Ecuador Uncovered
One of the most diverse nations on the planet, tiny Ecuador not only straddles the equator but includes the mighty Andes, steamy Amazon and nine national parks. This Ecuadorian odyssey offers an amazing variety of landscapes and experiences. Enjoy the colonial charms of Quito and Cuenca, explore the rainforest, bird, and wildlife of the Amazon, relax amid the rural charm and warm hospitality of a hacienda stay, and discover the volcanoes of the Central Valley where age-old traditions prevail.
Journey highlights
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Immerse yourself in the stunning Otavalo countryside, with a stay at an upscale hacienda, where you can relax in the home from home ambience. Embrace the lifestyle with horse riding, hiking, biking, and condor spotting, followed by homemade meals and music around the bonfire.
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Trek deep into the jungle with a stay at Sacha Lodge. Hike the forest, canoe the creeks, take the Canopy Walk and visit a parrot clay lick. The chance to meet giant otters, caiman, tamarind monkeys, toucans, macaws among many others, is a wildlife highlight.
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Discover the cultural charms of UNESCO-listed Quito and Cuenca, with a stroll around their impressive colonial architecture, historic churches, traditional markets and artisan shops.
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Explore the Central Highlands, a snow-capped corridor through the heart of Ecuador, resplendent with towering volcanoes, traditional haciendas, quaint colonial towns and a hub for outdoor hiking, biking, and horse riding adventure.
- Uncovered itinerary:Designed to immerse you in a destination, our Uncovered Journeys take you off the beaten path, with boutique hotels and cultural insight
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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All year round destination. Due to its position on the equator and its altitude, the temperature in the Ecuadorian highlands varies greatly between night and day. Daytime temperatures average 23-25ºC, while at night temperatures drop to around 10ºC. In general, days are clear in the morning and cloud over in the afternoon, with rain common in the afternoon. The drier season runs from the end of May to the end September, with another brief summertime in early December (which coincides nicely with the city’s fiestas).
Itinerary
Fly to Quito
Otavalo, Central Highlands, Ecuador
Just an hour from the indigenous market town of Otavalo, this comprehensive tour of Ecuador begins with a stay at Hacienda Zuleta. Surrounded by dramatic snow-capped Andes Mountains and green fertile valleys, this wonderful hacienda lies along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a volcano-lined valley. Once owned by the President of Ecuador and dating back to the 16th century, Hacienda Zuleta is a 4,000-acre working ranch, offering charming accommodation and a warm welcome.
This is the ideal place to begin your adventure, where you can relax into the charms of the Ecuadorian countryside. Each of the 19 guestrooms retain their individual charm and character, the homemade meals are delicious, and the relaxed vibe is reminiscent of a country house estate. The evenings here are magical with warming bonfires, Andean music, and amazing star gazing.
During your stay, there are many activities to indulge in. Learn more about the farm’s dairy and cheese factory, organic garden, and trout farm from the friendly staff. Enjoy exploring on horseback, the hacienda has its own stables and even its own breed of horse, known as Zuleteños, which are renowned for being gentle and versatile. There are 20-miles of walking trails to discover, exciting mountain biking across the rugged hills, superb birdwatching (the hacienda runs a successful condor rehabilitation project) and even embroidery classes in the village. Guests can also visit Otavalo, famous for its lively and colourful market, full of bright textiles and wooden carvings.
Accommodation: Hacienda Zuleta ( 2 nights )
Amazon, Ecuador
After a chance to sample Ecuadorian rural life, you will then head off to the Ecuadorian Amazon for a three-night stay at Sacha Lodge. The short flight from Quito to Coca brings you to ‘the gateway to the Amazon,’ for the two-hour journey along the Napo River in a motorised canoe to Sacha Lodge. One of Ecuador Amazon’s premier jungle lodges, it lies on the edge of Yasuní National Park and is the ideal base for bird watchers, nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The lodge has been designed to blend into its surroundings and overlooks the mysterious black waters of Pilchicocha Lake. For three memorable nights you will stay in one of the comfortable 26 thatched-roof cabins, with shaded terrace and hammock, ensuite shower rooms (some with glass walls for an immersive jungle shower experience) and insect screens. There is a central thatched and open-sided dining room, al fresco lounge area and bar.
During your stay there are a variety of guided excursions each day, accompanied by a local guide with a great talent for wildlife spotting and an English-speaking naturalist, who can teach you about the flora and fauna of the area. The chance to see tamarind monkeys, giant otters, toucans, caimans and many other birds and wildlife in their natural habitat is a memorable experience. Guests can hike the rainforest, canoe the backwater creeks, visit a nearby parrot clay lick, try piranha fishing, swim in the lake, and take an atmospheric night walk through the jungle. A highlight of the property is the Canopy Walk, a 36m high suspension bridge, offering amazing views of the treetops, as well as the monkeys and macaws that live there. Epic views are also available from the Kapok Tower, built into a towering kapok tree.
