10 Day Student Group Tour - Discover Ecuador's Highlights

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN QUTO

Today, you will arrive in the colonial capital city Quito (2,800 m / 9,186 ft high). Our private transportation, including English-speaking guide, will pick you up from the airport and will drive you to a comfortable hotel. Those who would like to discover the vibrant nightlife have the opportunity to do so in the area La Mariscal.

DAY 2: OTAVALO & PAPALLACTA

Today will start early! After breakfast, you will be brought to the indigenous market of Otavalo. Here, you will see local art, clothing, bags, ponchos and other handicrafts. After wandering around the market, there will be a delicious lunch prepared in one of the best local restaurants. You will then be brought to the natural Hot Springs in Papallacta, where you will have a complete relaxing end of the day. On the way to the hot springs, there will be several possibilities to stop and take photos of the breathtaking landscape of Ecuador’s Andean Mountain Range.

DAY 3: ANTISANA & QUITO OLD TOWN CITY TOUR

This day, you will get to know one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, the Cotopaxi (5,897 m / 19,347 ft). You will discover this special national park by mountain-biking. Watch out for crossing lamas or wild horses! Once back in Quito, you will enjoy a city tour through the beautiful old town of Quito.

DAY 4: QUILOTOA & TENA

Today, you will be brought to the Quilotoa Crater, an enormous blue lagoon in the middle of an active volcano. You will hike down to the lagoon in a steep 30-minute descent. The hike up will take twice as long but is totally worth it because of the breathtaking mountainous scenery. You’ll continue today’s trip by travelling to the jungle. On the way, you’ll stop at Zoorefugio Tarqui, where a local family runs an animal shelter for jungle animals. Think of jaguars, crocodiles, snakes and different species of monkeys. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Tena to spend the night.

DAY 5: LLANGANATES & WAYSAYACU

Today, you’ll wake up in the jungle and, after a hearty breakfast, it’s time to start hiking in the Llanganates National Park. Here, you’ll visit amazing waterfalls and authentic nature far away from the mass tourism routes. After this jungle adventure, you’ll have the time to relax in the Waysayacu natural pools.

DAY 6: RAFTING & BAÑOS 

Time for some rafting! This morning will be marked by adventure, excitement and sensation on the Jatun Yacu river. After lunch, you’ll be brought back to the hotel to change clothes. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the backpacker town of Baños, where you’ll take a seat on the famous Swing at the end of the world. After a delicious dinner, we’ll depart around 23:00 to the coast.

DAY 7: MONTAÑITA!
In the morning, you’ll arrive in one of the most famous surf and party towns of South America. A lot of young travelers from Colombia, Peru, Chili but also Europe and the USA come here to party. After a nice dinner, we’ll take you to the well-known cocktail street to try out some local and international drinks.

DAY 8: MONTAÑITA!

Today will be another relaxing day with optional excursions like horseback riding, mountain biking, sky diving, surfing, snorkeling, fishing and – depending on the season – whale watching.

DAY 9: MONTAÑITA!

More time to enjoy the beautiful beach and surroundings.

DAY 10: GUAYAQUIL

After breakfast, we’ll bring you to Guayaquil, from where you’ll fly back home.

This tour can be easily extended with a 5-day land-based tour on the world famous Galapagos Islands!