A privately guided journey

The Wonders of Ecuador

This carefully crafted journey showcases the diversity of mainland Ecuador, combining colonial cities, cloud forest, volcanic landscapes and authentic Andean culture in one seamless itinerary.

Beginning in the UNESCO-listed streets of Quito, you’ll then venture into the mist-shrouded cloud forest at Mashpi Lodge, where extraordinary wildlife and pioneering conservation await. From there, continue to the northern highlands and the historic Hacienda Zuleta before following the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes through Cotopaxi National Park and beneath some of the highest peaks in the Andes

Travelling south, you’ll visit Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, ride the legendary Devil’s Nose railway and explore Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca site, before ending your journey in elegant Cuenca, widely regarded as the country’s most beautiful colonial city. Along the way, you’ll enjoy private guiding throughout, memorable encounters with local communities, exceptional food and some of Ecuador’s most spectacular scenery.

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KEY FACTS

BEST TIME

June-January

PRICE

From £7,995 $10,750 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

12 days

FLIGHT TIME

15 hours from London
6 hours 20 mins from NYC

CURRENCY

US$

LANGUAGE

Spanish

When to go

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DID YOU KNOW?

Ecuador’s cloud forests are thought to contain more orchid species in a single square kilometre than the whole of Europe. Scientists are still discovering new species around Mashpi almost every year.

 

Itinerary Highlights

Bites and delights of Quito

Quito

Explore Quito’s historic centre through its flavours. Sip fresh fruit juice at the bustling Mercado de San Francisco before enjoying a traditional Andean breakfast and local favourites such as locro quiteño. Continue along atmospheric La Ronda, sampling artisanal ice cream, learn to prepare Ecuadorian ceviche at Claro/Obscuro Casa de Experiencias, then round off the day with fine Ecuadorian chocolate and craft beer tastings.

Discover the cloud forest

Spectacled bear, Ecuador

Spend three nights immersed in one of the world’s most biodiverse cloud forests. Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll explore hidden waterfalls, ride through the forest canopy on the Dragonfly cable car and Sky Bike, and search for colourful toucans, hummingbirds, orchids and maybe, just maybe a spectacled bear before returning each evening to one of South America’s finest wilderness lodges.

Mountain scenery

Hacienda Zuleta

Spend time at Hacienda Zuleta, one of Ecuador’s finest country estates. Ride through spectacular mountain scenery, visit the pioneering Andean condor conservation project, explore traditional embroidery workshops and enjoy the warm hospitality of a family that has cared for the estate for generations.

Stay in ancient Haciendas

Hacienda San Agustín de Callo

Experience Ecuador’s rich history through a collection of remarkable country estates. From Hacienda San Agustín, built on the foundations of an Inca palace, to the family-owned Hacienda Zuleta and traditional La Andaluza, each offers a different insight into the country’s heritage, with warm hospitality, exceptional food and spectacular Andean landscapes.

Ride beneath a volcano

Riding in Cotopaxi

Saddle up with Ecuador’s traditional chagras for a memorable ride across the high-altitude plains of Cotopaxi National Park. With one of the world’s highest active volcanoes towering above, you’ll cross sweeping páramo grasslands, encounter wild horses and visit the shimmering waters of Limpiopungo Lake before enjoying a picnic in spectacular surroundings.

Truly local markets

Ecuadorian Market

Visit colourful Andean markets where indigenous communities have traded for centuries. Browse handwoven textiles, embroidered linens, ceramics and locally grown produce, meet the artisans behind the crafts and gain a fascinating insight into traditions that remain an important part of daily life.

Roses everywhere

Ecuadorian Roses

The Avenue of the Volcanoes isn’t just famous for its peaks. Thanks to its volcanic soils, cool mountain climate and year-round equatorial sunshine, it’s also one of the world’s greatest rose-growing regions, supplying millions of stems to florists across Europe every year.

Volcanic craters

Quilotoa

Visit the spectacular Quilotoa Crater, a volcanic caldera filled with an emerald-green lake more than 250 metres below the rim. Walk along the crater edge for breathtaking views, descend to the shoreline if you wish, or simply soak up the scenery before continuing your journey through Ecuador’s dramatic Andean highlands.

Temple of the Sun

Ingapirca ruins

You’ll explore Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site, where impressive stone temples and ceremonial plazas reveal the meeting of the Inca and Cañari civilisations. Discover the remarkable Temple of the Sun, built with precisely cut stones, while your guide brings to life the history, beliefs and engineering of this fascinating mountain stronghold.

Discover Cuenca

Cuenca

Cuenca is widely regarded as Ecuador’s most beautiful city, with its elegant colonial architecture, flower-filled squares and relaxed atmosphere earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. During your time here, you’ll wander cobbled streets lined with blue-domed churches and wrought-iron balconies, discover traditional artisan workshops and vibrant local markets, and enjoy the city’s thriving food scene. It’s the perfect place to slow the pace after your journey through the Andes, offering a fascinating blend of history, culture and contemporary Ecuadorian life.

Itinerary Highlights

Our tailor-made journeys include

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

Let us plan your perfect trip to Ecuador

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Our tailor-made journeys include:

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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