Accommodation: Sacha Lodge ( 3 nights )
Quito, Ecuador
From the natural beauty of the Amazon, the next stage of your journey is a chance to embrace the urban charms of Quito, the delightful Ecuadorian capital. For the following two nights you will stay at the Illa Experience Hotel. Housed in a former colonial mansion, this deluxe 10-bedroom boutique property is in the San Marco neighbourhood. A magnet for artists, writers, and musicians, many of the city’s main attractions are within easy walking distance. The hotel has a passion for introducing guests to Ecuadorian culture and offers a range of ‘experiences,’ that connect guests with the locals. This can provide opportunities for crafting traditional sweets, painting with a local artist, or touring an artisan workshop.
Quito’s Old Town is one of South America’s best preserved colonial quarters and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your time in the city includes a walking tour of the area, whose highlights include Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, and the baroque interior of the San Francisco Monastery. The narrow-cobbled streets, charming plazas, impressive churches, and whitewashed buildings, make this district an enchanting place to explore.
After soaking up the culture, it’s time for a To’ak Chocolate Experience. Ecuador is famous for world-class gourmet chocolate and this 2-hour tasting session has been designed to showcase the complexities and flavours that can be achieved. One of the country’s leading producers will talk you through the history of chocolate making and explain the production process of one of the world’s favourite indulgent treats.
During your stay, we would recommend a visit to the majestic sculpture, La Virgen del Panecillo for wonderful views of the city. Or for even more expansive views, ride the El Teleférico cable car (known locally as TelefériQo) from the city up to the slope of the dormant Volcán Pichincha to the summit, Cruz Loma.
Accommodation: Illa Experience Hotel ( 2 nights )
Cotopaxi, Central Highlands, Ecuador
After enjoying your stay in the Ecuadorian capital, it’s now time to head to the country’s Central Highlands back to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a hub for outdoor adventure. The valley is dotted with picturesque haciendas and enchanting colonial towns with bustling colourful markets. For the next two nights, you will stay at Chilcabamba Eco Lodge on the edge of Cotopaxi National Park. Surrounded by towering volcanic peaks, this simple but charming lodge is ideal for those wanting a glimpse of traditional Ecuador, along with those who love the great outdoors.
With thick abode walls and thatched roofs, the lodge offers rustic accommodation in 10 simple ensuite rooms with wood burning stoves, thick blankets, and hearty family style dining. The warm hospitality and friendly service gives the property a real home from home ambience. Guests can explore Cotopaxi on foot, bike, or horseback, with the opportunity to ride with a local chagra (Ecuador cowboy) and mix with the local communities, learning about farming techniques and their traditional way of life.
Accommodation: Chilcabamba Lodge ( 2 nights )
Riobamba, Central Highlands, Ecuador
After two nights exploring Cotopaxi, you will travel higher up the valley to Riobamba. A colonial town with vibrant and colourful indigenous markets, you will spend the night at the characterful Hacienda Abraspungo. Located on the outskirts of the town, this ranch-style accommodation has interiors within traditional colonial architecture
Accommodation: Hotel Hacienda Abraspungo ( 1 night )
Cuenca, Ecuador
From the Central Highlands you now travel south, where the lofty mountains give way to the misty lakes and rugged grasslands of the páramos ecosystem. This mystical landscape of open plains, lowland forest and fertile valleys is dotted with quaint towns, chief of which are UNESCO-listed Cuenca and Guayaquil. For the next two nights, you will be based in Cuenca at Hotel Cruz del Vado.
Sitting on the banks of the river in one of Cuenca’s oldest neighbourhoods, this luxurious 26-room boutique hotel makes a great base for exploring the city. A converted 1930s mansion, the design blends historic and contemporary style. The restaurant and rooftop bar provide panoramic views of the city’s red roofs, piercing spires and colonial domes set against the backdrop of the green mountains. A lovely place for a stroll, the cobbled streets, historic plazas, atmospheric churches, and flower markets are a delight to explore. Further afield there are Inca ruins at Ingapirca which you may wish to visit.
Accommodation: Hotel Cruz del Vado ( 2 nights )
Nr Guayaquil, Southern Ecuador
As your time in Ecuador draws to a close, you will travel to Hacienda La Danesa for your final two nights in this fabulous country. The hacienda offers upscale accommodation and wonderful hospitality in the relaxed setting of the Ecuadorian countryside. The property is a family-owned working dairy farm and with just 6 stylish rooms, superb homecooked cuisine and impressive grounds, it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries before heading home. There are several activities to enjoy during your stay including mountain biking, river tubing, a chocolate workshop and hiking to nearby waterfalls.
Finally, after a chance to relax and reflect on all your experiences in this wonderful country, it is time to make the journey home.
Accommodation: Hacienda la Danesa ( 2 nights )
Fly home from Guayaquil
Call us on 020 3930 4802 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (Per Person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | GBP £6,800 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | GBP £7,100 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £7,100 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £7,100 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £7,100 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £7,100 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £6,800 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £6,800 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £6,800 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £6,800 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £6,800 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £6,800 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
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November 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,100
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,800
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
- plan your trip
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