12 Days Andes and Coast

12 days
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Private Guided
Embarking on a journey from the Andes to the Coast in Ecuador promises an unforgettable adventure through diverse landscapes and captivating destinations. Starting in the bustling city of Guayaquil, visitors can delve into its vibrant culture, exploring its historic neighborhoods and savoring its delectable cuisine. From there, the journey takes us to Puerto ...
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Coastal Bliss in Puerto Lopez: The trip offers a chance to bask in the coastal bliss of Puerto Lopez, where pristine beaches, azure waters, and a vibrant fishing village create a serene and idyllic atmosphere. From whale-watching tours to indulging in fresh seafood, this coastal gem is a highlight of the journey.
    • Exploring Ecuador's Capital, Quito: Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Ecuador's capital city, Quito. With its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, colonial architecture, and bustling markets, Quito offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity.
    • Majestic Cotopaxi National Park: Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Cotopaxi National Park, home to the magnificent Cotopaxi volcano. Embark on breathtaking hikes through picturesque landscapes, surrounded by unique flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the captivating wonders of the Andean highlands.
    • Cultural Immersion in Otavalo: Immerse yourself in the vibrant indigenous culture of Otavalo, famous for its bustling market. Get lost in a maze of colorful textiles, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional artwork while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the local Otavaleño community.
    • Scenic Andean Landscapes: Throughout the journey, travelers will be treated to stunning views of the Andean landscapes, with towering peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque villages dotting the route. The journey itself becomes a highlight as the ever-changing scenery leaves an indelible impression of Ecuador's natural beauty.

What's this trip about?

    Embarking on a journey from the Andes to the Coast in Ecuador promises an unforgettable adventure through diverse landscapes and captivating destinations. Starting in the bustling city of Guayaquil, visitors can delve into its vibrant culture, exploring its historic neighborhoods and savoring its delectable cuisine. From there, the journey takes us to Puerto Lopez, a charming coastal town known for its pristine beaches and abundant marine life. Here, one can embark on a thrilling whale-watching tour or indulge in the freshest seafood delicacies. Next, we venture to Quito, the country's captivating capital nestled amidst the Andean peaks. Exploring its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, with its colonial architecture and vibrant markets, offers a glimpse into Ecuador's rich history and indigenous traditions. As we continue our expedition, we find ourselves at the majestic Cotopaxi National Park, where the towering Cotopaxi volcano dominates the horizon. Hiking through its picturesque landscapes, surrounded by paramo grasslands and endemic wildlife, provides a breathtaking experience. Finally, our journey concludes in the enchanting town of Otavalo, renowned for its indigenous market overflowing with vibrant textiles, handicrafts, and traditional artwork. Immersing ourselves in this vibrant cultural hub is a perfect way to wrap up our incredible trip. From the Andes to the Coast, this remarkable adventure offers a tapestry of natural wonders, cultural encounters, and unforgettable memories

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityGuayaquil
End CityQuito

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • Family Friendly
  • High Adventure
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • South America
  • Ecuador

Attractions

  • Cotopaxi National Park
  • Guayaquil
  • Otavalo
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Quilotoa Lagoon

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Kayaking
  • Kid-friendly activities
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Whale watching
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • 11 nights of lodging
    • Entrances to all the activities listed on the itinerary

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE PEARL OF THE PACIFIC: ARRIVAL IN GUAYAQUIL

Feel the elevation shift in Guayaquil on the Guayas River estuary at 13.2 feet (4m) above sea level. Check in to your hotel and then take a leisurely walk around the city to see some of its neighborhoods. Starting in Las Peñas—with its brightly-colored wooden houses—s...

DAY 2: THE PEARL OF THE PACIFIC: HIGHLIGHT SITES OF THE CITY OF GUAYAQUIL

Today you are going on a city tour visiting highlight family friend sites to get to know the history and culture of the Ecuadorian coast. Start with a visit to Seminario Park, a very popular meeting point for young Ecuadorian lovers. Furthermore, this little park is w...

DAY 3: CHURUTE MANGROVE RESERVE

Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve is located in the Guayas Province of Ecuador. In the morning we leave Guayaquil and drive west some 25 miles (40 km) to the 86,589-acre (350.41 km2) nature reserve. This is the largest reserve of red and black mangroves in Ecuador,...

DAY 4: TRANSFER FROM GUAYAQUIL TO PUERTO LOPEZ

After a full day of activities, private transportation will pick you up and take you to Puerto Lopez, make sure to have your camera ready as this is a scenic drive through the coast of Ecuador! Afternoon is at leisure

Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Puerto Lopez

DAY 5: SAILING THE ECUADORIAN BEACH OF PUERTO LOPEZ

After a delicious breakfast with breath taking views of the Pacific Ocean, you will embark on a morning adventure sailing the coast of Puerto Lopez. You will discover how a sailboat works, learn how to handle it and enjoy the wonders that surround Machalilla National ...

