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

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.

what size luggage can i bring on this trip

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

From

$1,900

US $1,862 per person

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

12 days

•

Start and end in Quito

4.0 (2 reviews)

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From

$1,900

-2%

US $1,862 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:

Platinum Operator: Responsible Travel South America
Nature & Wildlife: Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
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 - 16
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Day 12
Departure from Quito
Departure from Quito
End point
Salidas/Departures, Quito - Pichincha, 1709, Ecuador (Mariscal Sucre International Airport)
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Mindo Cloud Forest

Landmarks
Otavalo Market
Plaza de Ponchos
Quitsato Solar Clock
San Pablo Lake
Cuicocha Lagoon
Cotacachi

Landmarks
Cotopaxi National Park
Limpiopungo Lagoon
Avenue of the Volcanoes

Landmarks
Quilotoa Lagoon
Tigua

Landmarks
Pailón del Diablo Waterfall
Swing at the End of the World
Baños de Agua Santa
Manto de la Novia Waterfall

Landmarks
Papallacta

Landmarks
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Laguna Grande

Landmarks
Cuyabeno River

Landmarks
Siona Indigenous Community

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

Standard Hotel in Machachi
Hotel 3*
day 4
Upgrade Available
Eco-lodge in Cuyabeno
Lodge
Days 8, 9, 10

Operated by

Responsible Travel South America

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.6 (166 reviews)
Response time: 4 hours
Response rate: 100%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.0

Overall rating based on 2 Reviews

Itinerary
4.0
Transport
3.0
Guide
4.0
Accommodation
2.0
Food
3.0
Tour Operator
4.6

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...
Such an amazing tour. You dont get to br with one group from start to finish but will meet a different group each day and the same group in the Amazon. The quality of the hotels and tours was A+. Benjiman (tour coordinator) was communicating routinely to and always available to answer any questions. Everything was very well organized from pick ups to drop offs. This was an amazing experience and i look forward to booking more tours with this company. Highly recommend!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
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...
The 12 Days Ecuador’s Greatest Hits tour is not fully guided as indicated in the tour summary. Instead, it is a series of one-day and multi-day tours operated by other agencies. You will be with a different guide and group most days, and the coordination and communication around where and when activities are happening and where you need to be is not always clear. That said, we thoroughly enjoyed all of the places we visited on this tour, and the guides were very good.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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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.

From

$1,900

-2%

US $1,862 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

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 296914

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 20th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 20th, 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 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 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.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Responsible Travel South America. Please familiarize yourself with the Responsible Travel South America payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
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.
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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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12 Day Ecuador's Greatest Hits: A Bucket-List Adventure

Itinerary

Introduction

Quito

Optional Activities

Mindo Cloud Forest

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Otavalo - Cuicocha - Cotacachi

Included Activities

Cotopaxi Volcano

Included Activities

Quilotoa Lagoon

Included Activities

Baños Waterfalls Route

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Papallacta Hot Springs - Cuyabeno Transfer

Included Activities

Cuyabeno Amazon Lodge Arrival

Included Activities

Cuyabeno Amazon Canoe Exploration

Included Activities

Indigenous Community Experience

Included Activities

Cuyabeno to Quito

Included Activities

Departure from Quito

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Ecuador

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

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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What our customers ask about this tour

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Keep Exploring Ecuador

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