Complete Ecuador Highlights

We start our tour at the perfect place to begin, on the Equator! Take your picture at the “Mitad del Mundo” monument as you stand simultaneously in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. During our next stop at Museum “Intiñan”, you will see for yourself the uniqueness of this midpoint of the Earth.

Our first stop will be in Cayambe where we will taste the town’s famous bizcochos, traditional biscuits cooked over an open fire. From there we head toward Otavalo whilst admiring the beautiful landscape of San Pablo Lake. Once in Otavalo, you will discover the most famous indigenous artisanal market in Ecuador. You will have free time to explore and purchase local handicrafts, and your guide will explain the local indigenous culture.  We will continue to the town of Cotacachi, which is famous for its leather market, then onward to the beautiful Cuicocha lagoon.

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As one of the highest active snow-capped volcanoes in the world at 5,897 m (19,347 ft), Cotopaxi’s symmetric cone rises from a vast plain that is home to llamas, condors, and herds of wild horses. Cotopaxi National Park tour is an exciting day that begins with spectacular views of the unique Andean landscape in the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Inside the national park, we hike up to the refuge, which is situated at 4,800 m (15,748 ft) on the Cotopaxi snowline.

Depending on conditions we will then hike up to 5,000 m (16,400 ft) where it can be possible to see the glacier. This tour goes to a height of 4,800 m-5,000 m (15,748-16,400 ft), so you must be prepared for this kind of altitude. We recommend acclimatizing at least two days prior around 3,000 m (9,840 ft).

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Ever growing in popularity and understandably so, Quilotoa is a must-see when visiting Ecuador. This volcanic crater is filled with crystal-blue water and holds a special place in local indigenous mythology for being bottomless. Along the drive to reach the crater you will pass by local markets in Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujilí (Sundays) where you will gain an appreciation for the indigenous way of life. You’ll also pass through the canyon of Zumbahua which makes for a great photo opportunity and near there you will visit an indigenous family. When you reach Quilotoa, you can walk down from the rim to the water’s edge and appreciate its beauty up close for yourself. The hike back up is fairly steep, and you have the option to walk up or ride a mule up for a few extra dollars.

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Beautiful waterfalls and lush forests surround the tranquil town of Baños. It is known as the ‘Gateway to the Amazon’ as it is located on the Pastaza River in the High Amazon Basin. Also, a major religious center with Catholic believers said that the Virgin Mary appeared near the waterfalls to protect the city from natural disasters. This is because the city is overshadowed by the highly active Tungurahua volcano. During your day in Baños, you begin by visiting the magical waterfalls of Pailón del Diablo and you will use a cable car across a ravine to see Manto de la Novia up close in person.

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Spend two days in a jungle lodge on the shores of Ecuador’s majestic river Napo, just under the eastern slopes of the Andes. Perched comfortably above the riverbank in the small Quichua Indian village of Ahuano, the refuge overlooks a vast tropical rainforest. You will have plenty of time to explore the river Napo by boat or to walk through the jungle on one of many trails. After these activities, we will head toward Riobamba,

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Today you visit Ecuador´s highest mountain, the impressive Chimborazo volcano (6,268 m/20,564 ft). The peak is the farthest point from the center of the Earth due to the bulge in the Earth´s surface around the equator. Chimborazo National Park is also unique because it is home to the beautiful Vicuña, a relative of the llama and alpaca, an animal that was protected by the Incas during their rule.

We drive up to the first refuge and from there walk to the second refuge. You will gain an appreciation for the enormity of the volcano and take in views of the surrounding highlands. Along the drive to and from the national park, you will also gain insight into the life of the local indigenous people.

Alausí is a small charming town in the south of the Ecuadorian Andes. It is from here that you begin your journey on the Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) train which has been named the ´most difficult railway in the world due to the zigzagging track along the side of a steep mountain to descend to the town of Sibambe, at the bottom of the valley. Here you will be greeted by indigenous people and have the chance to learn about their customs and traditions as well as the history of the railway which used to be the only section of the railway that connected coastal Ecuador to the highlands.

The most impressive and important pre-Columbian ruins in Ecuador are the Ingapirca ruins, meaning ‘Inca stone
wall’. At the complex, you will find stone foundations structured in the famous Incan style without the use of mortar. The Temple of the Sun, also known as The Castle, is well-preserved and serves as the main highlight. Without a doubt, you will be impressed by the Inca´s architectural skills and abilities. You will also learn about the spiritual and cultural history of one of the world’s most powerful and successful empires.

A favorite for many, the colonial city of Cuenca is a beautiful and charming gem in the southern Ecuadorian Andes. Your tour will take you to the most important and interesting sights such as the picturesque and traditional neighborhood of San Sebastian, the Modern Art Museum, Calderon Park, the flower market, and the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.

In the afternoon you will visit a Paja Toquilla hat factory, as known as the Panama hat, where you will observe the process of making the finest hats possible. From there you will enjoy a walk alongside the river and be able to take in the charming architecture that lines the river banks. To finish the day you visit the Mirador de Turi, a scenic viewpoint where your camera will get one final workout.

Walking the streets of Ecuador’s largest city, you will be able to see the main sights. Guayaquil is a bustling port city that plays a critical role in the country´s economy however it has a lot to offer in a day visit. You will visit Simon Bolivar Park where you will be overwhelmed by iguanas sunbathing on the grass and climbing trees.

From there you will explore El Malecón, the boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River, which has become the focal point of the city. Passing along this you will end up in the charming colonial neighborhood of Las Peñas. Here you can stroll the quiet streets and have great photo opportunities.

Spend an unforgettable eight day-trip on a private yacht visiting the Galapagos Archipelago.
Start each day on a different island, with hikes and snorkeling just off the magnificent beaches. Learn about the different species and their process of evolution from knowledgeable and bilingual guides.

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• All Gulliver cars come with advanced satellite tracking devices to control position and speed, or for extra safety in an unlikely case of an accident. Every car has full insurance. We always make sure to fulfill the highest security and safety standards for all our clients.

• You must have current travel insurance including personal medical insurance. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.

• We put all our effort into organizing the tour, therefore cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours notice. A 50% refund will be given back. Cancellations will not be refunded with a shorter time notice.

• Please note tips for our guides are not included in the price.