Quito: 5-Day Andes Tour with Quilotoa, Ingapirca and Cuenca

Explore the Andes on a 5-day tour from Quito. Visit the Quilotoa Volcano, Ingapirca, and Cuenca. Discover the secrets of the Cañari and Inca cultures and learn about the toquilla straw hat.
Day 1: Welcome to Quito

Begin your journey with a warm welcome at the “Mariscal Sucre” International Airport. Meet your guide and head to your hotel in modern Quito. Take the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize.
Pick up: Mariscal Sucre airport or hotel in Quito.

Day 2: Quito — Quilotoa — Riobamba

After breakfast, drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to visit the crater lake of the Quilotoa Volcano. Its emerald-green waters lie at 3,600 meters (11,811 ft), offering spectacular views of the Andean foothills.

Hike down to the volcano crater, which takes about 25 minutes downhill. The return hike takes approximately one hour back to the parking lot; if you prefer, you have the option of renting a mule for a more comfortable ascent. After this magical experience, continue to the city of Riobamba.

Day 3: Alausí — Ingapirca — Cuenca

This morning, begin your route toward the town of Alausí, with a special stop at Colta Lake and the historic Balbanera Church, the oldest church in Ecuador, built by the Spanish in 1534. Continue to the impressive Ozogoche Lagoons, a magical natural complex located within Sangay National Park.

Enjoy an overwhelming Andean landscape: dozens of lagoons surrounded by páramo grasslands, silent mountains, and a mystical natural environment perfect for short walks, photography, and deep connection with nature.

After this visit, continue to Ingapirca (open Wednesday to Sunday), the most important archaeological complex in Ecuador, where you will discover the secrets of the Cañari and Inca cultures as you explore ancient temples, ceremonial paths, and stone structures. In the late afternoon, head to the charming city of Cuenca.

Day 4: Cuenca — Guayaquil

Explore the charming cobblestone streets of Cuenca, a city full of history, art, and tradition. Stroll through its elegant plazas decorated with flowers and surrounded by majestic colonial buildings. Visit the New Cathedral, known for its iconic sky-blue domes, and the Old Cathedral, a true historical treasure.

Learn about the fascinating process of making the toquilla straw hat, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. See firsthand how this iconic Ecuadorian accessory is carefully woven.

Enjoy the vibrant local life at Cuenca’s market, where colors, aromas, and flavors invite you to explore Ecuadorian culture. In the afternoon, travel to Guayaquil, where you’ll experience the contrast between the Andean highlands and Ecuador’s warm coastal region.

Day 5: Guayaquil — End of Services

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Take with you unforgettable memories of a journey full of culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences.
Drop off: Hotel in Guayaquil or Jose Joaquin de Olmedo airport.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.