8-Day Mainland Ecuador: Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Cuenca & Guayaquil, Private Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through the heart of mainland Ecuador, where majestic volcanoes, colorful Andean communities, and charming colonial cities await. From the snow-capped Cotopaxi and turquoise Quilotoa Lagoon to the mystical ruins of Ingapirca and the cobblestoned streets of Cuenca, this journey combines nature, history, and culture in perfect harmony.

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.

Cajas National Park: A sanctuary of over 200 glacial lakes, dramatic highland landscapes, and unique Andean wildlife. An unmissable experience for nature lovers and hikers alike.

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

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on an exclusive private city tour, combining history, culture, flavors, and breathtaking views. Your day begins in the Historic Center, where cobblestone streets and lively squares reveal the charm of Ecuador’s capital. Visit the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional and, if you wish, climb its towers for an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. Continue to the golden interiors of La Compañía de Jesús, a baroque masterpiece blending indigenous cosmovision with religious art. Then, ascend El Panecillo Hill, crowned by the iconic Winged Virgin, guardian of Quito’s skyline. Then, you will have time to enjoy lunch. 

TUI Wow Moments: Chocolate Tasting in Quito’s Historic Center – The experience goes beyond architecture and history, inviting you to indulge in the rich flavors of Ecuadorian single-origin chocolate. Discover why the country is home to some of the world’s finest cacao as you savor a guided tasting that highlights its unique aromas and textures. A delightful 20-minute activity that blends culture with flavor.

In the afternoon, travel north to the Middle of the World, where you will visit the interactive Intiñan Museum and stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Before returning, stop at the Pululahua Crater for a breathtaking panoramic view of one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world.

Overnight in Quito.

Day 3: 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 4: 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 5: RIOBAMBA – INGAPRICA – CUENCA (265km – 5.5hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Travel through the southern highlands to Cuenca. First, visit a quinoa project in Guamote and learn about the cultivation of this Andean superfood. Continue to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site, featuring the impressive Sun Temple. Enjoy lunch at a historic hacienda before exploring the ruins. Arrive in Cuenca in the evening.

*Important: Ingapirca is open Wednesday to Sunday. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the visit is replaced with a stop at the Devil’s Nose Viewpoint in Pistishi. 

Overnight in Cuenca.

Day 6: CUENCA

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the charm of Cuenca with a private guided tour, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. The journey begins in the picturesque neighborhood of San Sebastián, home to the Modern Art Museum. We then continue to the vibrant Flower Market and Parque Calderón, the city’s central square surrounded by remarkable architecture. Here you’ll admire the Old Cathedral (El Sagrario), the majestic New Cathedral, considered the largest in Latin America, the Court of Justice, and elegant French-inspired republican buildings that reflect Cuenca’s rich history. Next, we visit the world-renowned Homero Ortega Toquilla Straw Hat Factory, where you’ll witness the fascinating process behind the crafting of Ecuador’s finest Panama hats, combining ancestral tradition with modern style. The tour continues with a stroll along El Barranco, where colonial houses, modern architecture, and the scenic Tomebamba River create a unique urban landscape. Finally, we ascend to the Turi Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s red-tiled rooftops, blue domes, and the valley framed by majestic Andean mountains.

TUI Wow Moments: Handmade Pottery showroom – Step into Cerámica Vega, one of Cuenca’s most renowned pottery workshops. For generations, the Vega family has combined traditional techniques with modern artistry to create unique hand-painted tiles, decorative vases, and functional ceramics. Strolling through the showroom feels like entering a living gallery that reflects the cultural heritage and artistic soul of Cuenca.

Overnight in Cuenca.

Day 7: CUENCA – GUAYAQUIL (196km – 3.5hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Cuenca toward Guayaquil, with a visit to Cajas National Park along the way. Walk through the cloud forest of Llaviuco, enjoy panoramic views from Tres Cruces, and hike for 2.5 hours from Toreadora Lake through highland grasslands and enchanted forests. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue descending toward the coast, arriving in Guayaquil in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Guayaquil.

Day 8: GUAYAQUIL DEPARURE

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End your journey with unforgettable memories of Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences.