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Day 1 : Arrive in Guayaquil
Arrive at the airport, where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Guayaquil.
Overnight in Hotel del Parque, Guayaquil
Meal plan: n/a
Journey through Ecuador's fascinating history and sublime landscape as you discover some of the country's most iconic sights. Explore the rich industrial history of vibrant Guayaquil, the country's largest city, before stepping into the wilderness to marvel at majestic Andean condors soaring over the striking mountain and lagoon scenery of El Cajas National Park. Wander the picturesque UNESCO-heritage centre of Cuenca and immerse yourself in traditional Ecuadorian craftsmanship in the artisan towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg. Uncover the fascinating Inca history in the lost cities of Pumapungo and Ingapirca. Take a seat on the thrilling Devil's Nose train journey and discover breath-taking waterfalls hidden within the jungle as you journey to the adventurous town of Baños. Experience the bustle of the authentic Saquisilí market, amble across the rolling Andean pastures, and stand before Ecuador's towering volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park. Finally, discover the bustling capital of Quito, and observe the elegant Spanish architecture as you stroll down quaint cobbled streets.
Guayaquil - El Cajas National Park - Cuenca - Pumapungo Ruins - Gualaceo - Chordeleg - Ingapirca Ruins - Devil's Nose Train - Baños - Valle de Patate - Cotopaxi National Park - Quilotoa Lagoon - Quito
Arrive at the airport, where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Guayaquil.
Overnight in Hotel del Parque, Guayaquil
Meal plan: n/a
Tour the city of Guayaquil, where you will see Parque Centenario, before continuing to Guayaquil's original fire station to see some of the surviving wooden buildings from the beginning of the 20th century. Later, visit the river-front esplanade, the malecón, and see the old market hall, Las Peñas, which lies at the foothills of Santa Ana. Drive to El Cajas National Park, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Explore the wetlands of El Cajas, spotting endemic flora and fauna. Continue the drive to El Turi viewpoint near Cuenca, then check in to your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Cuenca.
Overnight in Hotel Santa Lucia, Cuenca
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
We start our day with a city tour in this colonial town. We visit the historical centre of Cuenca on foot, including the Old and New Cathedrals, the famed local flower market and a Panama hat workshop to see how these iconic hats are created. We visit the ruins of Pumapungo, which formed an important archaeological complex during the Inca Empire. After this, we have free time to enjoy the city. Overnight in Cuenca.
Overnight in Hotel Santa Lucia, Cuenca
Meal plan: Breakfast
Today we head out of Cuenca to visit some of the smaller villages in the region. Our first stop is at a typical Ecuadorian home, where we will share herbal tea with a local family. Continue on to a guitar workshop, where we will see how these instruments are made from start to finish. Later, arrive at Chordeleg, renowned for its ceramics, gold and silver jewellery. We will visit a local jewellery workshop and spend time browsing in the shops. Drive to Gualaceo, where we will visit an orchid garden and wander through the market. A local artisan at a textiles workshop will show us the materials and plant-based dyes they use and how the shawls are woven. We will return to Cuenca where the evening is free. Overnight in Cuenca.
Overnight in Hotel Santa Lucia, Cuenca
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Today we leave Cuenca and start our journey to the northern highlands. Our first stop is Ingapirca Ruins, the most important Inca ruins in Ecuador. Then we head north to Chimborazo province for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit the Chimborazo National Park to learn about the unique flora and fauna of this ecosystem (known as 'páramo', or moorland), which has adapted to extreme weather conditions and abrupt changes in temperature. Finally, we head to our hotel for a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Riobamba.
Overnight in Hacienda Abraspungo, Riobamba
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
After breakfast, we travel to Alausí to catch the Devil's Nose train, one of the greatest feats of early 20th century engineering. In the afternoon, we head to Baños, check in to our hotel then have free time to enjoy the town with its central plaza, cathedral and verdant setting. Overnight in Baños.
Overnight in Hotel Volcano, Baños
Meal plan: Breakfast
Today we drive out to the region's waterfalls, through the jungles and deep into the Pastaza River gorge. We visit the Parroquia Rio Verde, where we will walk for approximately 20 minutes across the cloud forest to see the magnificent Pailón del Diablo waterfall. After lunch, the afternoon is free for you to explore Baños, with its many adventure activities and walks, at your leisure.
