Ecuador · Hiking

7-Day Ecuador Adventure Tour from Quito to Baños and Otavalo

7 Days Round trip from Quito Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore UNESCO-listed Quito's historic churches, plazas, and lively streets
02 Stand at Mitad del Mundo on the Equator line near Quito
03 Browse Otavalo's famous indigenous market and shop for traditional crafts in Cotacachi
04 Stroll along the volcanic crater lake of Cuicocha with insights into its flora, fauna, and history
05 Visit Quilotoa's vast mineral-rich crater lagoon and hike along its rim
06 Experience Baños de Agua Santa's hot springs, waterfalls, and the iconic Swing at the End of the World

Embark on a journey through Ecuador's cultural and natural wonders, from UNESCO-listed Quito and its colonial landmarks to the Equator Monument at Mitad del Mundo. Explore Otavalo's vibrant indigenous market, browse traditional crafts in Cotacachi, and stroll along the volcanic shores of Cuicocha Lake. Continue to the picturesque Quilotoa lagoon before discovering Baños de Agua Santa, home to mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and the iconic Casa del Arbol swing. The adventure ends with a visit to the majestic Pailón del Diablo Waterfall before your departure from Ecuador.

You will have the chance to see it all from the Swing at the End of the World, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Quito, Quilotoa Lake, Baños de Agua Santa, Puyo, Otavalo, Cotacachi

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Welcome to UNESCO-listed Quito

The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at 9,350 ft (2,850 m).
It welcomes visitors with picturesque plazas set between mountain peaks.
The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, and fourth-generation hat makers.
It also boasts a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

Meals included: None.

Day 02

Colonial Quito and Mitad del Mundo

Today, after breakfast, your English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a walking city tour.
You will visit Plaza Grande and the beautiful churches of La Compañía and La Basílica, then walk down Quito's oldest street, La Ronda.
Afterward, you will visit the equatorial monument, Mitad del Mundo, located just 26 km (16 miles) north of Quito, where French scientists determined the position of the central line many years ago.
You will explore the museum exhibits, including a planetarium, ethnographic museum, art exhibits, a small-scale model of Quito city, an old train station, a beer museum, cocoa and chocolate exhibits, and a small chapel, for an unforgettable experience.
Then you will continue to Otavalo.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 03

Otavalo Market, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha Lake

Wake up early to enjoy the biggest indigenous city in Ecuador and home of the well-known indigenous market, where artisans come to sell colourful textiles and other traditional goods.
Snack on fruits and other treats while browsing stalls for paintings, carvings, hand-painted bowls, and more.
Enjoy some street food - try salted mango or fritada con mote (fried pork with cooked corn) - then continue to the nearby town of Cotacachi for free time and more shopping, as the town is famous for its leather products.
In the afternoon, stroll along the shores of the volcanic crater lake of Cuicocha.
Your guide will tell you about the high-altitude flora and fauna and the history of the lake.
You can even take a boat ride around the two islands.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 04

Quilotoa Crater Lagoon Experience

Today, you will visit the picturesque volcano lagoon of Quilotoa. This vast 2-mile (3 km) crater lake is filled with 820 feet (250 m) of mineral-rich green water.
You can walk along the crater rim or hike down the path to the lake.
The return trip can be a bit longer, so you can rent a mule for the uphill hike.

Here, you are going to spend the night.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 05

Baños de Agua Santa and Casa del Arbol

Near Baños, you will find mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Upon arriving in Baños, you will visit the most famous treehouse in the world, Casa del Arbol.
You will have the chance to see it all from the Swing at the End of the World, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Finally, you will enjoy a hot springs bath.

Meals included: None.

