Could I get more information about how much time we will have at each location and what time we return to the hotel each night as well as what time we depart in the morning. Also have question about the route we hike at Cotopaxi.

In Quito, this is the only activity that lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours. The tour usually starts at 9:00 a.m, and you'll typically return to your hotel between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. During this tour, you'll enjoy Quito's historic richness, beautiful architecture, and colorful markets in the heart of the city. Regarding the full Days Outside Quito which involve longer transfers and multiple activities, are considered full days with an approximate duration of 6 to 8 hours, perfect for exploring some of Ecuador's most stunning landscapes. Day 3 – Ecuadorian Roses and Papallacta Retreat, Day 4 – From Cayambe to Cuicocha, Day 5 – Cotopaxi Adventure, Day 6 – Quilotoa Crater Lake, Day 7 – Mindo Rainforest Escape. The return to the hotel, it is usually between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic, weather, and the pace of the day. In case of Cotopaxi Hiking Route, there is no strenuous hike to the summit. The itinerary includes short, scenic walks on established trails, adapted to your pace, so you can enjoy the volcano and stunning Andean landscapes comfortably. Regarding airport Transfers, it depend on your arrival and departure times. The drive between the airport and the hotel usually takes around 45 minutes, both on arrival and departure, ensuring comfort and peace of mind from the very start.

can you tell me how many people have signed up for these dates, and if the guide will be the same throughout the trip?

For the dates of 20 December 2025, at the moment, you would be joining the tour as a maximum of 16 travelers. Regarding the guiding team, you will have two different local guides, each one specialized in the specific regions and activities you'll be experiencing.

We are 65 and 67. We live at 3000 meters in the Colorado Rockies. We regularly hike at this altitude. This tour says 60 years old max. Can we book this tour?

Our tours are arranged for travelers of all ages, so being 65 and 67 and living in the Colorado Rockies makes you a perfect fit for this adventure. You live at 3000 meters and regularly hike at this altitude, then you will enjoy all the activities included in your itinerary, such as hiking the third highest active volcano in the world at Cotopaxi National Park and exploring Quilotoa Lagoon.

From

US $1,115 per person

8 Days Ecuadorian Adventure, Exploring Nature, Culture, and Wonders

8 days

•

Start and end in Quito

4.8

4 traveler reviews

View all
a packed schedule seeing all the sites, a mix of small group and personal tours, all transfers very punctual.
brent, traveled in September
5.0
View all

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US $1,115 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Plan your adventure:

