Ecuador Andean Highlands Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Ecuador Andean Highlands tour packages
- What people love about Ecuador Andean Highlands Tours
- Travel Ecuador Andean Highlands your way
- Best tour companies for Ecuador Andean Highlands tours
- Discover Ecuador Andean Highlands tours for every budget
- Ecuador Andean Highlands tours for every type of group
- Top Ecuador Andean Highlands travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Ecuador Andean Highlands
- Contact our Ecuador Andean Highlands travel experts
- What our customers ask about Ecuador Andean Highlands Tours & Trips
The best Ecuador Andean Highlands tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaEcuador Andean Highlands travel expert at TourRadar
All Landscapes of Ecuador 12D/11N
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the trip. Our own extra days at the start in Quito and at the end in Guayaquil were valuable.”
Christine, traveled in January
Historic Quito introduces Ecuador's paramo landscapes near Cotopaxi. Quilotoa crater beckons trekkers, while indigenous life in Chimborazo and colonial Cuenca offer authentic cultural experiences with included accommodations.
Duration 12 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Sigchos, Chugchilan, Quilotoa, Banos, Riobamba, Guamote, Cuenca, Guayaquil Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$2,919
Ecuador - Andes to Amazon
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The highlights were the walks we were able to take at high altitude, plus the time spent in the jungle.”
Jacqueline, traveled in October
The colonial streets of Quito lead to Cotopaxi's snowy peak at 5,897m in Ecuador's highlands. Indigenous communities welcome visitors in Otavalo, thermal springs soothe at Papallacta, and Cuenca's UNESCO heritage comes alive with expert local guides.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Cayambe, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Cotopaxi National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano, Papallacta, Misahualli, Banos, Chimborazo VolcanoSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From
- NZ$4,400
Challenging treks define this highland adventure through Cotopaxi National Park and around Quilotoa crater. The route from Isinliví to Chugchilan winds through páramo landscapes, with nights spent in mountain lodges. Pack horse support and expert highland guides accompany travelers.
Duration 5 days Destinations Quito, Isinliví, Chugchilan Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$1,497
Highlights of Ecuador: Andes to Amazon
28 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great scenery, friendly people, glimpses of amazing wildlife, weird and wonderful plants, interesting towns.”
Anne, traveled in January
The dramatic route through Ecuador's highlands connects UNESCO-listed Quito to Cuenca. Adventurers trek Cuicocha Crater Lake at 10,665ft, meet indigenous communities at San Clemente at 9,515ft, and reach Chimborazo's heights at 16,400ft. Historic haciendas provide bases for immersion in Andean culture and mountain landscapes.
Duration 14 days Destinations Quito, Cotacachi, Otavalo, Papallacta, Tena, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Riobamba, Ingapirca, CuencaSee all destinations Age Range 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $6,597
8% Off- NZ$6,050You save $547
Quito's historic center introduces northern highland treasures including El Angel's unique Frailejones. Otavalo's traditional markets, Cotacachi's leather crafts, and Cuicocha Lake's views enchant visitors while comfortable mountain lodges provide rest.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cuicocha Lake, Ibarra, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Cayambe Age Range 5 to 70 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
8% Off- NZ$1,596
What people love about Ecuador Andean Highlands Tours
- All Landscapes of Ecuador 12D/11N
Could have spent an extra day in Inislivi and removed Chugchilan. Another night in La Esperanza would be nice. Surprisingly the people in Guamote seemed cold - nice hostel but not too exciting since nothing going on that day. Loved the trip. Our own extra days at the start in Quito and at the end in Guayaquil were valuable.
- Ecuador - Andes to Amazon
A superb tour that lived up fully to expectations - only downer was at Hotel Plaza Sucre in Quito, where there was no hot water at all on one occasion when I needed a shower...pretty basic stuff
- Ecuador Andean Jewels 10 Days Tour
Great service from this company Food and Hotel upgrades were exceptional Loved Ecuador because of it!!
Travel Ecuador Andean Highlands your way
Explore a wide diversity of tours through Ecuador Andean Highlands. We have 16 adventures that vary from 4 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Search for the ultimate Active tour in Ecuador Andean Highlands! From outdoor activites to water sports, there are 20 private, group and tailor-made adventures to choose from. With some of our much-loved tour operators offering all-inclusive activity packages, you’re sure to find your perfect Ecuador Andean Highlands adventure!
Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 59 adventures available in Ecuador Andean Highlands.
Select from our extensive range of 90 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Ecuador Andean Highlands with our expert guides leading the way.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Ecuador Andean Highlands tours
Discover Ecuador Andean Highlands tours for every budget
Browse the best budget and luxury tours in Ecuador Andean Highlands that will take you through unmissable places like Quito and Otavalo.
