Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Quito
You'll land at Mariscal Sucre International Airport where your driver meets you for the transfer into Quito's city center, roughly an hour away. After checking into your hotel, there's time to walk around on your own and get a feel for the area. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you'll notice the colonial architecture right away.
- Start point
- Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO), Vía Tababela - Yaruquí Lote 18, Quito, Pichincha 1709, Ecuador (Quito Airport)
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Landmarks/POIs Mariscal Sucre International Airport 
- Day 2
Quito City Tour and Mitad del Mundo
Following breakfast, your English-speaking guide picks you up for a walking tour through Quito's colonial center. You'll see Plaza Grande and visit the churches La Compañía and La Basílica, then walk down La Ronda, which is the oldest street in the city. After that, you head north to Mitad del Mundo to stand right on the Equator line. The site has several museums and exhibits to check out including a planetarium, ethnographic displays, art galleries, a scale model of Quito, a historic train station, beer museum, and cocoa exhibits.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Walking city tour of colonial Quito with English-speaking guide
- Visit Plaza Grande
- Visit La Compañía church
- Visit La Basílica church
- Walk La Ronda (oldest street of Quito)
- Visit Mitad del Mundo equatorial monument and museum complex including planetarium, ethnographic museum, art exhibits, Quito city model, historic train station, beer museum, and cocoa & chocolate exhibits
Landmarks/POIs Plaza Grande La Compañía Church La Basílica La Ronda Street Mitad del Mundo 
- Day 3
Cotopaxi National Park to Baños
After breakfast, you drive south into the Ecuadorian highlands to reach Cotopaxi National Park. The first stop is Lake Limpiopungo where you get views of Cotopaxi Volcano, and you'll explore the nearby El Salitre Inca ruins. There's a short walk around the lake to spot Andean wildlife and plants, and if there's time, a hike up to the refuge for better views. By afternoon, you continue on to Baños where you stay the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Lake Limpiopungo in Cotopaxi National Park
- Visit El Salitre Inca ruins
- Short walk around Lake Limpiopungo
Optional Activities
- Hike up to the refuge for views above Lake Limpiopungo
Landmarks/POIs Cotopaxi National Park Lake Limpiopungo Cotopaxi Volcano El Salitre Inca ruins 
- Day 4
Free Time in Baños
Baños is yours to explore at your own pace. The town is known for its naturally heated thermal baths and active nightlife scene. You'll find mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs in the surrounding area. Later in the evening, there's a chance to join locals for craft beers or dance to Latin music at one of the local clubs if that appeals to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit naturally heated thermal baths
- Explore mountains, rivers, and waterfalls near Baños
- Visit hot springs
- Enjoy craft beers and local nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Baños - Day 5
Avenue of Waterfalls and Free Time in Baños
In the morning, you drive along the scenic Avenue of Waterfalls heading south from Baños. The route follows the Pastaza River through its valley with multiple waterfalls visible along the way. You stop at Rio Verde to see the famous El Pailon del Diablo waterfall, and there's an option to bike there if you prefer. By afternoon, you have free time to visit thermal pools, check out the tree house called Casa del Árbol, or try adventure activities like rafting or ziplining. You return to Baños for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Drive along Avenue of Waterfalls
- Visit El Pailon del Diablo waterfall at Rio Verde
Optional Activities
- Bike to El Pailon del Diablo waterfall
- Visit thermal pools of Baños
- Visit Casa del Árbol (tree house)
- Rafting
- Ziplining
Landmarks/POIs Avenue of Waterfalls Pastaza River Rio Verde El Pailon del Diablo Casa del Árbol - Day 6
Quilotoa Crater Lake to Quito
Today you visit Quilotoa, a volcano lagoon with a crater lake. You can walk along the crater's rim or hike down to the lake itself. The return hike takes longer, so there's an option to rent a mule for the uphill section if you want. After spending time there, you make your way back to Quito.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Quilotoa crater lake
Optional Activities
- Walk along Quilotoa crater rim
- Hike down to Quilotoa crater lake
- Rent mule for uphill hike at Quilotoa
Landmarks/POIs Quilotoa 
- Day 7
Departure from Quito
Your last day is free to explore Quito before you depart. Consider visiting the St. Francis monastery, which has 13 cloisters, three churches, and thousands of artworks and historical documents. Or grab a drink at one of the square terraces. You could also hike up El Panecillo hill to see the 147-foot Virgin of El Pacenillo monument and get scenic views of the city. At your scheduled time, meet your driver at the hotel for your private transfer to the airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit St. Francis monastery at San Francisco Square
- Enjoy drinks on San Francisco Square terrace
- Visit El Panecillo hill for scenic views of Virgin of El Pacenillo monument
Landmarks/POIs St. Francis Monastery San Francisco Square El Panecillo Virgin of El Pacenillo
