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TRAVEL BY RENTAL CAR

Discover on your own

Explore the country on your own during one of our 12-day rental car tours! You choose one of three itineraries and your car category, and receive detailed descriptions of the suggested activities, which you can do on your own, or book an additional local guide here and there, if you wish. Explore the tropical cloud forest, the Andean highlands with their snow-capped volcanoes, the flora and fauna of the Amazon region, and relax in the hot springs of Papallacta and Baños. We have reserved beautiful accommodations for you on all trips!

Itineraries

Get to know the green side of Ecuador on this rental car tour. Depart from Quito and discover the country’s most biodiverse region, the mountain cloud forest of the Chocó Andino. You will also visit beautiful mountain lakes, impressive waterfalls, and relaxing hot springs. Climb Cotopaxi volcano to the snow line or take a lovely boat ride on the Cuicocha lagoon! Hike through orchid groves to hidden waterfalls in the Mindo cloud forest and the birding paradise of Mashpi Amagusa. In the western Amazon lowlands, you will have the opportunity to see more birds and other rainforest animals. In Puerto Napo, you can immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the western Amazon lowlands. You can create your own daily schedule and experience Ecuador at your own pace. You don’t have to worry about where to stay during the trip, as we’ll take care of the hotel bookings for you!

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Arrive in Quito in the afternoon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. You can enjoy international dishes and Ecuadorian specialties at the hotel’s excellent restaurant.

Overnight at Ikala Hotel.

Distance / Time: 36 km – 1 hour.

Today you will visit the colonial old town of Quito with your English-speaking guide and see the Jesuit Church “La Companía”, the Monastery of San Francisco, and the Plaza Grande. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to the car rental office and drive north to Mindo. On the way, you will visit the equator line at the “Middle of the World”, the Intiñan Sun Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum.

Overnight at Sisakuna Lodge. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 100 km – 2 hours.

After breakfast, you will drive to the butterfly farm. After the visit, you can take the cable car over the treetops into the forest and another cable car to the path of the waterfalls with numerous swimming opportunities. In the afternoon we recommend a visit to Doña Alicia’s orchid garden in the center of the village. Other activities such as canopying, tubing, horseback riding, etc. can be organized on-site. In the evening, listen to a frog concert at Mindo Lago with an expert explanation.

Overnight at Sisakuna Lodge. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 5 km – 20 min.

Today you will travel deeper into the cloud forest. In the small village of Tulipe, you can visit the archaeological museum of the pre-Inca Yumbo culture (Wednesday to Sunday). After settling into your hotel in Pacto, drive 15 km on a dirt road to the Mashpi Amagusa Nature Reserve. Here, you can observe various iridescent tanagers, including the endemic green tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis), as well as parrots and toucans.

Overnight at Piripe Wellness Lodge. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 80 km – 2 hours.

Travel north through the dry Guayabamba Valley and past San Pablo Lake to Otavalo. On the way, you can make a detour to the pre-Inca pyramids of Cochasquí. In the afternoon, visit the market at Plaza de Ponchos, the waterfall hidden in the eucalyptus forest near Otavalo and the small village of Peguche, or the Condor Park at San Pablo Lake.

Overnight at Las Palmeras Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 162 km – 3 hours.

Use the day for an excursion to the Cotacachi Cayapas Nature Reserve to the Cuicocha “Guinea Pig Lagoon” where you can hike and take a boat ride. If the weather is good and you are in good physical condition, you can walk around the lake on the marked trail for about 4-5 hours. The small leather village of Cotacachi with its beautiful museum is also worth a visit. A trip to the lagoons of Mojanda is another option.

Overnight at Las Palmeras Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 40 km – 1 hour.

Today you will drive south on the Avenue of the Volcanoes past Quito to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here you will drive to the parking lot and from there on foot (approx. 45 min.) to the refuge of this magnificent volcano. If the weather is good, you can walk up to the snow line and enjoy the fantastic view. At the Limpiopungo lagoon, we recommend a 90-minute hike on flat terrain. Afterwards, drive to your hotel near the park.

Overnight at Cuello de Luna Hotel. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 200 km – 4 hours.

Early in the morning we will drive via Latacunga to the small village of Zumbahua and continue to one of Ecuador’s most beautiful mountain lakes, Quilotoa at 3800 m, where you can hike along the crater rim or down to the shore and experience the ascent by mule (optional). In the afternoon, we drive to the small resort town of Baños at 1800 m. In the evening we recommend a short tour of the town and relaxing in the hot springs.

Overnight at La Floresta Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 256 km – 5 hours.

Visit the “swing at the end of the world” where you can see the active volcano Tugurahua (5023m). Then you will drive into the Amazon region. On the way you will visit the waterfalls of the Pastaza Valley and take short hikes over adventurous suspension bridges at the Ulba Waterfalls, the “Manto de la Novia” and the “Devil’s Cauldron” in Río Verde, as well as a cable car ride over the gorge. Continue to Puyo, where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

Overnight at El Jardín Hotel. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 62 km – 1.5 hours.

After breakfast, you will drive to the country’s largest river, the Río Napo. Here you will make a detour to the small village of Misahuallí, where capuchin monkeys usually play on the sandy beach.  In Misahuallí you can swim and take a boat ride. If the weather is good, you can hike to the “Las Latas” waterfall. Afterwards, you will drive to Tena and Archidona to your lodging, where you can enjoy the sounds of the jungle during dinner.

Overnight at Huasquila Lodge. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 132 km – 3 hours.

Today you will drive via Baeza on a spectacular route back into the Andes to Papallacta. After settling into your hotel, you will drive about 5 km on a dirt road to the Cayambe Coca National Park. Here you can take a short hike to the “Loreto Cocha” lagoon or to the “Laguna de Baños” and the waterfall. Enjoy the wonderful hot springs of Papallacta. A spa area with a sauna and massage is also available.

Overnight at Termas de Papallacta Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 113 km – 2.5 hours.

This morning is free for swimming and relaxing. You can also take a 1-hour hike on the signposted “La Isla” trail, through the endemic highland forest along the river. At noon you will drive to the airport in Tababela (Quito), where you will return your rental car and board your flight back home.

Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 55 km – 1 hour.

Services included:
  • Accommodation in a double room in the mentioned hotels (or at least equivalent)
  • Meals as specified
  • Private transfer-in, Quito airport – hotel on day 1
  • City tour with English-speaking guide incl. entrance fees to “La Compañía”, San Francisco. (approx. 5 hours)
  • 10 days car rental in the chosen category, unlimited mileage, full insurance, second driver allowed, drop off fee.
  • English-speaking assistance when picking up the rented car.
  • On-site customer service
Services not included:
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
  • Excursions and sightseeing suggested in the program (except Quito city tour)
  • Gas / Tolls (approx. 10, – USD)
  • International flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips

Discover the north, the Amazon region, and the central Andes on this rental car tour. Starting in Quito, you will visit the colonial old town before picking up your rental car and heading north. Here you will explore the “Province of Lakes” Imbabura with its market town of Otavalo and the famous “Guinea Pig Lagoon” of Cuicocha. Then you will drive to the hot springs of Papallacta and on to the Amazon region. You will experience the diversity of plants and animals and can observe monkeys in the wild at the Napo River. Return to the Andes via the Route of the Waterfalls and explore the beautiful spa town of Baños de Agua Santa. Continue to the highest mountain in the country, the imposing Chimborazo (6268 m), the beautiful mountain lake Quilotoa, and the Cotopaxi National Park before returning to Quito. You can enjoy the incredible scenery and cultural diversity without having to worry about accommodation, as we take care of the hotel bookings for the entire round trip for you! This allows you to experience Ecuador at your own pace!

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Arrive in Quito in the afternoon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. You can enjoy international dishes and Ecuadorian specialties at the hotel’s excellent restaurant.

Overnight at Ikala Hotel.

Distance / Time: 36 km – 1 hour.

Today you will visit the colonial old town of Quito with your English-speaking guide and see the Jesuit Church “La Companía”, the Monastery of San Francisco, and the Plaza Grande. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to the car rental office and then drive north to Otavalo, the “Province of the Lakes”, Imbabura. Your accommodation will be in a beautiful small hacienda just outside the city.

Overnight at Las Palmeras Inn Farm. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 100 km – 2 hours.

