls towards the village of Mindo. Mindo is located in this green lush valley surrounded by thick forests and full of many different attractions. A lovely butterfly and orchid conservatory will be visited. Lunch will be served at the Lodge where a huge number of hummingbirds can be observed and fed. After lunch return to Quito for an evening arrival.
After breakfast, depart west and down the slopes of the Andes. Cross the cloudy rain forest on a curvy road loaded with great forest and impressive waterfalls towards the village of Mindo. Mindo is located in this green lush valley surrounded by thick forests and full of many different attractions. A lovely butterfly and orchid conservatory will be visited. Lunch will be served at the Lodge where a huge number of hummingbirds can be observed and fed. After lunch return to Quito for an evening arrival.
Flight Home
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with a Galapagos cruise or excursion of one’s choice.
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or continue with a Galapagos cruise or excursion of one’s choice.
Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
Banos, Tungurahua, Ecuador
Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
Otavalo, Imbabura, Ecuador
Places You'll See
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Quito
The magnificent city of Quito is bursting with cultural, historical, and artistic character. Along with its scenic parks such as Parque La Carolina, visit its enchanting museums like the Museo del Banco Central. Take a trip to the Mitad del Mundo, or the “Middle of the World”, where the first measurements to prove the earth was round, were taken.
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Banos
On the foothills of the Tungurahua Volcano, lies the city of Banos. One of the final cities before reaching the depths of the Amazon, Banos offers many exciting activities to take in. Enjoy the picturesque waterfalls, such as the famous Cascada de La Virgin, or take on nature with jungle tours, rafting, bungee jumping and so much more at the capital of adventure!
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Cuenca
Well known for its stunning and historical architecture, Cuenca is a City that holds a great amount of history. Visit the historic center of the city that has been named a UNESCO Heritage Site with its historical structures. Take a tour of The Ruins of the former Inca Empire, Ingapirca, and learn of these ancient people.
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Otavalo
Surrounded by the volcanic peaks of Imbabura, Cotacachi, and Mojanda, Otavalo is hiking, camping and fishing. Kayak on the San Pablo Lake, one of the biggest in Ecuador, or enjoy the beauty of the Peguche Waterfall. On Saturdays, visit the market, which takes up nearly one third of the town, to buy locally made crafts such as clothing, jewelry, and stone carvings.
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Hotel Options
Featured Accommodation
Hacienda Zuleta
Zuleta is a colonial working farm of 1,500 hectares that belongs to the family of Mr. Galo Plaza Lasso, a former president of Ecuador, for more than 100 years. At Zuleta you are a guest of the family and you are welcomed as such. All of the guestrooms are located in the main building which dates back to 1691. The hacienda has 15 beautifully decorated bedrooms, all with their own fire place. Antique gardens along with cozy living and reading rooms offer a peaceful atmosphere.
The delicious home cuisine is prepared with organic vegetables, trout and dairy products produced on the Hacienda. Meals are served in the main family dining room where you will be able to meet members of the family and other guests; or if you prefer privacy, they can also arrange tables in a private dining hall.
Quito , ECUADOR
4 Star Properties
La Casona de la Ronda
Quito , ECUADOR
La Casona de la Ronda is a delightful, authentic Spanish Colonial style boutique hotel with a gentle, calming feel built in an old 1738 Mansion. The rooms are attractively decorated beyond your expectations featuring hand carved furniture by local master craftsmen, polished fine wood flooring, spacious and comfortable with a deluge shower in the bathroom. Even though it is an old “La Casona” it offers modern services us as free Wi-Fi, a full service restaurant, a buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and dinner, and room service available.
Hotel Carlota Quito
Quito , ECUADOR
CARLOTA is a boutique hotel in a renovated historical house within the Historic district of Quito. The house was built at the turn of the century circa 1905. In 1966 Doña Carlota Echeverría de Moreno acquired this house, which would be her home and her family’s for over 40 years.
CARLOTA began in 2011, with the intent of preserving a historical landmark of great value to the city and to Doña Carlota. At the same time the hotel aims to contribute to the city with an intimate, exclusive and innovative hospitality proposal that will enrich what the historic district has to offer.
UNESCO declared Quito’s Historic District a “World Heritage Site” in 1978. The National Government and Municipio de Quito have taken actions to recover the historic district and to turn it into the most important tourist destination in Ecuador and in Latin America. The city of Quito has been distinguished as best tourist destination in Latin America for the last three consecutive years (2013-2016).
Sangay Spa Hotel
Banos , ECUADOR
The Sangay Spa Hotel is located next to an impressive 80 meter waterfall and across the street from the most famous thermal baths in the City of Baños, ´La Virgen´ which have stimulating health restoring properties. Baños Tungurahua Ecuador, a thermal bath destination offers peace and quiet during week days, fun and plenty of activities on weekends. The 84 years of experience delivering quality service to its customers makes Sangay the best option for lodging in one of the most important tourist destinations of Ecuador.
Hotel Victoria
Cuenca , ECUADOR
The Hotel Victoria is a first class hotel located in the ravine of the city of Cuenca, on the River Tomebamba. Its face is a beautiful mixture of bourgeois aristocrat construction, and the brick and marble interior is decorated with typical elements of the culture. The rooms have large windows, overlooking the beautiful garden and city, which keep them brightly lit. They are decorated with stylish furnishings and are equipped with cable TVs and private bathrooms. The Garden Restaurant offers some of the best cuisine in the country, the back garden offers peace and tranquility with breathtaking views, and El Barril bar serves more than 100 labels of wine and specialty cocktails.
Otavalo : Hacienda Cusin – Cabanas del Jardin
Hacienda Cusin – Cabanas del Jardin
Otavalo , ECUADOR
Hacienda Cusin is a restored, 17th-century estate in the Ecuadorian sierra. Guest rooms, garden cottages, suites and salons are furnished with antiques and select Andean crafts, most with log-burning fireplaces & beamed-ceilings, overlook several acres of landscaped perennial gardens, ancient trees, and often snow-capped mountains. Guests can choose between a continental or American breakfast. There is also an onsite restaurant serving regional specialties, and a bar.
5 Star Properties
Hotel Mama Cuchara
Quito , ECUADOR
Situated in the best-preserved, least altered historic center of UNESCO’s world heritage sites in Latin America – the Historical Center of Quito – Hotel Mama Cuchara enjoys an ideal location among the hotels in Quito’s historic center, a walkable distance from the Plaza Santo Domingo, La Ronda, and many of the city’s most popular historical sites.
Faithful to the Art Hotels brand concept, Hotel Mama Cuchara indulges the keen traveler with a private collection of art complemented by rotating exhibits of various Ecuadorian artists. Proceeds from sales of art directly benefit the artists and their community.
Hotel Mama Cuchara breathes new life into the Historic Center of Quito, linking the service and design of Art Hotels Ecuador’s brand with the Historic Center’s charm.
Within all of our properties, the ethos is the same—to passionately and authentically mix old with new and create an artistic, creative approach to luxury hospitality.
Illa Experience Hotel
Quito , ECUADOR
Hotel Illa offers a unique cultural experience for guests in Quito’s warmest and most welcoming traditional neighborhood. Something beyond bricks and mortar, beds and breakfasts. For generations, San Marcos has been home to artists, writers and musicians. Its present-day charm owes much to the tight-knit community of residents. It’s the perfect setting for our experience hotel.
Samari Spa & Resort
Banos , ECUADOR
In Quechua, Samari means “relax and feel at home”. Samari Spa Resort is the result of 8 years of hard work and a vision which took into consideration thousands of details with the final objective of offering guests a destination with a unique style of providing relaxation and well-being. Samari offers 37 luxurious rooms which provide comfortable beds with double goose down duvet covers, TVs, wireless internet, mini-bars, and a spacious bathroom which includes a bathtub. Guests can relax at Samari Spa featuring body and facial treatments, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and massage. The hotel also offers a gourmet restaurant serving regional cuisine.
Banos : Luna Volcan Adventure Spa
Luna Volcan Adventure Spa
Banos , ECUADOR
Experience newly renovated rooms and romantic suites at Luna Volcán, Adventure SPA in Baños, Ecuador. Our themed rooms and suites feature electronic locks, energy saving devices, queen and king size beds, fireplaces, eco-heated floors, hydromassage bath tubs and terraces with spectacular views, designed to accommodate the new ways in which you travel, love and recharge.
