Ecuador Adventure Tour: Quito to Yacuma Natural Reserve, Baños & Riobamba - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Quito

Welcome to Ecuador! When your flight arrives at Quito's international airport, your guide will welcome you and immediately organize your transfer to your hotel in the city center. At 9,350 feet (2,850 m), Quito is the world's second-highest capital, so give yourself some time to rest up and adjust to the altitude after your day of travel.

Day 2: City Tour of Quito & Mitad del Mundo

Today's tour begins in Quito's Old Town, where you'll visit Independence Square, home of the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and El Sagrario Church. Continue to the Church of La Compañía (1605), considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the Americas, and on to the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church, and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of Baroque carving. Finally, drive up to the city's highest viewpoint, El Panecillo, for a panoramic view of Quito.

In the afternoon, a transfer takes you just 30 minutes outside Quito to see the equator at the Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World") monument. In 1736, an expedition directed by Charles-Marie de la Condamine made the measurements that marked the spot of the equator at this site. Here, visitors have the rare opportunity to stand in two hemispheres simultaneously! Take an elevator to the top of the monument and see the excellent ethnographic museum. The monument is surrounded by buildings and restaurants designed to represent those of a typical colonial town. Afterward, transfer to your hotel.

Day 3: Ride the TelefériQo & Hike Pichincha Volcano 

Start your day with a visit to Volcán Pichincha. To arrive on its slopes, you'll take the TelefériQo cable car on a 15-minute journey to an altitude of 12,949 feet (3,947 m) above sea level. Here, you'll be treated to one of the best views of the capital, and can enjoy a few different optional activities as you aim to reach the volcano's summit at 15,696 feet (4,784 m).

The adventurous hike to the top is about 6 miles (10 km) long, and takes three to four hours. The last hour of the climb is undoubtedly the most challenging—you can try to slide through the sand to make things easier. Once you've gotten through the sand, the summit is just 15-20 minutes away, but you'll need to find hand and foot holds as you clamber up. At the end, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views above the clouds. 

Day 4: Day Tour of Otavalo

Head north today toward Imbabura Province, also known as the "Lagoons Province" due to its many lakes. During the 2.5-hour drive, stop in Cayambe to try bizcochos, a delicious regional cookie. Then continue on to Otavalo, where you'll see San Pablo Lagoon and the steep Volcán Imbabura. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the famous Otavalo Market, considered one of the largest Indigenous markets in South America. You'll find textile tapestries, wooden handicrafts, ponchos, and many colorful products in the market.

Afterward, continue driving north for about 20-30 minutes to the charming town of Cotacachi, known for its quality leather goods. Have lunch on your own in a local restaurant, then go up to the shores of Cuicocha Lake, located inside a volcanic crater at the foot of Volcán Cotacachi. A well-maintained trail offers the possibility of a short hike to enjoy views of the lake and surrounding area while observing beautiful Andean flora. When the tour is finished, you'll transfer back to Quito. 

Day 5: Transfer to Yacuma Natural Reserve

Descend into the Amazon rainforest this morning as you travel toward Tena, stopping at viewpoints along the way for a close-up of the local flora and fauna. Enjoy lunch on your own, then continue toward Santa Rosa village, where you'll be transported to Yacuma Ecolodge by speedboat (a 20-30 minute journey).

Once you've arrived at the lodge, the staff will welcome you with guayusa, a traditional drink. Take some time to rest, then prepare to visit Yacuma's exclusive “hidden lagoon," where you'll see several species of birds. If the group has enough energy after dinner, take a short optional night walk to observe insects—you may even spot a Pacific snake on the trail!

Day 6: Day Out in Yacuma Natural Reserve

Enjoy an early breakfast at 8 am, then get ready to hike in the jungle. On the trail, your guide will show you medicinal plants and explain their uses. Break for a 30-minute lunch and a rest, then visit the local Kichwa community in the afternoon. Here, you'll observe Indigenous crafts and ceramic manufacturing, and take a swim in the Río Chontayacu. Later, get your adrenaline pumping with some river tubing before heading back to the lodge for dinner.  

Day 7: Transfer to Baños, See the Pailón del Diablo Waterfall & Ride the Cable Car

Spend your morning enjoying more of the rainforest with bird-watching in nearby Saladero or a hike to Yacuma's scenic lookout point. Afterward, you'll bid Yacuma farewell and travel back to Santa Rosa, continuing on your way to Baños. 

En route, stop in the town of Puyo, where you'll find some balsa wood handicraft shops. Later on, passing the small towns of Río Verde and Río Negro, you'll arrive at a spot where you can begin the 45-minute hike to see the beautiful Pailón del Diablo ("Devil's Cauldron") waterfall. You'll also have the chance to take a cable car and visit the nearby Casa del Árbol swing for a magnificent panorama of the town, before continuing to your accommodations in Baños. 

Day 8: Hike to the First Refuge of Tungurahua Volcano

Lace up your hiking boots and grab an early breakfast today, before transferring south of Baños to the entrance of Parque Nacional Sangay. Here you'll set out on a well-marked but steep hike to the first refuge on the slopes of mighty Tungurahua. Meaning "burning throat" in the Indigenous Quechua language, this active volcano towers over the landscapes around Baños. After reaching your destination at 12,467 feet (3,800 m) above sea level, enjoy a boxed lunch and relax, taking in sweeping views in all directions. After the visit, begin your descent to the parking lot and return to Baños.

Day 9: Swing at Casa del Árbol & Free Day in Baños

Today, you'll have the opportunity to see several highlights around Baños. If you haven't visited the Casa del Árbol yet, make sure it's at the top of your list. At this lofty treehouse, you can take a ride on the famous "Swing at the End of the World," soaring over the mountainside for dizzying views of the surrounding landscapes. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to tour the city of Baños, on your own or accompanied by a private guide. If you'd like to try out some rafting or canopying/ziplining, ask your guide for recommendations.  

Day 10: Transfer to Riobamba, Visit the Chimborazo Volcano

Today's tour will take you up to the páramos (alpine tundras) of Chimborazo, the highest and largest mountain in Ecuador at 20,549 feet (6,263 m). Here, you can observe graceful vicuñas along with impressive views of the mountain. If you're feeling energetic, hike up to the Whymper Refuge at an altitude of 16,404 feet (5,000 m). Then head to your accommodations in Riobamba in the afternoon.

Day 11: Walk Around Quilotoa Volcano

There's more volcanic activity in store today, starting with a short walk around the volcano of Quilotoa to take in some amazing views of the Ecuadorian highlands. Afterward, drive to Zumbahua, one of the most unspoiled areas of Ecuador. Here, you can visit the Indigenous market, which runs every Saturday. Finish your day at the spectacular Quilotoa Lagoon, then head to your accommodation in Latacunga and relax.

Day 12: Explore Cotopaxi National Park

Today's journey begins with a two-hour drive northward along the Pan-American Highway, also known as the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," to Cotopaxi National Park. Here, you can simply enjoy the views of the world's highest active volcano and the natural surroundings, or take a one-hour trek to the José Rivas Refuge at 15,748 feet (4,800 m) above sea level. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch and then visit Limpiopungo Lake. In the afternoon, continue on your way back to Quito.

Day 13: Transfer to Papallacta via Antisana Ecological Reserve

Get an early start today and head to Antisana Ecological Reserve, where you can see ancient lava flows and moraine deposits, as well as an abundance of birdlife. If you're lucky, you may even see condors soaring above the thermal springs. Enjoy a pleasant walk to the Mica Lagoon through the unique páramo landscape for four hours. Then go to the small town of Papallacta to spend the night at a hot springs resort.

Day 14: Hot Springs & Bird-Watching in Papallacta, Transfer to Quito

Start your day with a visit to a hummingbird feeder, where you'll watch the spectacle of these colorful birds as they feed. This is a great place to spot other diverse species as well, like the Andean guan, gray-breasted mountain toucan, turquoise jay, slaty brushfinch, gray-hooded bush tanager, several types of mountain tanagers, and several types of hemispingus birds. Afterward, you'll have plenty of free time to relax in the naturally-heated thermal pools in Papallacta. At the end of the day, transfer back to Quito for your final evening in Ecuador. 

Day 15: Depart Quito

Pack up your belongings and say goodbye to Ecuador. If you have extra time today, take one final stroll around Quito's scenic downtown. Then, your driver will transfer you from your accommodation to Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Have a safe and comfortable journey home, or to your next destination!