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12 Day Ecuador's Greatest Hits: A Bucket-List Adventure

12 days
•
Start and end in Quito
3.5 (3 reviews)
From
$1,900
3% off
US $1,850 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

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2028

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Pay only 20% today. The rest is due 95 days before departure. Learn more

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Plan your adventure:
Nature & Wildlife
Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
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 - 16
All Ages Welcome

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Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Quito

    Quito
    Start point
    Salidas/Departures, Quito - Pichincha, 1709, Ecuador (Mariscal Sucre International Airport)
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Standard Accommodation)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Quito
  3. Day 2

    Mindo Cloud Forest

    Mindo Cloud Forest
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Standard Accommodation)

    Included Activities

    • Visit hummingbird sanctuary
    • Chocolate-making traditions with tasting experience

    Optional Activities

    • Canopy tour
    • Tarabita cable car experience
    Landmarks
    Mindo Cloud Forest
  4. Day 3

    Otavalo - Cuicocha - Cotacachi

    Otavalo - Cuicocha - Cotacachi
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Standard Accommodation)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Otavalo Indigenous market
    • Visit Quitsato Solar Clock
    • San Pablo Lake viewpoints
    • Browse Plaza de Ponchos for local crafts and textiles
    • Scenic walk near Cuicocha Lagoon
    • Visit Cotacachi leather town
    Landmarks
    Otavalo Market
    Plaza de Ponchos
    Quitsato Solar Clock
    San Pablo Lake
    Cuicocha Lagoon
    Cotacachi
  5. Day 4

    Cotopaxi Volcano

    Cotopaxi Volcano
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Standard Hotel in Machachi)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Cotopaxi National Park interpretation center
    • Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon
    • Hike toward mountain refuge at high altitude
    Landmarks
    Cotopaxi National Park
    Limpiopungo Lagoon
    Avenue of the Volcanoes
  6. Day 5

    Quilotoa Lagoon

    Quilotoa Lagoon
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Standard Accommodation)

    Included Activities

    • Visit local Indigenous communities
    • Visit artisan village of Tigua
    • Visit Quilotoa Lagoon
    Landmarks
    Quilotoa Lagoon
    Tigua
  7. Day 6

    Baños Waterfalls Route

    Baños Waterfalls Route
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Standard Accommodation)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Pailón del Diablo waterfall
    • Cross canyon by tarabita cable car
    • Visit Swing at the End of the World

    Optional Activities

    • Zipline experience
    • Canopy tour
    • Manto de la Novia Waterfall visit
    Landmarks
    Pailón del Diablo Waterfall
    Swing at the End of the World
    Baños de Agua Santa
    Manto de la Novia Waterfall
  8. Day 7

    Papallacta Hot Springs - Cuyabeno Transfer

    Papallacta Hot Springs - Cuyabeno Transfer
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Standard Accommodation)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Papallacta thermal baths
    Landmarks
    Papallacta
  9. Day 8

    Cuyabeno Amazon Lodge Arrival

    Cuyabeno Amazon Lodge Arrival
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Eco-lodge in Cuyabeno)

    Included Activities

    • Canoe transfer into Amazon rainforest
    • Explore Laguna Grande
    • Sunset swim
    • Night excursion searching for caimans and nocturnal wildlife
    Landmarks
    Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
    Laguna Grande
  10. Day 9

    Cuyabeno Amazon Canoe Exploration

    Cuyabeno Amazon Canoe Exploration
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Eco-lodge in Cuyabeno)

    Included Activities

    • Canoe exploration
    • Jungle trail exploration
    • Learn about medicinal plants and ecosystems
    • River navigation searching for wildlife
    Landmarks
    Cuyabeno River
  11. Day 10

    Indigenous Community Experience

    Indigenous Community Experience
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Eco-lodge in Cuyabeno)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Siona Indigenous community
    • Learn about ancestral traditions
    • Cassava harvesting experience
    • Traditional Amazon bread (casabe) preparation
    • Jungle exploration for insects and tree frogs
    Landmarks
    Siona Indigenous Community
  12. Day 11

    Cuyabeno to Quito

    Cuyabeno to Quito
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
    Accommodation
    Hotel 3* (Standard Accommodation)

    Included Activities

    • Final wildlife excursion
    • Return journey by canoe and land transportation
  13. Day 12

    Departure from Quito

    Departure from Quito
    End point
    Salidas/Departures, Quito - Pichincha, 1709, Ecuador (Mariscal Sucre International Airport)
    Meals
    Breakfast

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change
Platinum Operator
Rating
4.6 (174 reviews)
Response time
5 hours
Response rate
100%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

