Active Tour Mainland Ecuador

Active Tour Mainland Ecuador

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Active Tour Mainland Ecuador

13 Days Starting in Quito and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Mercure Alameda Quito, Rucu Pichincha, TelefériQo Cable Car, Alambi Reserve, Mindo Valley, Chuquiragua Lodge, Pasochoa, Rumiñawi, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Illiniza, Chimborazo Lodge, Quilotoa Lake, Papallacta Hot Springs, Chimborazo, Papallacta, Rio Quijos, Sangay Spa Hotel, Baños de Agua Santa, El Pailón del Diablo

Tour operator:

Ecuador Wonders

Tour code:

2

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 3

Physical rating:

High, Difficult

Age range:

14-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Trip Styles:

Active

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Enjoy an active tour around Ecuador from Quito to Guayaquil. The Sierra, or Andean region, is famous for its majestic snowy peaks: Chimborazo, Altar and the active volcanoes of Cotopaxi and Tungurahua; rich in lush vegetation of rainforests and fertile lands. In addition to interesting terrain, we you'll be able to see historic cities. Due to the cultural diversity of the region, various towns and villages such as Quito and Baños are of a particular interest. Here you can find several national parks with a huge variety of flora and fauna: Cotopaxi National Park, Cayambe Coca, Los Ilinisas, Chimborazo Reserve, etc. These places are ideal for trekking, camping, climbing, exploring colonial architecture, enjoying the Andean landscapes, etc. During the tour you're going to visit and experience Ruco Pichincha Volcano Trekking; Mindo Cloud Forest; Trekking Central Andes 5d/4n; Papallacta Hot Springs; Quijos River Rafting; Baños Waterfalls; Chimborazo Natural Reserve; and more.

Highlights

  • Quijos River Rafting

  • Trekking Central Andes 5d/4n

  • Mindo Cloud Forest

Places You'll See

Ilinizas Volcano

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Quito In

Location: Mercure Alameda Quito, Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Hotel 4* or similar

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito. Transfer to Hotel.

Check in – 14:00

Day 2 : Rucu Pichincha

Location: Rucu Pichincha, TelefériQo Cable Car

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Hotel 4* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast

Ruco Pichincha 4696m Full Day

We pick you up at your hotel un Quito. Early in the morning we head to the Telefériqo cable cars where we ride the gondola up to 4000m with amazing views of Quito and the Andes. From here we start our trekking towards Ruco Pichincha 4696m, the beautiful rocky mountain overlooking Quito. We pass moorlands and the last section a small rocky easy hike. The trekking takes us about 5-6 hours total.

Includes:

-Professional mountain guide

-Box-lunch

-Private transportation in guide car

-Helmet

-Teleferiqo tickets

Return to the hotel

Day 3 : Quito - Mindo - Quito

Location: Alambi Reserve, Mindo Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Hotel 4* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel.

Mindo is a tiny town set amidst some of the most beautiful and peaceful countryside in the entire country. It is a centre for both nature and adventure activities. You are going to visit a butterfly farm where you will also be able to see orchids and an array of colourful humming birds. Mindo has a great biodiversity. The forest landscape is home to over 500 species of birds and 400 species of orchids. You cross the forest area in a cable car, located approximately 30 meters above the ground, then you will walk through the woods.

You will visit:

ALAMBI RESERVE: The garden of Alambi is an ideal place to enjoy nature, you will find a refuge for hummingbirds, you can see varieties of species. The Hummingbirds are the smallest birds and are the most characteristic group of Ecuador, in our country we have 124 species of the 320 in the world.

CANOPY: It is a journey through 3 different cables, using safety equipment and accompanied by a specialized guide, where you can enjoy the adventure and adrenaline that the sensation of flying between the mountains of the cloud forest of Mindo offers.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN: it’s a butterfly breeding farm dedicated to the exhibition, reproduction and conservation of the butterflies in the cloud forest of Mindo.

ORCHID GARDEN: Ecuador is home to more than 4000 species of Orchids. In fact, 1 out of every 4 plants will be an Orchid. Visit the Garden of Orchids to discover a few of these amazing and beautiful plants.

