8-Day Ecuadorian Highlands Tour from Quito·Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Cuenca, Cajas National Park

4.7
(6 reviews)
15 Booked
Tour Code: 747924
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Departure CityDeparture City
Quito
End CityEnd City
Quito
DurationDuration
8 days
Live Tour GuideLive Tour Guide
English
Group SizeGroup Size
Max. 16 travelers
Group TypeGroup Type
Group Tour
OperatorOperator
AI SummaryThe following content is AI-generated and for reference only.
AI icon Discover Quito's colonial streets and Otavalo's colorful market, then admire Cotopaxi volcano and the dramatic Andean highlands. Explore historic Cuenca and Cajas National Park for a journey of mountain landscapes and local culture.
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Highlights

  • Wander Quito and colonial cities on your own
  • Marvel at an active volcano
  • Shop at the Otavalo Market

Product Info

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If you’re short on time it doesn’t mean your cultural experience in Ecuador shouldn’t be colossal. This eight-day tour mixes exciting stuff like cities listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lively markets, and natural wonders like Cotopaxi volcano, so you get to soak in impressive cityscapes as well as sweeping vistas like a well-travelled, insightful sponge.
Map of the route for Highlands of Ecuador
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Itinerary

8-Day Ecuadorian Highlands Tour from Quito·Otavalo, Cotopaxi, Cuenca, Cajas National Park-map
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All times shown are local.

Diamond ratings are provided by Booking.com. For detailed rating criteria, please refer to the Hotels section on Booking.com.

The pictures are for reference only.

Includes & Excludes

Includes
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Local bus, plane, private vehicle.
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Hotels (5 nts), rustic mountain lodge (2 nts).
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7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
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Vehicle fees during the tour: tour vehicles will be arranged according to the final group size (one seat per guest).
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Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Otavalo Handicrafts Market visit. Cotopaxi volcano stay. Cotopaxi National Park visit. City Tour of Cuenca. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Excludes
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What are the tipping guidelines for this trip? 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 G Adventures 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.
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What should I consider when planning my personal expenses and discretionary spending for this itinerary? Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
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What activities are optional on this trip? Quito
- Quito City Tour & Equator Line

Otavalo
- Peguche Waterfall Visit

Cotacachi
- Cotacachi Visit

Cajas National Park
- Cajas National Park Visit (65USD per person)

Cuenca
- Day Trip to Ingapirca Ruins (65USD per person)
- Cuenca Mud Baths & Hot Springs (40USD per person)
- Gualaceo and Chordeleg Day Trip (65USD per person)
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What are the meals like on this trip? 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.
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Is there an extra cost for travelling solo? We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
If I choose to purchase My Own Room, are there any exceptions during the trip? Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

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Provided by

G Adventures

4.8

(893 Reviews)

G Adventures is a global small-group adventure travel company focused on delivering authentic, community-based travel experiences. Their tours are designed to connect travelers with local cultures, people, and destinations in a meaningful way, while ensuring tourism directly benefits the communities they visit.

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Reviews

4.7/5
6 Reviews
Reservation5
Customer Service4.7
Accommodation5
Transportation4.8
Tour Guide4.7
Tour Itinerary4.2
All Reviews
With Photos
K
Kenji Watanabe December 19, 2025
4.8
Loved how this tour balanced active days and chill ones. Hiking in Cotopaxi Park was SO worth it — you get close to the volcano and amazing views all around. Hotels were comfy and food mostly great. Only tiny knock: the free time was shorter than I hoped. Still, a great way to see Ecuador’s highlands!
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S
Sofia Giannopoulos November 12, 2025
5
OK, TBH I wasn’t sure what to expect but this trip totally delivered. From chill strolls in Quito to epic views of snowy peaks and crater lakes, every day had something cool. We even hit traditional artisan markets — best souvenirs ever. Guides were legit and logistics felt super organized.
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T
Tawanda Moyo September 27, 2025
4.8
WOW!! Ecuador’s Andes landscapes are next-level beautiful. Hiking around Cotopaxi National Park and checking out authentic Andean towns was unforgettable. The whole vibe — food, views, guide energy — was just RIGHT. Made lots of great memories with the group. If you’re into nature and culture, do this!
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L
Lucía Ferreira May 01, 2025
4.7
Such a vibe! Highlands, culture, views — all in a neat 8-day package. Quito old town was charming and small mountain towns were lovely. Guide knew loads about Andean culture and history. A couple of lunches were meh, but that’s small potatoes compared to all the brilliant moments.
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M
Mateo Alarcón March 24, 2025
4
Nice adventure, especially if you love mountains and culture. Some hotel stays were basic, and a few bumpy bus rides made me wish for shorter transfers. But highlights like crater lakes, Andean views, and artisan markets totally made up for it. Easy booking and helpful support team made it smooth overall.
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