Ecuador Vacations Quito, Mindo and Cuenca: Ecuador’s Nature & Culinary Tour

Welcome to Ecuador, a land of endless wonders! 
Upon arrival at the airport, your personal guide will greet you with a warm welcome and present you with an exclusive courtesy kit, featuring locally sourced products thoughtfully selected just for you a small taste of Ecuadorian hospitality. As you travel to your hotel, take in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds Quito: majestic mountains, lush valleys, and skies that seem to touch the peaks. Once at your hotel, you’ll have time to settle in, unwind, and enjoy the comfort of your new surroundings along with stunning views of the capital city. This is just the beginning of an unforgettable experience. Get ready to explore Quito, a vibrant city where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
 

Overnight: Quito – Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Meal Plan: None

Get ready for a truly immersive day that will awaken all your senses! We'll pick you up from your hotel and kick off a culinary journey that connects you with the heart and soul of Quito. Our first stop takes us to a cozy Coffee Lab in the lively La Mariscal neighborhood. Here, you'll discover the secrets of Ecuadorian coffee from crop to cup and sample unique varieties grown in our volcanic highlands. Next, we’ll head to the Historic Center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey begins in the heart of the historic center, where every street and plaza tells stories passed down through generations. From the hilltop Panecillo, crowned by the majestic Winged Virgin, to the awe-inspiring Basilica of the National Vow and the tranquil Church of San Francisco, you’ll be immersed in the timeless beauty of colonial Quito. As we stroll through colonial plazas, centuries-old churches, and cobblestone streets, we’ll pause to taste some of the city’s most beloved traditional treats: pristiños (crispy fritters with syrup), fluffy quesadillas quiteñas (sweet cheese pastries), and colorful colaciones (sugar-coated peanuts).
 
Lunchtime will be a meaningful highlight. We'll visit Runa Tulpa Andina, a restaurant that’s more than just a place to eat. Founded by three women dedicated to community-based, solidarity economics, this space revives ancestral cooking techniques around the “sacred fire” of the tulpa. You'll enjoy an authentic Andean meal while soaking in a powerful story of empowerment, heritage, and unity. To wrap up the day, we’ll stop by a traditional fonda, where you can unwind with a refreshing local craft beer or warm up with a canelazo, a spiced hot drink beloved in the highlands.

You will enjoy a chocolate workshop with the acclaimed chocolatier, awarded in 2024 as the World’s Best Young Chocolatier in Spain: Steven Gaviño.
 

Overnight: Quito – Hotel Patio Andaluz or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Today, we head toward the northwestern region of Ecuador, en route to Mindo. The journey takes about two hours, but from the very first stretch, the landscape begins to change: misty mountains, deep gorges, and lush greenery set the tone for your arrival in the enchanting Andean cloud forest. Nestled in the heart of the Chocó Andino biosphere, we’ll explore an ecological reserve spanning over 14,000 acres of untouched wilderness home to an extraordinary range of biodiversity, including hundreds of bird species, orchids, butterflies, spectacled bears, and so much more. Upon arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome at the lodge, followed by rubber boots and an introductory walk along the reserve’s scenic forest trails. As you walk, nature reveals its full splendor: moss-covered trees, the melodic songs of birds, crystal-clear streams, and a deep, calming silence that only the forest can offer.

This is the perfect opportunity to unplug from city life and reconnect with nature at its purest.
 

Overnight: Mindo- Maquipucuna Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner

In the early morning, before breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to join a sunrise birdwatching session the best time to spot toucans, hummingbirds, and many other species in their natural habitat. You may also choose to take longer hikes through the forest. At midday, enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, we begin our journey back to Quito, filled with fresh air, green memories, and a deeper connection with nature.
Salir a medio dia a otavalo
 

Overnight: Otavalo - Hacienda Cusin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We begin at Otavalo’s artisan market, the largest in South America, where you will discover traditional textiles, ponchos and crafts. Next, we visit Condor Park to observe the majestic Andean condor and learn about its cultural significance.

We will enjoy the serene beauty of San Pablo Lake and the Peguche Waterfall, a sacred site steeped in Kichwa legends. At a nearby weaving workshop, Kichwa artisans demonstrate how they create intricate textiles using ancestral techniques, including natural dyes and traditional patterns.

Lunch is part of the Kawsaymi Gastronomic Experience, led by Kichwa women, preparing traditional dishes with local ingredients while sharing stories and customs.

Finally, we visit an Andean musical instrument workshop, where you can see the making of zampoñas, charangos, quenas and bombos, and even try playing some, connecting with the music and cosmology of the Andes.

Overnight: Quito - Ilatoa Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Discover the charming town of Cumbayá, where Ecuadorian tradition blends beautifully with creativity, nature, and slow-paced living. We'll start the day at the historic church and take a stroll through the vibrant central park, surrounded by artisan shops offering unique local products perfect for an authentic keepsake. Next, indulge in a coffee and chocolate tasting at Pacari, Ecuador’s internationally acclaimed brand known for its organic, award-winning chocolate. This sensory journey will connect you with the rich flavors and heritage of Ecuadorian cacao.

Our adventure continues with a truly special visit to Chawar, an artisanal distillery run by a collective of women preserving the ancestral knowledge of the Andean agave. You’ll begin with a peaceful walk through the agave garden, where you’ll learn about chawarmishki, the sacred nectar extracted from this plant. Then, enter the distillery to witness the making of miske, Ecuador’s highland cousin of mezcal, crafted through a traditional double-distillation process. The visit ends with a farm-to-table lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients and served in a natural setting that invites you to relax, connect, and taste Ecuador at its roots. We’ll end this unforgettable day with a sunset walk along the Chaquiñán Trail, a scenic path built over an old railway line, surrounded by lush landscapes. To top it all off: a scoop of refreshing traditional Ecuadorian ice cream the perfect sweet finale.
 