QUETZAL CHOCOLATE TOUR: In this experience, we will work together to roast, grind, and mix your own xocolatl, a traditional chocolate beverage. Together we will recharge our energy by working side-by-side to make this delectable chocolate drink. You will get the opportunity to pitch in or just observe as you learn how chocolate has been made and consumed as a beverage for thousands of years.

Day 4 : Pasochoa Trekking

Location: Chuquiragua Lodge, Pasochoa

Accommodation: Lodge, LodgeLodgeLodge

Accommodation Name: Chuquiragua Lodge 3* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast

Trekking Central Andes 5d/4n

We pick you up from your hotel in Quito.
Pasochoa / Altitude 4200m / Accommodation Altitude 2500m / 5 hrs walking / 1 hr drive.

The Pasochoa, an extinct volcano that is very fertile in consequence of the lava and the thousands of years that passed by the eruption. Covered in Andean forests and moorlands, you can find many different species of plants, trees, animals and insects. Our trekking takes about 6-7 hours in total. After reaching Pasochoa Summit (4’200 m / 13’779 feet) we head to our lodge to rest for the night.
Box-lunch included.

Day 5 : Rumiñahui

Location: Rumiñawi, Chuquiragua Lodge, Parque Nacional Cotopaxi

Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge

Accommodation Name: Chuquiragua Lodge 3* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rumiñahui / Altitude 4600m / Accommodation Altitude 2500m / 6 hrs walking / 1 hr drive.

We continue to Cotopaxi National Park. We start our tour at the edge of the stunning Limpiopungo lagoon at 3900m. Rumiñahui is a beautiful rocky mountain which its name means: face of rock: Rumi (piedra) Ñahui (cara). We hike to the summit and back in approx. 4-5h. We traverse beautiful moorlands and the last part to the summit is a fun rocky easy climb to Rumiñahui Central. The view is amazing to active Cotopaxi volcano, Sincholagua, Pasochoa and surrounding valleys. We return to our lodge to rest.
Box-lunch included.

Day 6 : Ilinizas Reserve Trekking - Iliniza Norte 5116M

Location: Illiniza, Chuquiragua Lodge

Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge

Accommodation Name: Chuquiragua Lodge 3* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ilinizas trekking / Altitude 4600-5116m / Accommodation Altitude 2500m / 6-7 hrs walking / 0.5 hr drive.

The journey takes us about 30min to the Virgin statue nearly at 4000m. The hike to the hut will take us about 2hrs and one hour back. Traversing moorlands and a small polilepis forest, the hike is very scenic with great views of the valley. If guests desire, we can try for the summit of Iliniza North adding additional 2 hours from the hut up, and 2 hours descent total.
Box-lunch included.

Day 7 : Quilotoa Loop

Location: Chimborazo Lodge, Quilotoa Lake

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Chimborazo Lodge 4* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Quilotoa Loop / Altitude 3914m / Accommodation Altitude 4000m/ 5 hrs walking / 2 hrs drive.

Breakfast

We head to the central Andes. The Quilotoa Lake is one of Ecuador’s most spectacular sites, although relatively off the beaten path. The crater lake was formed when the volcano erupted many thousands of years ago. It is about 250 meters deep and is characterized by its stunningly bright turquoise color. We walk around the lake about 4-5 hours to complete the loop around the crater. Then we will be transferred south to Chimborazo province to our hotel to spend the night.
Box-Lunch included.

Day 8 : Chimborazo Trekking And Transfer To Papallacta

Location: Papallacta Hot Springs, Chimborazo, Papallacta

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Termas de Papallacta Hotel 4* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Chimborazo Trekking / Altitude 5000m/ Accommodation Altitude 3200m/ 4 hrs walking / 2 hrs drive.

Breakfast.

Afrer breakfast you go for a wonderful trekking around the area and base of the mountain to admire the moorlands, views and meet the Andean camelid, alpacas and vicuñas. You reach the mountain refuge and reach up to 5000m at the base of the mountain. Box-Lunch included.

Transport will take you to Termas de Papallacta.

Papallacta is famous for its hot springs,. It is a small village in Ecuador located at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. Descending from the peak to Papallacta, one passes through the portal where the ecosystems transform from andean to tropical jungle.

There are three important reasons to visit “Termas de Papallacta”: Health, recreation & relaxation.
The thermal baths are located on the banks of the Papallacta River in a unique natural environment; here you can find nine hot thermal pools and three cold water pools. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odorless, colorless but have a slightly salty taste.
The baths’ curative properties are anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic.

Day 9 : Quijos River Rafting

Location: Rio Quijos, Papallacta Hot Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Termas de Papallacta Hotel 4* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast.

THE HEADWATERS RUN
(1 DAY TRIP, 27Km, IV-IV+ CLASS)

The Quijos is set to become Ecuador’s premier whitewater trip with mile after mile of IV-IV+ class rapids and spectacular jungle scenery. Expect to run more whitewater in a day than you’d do in a week elsewhere. This trip is for experienced rafters that are confident swimmers. No wimps please!

Depart from your hotel. Drive to Baeza. On arrival you’ll be issued with wetsuits, life jackets and helmets. After a short drive to the put-in the Trip Leader will give a thorough safety briefing. Then you’ll split into groups for an intensive in-boat paddle practice with your guide.

Once you set off you’re straight into the action but with some easier rapids to warm up. Along the way you’ll stop for a riverside picnic lunch. In the afternoon we’ll raft through the first canyons of the Quijos running big, technical rapids including the famous “El Toro” and the spectacular Linares canyon.
Season: September to February

Includes: Professional guides, top-of-the-line rafting equipment, safety kayakers,
transportation to the river and back, a delicious riverside lunch, and unsurpassed safety.

Day 10 : Papallacta - Baños

Location: Papallacta Hot Springs, Sangay Spa Hotel, Baños de Agua Santa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sangay Hotel 4* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast.

Time at Leisure enjoying Papallacta Hot Spring.

Continue to Baños.

Day 11 : Baños

Location: El Pailón del Diablo, Baños de Agua Santa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sangay Hotel 4* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast: at the hotel.

Baños is known as “The Gate of the Amazon Region.” Baños is located on the outside of the Eastern range of the Andes. It is a perfect place to relax and explore. This small town is famous worldwide for its natural crystalline waterfalls. You will arrive to Río Verde, where the Pailón del Diablo is located, considered one of the ten largest jumps. Pailon del Diablo is the most majestic among the waterfalls in La Ruta de las Cascadas. This waterfall is 80 meters tall and 1,410 meters above sea level.

Then you will continue on the waterfalls route, you will make several stops to explore the waterfalls in the area. First you will visit the Agoyan Waterfall, you will continue to the Manto de la Novia waterfall where you will have an opportunity to cross in tarabita. You will also visit the famous swing of the End of the World, located in La Casa Del Tree, it is a long swing located on top of a steep slope, with a beautiful mountain view. The unique location of the swing at 2600 meters above sea level, offers visitors a beautiful and scary view of the Tungurahua volcano.

After that you return to the city and see how the famous “marshmallow” (candy, which is made from sugar cane) is made.

Day 12 : Baños - Quito

Location: Baños de Agua Santa, Mercure Alameda Quito

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Hotel 4* or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast.

Free morning in Baños.
Rest at the hotel or optional activities. The guide will provide all the information.

Return to Quito: 4 hours. Free evening.

Day 13 : Quito Out

Location: Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, Mercure Alameda Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as listed on the itinerary;

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Private transfers;

  • Fully Guided

    Transfers/tours with English/Spanish Speaking Guide in Mainland Ecuador as described on the itinerary;

  • Meals

    Meals as listed on the itinerary;

  • Transport

    Private transportation.

  • Shared Tour

    Shared Rafting Tour;

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees as listed on the itinerary;

What's Not Included

  • Additional Services

    Additional services not specified;

  • Insurance

    Travel Insurance (optional); Health insurance (obligatory);

  • Meals

    Meals not specified;

  • International Travel

    International flights;

  • Equipment

    Personal camping equipment;

  • Tips

    Voluntary tips.

Mode of Transport

Car or Minivan depending on the number of people.

Accommodation

Quito: Mercure Hotel 4* or similar, 3n
Machachi: Chuquiragua Lodge 3* or similar, 3n
Chimborazo: Chimborazo Lodge 4* or similar, 1n
Papallacta: Termas de Papallacta Hotel 4* or similar, 2n
Baños: Sangay Hotel 4* or similar, 2n
Quito: Mercure Hotel 4* or similar, 1n

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No. Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to visit Ecuador.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Children over 14 years old are permitted.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    All entrance fees for the mentioned tours/services are included, except for the optional tours/services, as Baños optional activities, etc.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, it will indeed.

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

    Please contact us. And we'd do all possible to change the dates. We also would notify if there is a supplement for the new dates.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Ecuador Wonders is a tour operator registered in October 2010. We've been trading since February 2011.

  • What documents are required to enter Ecuador?

    According to Ecuadorian Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the country must have a passport with a time validity of at least 6 months beginning from the day of your departure from Ecuador. Contact the nearest Ecuadorian embassy for the latest visa requirements.

Reviews of this operator

Daniela (Google Reviewer)  

😏😏😏😏...

04-Jan-2020

😏😏😏😏

Fausto Martínez (Google Reviewer)  

Very beautiful place. It has...

18-Apr-2019

Very beautiful place. It has all the crafts you can imagine, from nativity scenes, figurine cups, etc.

Rafael Chichanda (Google Reviewer)  

Excellent...

20-Feb-2018

Excellent

Happy_M  

Amazing Private Day Tour of Quito

19-Jun-2023

What an amazing day we had discovering Quito with our guide Danny with Ecuador Wonders Tours on our private Quito City Tour! Danny met the four of us at our hotel at the appointed time, and off we went to discover Quito. We mentioned that we really wanted to ride the Teleferico to the viewpoint at the top of Quito, and we were on our way. I am not sure that this was even part of the tour but he gladly accommodated our wishes. On the way, Danny imparted his knowledge of Quito and was so professional and friendly. While riding up the Teleferico, we noticed that some grass underneath had been quite trampled. We asked what caused that and he said it was probably done by bears. Not a minute later, we were looking down and out the window, and we saw a baby black bear! What a start to our day! Once at the top we took pictures of the panoramic view of Quito, and Danny described the volcanoes we could see from the top as well as showing us the Arbol papel tree. His knowledge of the plants and surroundings was amazing. Next we took a small hike to the swings located further up the mountain. on the way we had our picture taken with an alpaca. The swing was amazing! It felt like flying over the world! We then headed back down by the scenic teleferico and we were off to discover historic downtown Quito. Our first stop was to explore the gorgeous Basillica del Voto Nacional which is the largest neo gothic cathedral in all of the Americas. Next we went to explore Plaza Grande down the cobblestone streets of historic Quito. We tried Ponche, a sweet creamy beer, and enjoyed our walk admiring all the beautiful churches and amazing architecture while Danny shared his immense knowledge of all we saw. Next, we visited the beautiful Inglesia de la Campania de Jesus., Quitos most ornate church, also known as the gold church, capped by green and gold domes, built in Baroque style, with perfect symmetry and amazing art. We then visited the oldest religious site in all of Ecuador, Inglesia de San Francisco, established in 1536. It is an enormous complex spanning the length of the public square. Next Danny took us to Jumbos for a artesinal chocolate tasting that is located very close by. We entered a small door, into a gorgeous courtyard and up the stairs to the shop. We had an in depth description of how chocolate is made an an amazing tasting . So yummy! Then Danny escorted us to an amazing restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner located in the Palazio Arzobispal called "Hasta la vuelta, Senor..." We had an amazing meal while being entertained by a keyboard player. They have great Sangria, and great food! Thank you Danny, for showing us Quito. You were an amazing, personable, and knowledgable guide and we recommend you to anyone wanting to see Quito through a locals' eyes. Muchas Gracias, Dawn & David Kenton, Virginia & Jack Grant

Original from our Viator reviews
Gitte P  

Excellent tour!

11-Jul-2023

Super service from the efficient booking process by Patricia to the wonderful tour with guide Ivan, very knowledgeable and pleasant. Natural scenery is stunning and historical/archaeological sites amazing - especially meeting the indigenous people was fascinating.

Original from our TripAdvisor reviews
Luka Bell  

Thank you very much

29-Jun-2023

Thank you very much David for an unforgettable trip to Ecuador, for such professional work, I got very bright emotions from this trip, and I will definitely recommend you to my friends

Original from our TripAdvisor reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Ecuador Wonders allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 38 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Ecuador Wonders allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform ecuador wonders, 65 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Ecuador Wonders requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of ecuador wonders charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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