Operator: Responsible Travel South America
Explorer: Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English: Other languages on request: Spanish
Group Size 1 - 15
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Quito
Start point
Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO), Vía Tababela - Yaruquí Lote 18, Quito, Pichincha 1709, Ecuador (International Arrivals )
Landmarks
Quito
Day 2
Quito
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Quito Panoramic City Tour on Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus with audio guide
- Visit to Middle of the World complex with Equator crossing and interactive exhibits
Landmarks
Middle of the World
Quito Historic Center
Day 3
Pifo - Papallacta
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Rose farm tour in Pifo with greenhouse exploration and insights into cultivation and packaging
- Access to Papallacta Hot Springs Spa with nine pools ranging from 97°F to 104°F
Optional Activities
- Self-guided hikes in Papallacta to explore diverse flora and fauna
Landmarks
Papallacta
Cayambe Volcano
Antisana Volcano
Day 4
Quitsato - Otavalo - Cotacachi - Cuicocha
Meals
Breakfast (Box Breakfast), Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Quitsato solar clock at equator crossing in Cayambe canton
- Shopping at La Plaza de los Ponchos indigenous handicraft market in Otavalo
- Exploration of Cotacachi artisan market for leather goods
- 20-minute stroll to Cuicocha Lagoon viewpoint with photos and panoramic views
Optional Activities
- Browse handicraft stores at Cuicocha Lagoon
Landmarks
Quitsato Solar Clock
Otavalo Market
San Pablo Lake
Imbabura Mountain
Cotacachi
Cuicocha Lagoon
Day 5
Machachi - Cotopaxi
Meals
Breakfast (Box Breakfast), Lunch
Included Activities
- Glacier hike to 5,100 meters on Cotopaxi Volcano
Optional Activities
- Downhill bike ride from volcano's upper parking lot to Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3,850 meters
- Mountain hiking and biking activities in Cotopaxi National Park
Landmarks
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi Volcano
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Machachi
Day 6
Saquisilí - Tigua - Quilotoa
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Saquisilí market exploration with insights into indigenous highland life
- Visit to Tigua community to see artists and colorful wooden sculptures and paintings
- Quilotoa Lagoon experience with access to hike down, kayaking, and swimming options
Optional Activities
- Kayaking on Quilotoa Lagoon
- Swimming in Quilotoa Lagoon
- Hiking down to Quilotoa Lagoon
Landmarks
Saquisilí Market
Tigua
Toachi River Canyon
Quilotoa Lagoon
Day 7
Calacali - Mindo
Meals
Breakfast (Box Breakfast), Lunch
Included Activities
- Butterfly and Orchidarium visit in Mindo
- Artisan chocolate factory tour with chocolate-making process demonstration
Optional Activities
- Canopy adventure over Mindo cloud forest with bird species viewing
Landmarks
Mindo
Butterfly and Orchidarium
Middle of the World Monument
Day 8
Departure from Quito
End point
Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO), Vía Tababela - Yaruquí Lote 18, Quito, Pichincha 1709, Ecuador (International departures )
Meals
Breakfast
Landmarks
Quito

Landmarks
Quito

Landmarks
Middle of the World
Quito Historic Center

Landmarks
Papallacta
Cayambe Volcano
Antisana Volcano

Landmarks
Quitsato Solar Clock
Otavalo Market
San Pablo Lake
Imbabura Mountain
Cotacachi
Cuicocha Lagoon

Landmarks
Cotopaxi National Park
Cotopaxi Volcano
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Machachi

Landmarks
Saquisilí Market
Tigua
Toachi River Canyon
Quilotoa Lagoon

Landmarks
Mindo
Butterfly and Orchidarium
Middle of the World Monument

Landmarks
Quito

What's Included

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Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Additional Services

Adventure Type

Choose the type of organized adventure that suits your preferences.

Group Adventures
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships.
What to expect
- Group of 15 travelers max.
- Fast booking confirmation
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Travel with like-minded people
Starting at
US $1,115 / traveler
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Personalized Adventures
Customize an existing itinerary or create your own.
What to expect
- Travel with your own group of min. 2 travelers
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
After requesting a quote, we will get back to you with a price based on your requirements.
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Operated by

Responsible Travel South America

4.6

(138 reviews)

Number of tours

242

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

7 hours

Response rate

100%

For an incredible span of 12 years, Responsible Travel has been your go-to...

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A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.8

Overall rating based on 4 Reviews

Itinerary
4.7
Transport
4.3
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Food
4.7
Tour Operator
4.6

Neil
November 10th, 2025
5.0
My wife and I recently returned from an incredible trip to Ecuador, and the entire experience exceeded our...
My wife and I recently returned from an incredible trip to Ecuador, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We were fortunate to have a private tour with Matteo, who was an absolutely outstanding guide throughout our days in Quito and on our day trips outside the city. His knowledge, energy, and attention to detail made every moment memorable. Our excursion to Cotopaxi was a major highlight. We chose to go horseback riding during the outing, which ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the trip. Our final day in Mindo was excellent as well, zip lining above the forest canopy was an unforgettable way to end our journey. Everything was coordinated smoothly, and whenever we had a question or a small hiccup, Jeferson responded quickly and made sure everything stayed on track. Overall, we had a fantastic experience and would highly recommend this trip to anyone considering visiting Ecuador.Show more
Traveled in November 2025
Reply from: Responsible Travel South America
Hola Neil, Thank you so much for your kind words and amazing review. I am so happy to know you had a great experience in Ecuador and that Mateo will exceed your expectations. I would like you to know that my team and I were happy to serve and be part of this great moment in Ecuador. I look forward to planning your next adventure in my country since there are still wonderful destinations such as the Amazon, Pacific Coast, and the enchanted Galapagos Islands. Meanwhile, I wish you all the best from the Middle of the World. Best wishes, Jeferson and the Responsible Travel Team
Show more
G
Gennady
October 21st, 2024
4.0
My 8-days trip to Ecuador was unexpectedly and uniquely enjoyable, some of which was a Cotopaxi volcano hike,...
My 8-days trip to Ecuador was unexpectedly and uniquely enjoyable, some of which was a Cotopaxi volcano hike, swimming in a lagoon under a waterfall, visiting a Vayuri Indian community, and a canoe ride. Unexpected was having a chocolate tasting session at a Swissotel in Quito and finding an art store near Quilotoa Lagoon where I bought two beautiful paintings by a local artist. The guides were knowledgeable and helpful in managing excursions and paying attention to my dietary needs while helping to order food in restaurants. What I would have changed is having cars' windows closed with air conditioning on because of the bad air quality while on the road. Overall, I am happy that I chose to go on this particular trip.Show more
Traveled in September 2024
Reply from: Responsible Travel South America
Hello Mr. Blanket, Thank you so much for sharing your detailed feedback! I’m delighted to hear that your 8-day trip was such a unique and enjoyable experience, filled with adventures from Cotopaxi and the Amazon canoe ride to the more unexpected discoveries like the chocolate tasting and your special art purchase at Quilotoa. Those are exactly the kind of memorable moments we hope our travelers take home. I also really appreciate your kind words about the guides and how they supported you, especially with your dietary needs. I’ll make sure your compliments are passed on to them. Your comment about the air quality while driving is very valuable, we’ll make sure to address this with our team so that future journeys can be more comfortable with the use of air conditioning and closed windows whenever needed. It was truly a pleasure to help plan your Ecuador adventure, and I hope these memories will stay with you for years to come. Whenever you’re ready for your next journey, I’ll be more than happy to assist again.
Show more
B
brent
September 30th, 2024
5.0
This was excellent, a packed schedule seeing all the sites, a mix of small group and personal tours, all transfers...
This was excellent, a packed schedule seeing all the sites, a mix of small group and personal tours, all transfers very punctual. Jeferson kept in constant communication to advise and get feedback. He replies instantly, in addition, he added an extra day with a quote and can reflect your wishes in the itinerary if you wish to add other options. Yellow House and other accommodation were in the center of the action with bars and dining on the doorstep, filtered water wax available and breakfastShow more
Traveled in September 2024
Reply from: Responsible Travel South America
Hello Brent! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're happy to know that you had a fabulous experience in Ecuador Mainland. We are so proud of our team's expertise and kindness and happy to know their collaborative efforts surpassed your expectations during the journey. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future and providing you with more incredible experiences. Your feedback is truly appreciated to guarantee happy travelers like you! Best wishes! Jeferson and the Ecuador Galapagos Travels Team
Show more
Aleksandr
February 16th, 2024
5.0
Absolutely memorable experience with Responsible Travel Agency! Their attention to detail and personal approach made...
Absolutely memorable experience with Responsible Travel Agency! Their attention to detail and personal approach made my trip unforgettable. From customised itineraries like a small hike in Chimborazo to helpful tips along the way, they went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of the journey was comfortable and also will help if some unexpected changes happen during the trip. Thank you Santiago for a great time and friendly approach for arranging this tour!Show more
Traveled in December 2023
Reply from: Responsible Travel South America
I hope you are doing well after your incredible experience in our country. I am very happy to know that your expectations were met and that you were able to know the majestic Chimborazo volcano, it will always be a pleasure and satisfaction that our customers are happy. Thanks also for trusting us and allowing us to be part of your adventures, recommend us when you think it is appropriate, and keep in mind that we have tours available for Colombia, Chile, Peru, and this year we are premiering with tours to Cuba. Best wishes from Quito from your friend, Santiago Cardenas
Show more

