8-Day Highlands of Ecuador Tour from Quito: Cuenca and Cotopaxi | Small Group Tour

(5 Reviews)
Product Code: 712227

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    • Wander Quito and colonial cities
    • Marvel at an active volcano
    • Shop at the Otavalo Market
    • Soak in impressive cityscapes
     
Tour Code
712227
Duration
8 day
Departure City
Quito
End City
Quito
Language
English

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Cultural & Historical, Outdoor Adventure

Learn about history and local culture with in-depth tours and activities; Explore the world with an active and adrenaline pumping adventures like diving, snorkeling, camping, hiking and so on.

Tour Type: Guided Tour

Multiple local tour guides/drivers available throughout your tour/activity

Group Size: Small group tour

Take an intimate and semi-private trip with a small group

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary

Day 01
Quito

Quito

Hotel: Hotel Kitu or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Excluded D:Excluded

Arrive at any time.

There are no activities planned until the evening. Please check at the hotel reception for a welcome note from your CEO advising on the time and location of the welcome meeting.

【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group】

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.


Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 02
Quito

Quito - Otavalo

Hotel: Hotel Santa Fe or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Explore the largest handicraft market in South America, Otavalo market. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.

【Local Bus】

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

【Otavalo Handicrafts Market Visit】

Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo’s famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Try to arrive early for the best bargains (it starts at dawn), and try your hand at haggling – it's expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 03
Otavalo

Otavalo - Cotopaxi

Hotel: Tierra del Volcan or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Travel by bus to Cotopaxi National Park. In the afternoon, opt to explore the area or mountain bike with views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Spend the night in a mountain lodge near the national park..

【Private Vehicle】

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.


Visiting Attractions

  • Cotopaxi National Park Cotopaxi National Park
  • Volcan Cotopaxi Volcan Cotopaxi

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 04
Cuenca

Cotopaxi - Cuenca

Hotel: La Casona Cuenca or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Excluded

In the morning, visit Cotopaxi National Park before continuing on with a full day of travel to Cuenca. Enjoy a boxed lunch on the way at a viewpoint overlooking the Andes Mountains.

【Private Vehicle】

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

【Cotopaxi National Park Visit】

Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at 5,897m (19,342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow-covered volcano is Ecuador's second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Keep an eye out for park wildlife, including condors, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and more. For those who want to hike, there are options available (weather permitting). Please ensure you have proper hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof/windproof jacket and warm hats and gloves. Hike is approximately 1.5 hours.


Visiting Attractions

  • Cotopaxi National Park Cotopaxi National Park

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Excluded
Day 05
Cuenca

Cuenca

Hotel: La Casona Cuenca or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

This morning embark on a half-day city tour of the colonial city of Cuenca, including the Turi viewpoint, a Panama hat factory and the historical centre. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring or at one of Cuenca’s many cafes.

【Cuenca City Tour】

Head out into this stunning colonial city with your expert local CEO. First visit the Turi viewpoint with sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains before stopping by a Panama hat factory. Then continue to the historical centre to discover the highlights like the new and old cathedrals and the flower market. Learn first-hand why this city deserves it's UNESCO designation.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 06
Cuenca

Cuenca

Hotel: La Casona Cuenca or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Enjoy a free day to explore beautiful Cuenca. Opt to go hiking in Cajas National Park, visit Ingapirca ruins, or soak in nearby hot springs.

Explore the city's sights, including cobblestoned streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shaded plazas, and museums.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 07
Quito

Cuenca - Quito

Hotel: Hotel Kitu or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Fly back to Quito and enjoy the night in this historical city.

Your CEO will escort you and assist you at the airport in Cuenca and once you arrive to Quito our G representative will be there to escort you to the hotel and give you additional information for optional activities in your free day in Quito.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Day 08
Quito

Quito

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Depart at any time.

Depart at any time.We recommend booking pre or post nights in Quito for additional time to explore. The optional activities may require additional time, speak to your CEO/ G representative for assistance booking these activities on trip.


Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded

Own Expenses

Day Activity Price Additional Information
D1 Quito City Tour and Equator $50.00-60.00/Person
D6 Cajas National Park Visit $65.00/Person
D6 Day Trip to Ingapirca Ruins $65.00/Person
D6 Cuenca Mud Baths & Hot Springs $40.00/Person
D6 Gualaceo and Chordeleg Day Trip $65.00/Person
D8 Quito City Tour and Equator $50.00-60.00/Person
  • All mandatory fees must be paid in cash to the tour guide and tickets cannot be pre-purchased separatedly.
  • Any optional activities you wish to join must be paid to your tour guide in cash.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Otavalo Handicrafts Market visit
    • Cotopaxi volcano stay
    • Cotopaxi National Park visit
    • City Tour of Cuenca
    • Internal flights
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    • Accommodations: Hotels (5 nts), rustic mountain lodge (2 nts)
    • Transportation: Local bus, plane, private vehicle
    • Staff & experts:CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
    • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Allow USD220-290 for meals not included)

Package Excludes

    • Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
    • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
    • Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
    • It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use.
      Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
      Also at the end of each trip if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $30-40 USD per person, per week can be used.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation made within:

  • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
  • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
Please Note:
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.

Special Notes

    • Itinerary Disclaimer
      * While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
      * Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
    • Important Notes
      * Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
      * Please note that some trips could be a combination of multiple G Adventure tours. You should expect some group members to join or leave the tour between tour segments.
    • Group Leader Description
      * All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
    • Meals
      * Eating is a large part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
    • What to Take
      * Remember that although near the Equator, the higher altitude on some parts of the trip make for cool evenings and you will need a warm sweater or pullover. It's best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off. This is especially true on the Inca Trail, at which time warmer clothing is essential.
      We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
    • Please note that the Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on the following dates for preventative maintenance on the runway: September 7, 14, and 21, 2024 between the hours of 2am and 12pm. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double-check flight schedules with your airline in case of changes. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing.
  • The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room.
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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    Conditional Cancellation
    This tour qualifies for: Free Cancellation 25 or more Days Prior to Departure
    • 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    All cancellations must be made directly with Tours4Fun, not with tour providers. The day mentioned above is based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation Request Form and travel service start date (departure date).
    • 0 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    • 32 - 61 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 62 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
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