Self-drive Ecuador holiday

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night in Quito               
• 1 night in Mindo              
• 1 night in Otavalo
• 1 night in Papallacta
• 1 night in Mulalo
• 1 night in Baños
• 1 night in Riobamba
• 2 nights in Cuenca
• 1 night in Guayaquil      

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive in Quito

On arrival at Quito airport, you will be met and driven to your hotel by private transfer. The historic centre of Quito is very safe and easy to walk around, so stretch your legs with a stroll around the main sights. If you would like to add a guided tour of the Old Town, just ask!

Included: Arrival transfer, hotel

Day 3: Quito to Mindo

Today after breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and driven by private transfer to the rental car offices. Here, you’ll pick up your hire car and set off on the drive to Mindo Cloud Forest. The journey takes around 2 hours, and we recommend a stop at the Middle of the World monument on the way. When you arrive in Mindo, you’ll check into your accommodation for one night and enjoy your lodge’s privileged position amongst this vibrant ecosystem.

Included: Breakfast, transfer, rental car, hotel 

Day 4: Mindo to Otavalo

Today, you can spend the morning exploring the wonders of Mindo Cloud Forest before driving to Otavalo in the mid-afternoon. The journey takes around 3 hours. When you reach your destination, you’ll check into your hotel for one night.

Included:  Breakfast, rental car, dinner, hotel   

Day 5: Otavalo to Papallacta

Otavalo is famous for its artisanal markets, so be sure not to miss it! The market is open every day, although there’s a larger number of stalls on Saturdays and Wednesdays. In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Papallacta, around 2 hours away from Otavalo. Before you leave, we highly recommend a guided tour of the beautiful Cuicocha Crater lagoon. When you arrive in Papallacta, you’ll check into your hotel for one night. The town is famous for its thermal baths, so let us know if you wish to add the entrance ticket to your itinerary. 

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel    

Day 6: Papallacta to Cotopaxi

This morning we recommend making an early start to reach Cotopaxi National Park, giving you plenty of time to explore. We have included a tour with a local guide, to help you make the most of this incredible destination. We can also arrange guided hikes and horseback excursions, so let us know if you would like to add these extra activities. In the afternoon, you’ll drive to your hacienda where you will check in for one night.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, guided tour, hotel         

Day 7: Cotopaxi to Baños

After breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to the charming town of Baños, approximately 2 hours away from Cotopaxi. We recommend stopping to see the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lagoon on the way. The detour will add about 200 km to your journey, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Baños is the adventure sports capital of Ecuador, so it’s a great place to try zip-lining, canyoning, mountain biking and white water rafting. When you arrive in Baños, you’ll check into your hotel for a one night stay. 

Included: Breakfast, rental car, dinner, hotel    

Day 8: Baños to Riobamba

This morning is free for you to explore Baños and its surroundings. We recommend visiting the Pailon del Diablo waterfall or, even better, adding a guided tour to both the Avenue of Waterfalls and the Chimborazo volcano reserve. In the late afternoon, you’ll drive the 1.5 hour journey to Riobamba, where you’ll check into your hotel for one night.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel

Day 9: Riobamba to Cuenca           

You’ll spend this morning exploring Riobamba. As one of the largest cities in the Sierra region of Ecuador, Riobamba is an important regional transport hub with a charming traditional centre. If you fancy a truly local experience, try the famous hornado at one of the city’s markets! In the afternoon, you’ll drive to Cuenca. This will be a journey of around 4.5 hours. When you arrive in the town, you’ll check into your hotel for a two-night stay.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel    

Day 10: Cuenca

Cuenca is one of the most beautiful cities in South America, and today you’ll have a full day to explore at your own pace. We suggest visiting the Panama hat factory, producer of the original Panama hats. Let us know if you wish to add a guided tour of the city.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel    

Day 11: Cuenca to Guayaquil         

Today, you’ll drive towards Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. During the first couple of hours, you will be climbing to an altitude of over 4,000 metres, through the stunning Cajas National Park. We suggest stopping here for a tour with a local guide. Afterwards, the route will begin its descent towards the coastal city of Guayaquil.

When you arrive, you’ll drop off the car rental and check into your hotel for your last night in Ecuador. We recommend visiting the Malecon and Las Peñas neighbourhood with its colourful houses.

Included: Breakfast, rental car, hotel    

Day 12: Depart Guayaquil  

You’ll be collected from your hotel at any time today and be taken to the airport by private transfer to connect with your flight home.

Included: Breakfast, departure transfer, international flight    

Day 13: Arrive UK