A 14-day mainland circuit through Quito, Otavalo, the Amazon foothills, Baños, Cotopaxi, the Quilotoa Loop, and the UNESCO city of Cuenca — Ecuador's culture and landscapes without the Galapagos crossing. This route is entirely within mainland Ecuador — no islands, no other countries — moving from Quito through the northern Andes, the Amazon-edge town of Archidona, and south to Baños, Cotopaxi, and Cuenca.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
A private guide, driver, and vehicle for the entire trip, with hotels pre-arranged at every overnight stop — the pace and any optional stops can still be shaped around your group.
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Arrival
Arrival pickup at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
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Day 1 — Quito
Airport transfer and hotel check-in, with optional time to explore the historic centre.
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Day 2 — Quito
A cultural and historic tour including Plaza de la Independencia, colonial sites, and the Middle of the World / Intiñan Equator Museum.
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Day 3 — Quito to Otavalo
A pastry stop in Cayambe, the Otavalo indigenous artisan market, Cotacachi leather goods, and Cuicocha Lagoon.
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Day 4 — Otavalo to Papallacta
Unwind in thermal hot springs heated by the Antisana Volcano at 3,300m altitude.
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Day 5 — Papallacta to Archidona
A boat transfer along the Arajuno River to your lodge, followed by an evening nocturnal jungle hike.
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Day 6 — Archidona
A visit to a parrot clay lick, a guided rainforest hike, and a Kichwa community visit with traditional drink and dance.
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Day 7 — Archidona to Baños
A three-to-four-hour journey with stops at the Pailón del Diablo and Manto de la Novia waterfalls, and time at Baños's hot springs.
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Day 8 — Baños
Self-directed exploration of waterfalls and city attractions, with optional adventure activities.
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Day 9 — Baños to Cotopaxi
A hike in Cotopaxi National Park with views of the snow-capped volcano.
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Day 10 — Cotopaxi / Quilotoa Loop
Hiking at the Quilotoa Crater Lake, indigenous markets in Saquisilí or Pujilí, and a visit to Zumbahua Canyon.
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Day 11 — Cotopaxi to Riobamba
A scenic drive along the Avenue of Volcanoes with a stop at the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve.
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Day 12 — Riobamba to Cuenca
A tour of the Ingapirca Incan ruins before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca.
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Day 13 — Cuenca
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a Panama Hat Factory, museums, markets, and plazas.
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Day 14 — Cuenca to Quito
An internal flight to Quito and a transfer to the international airport for departure.
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Departure
The trip ends with an internal flight from Cuenca back to Quito, then a transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for your departure flight.
What's Included
A private vehicle and driver, just for your group
A professional, knowledgeable local guide
Hotels and transport arranged for every day of the trip
Pacing and optional stops shaped around your group
All tolls, parking, and fuel
What's Not Included
Attraction admission tickets, unless noted as included
Meals and snacks
Gratuities for your guide or driver
Personal expenses
Why Book a Private Tour With Voyzo?
Your group only — never combined with strangers
Crowded 50+ seat group buses
Fully custom stops, built around you
A fixed script with no flexibility
Door-to-door pickup, wherever you're staying
Meeting at a fixed public meeting point
Direct, transparent pricing — no marketplace markup
Third-party booking fees
Important Information
Know Before You Book
Group size can range from 1 to 56 guests — we match the vehicle to your party.
Pricing depends on group size, vehicle, and tour length, and is confirmed after your quote request.
Tour duration is flexible — the times shown are a typical starting point.
Know Before You Go
We'll confirm your exact pickup time and vehicle details after booking.
Bring a camera, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate layers.
Your arrival flight details are required to confirm the itinerary.
Special Requests
Mobility needs, dietary notes, or accessibility requirements? Let us know when requesting your quote and we'll arrange accordingly.
Traveling with young children or larger groups — just tell us, and we'll recommend the right vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — this is a mainland-only itinerary focused on Ecuador's Andes, Amazon fringe, and colonial cities. Ask us about pairing it with a separate Galapagos extension.
Most days include a guided walk or hike of a few hours; the Quilotoa and Cotopaxi stops offer both full hikes and shorter, easier alternatives.
Archidona sits at the edge of the Amazon basin and is reached by a short boat transfer, but retains comfortable lodge accommodation throughout.
You'll take a short internal flight from Cuenca to Quito before your international connection — no long overland transfer.
Once your quote is accepted, we'll confirm your exact pickup time, vehicle, and driver details by email ahead of your tour date.
Yes — reach out to our team any time before your tour and we'll do our best to accommodate itinerary or schedule changes.
Not quite what you're looking for?
Every Voyzo tour is a starting point — tell us what you have in mind and we'll build it.