Overnight: Quito - Ilatoa Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Today we set out along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, heading towards Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador’s most iconic natural landmarks. The journey takes us through spectacular Andean landscapes until we reach Limpiopungo Lagoon, where we will enjoy a gentle walk surrounded by páramo scenery, with the majestic silhouette of Cotopaxi as a backdrop.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, there is the option to drive up to the car park at 4,600 metres and take a 45-minute hike up to the José Rivas Refuge, located at 4,864 metres. From this point, the panoramic views of the glaciers and surrounding mountains are truly unforgettable.

At midday, we will savour a lunch with privileged views of Cotopaxi Volcano, in a serene natural setting that radiates peace and grandeur.

Afterwards, the route continues south towards Riobamba for the overnight stay.
 

Overnight: Riobamba -La Andaluza or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s adventure takes place in Guamote, a unique and culturally rich town predominantly inhabited by indigenous communities.
Guamote canton stands as the epitome of Ecuadorian tradition, with an impressive 95% of its population belonging to indigenous groups, a striking contrast to the national average of 25%. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore community projects and small mountain villages. Additionally, you’ll visit an indigenous family and see their authentic traditional “choza” (hut), offering valuable insight into everyday life in the mountains. Next, you’ll experience an immersive and fun treasure hunt called “Tasting Guamote”, which takes participants through the charming town guided by clues. Following these clues, you’ll explore key spots such as local markets, viewpoints, and cafés, while completing cultural tasks and answering questions. This playful format deepens understanding of local traditions and daily life, offering an authentic perspective through stories shared by community members themselves. Along the way, participants gather fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking class where they’ll learn to prepare traditional empanadas. The experience concludes with the cooking class, a recipe to take home, and a delicious traditional cocktail combining gastronomy, exploration, and learning in an activity perfect for all ages.
 

Overnight: Guamote - Inti Sisa Guesthouse or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

As the morning sun gently lights up the Andes, begin a breathtaking journey south from Guamote, surrounded by mountain landscapes that feel almost dreamlike. Your first stop is the charming town of Alausí, renowned for its railway heritage. Here, you'll visit the Train Museum to learn about the legendary Devil’s Nose Train, followed by a visit to a scenic viewpoint offering sweeping panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding peaks. Next, continue to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most significant and expansive Inca archaeological site. This mystical place showcases a fascinating blend of Inca and Cañari architecture. The awe-inspiring Temple of the Sun, built with remarkable precision, invites you to step back in time and uncover the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Inca Empire. A day filled with living history, stunning scenery, and a powerful connection to Ecuador’s ancestral roots.

Overnight: Cuenca- Posada Ingapirca or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Cuenca, a colonial gem nestled in the Andes, has earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural life. Today, you’ll embark on a guided walking tour through the city’s cobblestone streets, grand churches, lively squares, and charming flower-filled balconies that transport you to another era. Highlights include the New and Old Cathedrals, Calderón Park, and the famous San Francisco Market. As you explore, you’ll be captivated by Cuenca’s timeless atmosphere and architectural wonders that have made it one of South America’s most beloved destinations. Every street corner tells a story, and every building reflects a legacy of tradition, art, and cultural fusion. This experience offers not only a journey through history, but also a deep connection with the living soul of Ecuador. 

After your cultural visit, enjoy a lunch at La María, located in Cuenca’s Historic Center within the iconic Casa Yangoe (at the corner of Benigno Malo and Calle Larga). This restaurant, led by brothers Ronald and Manolo Morocho, along with María Verónica Herrera and Mary Urgilés Guerrero, offers a bold and innovative take on high-end Cuencano cuisine. Their concept blends local Ecuadorian ingredients with modern techniques and culinary creativity to deliver a fresh, elevated gastronomic experience.
 

Overnight: Cuenca- Hotel Victoria or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Your day begins with a comfortable transfer from the historic city of Cuenca to the vibrant coastal city of Guayaquil, passing through breathtaking landscapes that stretch from the majestic Andes mountains to the lush tropical lowlands. Along the way, you’ll stop at Hacienda La Danesa, a charming, working family farm surrounded by cacao plantations, fruit trees, and abundant nature, offering a perfect blend of Ecuadorian hospitality, tradition, and a deep connection to the land. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with fresh juices and an introduction to the hacienda’s history and philosophy, followed by countryside activities such as artisanal chocolate making, milking, cycling, or horseback riding. Afterwards, savor a delicious lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients, inspired by traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with a contemporary twist, completing this unforgettable sensory experience. In the afternoon, your journey continues toward Guayaquil.

Overnight: Guayaquil- Hotel Casa García or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

After a hearty breakfast, you'll embark on an unforgettable journey to Dos Hemisferios Vineyard, one of Ecuador’s most celebrated wineries. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with a fascinating introduction to the vineyard’s story, its founders, and the bold vision that turned the impossible into reality: cultivating world-class grapes in a tropical climate. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll stroll through the vineyards and tour the winemaking facilities, gaining insight into every step of the process  from planting to bottling while discovering the passion and craftsmanship behind each bottle. The experience culminates under the majestic Gran Samán tree, where you'll indulge in a premium wine tasting featuring Bruma Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay, Enigma, Travesía Cabernet Sauvignon, and Paradoja wines, all perfectly paired with a three-course countryside lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients. To complete your journey, you'll take home a personalized bottle of Paradoja wine, a lasting memento from this magical Ecuadorian terroir.

Overnight: Guayaquil - Hotel Casa García or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, a scheduled transfer will take you from your hotel to Guayaquil Airport for your return flight. Everything is arranged to ensure a smooth and hassle-free departure.

Overnight: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast