Quito , Ecuador

7-Day The Best of Ecuador

Active

(22 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the secrets of the Ecuadorian Andes and cloud forest regions with a full-immersion in the cultural and natural wonders that make Ecuador one of the countries with the biggest biodiversity in the world.

Enjoy waterfalls, butterflies, bird watching and chocolate making in the tropical paradise of Mindo, then take a spectacular drive through the cloud forest to reach the coffee valley of Intag, where you will visit a coffee plantation. Back to the highlands, visit Cuicocha crater-lake, the world-famous indigenous market of Otavalo and then live an unique experience sharing an organic lunch prepared side by side with local people in the very heart of the Andes.

"Unique Experiences:"

Organic cooking lesson with traditional fresh ingredients, side by side with local people in the heart of the Andes

Take a scenic drive in the valley of Intag and taste the organic fair-trade coffee produced in the area

Available options

7-Day The Best of Ecuador

Pickup included

What's included

Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.

Accommodation based in double occupancy: First class hotel in Quito, cloud forest lodge in Mindo, hacienda in Otavalo, luxury spa resort in Papallacta.

Lunch

Activities: Equator Line museum tour, Hiking to waterfalls in the cloud forest, Visit Butterfly farm and chocolate factory, Organic fair-trade coffee tasting in Intag Valley, Visit Otavalo indigenous market, Organic lunch cooking with local people, Hike and boat ride at Cuicocha crater lake, Volcanic hot springs, Visit Cotopaxi National Park

Breakfast

Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides

Out-door gear: Hiking sticks

What's not included

International fligts

My Own Room supplement

Travel insurance (mandatory)

Airport transfers ( International flights)

Meals not described in the itinerary

Personal expenses

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

21 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

IMPORTANT DETAILS

It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.

2 – 3 hours driving a day.

From 3 to 4 hours a day. Please check the maps and full biking information in the full itinerary.

All year

Pichincha, Imbabura, Napo, Cotopaxi

Highlands and tropical rainforest in Ecuador.

From 1510 meters (4,950 ft.) to 4000 meters (12,631 ft.

Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF

Easy. This program will run from the high Andean Mountains to the cloud forest, involving some short hikes.

High quality MTB (Disk brakes and front suspension), Shimano Deore parts, gloves, helmets. For canyoning: harnesses, waterhelmets, ropes, wetsuits, watershoes and carabiners.

All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.

Travelling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.

All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips.

In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service. In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.

Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.

Meeting point

Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00pm, at the Hotel´s Lobby

Important notes

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the time of travel

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.