3.5
Overall rating based on 3 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    3.0
  • Transport
    3.0
  • Guide
    3.0
  • Accommodation
    3.0
  • Food
    3.0
  • 4.6

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  • Merre
    Merre2.5•September 2026
    I booked a 12 day tour of Ecuador with this company and I don't think I could be more unhappy with what I received....
    Show more
    Traveled in September 2026
    Reply from: Responsible Travel South America
    Dear Merre, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are sorry to hear that some aspects of your experience did not meet your expectations. We have carefully reviewed your booking, the confirmed itinerary, and the communication surrounding your trip. We would like to clarify that the itinerary and services included in your confirmed booking were not changed or reduced during your trip. There were several separate enquiries associated with your trip through TourRadar, with different itinerary details. Some of the services mentioned in your review, including the Quito Hop-On Hop-Off bus, belonged to a different enquiry and were not part of the booking you ultimately confirmed and paid for. Your confirmed itinerary was provided to you before your arrival and was the itinerary followed during your trip. We also reviewed the specific situations mentioned in your review. Mindo remained available as part of your confirmed itinerary, but you chose not to take the excursion and instead stay in Quito. Papallacta was also part of your confirmed itinerary and had been specifically confirmed with you in writing before your trip. When an issue arose during that excursion, we intervened and offered an alternative guide, which you declined. We acknowledge that there were communication difficulties during your trip and that your experience with one of the guides was not as you expected. We take that feedback seriously and will use it to continue improving our service. However, after reviewing the complete case with our management team, we cannot agree with the characterization that your itinerary was changed or that services were removed from your booking. The services included in your confirmed booking were provided as established. We regret that the overall experience did not meet your expectations, but we hope this clarification provides additional context for future travelers reading your review. Best regards, María José
    Show more
  • samia
    samia5.0•June 2026
    Such an amazing tour. You dont get to br with one group from start to finish but will meet a different group each day...
    Show more
    Traveled in June 2026
    Reply from: Responsible Travel South America
    Hi Samia! Thank you so much for your wonderful words. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you and coordinating your Ecuador adventure. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the hotels, tours, and our constant communication. We take great pride in making every detail seamless. We can't wait to welcome you back for your next bucket list trip! Safe travels! Benjamín.
    Show more
  • Jaime
    Jaime3.0•January 2026
    The 12 Days Ecuador’s Greatest Hits tour is not fully guided as indicated in the tour summary. Instead, it is a...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2026
    Reply from: Responsible Travel South America
    Hello Jaime, Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. We truly appreciate your honesty, and we are very happy to hear that you enjoyed Ecuador, the places you visited, and the guides you met during the trip. That is always what we hope travelers take home with them. Because Ecuador is small but incredibly diverse, we normally work with local specialist guides in each region rather than having one single guide for the entire journey. This allows travelers to learn from people who truly live and work in each destination. It’s something many guests end up loving because of how authentic and detailed the experience feels. Feedback like yours helps us make sure future travelers receive even clearer information and smoother transitions throughout their journey. Thank you again for trusting us with your trip and for sharing such balanced feedback. It genuinely helps other travelers and helps us grow. I hope Ecuador stays with you as a very special memory. Best regards, Ronni and Team!
    Show more

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Dates & Prices

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 4 Nov, 2026
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    2 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    13 Nov, 2026
    English, Spanish
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$1,900 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    9 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    20 Nov, 2026
    English, Spanish
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
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    To Friday
    27 Nov, 2026
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    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    23 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    4 Dec, 2026
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    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    US$1,900 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    30 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    11 Dec, 2026
    English, Spanish
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$1,900 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    7 Dec, 2026
    To Friday
    18 Dec, 2026
    English, Spanish
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$1,900 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    14 Dec, 2026
    To Friday
    25 Dec, 2026
    English, Spanish
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$1,900 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    21 Dec, 2026
    To Friday
    1 Jan, 2027
    English, Spanish
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$1,900 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Monday
    28 Dec, 2026
    To Friday
    8 Jan, 2027
    English, Spanish
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$1,900 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    3% off
    From Monday
    4 Jan, 2027
    To Friday
    15 Jan, 2027
    English, Spanish
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,900
    US$1,850 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room

Want to read it later?

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
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  • A

    Alexis

    Asked on May 1st, 2026

    Is it possible to add another national park to this itinerary - the Chimborazo national park?

    Tour Details
    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written May 2026

      Regarding your question, it is not possible to add Chimborazo to the current 12-day plan. This is because the drive is very long. All our tours start and end in Quito every day, so to visit Chimborazo, we would need to add one extra day to your trip.