Day 06

Pailón del Diablo and Return to Quito

Early in the morning, you will head towards the 'Devil's Cauldron' (in Spanish, Pailón del Diablo), located 17 kilometres from Baños de Agua Santa on the road from Baños to Puyo.
Passing several waterfalls, you will reach the village of Rio Verde, where you will stop to begin the hike down towards the waterfall.
You will be amazed by its height of approximately 80 meters. It is, without a doubt, one of the most important waterfalls in Ecuador, and its location on the Rio Pastaza guarantees a constant water supply for the surrounding areas.
We then continue our journey to Quito.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 07

Departure from Ecuador

Today, get ready to leave Ecuador with your heart and soul full of good memories.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Where this trip takes you

Quito colonial streets, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo equator line, Quilotoa Lake crater rim, Pailón del Diablo waterfall

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Quito 6 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Tourist-class accommodations (6 nights)
International flights
English- and Spanish-speaking national guide
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers according to the program

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Optional excursions
Personal expenses such as tips
Alcoholic drinks
Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program

What to bring

Men:

2 base layer athletic T-shirts
1 base layer long-sleeved shirt (for exploring lower-altitude areas with mosquitoes)
2 mid-layer jackets (read through the guide in the link above for help in choosing the right kind)
2 cotton undershirts
1 water-resistant breathable shell
2 cotton T-shirts (for relaxing)
2 button-up long-sleeved shirts (nice to have for dinners and hot dates)
7 pairs of underwear (please don't skimp)
1 hoodie/sweater
4 pairs of cotton socks (choose your colors wisely)
3 pairs of high-performance wicking socks
1 pair of hiking pants (lightweight quick-dry)
1 pair of jeans or regular pants (although these can get heavy)
2 pairs of lightweight convertible pants
1 pair of hiking shoes
1 light wool hat

Women:

1 rain jacket, especially if you're going to the Amazon or spending a weekend in Mindo
1 down jacket (unnecessary if going to the coast - opt for a lightweight fleece instead)
1 pair of skinny jeans, essential for city walks or a night out
1 pair of leggings, which can be used to replace jeans or for a hike up Cotopaxi
1 pair of joggers, perfect for sleeping or relaxing in your hotel
1 pair of hiking pants; if you're not planning to do too much hiking, these can be left behind in favor of leggings, especially when packing carry-on only
4 T-shirts: 2 active and UV-blocking for hikes or the beach, and 2 for city wear
2 tanks: 1 that can be dressed up (Quito has a good nightlife scene) and 1 for layering
1 long-sleeved UV-blocking shirt, absolutely necessary on the Galapagos or on a hike in the sun
1 dress or romper, which is always easy to pack and a great way to look put together with little effort
1 pair of shorts, especially for trips to the coast or for a muggy waterfall hike in Mindo
1 swimsuit, for an impromptu hot springs trip and definitely if you're going to the Amazon, coast, or the Galapagos
Underwear: 5-7 pairs! A dark pair can be used in place of a swimsuit when in a pinch
Socks: 3 pairs, plus 1 pair of hiking socks to help ensure you never get a blister
Bra: 1-2 sports bras and 1 regular bra or bralette
Warm hat and gloves - you'll need them at the top of a volcano
Wide-brim hat, perfect for keeping the sun off your face while exploring the cities
1 scarf, used to jazz up an outfit or for warmth. You could always wait and pick one up from Otavalo Market on a day trip from Quito.

Know before you go

Refuse nor solicit any type of activity related to the commercial sexual exploitation of minors or any other kind of exploitation. Report any related irregularities.
Do not discriminate against the local population based on race, gender, beliefs, or any other reason.
Avoid using language or conduct that may be offensive or intimidating.
Avoid consuming disposable goods, do not dispose of waste until a suitable place is found, and try to recycle or reuse all solid waste.
When learning about the historical and cultural heritage, purchase local and sustainable handicraft products, avoiding counterfeits or those prohibited by local and international legislation.
Do not take or acquire cultural or heritage property as a souvenir of your trip.
Do not damage the heritage infrastructure - for example, do not scratch walls. Respect it and learn from it.
Respect the signage, the agreed distance from heritage or archaeological objects, and the advice given by the guide or local representative.
The Historic Center of Quito is a cherished district that earned its UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 1978, and it is not hard to see why.
The Basílica's stained glass windows come alive with vibrant floral scenes, while playful gargoyles pay homage to the country's rich wildlife.
The colonial center of Quito was named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978 and is home to many beautiful, historic buildings and squares.
Ecuador is the place to stand on the Equator line - nowhere else on the planet is it easier to visit the Equator line or strike a pose with one foot in each hemisphere.
Even Ecuador's name was born of its location at latitude zero.
Casa del Arbol is home to the Swing at the End of the World, a simple playground ride perched on the edge of a mountain overlooking Baños, Ecuador.