Set out on a captivating journey from Quito to Cuenca, exploring Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes. Over 4 or 5 days, you’ll witness the stunning Cotopaxi volcano, the turquoise waters of Laguna Quilotoa, and the powerful Pailon del Diablo waterfall. Enjoy the rich history at Ingapirca and the colonial charm of Cuenca. With optional spa treatments and visits to local artisan communities, this adventure promises to enchant and inspire. But the true highlight may just be the chance to connect with the diverse culture and natural wonders that make this region so unique.
Key Points
- This 4 or 5 day tour from Quito to Cuenca showcases Ecuador’s natural wonders, including Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, and Chimborazo.
- The comprehensive itinerary covers major highlights like Quito, Baños, Cuenca, and El Cajas National Park, with an optional visit to Piedra de Agua Spa.
- Comfortable transportation options, including SUVs and minibuses, ensure seamless travel, with daily pickups from the hotel or apartment.
- Visitors can explore Cotopaxi National Park, Laguna Quilotoa, Baños waterfalls, La Casa del Arbol, Mount Chimborazo, and the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex.
- The tour also includes a visit to Cajas National Park and a city tour of the UNESCO-listed historic center of Cuenca.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This 4 or 5-day tour from Quito to Cuenca showcases some of Ecuador’s most captivating natural and cultural highlights.
The tour covers key destinations like Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños, and Chimborazo, earning it a 100% traveler recommendation with 38 glowing reviews.
The comprehensive itinerary includes Quito, Baños, Cuenca, El Cajas National Park, and an optional visit to the Piedra de Agua Spa.
Accommodation and comfortable transportation are provided, with the option to start the tour from either Quito or Cuenca.
This highly-rated tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore Ecuador’s diverse landscapes and experiences.
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Transportation and Accommodation
Comfortable transportation options, ranging from SUVs accommodating 2-3 people to minibuses for groups of 7-15, ensure a seamless journey. Guests are picked up from their hotel or apartment at 6:30 am, starting the day right. Three nights of arranged accommodation are included, with an option to extend the stay by an additional night.
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| Nights | 3 – 4 |
| Occupancy | Double |
| Pickup | 6:30 am |
| Transportation | SUV, Minivan, Minibus |
| Group Size | 2-15 |
The tour’s transportation and accommodation options cater to various group sizes, providing a comfortable and convenient experience throughout the journey.
Daily Itinerary
The 4 or 5 day itinerary of the Quito to Cuenca and Cotopaxi Tour begins with a visit to Cotopaxi National Park, where travelers can enjoy views of one of Ecuador’s highest volcanoes.
From there, the tour moves to the stunning Laguna Quilotoa and the Canon del Rio Toachi.
On the second day, participants explore Laguna de Yambo, the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, and the iconic La Casa del Arbol in Baños.
The third day features a visit to Mount Chimborazo, the Iglesia de Balbanera, and the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex before reaching Cuenca.
The final day includes a tour of Cajas National Park and Cuenca’s historic center.
Cotopaxi National Park and Laguna Quilotoa
The tour begins with a visit to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of Ecuador’s highest volcanoes.
Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the park and enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped peak.
From there, the journey continues to Laguna Quilotoa, a breathtaking crater lake known for its vibrant turquoise waters.
Visitors can opt to rent horses for the ascent to the crater’s edge, offering a unique perspective of the lake.
This part of the tour showcases the diverse and awe-inspiring natural landscapes that Ecuador has to offer, setting the stage for the adventures to come.
Banos Waterfalls and La Casa Del Arbol
After exploring the dramatic landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park and Laguna Quilotoa, the tour then takes visitors to the quaint town of Baños, known for its stunning waterfalls and the famous swing at La Casa del Arbol.
Visitors can experience the thrill of the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, a powerful cascade plunging into a deep gorge. The cable car ride offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
No trip to Baños is complete without a visit to La Casa del Arbol, where adventurers can swing out over a ravine, taking in the breathtaking vistas.
- Pailon del Diablo waterfall
- Cable car ride with mountain views
- Swing at La Casa del Arbol
Mount Chimborazo and Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
From Riobamba, the tour continues to the striking Mount Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador. Visitors will explore the Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife. They’ll also visit the Iglesia de Balbanera, an iconic church dating back to the 16th century.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mount Chimborazo | Ecuador’s highest peak at 20,564 feet (6,268 m) |
| Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve | Protected area with diverse flora and fauna |
| Iglesia de Balbanera | Historic 16th century church |
| Ingapirca Archaeological Complex | Largest Inca ruins in Ecuador |
The tour then explores the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex, the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador. Visitors can marvel at the impressive stonework and learn about the site’s rich history and cultural significance.
Cajas National Park and Cuenca City Tour
What awaits travelers on the fourth day of the tour is a visit to the Cajas National Park, a vast protected wilderness area just outside the city of Cuenca.
Hikers can explore the park’s network of trails, taking in the stunning landscapes of glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and lush alpine meadows.
The tour then moves on to Cuenca, Ecuador’s third-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors can wander the historic city center, admiring the colonial architecture, visiting the iconic Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, and taking in panoramic views from the Turi viewpoint.
- Majestic glacial lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks
- Diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Andean condor
- Opportunities for hiking, trekking, and wildlife spotting
Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and Piedra De Agua Spa
On the optional fifth day of the tour, travelers can venture to the charming towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, known for their vibrant artisanal communities.
In Gualaceo, visitors can explore the weekly market, browse handcrafted jewelry and textiles, and learn about the region’s traditional weaving techniques.
In Chordeleg, the focus is on fine jewelry, with a variety of shops showcasing unique gold and silver pieces.
After the culture, the tour offers an opportunity to relax at the Piedra de Agua Spa in Baños, where travelers can indulge in therapeutic treatments before returning to Cuenca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Travel Insurance Included in the Tour Package?
The tour package does not include travel insurance. Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own travel insurance coverage prior to the tour, as it is not provided as part of the tour package.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal Option?
Vegetarian and halal meal options are available on this tour. Travelers can request their dietary preferences when booking the tour, and the tour provider will accommodate them throughout the journey.
How Much Additional Spending Money Should I Bring for the Tour?
For the tour, it’s recommended to bring additional spending money of around $50-$100 per day to cover optional activities, meals not included, and personal expenses. The exact amount can vary based on individual preferences and spending habits.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
There are no specific age restrictions for this tour, though the operator notes a child rate applies when sharing with one paying adult. The tour is open to participants of all ages, subject to parental supervision for minors.
Can I Extend My Stay in Ecuador After the Tour Ends?
Yes, travelers can extend their stay in Ecuador after the tour ends. The tour operator offers the flexibility to add additional nights in Cuenca or other destinations based on the traveler’s preference and schedule.
Recap
This captivating 4 or 5-day journey from Quito to Cuenca showcases Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Travelers can marvel at Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Banos, and Chimborazo, enjoy the colonial charm of Cuenca, and enjoy optional spa treatments and visits to local artisan communities, creating an unforgettable adventure.
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