Do you have a 7 or 10 day group tour option for December 28th (preferred) or December 27th/29th (alternative) if I were to join as a single traveler?

at the moment we do not have tours confirmed for the dates that you requested where you can join and avoid the payment for solo traveler supplement.

please share the airport to get into and fly out of if coming from St Louis Missouri USA. Also please share the amount of walking each day for the Ecuador highlight trip.

The Quito airport is the start/end of the tour. The activity level is Light Moderate, with a walking each day between 4 and 5 hours. Otavalo Market: 3 to 4 hours. Amazon: 3 to 4 hours each day. Other days: 4 to 5 hours.

Any availability for January 2026?

Yes, we have availability of this program, starting every friday of January 2026. Please let me know your preferred date, I am happy to help!

Can I book a flight separately from the tour package?

Yes, you can choose to book the flights on your own, ensuring you select the indicated routes, especially for destinations like Galapagos which has specific entry points. Alternatively, we can assist you with booking flights as part of your tour package.

Are there dates available for this tour in January/26

At the moment we do not have a confirmed departure, please let me know if are traveling solo, so I can send you the suplement

What types of accommodations are available during the tour?

The accommodations vary depending on the location and package you choose. Options range from standard hotels to more luxurious suits, ensuring comfort throughout your trip.

What currency should I use during the tour?

Ecuador uses the US dollar, so it is easy for American tourists to manage expenses. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller purchases.

Is that something you can help with? Max of 1,600 per person.

Yes, we can do it. USD 1600 per person for an itinerary of 10 days - 9 nights (Only accommodation and breakfast).

What should I know about local purchasing and shipping of goods?

Purchases made from local vendors during the tour can usually be carried with you, as our transport accommodates luggage and purchases. Shipping services are available but may be expensive and complicated, so it is advised to carry your items with you.

How are emergencies handled during the tour?

You can reach out to us via the Ask a Question button for any emergencies, and we provide a 24/7 contact number in the tour package. Instant assistance is available during the tour for any concerns or emergencies that arise.

Ecuador Highlights

10 days

•

From Quito to Cuenca

4.7

34 traveler reviews

View all
This trip's itinerary provides a great cross-section of Ecuador including a visit to an Otavalo indigenous village.
Linda, traveled in May
5.0
View all

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Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Adventure Journeys
In-depth Cultural: 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
Group Size 2 - 16
Ages 8+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Quito
Start point
Sheraton Quito Hotel, Avenida Naciones Unidas Y Avenida Republica De El Salvador, Quito, Pichincha 1705, Ecuador (Welcome briefing , 18:00)
Accommodation
Hotel (Sheraton Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore old town of Quito and surrounding area
- Day trip organization (request in advance)
Landmarks
Quito Old Town
Pichincha Volcano
Day 2
Quito to Otavalo
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Sacha Warmikua sustainable project in Pijal
- Explore Otavalo Indigenous Market and handicrafts
- Learn about Otavalo Indigenous people culture and daily activities
Landmarks
Imbabura Volcano
Lake San Pablo
Otavalo Market
Hacienda Pinsaqui
Day 3
Otavalo to Amazon Eco-Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Guango Reserve to observe hummingbirds
Landmarks
Guango Reserve
Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout
Antisana National Reserve
Sumaco National Reserve
Arajuno River
Day 4
Amazon Eco-Lodge
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike and explore tropical rainforest with guide interpretation
- Cultural activity with Amazonian Kichwa community
- Observe indigenous women manufacturing handmade pottery
- Learn to make chocolate from raw fruit
Day 5
Amazon to Baños
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Pailon Del Diablo waterfall
- View from suspension bridge at Pailon Del Diablo
- Cable car ride at El Manto de la Novia crossing Pastaza River canyon
Optional Activities
- Hike behind Pailon Del Diablo waterfall
- Visit local spa or hot springs in Baños
Landmarks
Rio Verde
Sangay National Park
Pailon Del Diablo
El Manto de la Novia
Pastaza River
Tungurahua Volcano
Day 6
Baños
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit the Swing of the End of the World
Optional Activities
- Explore town of Baños (afternoon at leisure)
- Various optional activities in Baños
Landmarks
Swing of the End of the World
Day 7
Baños to Chimborazo
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Hike to 5000m elevation at Chimborazo glacier
- Wildlife spotting including Andean condor, cara-cara, hummingbirds, and vicuñas
Landmarks
Chimborazo Volcano
Day 8
Chimborazo to Cuenca
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit desert near Palmira
- Explore Ingapirca Inca ruins with Inca and Cañari architecture
Landmarks
Palmira
Ingapirca
Cuenca
Day 9
Cuenca
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cuenca city tour including Calderon Square, New Cathedral, El Barranco, and El Turi lookout
- Visit Panama hat factory and learn hat-making process
- Visit Chordeleg town for jewelry and silverware
- Visit Gualaceo market for traditional Macana shawls and local crafts
Landmarks
Calderon Square
New Cathedral
El Barranco
El Turi Lookout
Chordeleg
Gualaceo Market
Day 10
Cuenca
End point
Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador (Day 10)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore charming city of Cuenca and surroundings (free morning)

