Travel to Ecuador from the Andes to the Coast is a pleasant and relaxing journey. Indeed, it offers a delightful 14-day tour to admire Ecuador’s volcanoes, picturesque villages, and lush valleys of the Highlands. After that, you descend to the charming fishing villages along the coast.
Your private driver will make this trip an unforgettable experience. Additionally, throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the diverse natural and cultural beauty that characterizes this fascinating South American country.
DAY 1. Airport transfer
Transfer from the Mariscal Sucre Airport to the hotel
DAY 2. Quito-Mindo Cloud Forest
We will drive to the Mindo Cloud Forest, an enchanting place where we will visit various attractions such as the Nambillo waterfall. However, to reach the waterfall, we will have to cross by cable car to the other side of the river.
Additionally, we will enjoy exploring the butterfly farm, the orchid house, and, most outstandingly, the chocolate tour. After our adventures, we will return to Quito and spend the night there.
On this travel to Ecuador from the Andes to the Coast, Quito is the city not to be missed. Thus, you will have the opportunity to visit the most beautiful preserved Historic Center. The tour start visiting La Basilica, the Independence Square, Government Palace and The Cathedral. After, we will visit La Compañia de Jesús that is covered in leaf gold and finally the San Francisco Square. Overnight in Quito.
DAY 4. Quito-Cotopax
On you travel to Ecuador from the Andes to the Coast, on the way you can see the Antisana volcano, its summit lies at 5620 m and is not far from the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, very attractive for its almost perfect cone. Similarly, between these two volcanoes, we can admire the fertile valley of Machachi. Beyond Machachi you pass through picturesque towns such as Pujili and Saquisili, very attractive for their handicraft markets.
Next, you enter the Cotopaxi National Park. Travelers can hike around the Limpiopungo lagoon with a spectacular view of the Cotopaxi volcano. Overnight at the Cotopaxi area.
DAY 5. Cotopaxi-Quiltoa
Departing from Cotopaxi we head towards one of the most incredible lakes in the Andes of Ecuador. Above all, during the tour, you can get the best views of the area and the surroundings before reaching the lake. The Quilotoa is an ancient crater of a large volcano. Certainly, it’s still active. This impressive emerald green lake is located in a typical indigenous community. Overnight at Cotopaxi area.
DAY 6. Chibuleo Market-Chimborazo Reserve
The indigenous market of Chimborazo starts very early in the morning. It attracts a lot of attention with its colorful ponchos and typical hats. In fact, many villagers from the community of Chibuleo gather at the market to sell their products. They sell what they produce, mostly vegetables and tubers. After visiting the market, we head to Chimborazo Lodge. Overnight.
DAY 7. Chimborazo-Alausí
This is the only lodge very close to the volcano. In fact, it is the only one around located inside the Reserve. It has an impressive view of the volcano. Even so, It is a challenge to keep the pass at this altitude, nevertheless, the views and the landscapes are the biggest attraction. Arrive to Alausí. Overnight
DAY8. Alausí-Ingapirca-Cuenca
Head to Ingapirca. After we arrive to the ruins, we will make a tour to the Archeological Complex for about 2 hours. Certainly, this is the best-preserved Inca architectural complex in the country. It is undoubtedly the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. After, drive to Cuenca. Overnight in Cuenca.
DAY9. Cuenca
This lovely city is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in southern Ecuador. Its colonial architecture is the most representative. Thus, visitors can take a walking tour through the historic center to admire the colonial houses with ornate balconies. In addition, the churches are the main attraction. The city has so many churches that it would take the visitor a month to visit a church every day. Overnight.
DAY 10. Cuenca-Cajas National Park
The National Park of Cajas is located 45 minutes from Cuenca. Undoubtedly, a wonderful place where we can enjoy short and long walks around the lagoons. Certainly, the lagoon called Toreadora is the most attractive and the largest. Overnight in Cuenca
DAY 11. Cuenca-Guayaquil-Olón beach
On the travel to Ecuador from the Andes to the Coast, the main and shortest route to Guayaquil is driving by Molleturo highway. In the same way, this road also leads to the Cajas National Park. However, in winter there are often landslides on the road. Therefore it is important to know in advance and take another route to Guayaquil. Driving from Guayaquil to Olon takes 3 hours. Olón is a small fishing town, very peaceful and quiet. A great place for relaxing. Overnight
DAY 12. Olón-Machalilla National Park
The National Park is located 45 minutes from Olón. The main attraction is the Agua Blanca community. This site is home to an archeological museum with vestiges from ancient cultures of the coast!
DAY 13. Olón
Relax day at the beach.
DAY 14. Olón-Quito
Drive back to Quito. It is also possible to take a plane from Manta airport to Quito. Driving from Olón to Manta takes about 2 hours and a half.
Don’t miss this great adventure to travel to Ecuador and enjoy the majestic Andes and the peaceful coast. Most importantly, your private driver will introduce you to the most exquisite places with warmth and safety!
In case you already have your own planned trip, please let me know. Most importantly, this itinerary is flexible, therefore, you can change it according to your needs.
If you want more in-depth information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.