Ecuador with a Rental Car – 11 Days

This trip is designed for independent travelers. It is an 11-day self-drive tour in a private vehicle, which you will drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes starting from Quito.

You will discover Quito and its historic center, then head north to Otavalo and its traditional market, rich in handicrafts, as well as stunning landscapes such as Cuicocha Lagoon, Cotopaxi Volcano—the highest active volcano in the world at 5,897 meters—Baños with its thermal waters and numerous waterfalls, and Chimborazo Volcano at 6,268 meters, which makes it the closest point on Earth to the sun.

Your journey continues to the beautiful city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then on to the port city of Guayaquil, where you will return your rental vehicle.

A journey in total freedom, at your own pace, to discover Ecuador. You will be accompanied by a specialized guide in Cotopaxi National Park and the Chimborazo Reserve. For your comfort, accommodations will be booked in advance.

Itinerary :

Day 1 – Arrival in Quito – Welcome
Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Quito. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2 – Free day in Quito
Free day in Quito. You may explore the Colonial center at your own pace and, in the afternoon, visit the Middle of the World site, for example. Overnight in Quito.
B

Day 3 – Quito – Otavalo
Breakfast. French-speaking assistance for vehicle pick-up. Then drive to Otavalo and explore the region at your own pace: traditional market, Peguche community and waterfall, San Pablo Lake, Condor Park, Cuicocha Lagoon, Cotacachi and its handicrafts. Overnight in Otavalo.
B

Day 4 – Otavalo – Lasso
Breakfast. At your own pace, drive to Lasso at the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano. On the way, you may visit Quitsato or the Cochasquí ruins. Overnight in Lasso.
B

Day 5 – Cotopaxi National Park – Baños
Local guide service (mandatory) for visiting Cotopaxi National Park.

Breakfast. Departure to Cotopaxi Volcano. Excursion in Cotopaxi National Park. Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon. Ascent to José Ribas Refuge at 4,800 meters with stunning views over the páramo. Overnight in Baños.
B

Day 6 – Baños
Breakfast. Free day in Baños. Visit at your own pace: Manto de la Novia waterfall, Pailón del Diablo waterfall, tarabita cable crossing over the Pastaza River, Casa del Árbol, and Baños’ thermal baths. Overnight in Baños.
B

Day 7 – Baños – Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve – Riobamba
Local guide service (mandatory) for visiting Chimborazo Reserve.

Breakfast. Departure to Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. Ascent to the refuge at 5,000 meters. Approach to the glacier and observation of vicuñas. Overnight in Riobamba.
B

Day 8 – Riobamba – Cuenca
Breakfast. Drive to Cuenca. On the way, optional ride on the Andes train (advance booking required) on the “Devil’s Nose” section (operates daily except Mondays), and visit the Ingapirca pre-Inca site. Overnight in Cuenca.
B

Day 9 – Cuenca
After breakfast, explore Cuenca and its surroundings at your own pace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca is undoubtedly Ecuador’s most beautiful colonial city. Discover handicrafts, including the famous Panama hat factory Homero Ortega, ceramic workshops such as Eduardo Vega’s, museums, and markets. Overnight in Cuenca.
B

Day 10 – Cuenca – Guayaquil
Breakfast. Drive to Guayaquil. On the way, you may stop at Cajas National Park. In Guayaquil, visit the Malecón 2000, Iguana Park, and Las Peñas neighborhood. Return of the vehicle before 5:30 pm. Overnight in Guayaquil.
B

Day 11 – Guayaquil – International departure
Breakfast. Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your international return flight.
B