Landmarks
Quito Old Town
Pichincha Volcano

Landmarks
Imbabura Volcano
Lake San Pablo
Otavalo Market
Hacienda Pinsaqui

Landmarks
Guango Reserve
Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout
Antisana National Reserve
Sumaco National Reserve
Arajuno River

Landmarks
Rio Verde
Sangay National Park
Pailon Del Diablo
El Manto de la Novia
Pastaza River
Tungurahua Volcano

Landmarks
Swing of the End of the World

Landmarks
Chimborazo Volcano

Landmarks
Palmira
Ingapirca
Cuenca

Landmarks
Calderon Square
New Cathedral
El Barranco
El Turi Lookout
Chordeleg
Gualaceo Market

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Flights
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport
Free eSIM
TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Sheraton Hotel
Hotel
day 1

Operated by

Adventure Journeys

4.7

(82 reviews)

Number of tours

Age Range

8 to 89 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

90%

Adventure Journeys was created by a group of knowledgeable expert leaders, in...

Awards Received

2019 Tour of the Year Winner

Ecuador

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.7

Overall rating based on 34 Reviews

Itinerary
4.8
Transport
4.8
Guide
4.7
Accommodation
4.8
Food
4.7
Tour Operator
4.7

D
Diane Van
October 8th, 2024
5.0
Great tour. We saw everything from waterfalls to the Amazon basin to the highest point on earth. The tour is...
Great tour. We saw everything from waterfalls to the Amazon basin to the highest point on earth. The tour is flexible with some free time so you can do class 4 white water rafting or a day at the spa. Everything was very well organized and went very smoothly thanks to our excellent tour guide, Raphael Arevalo. He was extremely knowledgeable about history, nature and culture. He answered all questions some before you knew to ask. The hotel accommodations were almost all higher class. The Hacienda Anadalusia was one stand out. It was the nicest room I have ever had. The property is beautiful with gardens, llamas and rabbits you can feed. I highly recomend this trip.Show more
Traveled in September 2024
M
Michael
June 16th, 2024
5.0
Our guide was Franklin-he was great
Traveled in June 2024
Reply from: Adventure Journeys
Hey there! Thanks for your kind words and feedback! We hope you are ready for your next adventure with us. Take care
Show more
S
Susan L
February 5th, 2024
5.0
An amazing country but lots of time driving required to see so much of it in only 8 days (can't include day 1 or 10)....
An amazing country but lots of time driving required to see so much of it in only 8 days (can't include day 1 or 10). Our experience was unique in that my husband and I were "the" tour group! We benefitted from a very personalized Adventure Journeys tour with guide Alfonso Freire, about whom we can't say enough nice things: extremely knowledgeable and interesting as well as fun to spend time with! I am vegan and want to complement the young chef at Liana Lodge (Tena/Amazonia) who prepared delicious meals for me; other places didn't/couldn't provide enough vegan alternatives but I've traveled enough to know I have to be flexible sometimes (intention vs perfection). Accommodations ranged from 5-star to 3-star, all however were clean & comfortable (I did request a room with electricity in Amazonia & brought a tiny fan for relief from the heat & humidity... thank goodness I did!). The people of Ecuador are gracious, the scenery is beautiful and the food is delicious! It is a shame that tourism is being severely impacted by current (political/gang) events however we felt safe wherever we went, with or without Alfonso: problems do exist but not in areas where most tourists go and people should feel encouraged to travel here!Show more
Traveled in January 2024
Reply from: Adventure Journeys
Hey there! Thanks for your kind words and valuable feedback! We are glad you enjoyed your time in Ecuador, and it is great you could have such personalized experience. We will make sure your words reach back to Alfonso. And don't hesitate to return in the future. Take care
Show more
Carina
October 9th, 2023
5.0
My trip to Ecuador was amazing! It was exactly what I was looking for! The booking process via TourRadar was very...
Show more
Traveled in August 2023
Reply from: Adventure Journeys
We are thrilled to hear about your experience, and it's great to hear you enjoyed your time with us! Let your friends and family know how your experience was, and remember, we are waiting for your return.
Show more
H
Hollyn
June 27th, 2023
5.0
The trip was a great experience and our guide, Wellington, made it an unforgettable trip! The itinerary was a perfect...
Show more
Traveled in June 2023
Reply from: Adventure Journeys
Thank you for choosing us! We hope to have you back for more unforgettable adventures.
Show more
Linda
May 25th, 2023
5.0
My Ecuador trip with TourRadar and specifically Adventure Journeys exceeded my expectations in all respects! Alfonso...