Overnight in Hotel Volcano, Baños
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Today, we say goodbye to Baños and head to the nearby Valle de Patate, famous for its production of fruits and vegetables. Here we will visit a hacienda and board a carriage pulled by a tractor to visit the surroundings. In the hacienda's organic garden, we will have the opportunity to handpick ingredients in preparation for our next activity: a cooking lesson with an Ecuadorian chef, who will teach us how to prepare one or two traditional dishes. After lunch, which will include the dishes we have prepared, we will head to Cotopaxi National Park and visit the interpretation centre to learn about the region's flora and fauna, before checking in to our hotel.
Overnight in Hosteria Tambopaxi, Cotopaxi National Park
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
In the morning we head deep into Cotopaxi National Park, visiting Limpiopungo Lagoon and the Inca ruins of Pucará de Salitre (a lookout fortress used to control the communication route between the highlands and the Amazon Rainforest). If the weather is good we will be treated to some beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes: Cotopaxi, Sincholagua, Pasachoa and (if we're very lucky) Antisana. We will head north to have lunch at Hacienda El Porvenir then hike to see orchids in Santa Rita canyon.
Overnight in Hosteria Tambopaxi, Cotopaxi National Park
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Today we visit the traditional highland town of Saquisilí, located in the foothills of the Illinizas Volcano, which hosts a weekly market. We will continue on to the magnificent Quilotoa Lagoon to enjoy a gentle hike and the wonderful views. We will then head to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. We will check in to our hotel and then have free time.
Overnight in La Casona de la Ronda, Quito
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Spend the morning touring the historic city centre of Quito. Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional and walk the iconic Inca street known as Calle de las Siete Cruces to the Plaza de la Independencia, where you will see La Catedral de Quito. Visit the Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús, before reaching Plaza de San Francisco. Enjoy a traditional lunch then experience Ecuadorian chocolate at a tasting. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Quito at your leisure. Overnight in Quito.
Overnight in La Casona de la Ronda, Quito
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight or to continue your exploration of Ecuador.
Please note: If you are interested in an extension to the Galápagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest or other places in Ecuador, please contact us for more information.
Meal plan: Breakfast
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
Guayaquil's first luxury boutique hotel, the Hotel del Parque is set within a restored 19th century property within the Parque Histórico. It overlooks the Daule River and is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens. Each room is stylishly decorated in a colonial style and is equipped with modern amenities, including air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions and en suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine in the onsite restaurant overlooking the river.
Set in a grand 19th century house, Hotel Santa Lucia provides comfortable accommodation in the charming Old Town district of Cuenca. Each room is stylishly designed with opulent Baroque influences, finished with wooden floors, luxurious fabrics and period furnishing, while still equipped with modern amenities. Traditional and international dishes are available at the three restaurants, and many of the city's main historic attractions are just a short walk away.
Located just outside the centre of Riobamba and surrounded by the Andes, Hacienda Abraspungo provides peaceful accommodation in a beautiful countryside setting. Using a traditional 'mestizo' architectural style, the house features elegant colonial décor and is furnished with ancestral farming objects. Each room is stylishly finished, complete with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available and the restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes.
Located nearby De La Virgen thermal, Hotel Volcano offers beautiful panoramic views over Baños. Each room has private en suite facilities and is equipped with modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Guests are welcome to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, relax in the garden and dine on regional dishes in the Restaurante Volcano.
Surrounded by the volcanoes of the Cordillera de los Andes, Hosteria Tambopaxi in Cotopaxi National Park is a comfortable mountain lodge that welcomes guests in search of adventure, well-being or relaxation. Hosteria Tambopaxi lies at an altitude of 3,750m, and offers a pleasant restaurant, cabins with private bathrooms and a camping area. It has a spectacular landscape, not only of the Andean páramo with its abundant flora and fauna, but also of the greatest volcanic region of Ecuador, making it the first choice for expert geologists, mountain climbers and visitors.
Situated in Quito's historic centre and set within a renovated colonial house built in 1738, La Casona de la Ronda provides comfortable boutique accommodation. Each room is stylishly decorated with traditional wooden furniture and parquet floors, and equipped with modern amenities including plasma TVs and free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax with a drink in the garden or on the terrace, while a variety of dining options are available nearby.
Birds and endemic wildlife of the eastern Galápagos Islands
Incredible wildlife of the western Galápagos Islands
Colonial gems and the awe-inspiring Avenue of Volcanoes
Cloud forest and hidden highlands of Ecuador
Susanne & Madeleine Bradley , Tailormade Ecuador & GalapagosI have travelled a number of times with Travel the Unknown and will always look at their offering first before even visiting the website of any other tour operator, because I am confident that their trips are well organised, and their itineraries cleverly put together to display the culture as well as the natural beauty and uniqueness of the country visited. They allow me to feel like a traveller not a tourist .
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