Visit the Plaza de Ponchos, which is especially lively on Saturdays. Use the day for an excursion to the Cotacachi Cayapas Nature Reserve to the Cuicocha “Guinea Pig Lagoon” where you can hike and take a boat ride. If the weather is good and you are in good physical condition, you can walk around the lake on the marked trail for about 4-5 hours. The small leather village of Cotacachi with its beautiful museum is also worth a visit. A trip to the lagoons of Mojanda is another option.

Overnight at Las Palmeras Inn Farm. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 50 km – 1 hour.

Today you will drive east past Quito on a spectacular route back into the Andes to Papallacta. After settling into your hotel, you will drive about 5 km on a dirt road to the Cayambe Coca National Park. Here you can take a short hike to the “Loreto Cocha” lagoon or to the “Laguna de Baños” and the waterfall. Enjoy the wonderful hot springs of Papallacta. A spa area with a sauna and massage is also available.

Overnight at Termas de Papallacta Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 137 km – 3 hours.

After breakfast, we will take a short walk of about 1 hour through the endemic forest along the river. The trail is well-marked. After a last dip in the hot springs, we will continue through Baeza into the Amazon region to Cotundo. In the afternoon, after settling in at the lodge, you can explore the surrounding area, including the cave paintings of the pre-Inca Cotundo culture.

Overnight at Huasquila Lodge. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 129 km – 3 hours.

After breakfast, you will drive to the country’s largest river, the Río Napo. Here you will make a detour to the small village of Misahuallí, where capuchin monkeys usually play on the sandy beach. In Misahuallí you can swim and take a boat ride. If the weather is good, you can hike to the waterfall “Las Latas”. Afterwards, you will drive to Puyo to your lodge, where you can have dinner while listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Overnight at El Jardín Hotel. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 132 km – 3 hours.

You leave the Amazon region and travel through the valley of the Pastaza River to Baños. On the way, visit the roaring “Devil’s Cauldron ” waterfall in the small village of Río Verde. At the “Manto de la Novia” waterfall, you can hike into the gorge, cross an adventurous suspension bridge and take the cable car back to the other side of the valley. The Ulba waterfall is also worth a visit. After settling into your hotel, we recommend a short tour of the town and a dip in the hot springs of “La Vírgen”. 

Overnight at La Floresta Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 61 km – 1.5 hours.

Today is at your leisure in the beautiful spa town of Baños de Agua Santa. Numerous outdoor activities such as rafting, canopying, canyoning, bungee jumping, horseback riding, and much more can be easily booked locally. We also recommend a hike to the Bellavista viewpoint and from there to the statue of the Virgin Mary and/or an excursion to the Casa del Árbol with its famous “swing at the end of the world” from where you have a great view of the active volcano Tunguragua (5023 m).

Overnight at La Floresta Hotel. Included: Breakfast

Today you will drive to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve where you will reach the first refuge by car. From here you can hike to the second refuge and on to the Condor Lagoon at 5100m. The Chimborazo (6268m) is the highest mountain in the world measured from the center of the earth and the closest point to the sun. You will see many vicuñas on your hike. In the afternoon you will drive to your lodge, which is beautifully located in the middle of the wildlife reserve. On a walk near the lodge, you will see llamas and alpacas.

Overnight at Chimborazo Lodge. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 120 km – 2.5 hours.

We leave the wildlife reserve and head south on the “Avenue of Volcanoes” via Ambato and Latacunga to the small village of Zumbahua and on to one of Ecuador’s most beautiful mountain lakes, Quilotoa. Here you can take a short hike along the crater rim and descend to the shore for an optional kayak ride. The ascent can be done by mule (optional). Afterwards, you will drive to your accommodation, the historic “Hacienda La Ciénega”, where Alexander von Humboldt once stayed.

Overnight at “Hacienda La Ciénega”. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 277 km – 5 hours.

After breakfast, you can explore the hacienda before driving to the nearby Cotopaxi National Park. From the parking lot, walk to the refuge of this magnificent volcano (approximately 45 minutes). Weather permitting, you can hike up to the snow line and enjoy the fantastic views. Then drive to the Limpiopungo Lagoon for a 90-minute hike around the lagoon. The trail is well-marked. Finally, visit the small interpretation center before returning to your hotel in Quito.