Ecuador Andean Highlands budget tours
Ecuador Andean Highlands tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
72 tours in Ecuador Andean HighlandsExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Ecuador Andean Highlands. We have 72 adventures that vary from 3 days to 30 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
51 tours in Ecuador Andean HighlandsVisit Ecuador Andean Highlands with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
33 tours in Ecuador Andean HighlandsEnjoy the exclusivity of our Private Ecuador Andean Highlands tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace with over 33 itineraries to choose from.
Top Ecuador Andean Highlands travel itineraries to fit your plans
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Quito, Otavalo
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Mindo Valley
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano, Cayambe, Otavalo, Chimborazo Volcano, Riobamba, Banos, Quilotoa
Demographics
Discover unforgettable adventures designed for all ages! Whether you're young or young at heart, our adventures offer excitement and wonder for everyone.
- Solo Travelers86 tours
- Couples13 tours
- Seniors (50+)24 tours
Best time to visit Ecuador Andean Highlands
- Spring 2025
- popular 81 tours
- Summer 2025
- popular 84 tours
- 83 tours
- 84 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
- popular 86 tours
- 80 tours
- 82 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
- popular 77 tours
- 46 tours
- 45 tours
Contact our Ecuador Andean Highlands travel experts
George
Expert in Ecuador Andean Highlands at TourRadar
George is one of our seasoned Ecuador Andean Highlands Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Ecuador Andean Highlands tours answered!
- Choose from 110+ Ecuador Andean Highlands tours
- 253 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Ecuador Andean Highlands Tours & Trips
What are the must-see mountain destinations in the Ecuador Andean Highlands?
The Ecuador Andean Highlands feature several prominent peaks including Cotopaxi Volcano at 5897m and Chimborazo Volcano reaching 6310m. The Quilotoa Crater Lake sits at 3914m offering views across its turquoise waters. Visitors can explore the Avenue of the Volcanoes while the Illinizas Ecological Reserve provides trails for various skill levels. One TourRadar traveler shared "Standing at the Chimborazo summit at 6,310m - the closest point to the sun on Earth - was an unforgettable experience." Many tours base travelers at local properties such as Hacienda La Andaluza near Chimborazo which serves as a convenient starting point for mountain excursions.
What type of accommodation can I expect during mountain tours?
Mountain tours in Ecuador offer diverse lodging options from city-based hotels like Quito's Hotel Dann Carlton to rural mountain lodges such as Hostal Llullu Llama in Isinlivi. Traditional haciendas including Hacienda Andaluza welcome guests near Chimborazo while eco-lodges like Casa de Luis in Baños provide mountain vistas. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The mix of accommodations was perfect - from city hotels to cozy mountain lodges each offering unique local character."
When is the best time to visit Ecuador's Andean Highlands for mountain activities?
The dry season from June to September provides the most reliable conditions for exploring Ecuador's Andean Highlands. Visitors to Cotopaxi National Park and Chimborazo find better visibility and more predictable hiking conditions during these months. One TourRadar traveler mentioned about their visit to Cotopaxi: "The clear weather allowed for spectacular views of the volcano's gigantic cone and we even spotted wild horses near Lake Limpiopungo." Properties like Hacienda La Cienega serve as convenient bases though mountain weather remains changeable regardless of season.
What cultural experiences are included in Ecuador Andean Highlands mountain tours?
Mountain tours connect visitors with local culture through stops at the Otavalo indigenous market craft workshops in Cotacachi and ancient sites like Ingapirca ruins. Programs often include stays with families in communities like San Clemente local music events and traditional food preparation. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The combination of mountain trekking and cultural immersion made the experience truly special - learning about Kichwa traditions while hiking through their ancestral lands was unforgettable."
What wildlife might I see during mountain tours in the Ecuador Andean Highlands?
The high-altitude environment hosts various native species. Visitors often spot Andean condors above Cotopaxi herds of wild horses near Limpiopungo Lake and vicuñas roaming Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. The páramo grasslands provide habitat for spectacled bears Andean foxes caracaras and several hummingbird species. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Watching condors glide past while hiking Chimborazo was a highlight - our guide knew exactly where to spot them."
How do mountain tours handle altitude acclimatization in the Ecuador Andean Highlands?
Tour operators structure itineraries to allow gradual adaptation beginning in Quito at 9350 feet. Programs alternate challenging hikes with rest days spent visiting lower-elevation sites like Otavalo Market or relaxing in Baños' hot springs. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Our guide expertly managed our altitude adjustment ensuring we were properly acclimatized before attempting Cotopaxi's higher slopes."