Equator adventure!

Essential Ecuador

From * Per Person
9 Nights
*
Limited Time Special Offer
*

A tour of Ecuador's highlights

Do you dream of going to South America but don't know where to start? Ecuador is the answer! This 9-night vacation offers the perfect introduction to the colonial cities, volcanoes, indigenous markets and lakes of Ecuador.

What's Included
  • Round-trip economy class airfare into Quito (UIO), out of Guayaquil (GYE)
  • All airport and inter-city transfers
  • 2 nights in Quito at the Mercure Alameda Hotel, or similar
  • Quito City Tour with Equatorial Line Monument (6 hours)
  • 1 night in Otavalo at the Hacienda Cusin, or similar
  • Visit to the Otavalo Indian handcrafts market
  • 1 night in Papallacta at the Hotel Termas de Papallacta, or similar
  • Visit to Laguna Cuicocha
  • Visit to Cotacachi and Papallacta villages
  • 1 night near Cotopaxti at the Hosteria Rumipamba de las Rosas, or similar
  • Visit to Cotopaxti National Park
  • 1 night in Riobamba at the Hacienda Abraspungo, or similar
  • Visit to Quilotoa volcanic lake
  • Visit to the Chimborazo National Park
  • Visit to Ingapirca Inca monument (en-route to Cuenca)
  • 2 nights in Cuenca at the Hotel San Juan, or similar
  • Cuenca City tour (half-day)
  • 1 night in Guayaquil at the Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil, or similar
  • Visit to cacao project
  • Guayaquil sightseeing tour
  • Breakfast daily
*Please note that some of the activities included in this itinerary (particularly Papallacta, Cotopaxti and Quilotoa) may be strenuous for children, due to the high altitude.

Great Ways to Explore
  • Plant your feet right on the equator at the Equatorial Line Monument in Quito!

  • While you're in Ecuador, see not one but two volcanic lakes: Laguna Cuicocha and Quilotoa. 
  • Visit a Panama hat factory in Cuenca and pick up a straw hat for yourself. Contrary to popular belief, Panama hats originated in Ecuador, not Panama.

  • Ecuador is famous for its high quality cacao beans. Visit a cacao plantation outside Cuenca to learn all about the magic bean!

  • End your trip with a sunset stroll on Guayaquil's malecon (riverfront) overlooking Guayas River.

Package Overview

Ecuador may be small in size, but it is uniquely endowed with a dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, you can see jungle-rainforest and the high slopes of the Andes in just a matter of hours. 

Begin in the capital of Quito, called the "Convent of America" for its plethora of churches and monasteries. See the city's highlights on a guided tour, then make your way to Otavalo, home of a famous crafts market. Leave Otavalo and arrive in Papallacta, where you'll soak in warm thermal baths and visit Cuicocha volcanic lake. Visit Ecuador's largest national park, Cotopaxi, and see its namesake volcano!

En route to your next destination of Cuenca, visit Ecuador's most important Incan ruins. Spend two nights in Cuenca, known for its arts, culture and production of Panama hats. Taste a cacao bean straight from the tree at a cacao plantation before arriving in your last destination of Guayaquil. In Ecuador's largest city, immerse yourself in the rhythms of the locals. Take in as much culture as you can before flying home.

Helpful links for travel to Ecuador:

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Show Detailed Itinerary

Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.

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Per Person
9
Nights
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Package ID: PK-GC4P-SH-EE-UIO
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.

Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.

Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.

Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.

Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.

Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.

Promo Code Offer Details: All promotions are subject to availability, valid for new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, voucher or any other offers, and are not redeemable for cash. Offers are available for phone bookings via our reservation agents as well as online. This promo code can be input online on the payment screen. The call center is open Monday through Friday 9AM – 9PM ET, Saturdays 10AM – 6PM ET. Discounts will apply only once per passenger and are not valid for airfare only, or any other products or services. If a flight reservation is changed or cancelled, the original fare basis rules apply (plus any increase in fare). Additional restrictions may apply.

Cancellations/Changes: Rates are non-refundable. Substantial restrictions apply for cancellation/change, and depend upon the package type. Trip protection is recommended.

Call 1-800-896-4600 or go to /travel/terms-and-conditions for full details on change/cancellation policy. 

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