G Adventures
Save 20%Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru · 51 days · Active
fromCAD 8,919
Next: 20 JunThe adventure
From the outdoor playground of Baños to the bustling lanes of the Otavalo market, get an introduction to the culture, history, and spectacular scenery of Ecuador on this six-day adventure. Venture along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes," checking each off your list: active (Cotopaxi), green (Cuicocha), water-filled (Quilotoa) and extinct (Cayambe). Because we have years of experience in Quito and an established operational office, we’ll take care of the hassles – just focus on the highlights. And, with an expert CEO to lead the way and time for optional excursions, this adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to do your own thing.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Ecuador
Day 1Depart early from Quito and travel north along…Spend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.
QuitoSpend 1 night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just put on especially for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily lives. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.
Day 2Spend the morning driving along the Avenue…
Spend the morning driving along the Avenue of the Volcanoes searching out the peaks of Pichincha, Iliniza, and the gigantic Antisana. Venture into Cotopaxi National Park travelling around the base of the cone-shaped, snow-capped volcano, considered the highest active volcano in the world. Spend the evening near Ecuador's beautiful Cotopaxi Volcano.
Day 3Continue along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' to BañosBaños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Baños means 'baths' and that is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Day 4Free day to enjoy BañosThe town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits, including horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting in the surrounding mountains and on the River Patate.
The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits, including horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting in the surrounding mountains and on the River Patate.
Day 5In the morningQuito
QuitoIn the morning, enjoy free time in Baños to pursue some optional activities before transferring back to Quito for the evening.
Day 6Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover Ecuador
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Operated by G Adventures
A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.
Book my trip →