DAY 6: DAY AT LEISURE IN PUERTO LOPEZ

A day at leisure in Puerto Lopez is a blissful escape into a coastal paradise. As the sun rises over the tranquil waters of the Pacific Ocean, a gentle breeze carries the refreshing scent of salt in the air. Strolling along the golden sandy beaches, one can feel the s...

DAY 7: Transfer from Manta to Puerto Lopez

After a full day of activities, private transportation will pick you up and take you to Manta, where your  river will take you to the airport so you can take your flight to Quito Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Quito

DAY 8: COLONIAL QUITO CITY TOUR & MITAD DEL MUNDO (MIDDLE OF THE WORLD) MONUMENT

Start in Independence Square to see La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, or La Compañía—a 17th- century volcanic-rock-, cedar-, and gilt-decorated-church. Next, visit La Basílica y Convento de San Francisco, or "el San Francisco," considered Ecuador's most important ch...

DAY 9: QUITO - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, you will leave Quito and head South to Cotopaxi National Park. You will visit Lake Limpiopungo, located in the highlands of the park. Here, you will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano's gigantic cone. Lake Limpiopungo offers a variety of bird...

DAY 10: ALPACA ENCOUNTER AT QUILOTOA LAGOON

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, accompanied by an expert guide, visit Quilotoa Lagoon—a blue-green volcanic crater lake that sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. Make stops at a quiet village and local...

DAY 11: EXPLORING LOCAL CULTURE: OTAVALO MARKET & HIKE THE CUICOCHA LAKE

Wake up early to enjoy the biggest indigenous city in Ecuador and home of the well-known indigenous market where artisans come to sell colorful textiles and other traditional goods. Snack on fruits and other snacks while you browse the stalls for paintings, carvings, ...

DAY 12: DEPARTURE

On your final day in Ecuador, take some time to savor the beauty and charm of Quito, the vibrant capital city. Before your departure, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders that grace this historic city.

Stroll through the colo...

End of our services.

Please read all routes as a guide only. All routes and programs are subject to change without notice due to national park regulations, weather conditions, natural events, seasonal changes, or safety reasons. Flexibility is the key to the success of every tour. The safety of our passengers is our top priority.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,170
Price per day$264
Last Updated: 4/26/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Responsible Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Responsible Travel Reviews & Ratings

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Other Responsible Travel Reviews

J

Jamie R.

Dec 2023

We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise.

We just returned from a wonderful 3-week trip in Ecuador that included Quito, Amazon jungle, touring down the Andes to Cuenca, and Galapagos cruise. Our travel agent...

J

Jessica S.

Sep 2023

Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing!

Alvaro helped me and my husband plan our honeymoon trip to Ecuador and it was amazing! Our guides were very kind and knowledgeable. We learned not only about the are...

M

Mathew S.

Jul 2023

We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We had the most amazing trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the initial interaction and Alvaro all the way through to o...

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Tour Operator

Responsible Travel

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We are a team full of travel enthusiasts with 13+ years of experience, ready to support and help you find the best out of your Trip.

We understand that travel is becoming an important part of people's desires and we are happy to help all travelers who want memories.

Alexander Humboldt admired and studied the diversity of nature along the equator during his American journey from 1799 to 1804. Subsequently, the world-famous Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 and was inspired to write his theory of evolution by their unique nature, flora, and fauna.

By traveling to Ecuador with Ecuador Galapagos Travels, you will be inspired by the country’s unique landscapes and diverse civilizations. Discover the wonders of the animal and plant worlds evolving on the Galapagos archipelago; immerse yourself in extraordinary and ancient cultures that have survived the ages while traveling through the Amazon basin and the Andean highlands; enjoy trekking through pristine national parks and horseback riding in the shadow of glaciated mountain peaks; or make new friends during a Spanish language course in Quito.

To guarantee that your expectations of Ecuador are fulfilled, Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Team specialize in tailor-made travel services to fit your every need, whether in the Amazon, the Andes, the coast, or the Galapagos Islands. From hotels to jungle excursions, Andean peaks to Galapagos cruises, and palm-fringed beaches to paramo hikes, we will help you realize your goals, escape the mundane, and get great care for your tailored vacation on the equator.

We warmly welcome you to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights
    • Domestic flights to Galapagos Islands
    • Meals not listed on the itinerary
    • Wetsuits
    • Tips & gratuities
    • Personal expenses
    • Travel insurance

Accommodation

,Guayaquil: River Garden Hotel 1 Double Room (1 or 2 Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities) Puerto Lopez Villa Nautilus 1 Double Room (1 or 2 Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities) Quito Ikala Hotel 1 Double Room (1 or 2 Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities) Cotopaxi El Provenir 1 Double Room (1 or 2 Beds with Private Bathroom and amenities)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 11 Breakfast
  • 0 Box Lunch
  • 0 Lunch
  • 0 Dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
respon-respon-DaAnCo

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