Santa Lucia
Cuenca , ECUADOR
Hotel Santa Lucia is a beautiful colonial hotel located in the center of Cuenca. Just two street blocks from the central park, it has twenty exquisite decorated rooms. Each room is different from each other and they have all the comfort of a modern style room. Inside the hotel there are three restaurants considered some of the best restaurants of the city, serving regional and international cuisine. The rooms showcase Baroque influences and generate a regal atmosphere, and are equipped with Cable TV, minibars, and work desks. Guests can also enjoy a daily buffet style breakfast.
San Juan Hotel
Cuenca , ECUADOR
San Juan Hotel is a large historic home converted to a luxury Hotel with a charming environment offering the pleasure of resting in old colonial style. San Juan offers 25 colonial style rooms, fully equipped with flat screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms. There is free Wi-Fi accessible throughout the hotel, a quiet reading area, a cozy relaxation area, and a full American style breakfast, served daily, providing juices, fruits, and eggs. There is also an onsite restaurant and café, serving traditional dishes from Cuenca, prepared using the freshest produce of the region.
Otavalo : Hotel Medina Del Lago
Hotel Medina Del Lago
Otavalo , ECUADOR
Medina del Lago is a new concept of Boutique Hotel, an extension of comfort and luxury in San Pablo´s City. Enjoy our exclusive gastronomic option and our stunning panoramic view, be proud with us about our excellence service quality and commitment of our great team.
We are located in most turistic place, near from the San Pablo´s Lake, very close to the city of Otavalo with a beautiful view of the Imbabura´s Volcano around one hour from the International Airport of Quito.
Hacienda Piman
Otavalo , ECUADOR
Let the world pass you by when ensconced in historic Hacienda Piman, located in the northern Andes of Ecuador. Situated amid 12 acres of lush gardens amidst arid mountains, Piman is the true definition of a lush oasis. Its architecture embodies all the discreet charm of the well-preserved manor and chapel, to which a contemporary gourmet restaurant, chic living rooms and individually designed villas were added. The retreat includes private gardens, fine dining, an outdoor pool and soon a unique spa.
Luxury Properties
Casa Gangotena
Quito , ECUADOR
Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito harbors 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, a fine mix of classic architecture, contemporary interior design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technology and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically-appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and relax, whether in its dining room, at the glassed-in patio, in the garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, at the elegant indoors Sitting Room by the patio or atop its panoramic third-floor terrace.
Cruz del Vado
Cuenca , ECUADOR
Testimonials
Jenny and Penny from Australia
Traveled March, 2010
Getting to Machu Picchu was a highlight & completed the lifetime package
I am home again after the most fantastic trip. Of course my feet have not touched the ground yet, so much to do & mail a meter high. My heartfelt thanks to you especially, but also all the crew both on the ground & manning the desks.We were never let down once. Always a smiling face in the foyer or standing at the airport gate. I don’t know how you pulled it all off especially with our last manic changes. It was hard work at times I will not deny it. The last 2 weeks were tight & we were both very tired, but getting to Machu Picchu was a highlight & completed the lifetime package. We stood there in awe. I will get Jenny to send you a photo to prove it, she is better at photos than me.I am so glad I booked those 5 nights in BA at the end & enjoyed the Tango show, shopping & galleries, high tea at a posh hotel. I will not hesitate to recommend both you & Yampu. I hope we cross paths one day or certainly when I return to that magical part of the world I will contact you.
Traveled To
Jodi from Australia
Traveled May, 2009
I would love to encourage people to enjoy the same amazing experience as I had
We are back from our trip and I wanted to say a special thank-you for everything that you have helped us with. The trip was unbelievable; we had the best time of our lives. If I had it over I would not change a thing!We are definitely interested in a central-american tour, maybe in a few years time and I would not dream of going anywhere but straight back to you to help me plan it!!!! I’m also more than happy for you to use me as a reference; I would love to encourage people to enjoy the same amazing experience as I had!Thanks again for everything 🙂
Traveled To
Raymond F.
Traveled June, 2013
Overall the trip was a success
Overall the trip was a success all went according to plan which is very good given the number of locations etc. we enjoyed the three countries. We enjoyed Costa Rica the most with lots of wildlife sightings there and friendly people, but Mexico was close behind and apart from the Mayan ruins which lived up to expectations we did see quite a lot of wildlife there too.
Traveled To
