Will we be able to see the Inti Raymi celebrations and stay a little longer to participate?

yes you can stay longer near otavalo to see all celebrations but this trip needs to be cuatomized in order to make it work.

do you have any group departures starting between December 21st and December 25th, 2025? I will be joining as a solo traveler.

We don't have group departures for those dates, But you can still enjoy our Ecuador classic 8-day tour to the fullest, as we have departures even with just one person. In fact, it gives you the freedom to travel on the exact dates you want.

How long will we spend at each activity location?

The guide will typically inform you of the time spent at each location during the tour itinerary.

Can I extend my stay after the tour?

Yes, you can add extra days to your stay after the tour, and we can help arrange accommodations.

What type of cash should we bring for the tour?

It is recommended to bring single bills, especially smaller denominations, as larger bills can be difficult to use.

Can I book a flight from Guayaquil to Quito through the tour operator?

Yes, we can assist with booking a flight from Guayaquil to Quito, and the cost will be added to your final price.

Are there any special considerations for solo travelers?

Solo travelers can opt for a single supplement if they prefer not to share a room.

How does the payment process work?

Payments can be made in cash, and we accept all major credit cards where possible.

Is the tour available in different languages?

All guides are bilingual, and they can provide services in both Spanish and English.

How is the meal arrangement handled on the tour?

Breakfast is included daily, while for lunch and dinner, you normally eat in local restaurants and pay for your own meal.

From

$1,950

US $1,853 per person

Ecuador Classic: Highlands, Culture & Natural Wonders in 8 Days

8 days

•

From Quito to Guayaquil

5.0 (4 reviews)

View all
We were extremely happy with his service, including the advance work Guidecuador made booking hotels and making adjustments to the itinerary.
LouiseOuellet•traveled in November5.0
View all

From

$1,950

-5%

US $1,853 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: GUIDEcuador Travel
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English: Other languages on request: Spanish
Group Size 2 - 10
Ages 6+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Quito
Quito
Start point
Quito Airport Center, Vía Tababela - Yaruquí, Quito, Pichincha 1709, Ecuador (INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS)
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Ibis Hotel)
Day 2
Quito
Quito
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Ibis)
Included Activities
- Panecillo viewpoint visit
- San Francisco Church visit
- Compañía de Jesús Church visit
- Sagrario Church visit
- Presidential Palace lobby visit
- Gothic Basilica visit
- Inti Ñan Museum visit (The trail of the Sun)
Optional Activities
- Lunch at typical restaurant
Landmarks
Panecillo
San Francisco Church
Compañía de Jesús Church
Sagrario Church
Presidential Palace
Basilica del Voto Nacional
Inti Ñan Museum
Day 3
Quito to Otavalo - Cotacachi - Cuicocha
Quito to Otavalo - Cotacachi - Cuicocha
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Ibis)
Included Activities
- Otavalo Indian Market visit
- Fruit and vegetable market exploration
- Cuicocha Crater Lake visit
Optional Activities
- Craft shopping at Otavalo Market
- Lunch at typical restaurant in Cotacachi
Landmarks
Otavalo Indian Market
Cotacachi
Cuicocha Crater Lake
Day 4
Quito to Cotopaxi National Park to Baños
Quito to Cotopaxi National Park to Baños
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (La Floresta)
Included Activities
- Cotopaxi National Park visit
- Limpiopungo Lagoon viewing
Optional Activities
- Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon shore
- Climb to Cotopaxi basecamp
Landmarks
Cotopaxi National Park
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Cotopaxi Volcano
Day 5
Baños to Riobamba - Waterfalls Tour
Baños to Riobamba - Waterfalls Tour
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Wanderlot)
Included Activities
- Mountain bike ride down Avenue of the Waterfalls
- Pailón del Diablo waterfall visit
Optional Activities
- River Canyon crossing via zip line
- Cable car ride across River Canyon
- Water rafting
- Canyoning
- Hiking
- Motor tour
- Lunch
Landmarks
Avenue of the Waterfalls
Pailón del Diablo
Rio Verde
Llanganates National Park
Day 6
Riobamba to Alausi to Cuenca
Riobamba to Alausi to Cuenca
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 4* (Victoria Hotel)
Included Activities
- Alausi town visit
Optional Activities
- Train ride from Alausi to Sibambe (Devil's Nose)
- Ingapirca Ruins visit (alternative if train unavailable)
Landmarks
Alausi
Devil's Nose
Ingapirca Ruins
Day 7
Cuenca to Guayaquil
Cuenca to Guayaquil
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel 3* (Grand Hotel Guayaquil)
Included Activities
- Calderón Park visit
- Modern Cathedral visit
- Old Cathedral visit
- Flower Market visit
- Larga Street exploration
- Tomebamba River viewing
- Broken Bridge viewing
- Ethnographic Museum (Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes) visit
Landmarks
Calderón Park
Cuenca Cathedral
Flower Market
Larga Street
Tomebamba River
Broken Bridge
Ethnographic Museum (Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes)
Day 8
Guayaquil
Guayaquil
End point
Aeropuerto Internacional José Joaquín de Olmedo (GYE), Avenida de las Américas, Guayaquil, Guayas 0905, Ecuador (International Departures)
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Panecillo
San Francisco Church
Compañía de Jesús Church
Sagrario Church
Presidential Palace
Basilica del Voto Nacional
Inti Ñan Museum

