6-Day Ecuador Highlands: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Ingapirca & Cuenca, Private Tour

Discover Ecuador’s highlands on a 6-day adventure through volcanoes, crater lakes, ancient ruins, and colonial cities. Visit Cotopaxi National Park, the emerald waters of Quilotoa Lagoon, the traditions of Tigua, the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and history in the heart of the Andes.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Cotopaxi National Park: Walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon and admire one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

Tigua Community: Take part in a hands-on painting workshop with local artisans, creating your own Andean-inspired masterpiece.

Quilotoa Lagoon: Marvel at the emerald-green waters of this volcanic crater lake, with the option to hike down to the shore.

Ingapirca: Ecuador’s largest Inca archaeological site, blending Cañari and Inca cultures. The site features the Temple of the Sun, an elliptical stone structure aligned with solar events.

Cuenca: Discover Cuenca’s colonial charm, from its cathedrals to its UNESCO-listed toquilla hat tradition.

Day 1: ARRIVAL QUITO

Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be greeted by an English and Spanish-speaking local guide who will accompany you on a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a warm welcome and the convenience of having a friendly expert to assist you, share local insights, and answer any questions about Ecuador.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: QUITO – COTOPAXI (100km – 2hrs)

Start the day with a pick-up at your hotel from Quito and travel south to explore two Ecuadorian treasures: the vibrant rose plantations and the awe-inspiring Cotopaxi National Park. Discover the process behind Ecuador’s world-famous roses before heading to the high Andes. At Cotopaxi, walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, spot Andean birds, and, if the weather allows, ascend to the José Rivas Refuge (4,800 m). Enjoy a special break with hot herbal tea in the middle of the páramo, with spectacular views of Cotopaxi. Lunch will be served in a cozy mountain lodge.

Overnight in Cotopaxi.

Day 3: COTOPAXI – QUILOTOA – RIOBAMBA (300km – 6hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Journey along the Avenue of the Volcanoes toward Quilotoa. Depending on the day, visit a traditional indigenous market such as Zumbahua or Saquisilí, full of colors and sounds. Continue to the Tigua community, famous for its naïf paintings, where you’ll create your own artwork guided by local artisans. Arrive at Quilotoa Lagoon and choose between hiking down to its turquoise waters or admiring the view from above. Enjoy an Andean lunch in a nearby community before transferring toward Riobamba.

Overnight in Riobamba.

Day 4: RIOBAMBA – INGAPRICA – CUENCA (265km – 5.5hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick-up from your hotel for a full-day journey through the scenic southern highlands toward Cuenca. Our first stop is a small quinoa farm near Guamote, a community project where you’ll learn about the cultivation and processing of this Andean superfood. We then continue to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site. After enjoying lunch at a historic hacienda, you’ll explore the ruins and discover the fascinating history of the Cañari and Inca cultures. The highlight is the elliptical Sun Temple, offering panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.

*Important: Ingapirca is open Wednesday to Sunday. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the visit is replaced with a stop at the Devil’s Nose Viewpoint. Discover the Devil’s Nose Viewpoint in Pistishi, where you’ll enjoy a short walk along local trails and learn about the engineering challenges of the famous railway that zigzags through the Andes.

In the late afternoon, we continue to Cuenca and drop you off at your hotel.

Overnight in Cuenca.

Day 5: CUENCA

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the charm of Cuenca with this exclusive private tour, designed to give you a deeper and more personalized experience of Ecuador’s most elegant colonial city. Your journey begins in the picturesque neighborhood of San Sebastián, home to the Modern Art Museum, followed by a stroll through the colorful Flower Market and the city’s main square, Parque Calderón, surrounded by architectural treasures. Admire the Old Cathedral (El Sagrario) and the impressive New Cathedral, one of the largest in Latin America, as well as other iconic buildings in French-influenced republican style. The tour continues with a fascinating visit to the Homero Ortega Toquilla Straw Hat Factory, where you’ll see firsthand how the world-renowned Panama hats are carefully woven. Next, walk along El Barranco, where colonial and modern houses overlook the scenic Tomebamba River, blending history, culture, and nature in perfect harmony. Finally, ascend to the Turi Viewpoint, the best place to take in sweeping views of the valley, with its red-tiled rooftops, blue-domed churches, and the dramatic backdrop of the Andes mountains. 

TUI Wow Moments: Handmade Pottery Showroom – Discover the artistry of Cerámica Vega, Cuenca’s most iconic pottery workshop: For generations, the Vega family has transformed clay into true works of art, fusing ancestral techniques with innovative designs. As you stroll through the vibrant showroom, you’ll be captivated by hand-painted tiles, elegant vases, and unique ceramic pieces that celebrate Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage. Every creation tells a story, making it the perfect place to find an unforgettable keepsake from Cuenca.

Overnight in Cuenca.

Day 6: CUENCA DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Mariscal Lamar International Airport for your departure flight. End your journey with unforgettable memories of Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences.