Ecuador Andean Highlands Tours & Trips
The Andean highlands deserve far more exploration beyond just Machu Picchu. The region covers Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador's mountain areas, so you’re experiencing Cusco and Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, and La Paz's chaotic energy. Explore Quechua and Aymara cultures that have maintained traditions, and markets selling alpaca goods and produce. This is where Inca and pre-Inca civilizations thrived, and the history's everywhere.
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Aleksandr • traveled in February
Absolutely memorable experience with Responsible Travel Agency! Their attention to detail and personal approach made my trip unforgettable. From customised itineraries like a small hike in Chimborazo to helpful tips along the way, they went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of the journey was comfortable and also will help if some unexpected changes happen during the trip. Thank you Santiago for a great time and friendly approach for arranging this tour!
8 Days Ecuadorian Adventure, Exploring Nature, Culture, and Wonders - AM
Aissatou • traveled in September, 2024
I had an amazing time with my friend in Ecuador! It really was a memorable experience. Thank you Responsible travel !
8 Days in Ecuador's Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs - B
BrendaDavis • traveled in August
Great service from this company Food and Hotel upgrades were exceptional Loved Ecuador because of it!!
Ecuador Andean Jewels 10 Days Tour
Table of contents
- The best Ecuador Andean Highlands tour packages
- 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
8 Days in Ecuador's Heartland: From Mountains to Hot Springs
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had an amazing time with my friend in Ecuador! It really was a memorable experience.”
Aissatou, traveled in August
Colonial Quito introduces visitors to Imbabura's craft markets in Ecuador's highlands. Lake Limpiopungo sits beneath Cotopaxi's snow-capped peak, while Quilotoa's emerald crater and Papallacta's volcanic springs offer high-altitude attractions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Papallacta Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$2,019
8 Days Ecuadorian Adventure, Exploring Nature, Culture, and Wonders
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“a packed schedule seeing all the sites, a mix of small group and personal tours, all transfers very punctual.”
brent, traveled in September
UNESCO-listed colonial Quito leads to Cotopaxi's 5,987m peak in Ecuador's highlands. Otavalo's market showcases Andean culture, while Papallacta's thermal springs at 3,250m and Mindo's cloud forest create diverse experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Papallacta, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake, Cotopaxi National Park, Cotopaxi Volcano, Machachi, Quilotoa, Mindo Valley Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$1,544
Ecuador Biking Spirit 8 Days Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful scenery and accommodation. Highly recommended.”
Ellen, traveled in June
UNESCO Quito connects to Tandayapa's cloud forests and Nangulvi Valley. Sumak Pakari Lodge offers birdwatching, while thousand-year-old Otavalo Market and cycling at Mojanda Lakes at 12,000 ft showcase authentic Andean communities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Quito, Tandayapa, Cotacachi, Otavalo, Tabacundo Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$3,951
Volcano Mountain Bike
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Spent four wonderful days at Tierra del Volcan. Condors, ibis, caracara, peregrine falcons, and smiles all around.”
Shawn, traveled in September
Hacienda El Porvenir welcomes visitors to Ecuador's restored native woods. A 42km trek across Cotopaxi's private trails leads to historic El Tambo refuge, featuring Inca ruins and Andean lakes at 3,800m elevation.
Duration 3 days Destinations Quito, Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range Ages 14+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Tierra del Volcan From
- NZ$1,884
Hiking & Trekking in the Heart of the Ecuadorian Andes - 7 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“They handled everything and booked us in beautiful and charming places. I would highly recommend this company.”
Leslie, traveled in August
Wild horses roam Cotopaxi's territory between colonial Quito and Chimborazo's peak. Rare condors soar above cloud forests, Quilotoa's turquoise crater beckons below, and páramo ecosystems thrive under expert local guidance.
Duration 7 days Destinations Quito, Pasochoa Volcano, Cotopaxi National Park, Isinliví, Quilotoa, Chimborazo Volcano Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Authentic Ecuador From
- NZ$2,931
Duration 3 days Destinations Quito, Cotopaxi Volcano Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Unu Raymi Expeditions From
- NZ$1,637
Ecuador Andean Jewels 10 Days Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Super tour brought us to see important cities of Ecuador and enjoy good views of volcanoes.”
Goldilocks, traveled in April
Colonial Quito launches this journey through 13 mountain communities in Ecuador's Andean Highlands. Cotopaxi National Park's 4500m basecamp and Papallacta's thermal springs lead to UNESCO-listed Cuenca, guided by experts with perfect 5.0+ ratings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, Cayambe, Papallacta, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Riobamba, Chimborazo Volcano, IngapircaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$3,951+$224 local payments
Ecuador Highlights
34 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw everything from waterfalls to the Amazon basin to the highest point on earth. The hotel accommodations were almost all higher class.”
Diane, traveled in September
Colonial Quito marks the starting point through Ecuador's Avenue of Volcanoes. Indigenous markets in Otavalo and historic Cuenca provide cultural depth, while Chimborazo Volcano offers trekking to 16,404ft. Luxury properties and expert guides (4.5+ reviews) enhance the experience.
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Papallacta, Puyo, Rio Verde, Banos, Chimborazo Volcano, Alausi, Ingapirca, Cuenca Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Adventure Journeys From
- NZ$3,789
Ecuador Highland Family Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The views were beautiful, and the before and after drinks were great.”
C., traveled in December
A 4-day family adventure at Hacienda El Porvenir costs approx. $330 per day. NatuFlor's 25-hectare rose farm, traditional cooking lessons, and authentic Chagra cowboy culture create lasting memories. Suitable for ages 4+, featuring horseback riding on Rumiñahui volcano and a thrilling high ropes course at 20ft elevation.
Duration 4 days Destinations Quito, Machachi, Cotopaxi National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Tierra del Volcan From
- NZ$2,474
An Andean Adventure: From the Highlands to the Cloudforest
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect vacation. We stayed for 5 nights and 6 days in Quito and surrounding area including Mindo, Cotopaxi and Otavalo.”
Maria, traveled in June
Duration 10 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Mindo Valley, Cotopaxi National Park, Isinliví, Quilotoa, Banos Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Authentic Ecuador From
- NZ$4,743
Travel Ecuador Andean Highlands your way
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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
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Top Ecuador Andean Highlands travel itineraries to fit your plans
3 Day Itineraries
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers79 tours- Couples99 tours
- Seniors (50+)29 tours
Best time to visit Ecuador Andean Highlands
- Winter 2025 / 2026
- 80 tours
- popular 83 tours
- 80 tours
- Spring 2026
- popular 85 tours
- 82 tours
- 84 tours
- Summer 2026
- popular 82 tours
- 78 tours
- 77 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
- popular 80 tours
- 79 tours
- 77 tours
Contact our Ecuador Andean Highlands travel experts
Rufus
Expert in Ecuador Andean Highlands at TourRadar
Rufus 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!
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+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."