Landmarks
Otavalo Indian Market
Cotacachi
Cuicocha Crater Lake

Landmarks
Cotopaxi National Park
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Cotopaxi Volcano

Landmarks
Avenue of the Waterfalls
Pailón del Diablo
Rio Verde
Llanganates National Park

Landmarks
Alausi
Devil's Nose
Ingapirca Ruins

Landmarks
Calderón Park
Cuenca Cathedral
Flower Market
Larga Street
Tomebamba River
Broken Bridge
Ethnographic Museum (Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes)

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Ibis Hotel
Hotel 3*
day 1
Ibis
Hotel 3*
Days 2, 3
Upgrade Available
La Floresta
Hotel 3*
day 4
Upgrade Available
Wanderlot
Hotel 3*
day 5
Upgrade Available
Victoria Hotel
Hotel 4*
day 6
Upgrade Available
Grand Hotel Guayaquil
Hotel 3*
day 7
Upgrade Available

Operated by

GUIDEcuador Travel

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.7 (122 reviews)
Response time: 6 hours
Response rate: 100%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 4 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
5.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Food
4.7
Tour Operator
4.7

Nadine5.0•August 2024
Led by Alejandro
Excellent private tour. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and gave us a fantastic week in Ecuador. We learned...
Show more
Traveled in July 2024
Reply from: GUIDEcuador Travel
Dear Nadine, Thank you very much for all your words , we are always commited to provide the best services in our program. As you know now you have friends in Ecuador you can come back any time in Latin America. Saludos Guidecuador Team
Show more
LouiseOuellet5.0•November 2022
My wife and I recently completed a 7 day road trip with Guidecuador and we were lucky enough to have Alejandro as our...
My wife and I recently completed a 7 day road trip with Guidecuador and we were lucky enough to have Alejandro as our personal guide. Alex is very knowledgeable about all things Ecuador and he was full of stories, history, culture, geology and advice. We could not have asked for a more knowledgeable guide or a more safe, comfortable vehicle. Alex certainly made us feel safe and welcome in his country, especially after a rocky day in Quito before we started with him. We were extremely happy with his service, including the advance work Guidecuador made booking hotels and making adjustments to the itinerary in consultation with my wife. Our hotel accommodations were terrific, the itinerary was well thought out and well executed, free of stress, and we really enjoyed the cities and towns visited. We especially enjoyed Baños and Cuenca, two lovely cities with vibrant culture and scenery. We strongly recommend Guidecuador. Thanks, Alex. Indeed, we are friends now and we look forward to our next holiday with Guidecuador.Show more
Traveled in October 2022
Reply from: GUIDEcuador Travel
Dear Louise , Thank you very much for all your words , I was a great time together , I hope to see you back in South America shortly. Regards Alejandro
Show more
Arisa5.0•September 2021
My husband and I just returned from an anniversary trip to Ecuador that we booked with our matched travel specialist....
My husband and I just returned from an anniversary trip to Ecuador that we booked with our matched travel specialist. Alejandro was so easy to work with throughout the planning process. He responded almost instantly to all of our emails and requests to discuss things over the phone, and he planned an amazing 9-day trip for us. He was also completely flexible when we wanted to push our trip back by two months (we thought the Covid situation may be better, turns out it wasn't). We started in Quito with our guide Andres, who was great! He showed us his country and its beauty with a local taste . He shared a lot of information with us at each site! We only have to say thank you for great lifetime tripShow more
Traveled in August 2021
Reply from: GUIDEcuador Travel
Hi Arisa, Thank you very much for your comments regarding your trip in Ecuador , for us it was a pleasure to lead you around the country. I am glad you enjoyed every single place . We look forward to show you more in south america next time. Take Care Alejandro
Show more
vincent5.0•November 2020
It was a lot of fun and we will never forget the many unique moments we had on this trip. Considering that COVID...
Show more
Traveled in September 2020
Reply from: GUIDEcuador Travel
Dear Vincet. Thank you for all your words , it help us to grow and keep doing what we like !!! Take care and we hope to see you next time.. Regards Guidecuador Team
Show more

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 23 Sep, 2026

-5%
From Tuesday
22 Sep, 2026
To Tuesday
29 Sep, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
-5%
From Wednesday
23 Sep, 2026
To Wednesday
30 Sep, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
-5%
From Thursday
24 Sep, 2026
To Thursday
1 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
-5%
From Friday
25 Sep, 2026
To Friday
2 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
-5%
From Saturday
26 Sep, 2026
To Saturday
3 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-5%
From Sunday
27 Sep, 2026
To Sunday
4 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-5%
From Monday
28 Sep, 2026
To Monday
5 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-5%
From Tuesday
29 Sep, 2026
To Tuesday
6 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-5%
From Wednesday
30 Sep, 2026
To Wednesday
7 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
-5%
From Thursday
1 Oct, 2026
To Thursday
8 Oct, 2026
English, Spanish
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$1,950
US$1,853 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room