      If you decide to add an extra day, I recommend these closer options: Antisana, Pululahua, or Pasochoa. These are beautiful nature areas and much easier to visit from Quito.

    • A

      Alexis

      Traveler•Written May 2026

      For the Dates of departure 1 June or 25 May, are there additional members joining, I mean a single group from start to finish of the tour and not me joining a new group for each day's excursion. It would be nice to have one group from start to finish.

    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written May 2026

      Regarding the group, you will be sharing with different groups and people on different days. However, during the activities in Cotopaxi and Cuyabeno, you stay with the same group.

    • A

      Alexis

      Traveler•Written May 2026

      My flight arrives at 7 pm on the 25th of May. Is that ok and will someone be able to pick me up at the airport at that hour?

    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written May 2026

      Yes, someone will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.

    • A
      4 more answers
  • K

    Katrina

    Asked on February 17th, 2026

    what size luggage can i bring on this trip

    Tour Details
    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written February 2026

      Regarding your question about luggage:
      - Checked baggage: Most airlines allow 1 checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs) per person.
      - Carry-on bag: Typically 1 bag up to 7–10 kg (15–22 lbs), with dimensions 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 10 in).
      - Daypack: For excursions such as hikes or city tours, we recommend a small daypack with essentials like water, sunscreen, camera, light jacket, and rain gear. Your main luggage will be securely transported between hotels, so you only need to carry what you need for the day.

      If you'd like, I can also provide specific packing tips for Ecuador, including recommendations for the Amazon, Andes, and coastal regions to make sure you're fully prepared.

    • K

      Katrina

      Traveler•Written February 2026

      Does my tour include airport pickup and transfer?

    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written February 2026

      Yes, your tour includes airport pickups and transfers, so everything will be arranged for your arrival and departure.

    • K
      2 more answers
  • G

    Gail

    Asked on October 30th, 2025

    May I please have the travel time for each day of this tour? Also, what kind of transport NM is used? Public bus or private transport?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written October 2025

      The transportation during your trip is shared on a tourist bus for all inter-city transfers and excursions, except for airport transfers and activities included in the lodges or reserves, which are private. This way, you can meet and share experiences with other travelers during the shared transfers.

    • G

      Gail

      Traveler•Written October 2025

      Are we traveling on the Tourist bus with the same group of people for the entire tour? Also, I have heard that Lago Agrio is not very safe. Is that correct?

    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written October 2025

      Regarding Lago Agrio, please rest assured it's a transit point mainly used by travelers heading into the Cuyabeno Reserve. The area you'll pass through and the meeting point are safe and routinely used by tourists every day.

    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written October 2025

      Regarding the group: you will not be traveling with the same people for the entire trip. Some passengers may stay in certain cities or attractions, while others join along the route. Similarly, for your Amazon experience, you will be with a different group both during the transfer and at the lodge.

    • G

      Gail

      Traveler•Written November 2025

      Does this 12 day trip have an overnight transfer?

    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written November 2025

      Yes, this tour includes one overnight transfer to the Amazon region, the shuttle from Quito to Lago Agrio, which departs between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. and arrives early in the morning (the trip takes about 6 hours). All other transfers and activities take place during the day.

    • G
      5 more answers
  • L

    Liz

    Asked on July 13th, 2025

    Would you recommend arriving a day earlier? If so, would I be able to arrange a airport pickup and an extra night at assigned hotel through Responsible Travel South America?

    Accommodation
    Flights / Transfers
    • Responsible Travel South AmericaOperator•Written July 2025

      If your arrival in Quito is very early or in the afternoon, I suggest you to add an extra night in Quito. I can add an extra night in Quito at the hotel proposed by the program, in addition to including the transfer that will take you to the hotel that day with an extra cost.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Responsible Travel South America with your enquiry, they usually respond within 5 hours.

Good to know

Tour ID: 296914

The practical details for your trip across Ecuador: money, plugs and flexible ways to pay, all in one place.

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  • $ - US Dollar

    You’ll encounter US Dollar in Ecuador.

  • Plug types A, B

    You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Ecuador.

  • 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

      Used in Ecuador

    • Type B

      Used in Ecuador

  • Visa

    Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.

    This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.

  • Payment information

    Pay now
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    Balance due
    95 days before departure
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    Book now with just a 20% deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 95 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $78 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before February 1st, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.

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From
$1,900
3% off
US $1,850 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

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Pay only 20% today. The rest is due 95 days before departure. Learn more

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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2028

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