My Ecuador trip with TourRadar and specifically Adventure Journeys exceeded my expectations in all respects! Alfonso Freire, my tour guide, was absolutely the best! He was super knowledgeable about everywhere we went (Ecuador guides have tour university degrees). He identified the different indigenous groups we encountered and what makes each unique (in fact, he is a member of a professional dance group that performs native South American dances). Alfonso's total attention was on making my trip special --- plus he was patient with me during our hikes in high altitudes even though he never even got winded (he's qualified for all types of sport activities and guide certifications). This trip's itinerary provides a great cross-section of Ecuador including a visit to an Otavalo indigenous village, a few days in the Amazon rain forest with a Kichwa community tour (learned how they make chocolate), climbed an incredible waterfall, visited the famous 'Swing of the End of the World' in Banos, hiked near the Chimborazo volcano, visited Inca ruins, and ended with a tour of Cuenca, a colonial city, etc. Hotels were all clean and satisfactory with the Hacienda La Andaluza being a highlight (it's like an art museum - outstanding). This was my first trip to South America and the people are so warm and gracious - everyone goes the extra mile to provide superior service. I also found the tour registration process very efficient. And when I had questions, I always received a written response from AJ by the next day. Finally, this is a longer review than my norm, but I can't emphasize enough how pleased I was with my Adventure Journeys trip which was coordinated through TourRadar. It checked all the boxes in every way!! My strong recommendation - sign up!! Tx LShow more
Traveled in May 2023
Reply from: Adventure Journeys
We are truly delighted to receive your wonderful review and are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your Ecuadorian adventure through TourRadar and Adventure Journeys.
Show more
Sarah
May 13th, 2023
4.0
Automatically translated. View in Original Language Rate this translation
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Ecuador is worth a trip! The nature is varied and beautiful! The highlights of Ecuador are traveled within this tour....
Ecuador is worth a trip! The nature is varied and beautiful! The highlights of Ecuador are traveled within this tour. My highlights were the Amazon, Chimborazo, Banos and Cuenca. I was unfortunately the only one on the group tour. After confirmation from Adventure Journey, I found out a few hours later that I would probably be the only one in the tour. They asked me if that was okay with me, but my flights were already booked. I would have liked the info before the confirmation and flight booking. The accommodations were very comfortable and very special. All accommodations included an excellent breakfast. For the accommodation in Banos, I would have liked to see accommodation closer to the city center. So one is neither dependent on cab and on the opening of the gate at the entrance. My guide Andres has a lot of knowledge about Ecuador and its history. Of course, since I was on tour alone, the tour was more like a private transportation/tour of Ecuador. Unfortunately, I have to say that I would not do a group tour alone again. The interactivity within a group was completely missing. My guide sometimes dropped me off in front of the accommodations and picked me up in the morning, then at the accommodations other group travelers picked me up. Other tour guides from other organizations stayed with their group and integrated me into their group. The tour guides were continuously taking care of their group, my trip was more like a private transportation from A to B. Both during the car ride, the dinner and in the evening he was mostly busy with his cell phone and videos, regardless of the organization of the trip. There was no joint farewell dinner. Andres is nevertheless a super guide, perhaps it was in all due to the circumstance of the private tour. I still think that he was not the right one for a trip like this. Maybe we were just not on the same wavelength.Show more
Traveled in March 2023
A
Agnes
March 28th, 2023
5.0
This tour was amazing. Our guide, Wellington, was the perfect guide. Provided us with unforgettable experiences. The...
Show more
Traveled in March 2023
G
GRAZYNA
March 21st, 2023
5.0
From the intinerary to all hotels everything was great. We covered almost all important places in Ecuador from...
Show more
Traveled in March 2023
Reply from: Adventure Journeys
Hi Grazyna! We are glad everything went great and we hope you enjoyed visiting such emblematic places that make Ecuador a unique destination.
Show more
M
Martin
January 16th, 2023
5.0
Our tour, the highlights of Ecuador, was absolutely wonderful. Each region and stop was unique, fun, and so...
Show more
Traveled in January 2023
Reply from: Adventure Journeys
Wow Martin, thank you so much for taking the time to share this 5-star review with our team! It's wonderful to hear we did everything in our power for you to enjoy to the fullest. It means the world to us that you've chosen to book an experience with our team. Thank you again for supporting us and we hope you'll visit us in the future
Show more