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Rated excellent on
Best price guarantee

24/7 customer support
Unlock exclusive TourRadar+ member savings

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

C
Chelsea
Asked on February 1st, 2026
Will we be able to see the Inti Raymi celebrations and stay a little longer to participate?
Tour Details
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written February 2026
  yes you can stay longer near otavalo to see all celebrations but this trip needs to be cuatomized in order to make it work.
- C
  Chelsea
  Traveler•Written February 2026
  Will we participate in Inti Raymi since it will be happening when we visit?
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written February 2026
  the festivities are during the entire month in the Andes but we can't guarantee to see it all in a day excursion. we go to otavalo to see the regular places in case of looking for inti RaymI it needs to be a different program
V
Vincent
Asked on August 25th, 2025
do you have any group departures starting between December 21st and December 25th, 2025? I will be joining as a solo traveler.
Group size
Tour Details
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written August 2025
  We don't have group departures for those dates, But you can still enjoy our Ecuador classic 8-day tour to the fullest, as we have departures even with just one person. In fact, it gives you the freedom to travel on the exact dates you want.
- V
  Vincent
  Traveler•Written August 2025
  Is the price to departure in one person still 1453? And also is the price negotiable?
- V
  Vincent
  Traveler•Written August 2025
  I notice the plan for one day is to ride the bike, But i cannot ride the bike, are there any alternative choices
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written August 2025
  As solo traveler there is single supplement rate, so the rate listed is usd 2211 for this trip. In Baños we can do the waterfalls tour by car instead of bike, no problem.
- V
  Vincent
  Traveler•Written August 2025
  Since December is high season, please let me know if there are any confirmed group departure, I would be happy to join. I am available to start the trip on any date between the 21st and 25th of December.
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written August 2025
  We have several tours running on december in private and groups but these are already complete. So the option is to secure your space and try to add more people for the same departure.
- V
  Vincent
  Traveler•Written August 2025
  I'm particularly interested in a trip that focuses more on culture and history, rather than one that is only about landscapes or wildlife. Also, my preferred travel window would be a tour that starts between Dec 21 – Dec 26.
A
Audrey
Asked on December 6th, 2024
How long will we spend at each activity location?
Tour Details
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written December 2024
  The guide will typically inform you of the time spent at each location during the tour itinerary.
R
Renske
Asked on November 23rd, 2024
Can I extend my stay after the tour?
Tour Details
Travel Support
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written November 2024
  Yes, you can add extra days to your stay after the tour, and we can help arrange accommodations.
K
Kate
Asked on September 26th, 2024
What type of cash should we bring for the tour?
Payments
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written September 2024
  It is recommended to bring single bills, especially smaller denominations, as larger bills can be difficult to use.
J
Jamie
Asked on August 16th, 2024
Can I book a flight from Guayaquil to Quito through the tour operator?
Flights / Transfers
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written August 2024
  Yes, we can assist with booking a flight from Guayaquil to Quito, and the cost will be added to your final price.
F
Fanni
Asked on July 11th, 2024
Are there any special considerations for solo travelers?
Single supplement
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written July 2024
  Solo travelers can opt for a single supplement if they prefer not to share a room.
C
Corinna
Asked on June 19th, 2024
How does the payment process work?
Payments
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written June 2024
  Payments can be made in cash, and we accept all major credit cards where possible.
F
Fons
Asked on June 6th, 2024
Is the tour available in different languages?
Other
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written June 2024
  All guides are bilingual, and they can provide services in both Spanish and English.
V
Viviana
Asked on February 17th, 2024
How is the meal arrangement handled on the tour?
Meals
- GUIDEcuador TravelOperator•Written February 2024
  Breakfast is included daily, while for lunch and dinner, you normally eat in local restaurants and pay for your own meal.

From

$1,950

-5%

US $1,853 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 188052

Currency
$
US Dollar
Ecuador
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.
Type A
Ecuador
Type B
Ecuador
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Rabies - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 1 month before travel.
- Yellow fever - Recommended for Ecuador. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before December 23rd, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 23rd, 2026, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with GUIDEcuador Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 95 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and GUIDEcuador Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "GUIDEcuador Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
  Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…
- Your money is protected.
  TourRadar is an authorized agent of GUIDEcuador Travel, and we handle payments so you don't have to. Payment is securely transferred to the Operator based on your departure date.
Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
Checking which travel protection options are available for you…
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Ecuador Classic: Highlands, Culture & Natural Wonders in 8 Days

Itinerary

Introduction

Quito

Quito

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Quito to Otavalo - Cotacachi - Cuicocha

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Quito to Cotopaxi National Park to Baños

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Baños to Riobamba - Waterfalls Tour

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Riobamba to Alausi to Cuenca

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Cuenca to Guayaquil

Included Activities

Guayaquil

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Ecuador

Ecuador Classic: Highlands, Culture & Natural Wonders in 8 Days

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Earn while you share

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Ecuador

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