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M
Marc
Asked on January 14th, 2026
Could I get more information about how much time we will have at each location and what time we return to the hotel each night as well as what time we depart in the morning. Also have question about the route we hike at Cotopaxi.
Tour Details
- Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written January 2026
  In Quito, this is the only activity that lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours. The tour usually starts at 9:00 a.m, and you'll typically return to your hotel between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. During this tour, you'll enjoy Quito's historic richness, beautiful architecture, and colorful markets in the heart of the city. Regarding the full Days Outside Quito which involve longer transfers and multiple activities, are considered full days with an approximate duration of 6 to 8 hours, perfect for exploring some of Ecuador's most stunning landscapes. Day 3 – Ecuadorian Roses and Papallacta Retreat, Day 4 – From Cayambe to Cuicocha, Day 5 – Cotopaxi Adventure, Day 6 – Quilotoa Crater Lake, Day 7 – Mindo Rainforest Escape. The return to the hotel, it is usually between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic, weather, and the pace of the day. In case of Cotopaxi Hiking Route, there is no strenuous hike to the summit. The itinerary includes short, scenic walks on established trails, adapted to your pace, so you can enjoy the volcano and stunning Andean landscapes comfortably. Regarding airport Transfers, it depend on your arrival and departure times. The drive between the airport and the hotel usually takes around 45 minutes, both on arrival and departure, ensuring comfort and peace of mind from the very start.
J
Jeff
Asked on December 5th, 2025
can you tell me how many people have signed up for these dates, and if the guide will be the same throughout the trip?
Group size
Tour Details
- Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written December 2025
  For the dates of 20 December 2025, at the moment, you would be joining the tour as a maximum of 16 travelers. Regarding the guiding team, you will have two different local guides, each one specialized in the specific regions and activities you'll be experiencing.
- J
  Jeff
  Traveler•Written December 2025
  I understand that the maximum number of people would be 16. but right now, has anyone signed up for these dates? I just want to make sure I'm not the only person in the tour.
- Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written December 2025
  For this trip, you will join daily group tours, which give you the chance to meet new people each day and enjoy the experience alongside travelers from different cultures. Your airport transfers will always be private, and your room will be private with an in-room private bathroom for your comfort.
S
Sam
Asked on May 29th, 2024
We are 65 and 67. We live at 3000 meters in the Colorado Rockies. We regularly hike at this altitude. This tour says 60 years old max. Can we book this tour?
Age Range
Tour Details
- Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written May 2024
  Our tours are arranged for travelers of all ages, so being 65 and 67 and living in the Colorado Rockies makes you a perfect fit for this adventure. You live at 3000 meters and regularly hike at this altitude, then you will enjoy all the activities included in your itinerary, such as hiking the third highest active volcano in the world at Cotopaxi National Park and exploring Quilotoa Lagoon.

From

US $1,115 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 Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 258202

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Ecuador
Plugs & Adapters
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 June 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after June 15th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Responsible Travel South America. 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 60 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 Responsible Travel South America will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Responsible Travel South America" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Responsible Travel South America. Please familiarize yourself with the Responsible Travel South America payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
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8 Days Ecuadorian Adventure, Exploring Nature, Culture, and Wonders

Itinerary

Quito

Quito

Included Activities

Pifo - Papallacta

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Quitsato - Otavalo - Cotacachi - Cuicocha

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Machachi - Cotopaxi

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Saquisilí - Tigua - Quilotoa

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Calacali - Mindo

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Departure from Quito

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What's Included

What's Not Included