Overnight at Ikala Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 80 km – 1.5 hours.

Depending on the time of your return flight or if you have booked an extension, this morning is at your leisure. Visit the “Capilla del hombre”, the museum of the Ecuadorian artist Guayasamín, in the Bellavista district. Around noon, you will drive to the airport in Tababela, where you will return your rental car and board your flight back home.

Included: Breakfast.

Services included:
  • Accommodation in a double room in the hotels mentioned (or equivalent)
  • Meals as specified
  • Private transfer-in, Quito airport – hotel on day 1
  • City tour with English-speaking guide incl. entrance fees to “La Compañía”, San Francisco (approx. 5 hours)
  • English-speaking assistance when picking up the rented car.
  • 10 days car rental in the chosen category, unlimited mileage, full insurance, second driver allowed, drop off fee.
  • On-site customer service
Services not included:
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
  • Excursions and sightseeing suggested in the program (except Quito city tour)
  • Gasoline expenses
  • Tolls, approx. 10,- USD
  • International flights
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses

Experience a 12-day rental car tour of the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” that guarantees adventure and unique natural spectacles. See the highest, still active volcanoes in Ecuador, which fascinated Alexander von Humboldt during his expedition in the early 19th century. Relax on fantastic hikes through the highland paramo around Otavalo, Papallacta, and in the Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cajas National Parks. Explore Quito and Cuenca’s UNESCO World Heritage cities and relax in the hot volcanic springs. Explore Ecuador from north to south on the “Avenue of Volcanoes” on your own! 

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Arrive in Quito in the afternoon. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. You can enjoy international dishes and Ecuadorian specialties at the hotel’s excellent restaurant.

Overnight at Ikala Hotel.

Distance / Time: 36 km – 1 hour.

Today you will visit the colonial old town of Quito with your English-speaking guide and see the Jesuit Church “La Companía”, the Monastery of San Francisco, and the Plaza Grande. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to the car rental office and after picking up your car, you will drive north through the Guayabamba Valley and past Lake San Pablo to Otavalo. It is also possible to visit the so-called “Middle of the World” which is on the way.

Overnight at Las Palmeras Inn Farm. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 100 km – 2 hours.

Use the day for an excursion to the Cuicocha “Guinea Pig Lagoon” for hiking and boating. The small leather village of Cotacachi with its beautiful museum is also worth a visit. Other options are the Mojanda Lagoons or the Peguche Waterfall, hidden in a eucalyptus forest, where you can go on beautiful hikes.

Overnight at Las Palmeras Inn Farm. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 40 km – 1 hour.

 In the morning you will have time to visit Otavalo’s famous Saturday market around the Plaza de Ponchos. Afterwards, you will travel via Cayambe and “El Quinche” to the highlands of the Eastern Cordillera. You will drive to Papallacta to visit the hot springs. Besides bathing and relaxing, a short hike along the river is worthwhile. A spa area is also available.

Overnight at Termas de Papallacta. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 137 km – 3 hours.

After a final dip in the volcanic hot springs, you will head south on the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park. Here you will find the parking lot from where you can walk (approx. 45 min.) to the refuge of this magnificent volcano. If the weather is good, you can walk up to the snow line and enjoy the fantastic view. You will then drive to your hotel near the park.

Overnight at Cuello de Luna Hotel. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 168 km – 3 hours.

Early in the morning we drive via Latacunga to the small village of Zumbahua and continue to one of Ecuador’s most beautiful mountain lakes, Quilotoa, where you can hike to the shore and experience the ascent by mule (optional). In the afternoon, you will travel to the small spa town of Baños, located at an altitude of 1800 m, which you can explore on your own in the evening.

Overnight at La Floresta Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 256 km – 5 hours.

Baños is perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities such as rafting, horseback riding, biking, etc. Drive towards the Amazon region to the waterfalls of the Pastaza Valley. At the “Manto de la Novia” and “Devil’s Cauldron” waterfalls you can take short hikes and an impressive cable car ride. The Bellavista viewpoint, the “swing at the end of the world” at the Casa del Árbol, and the hot springs are also worth a visit.

Overnight at La Floresta Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 50 km – 1 hour.

Today you will drive to the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, where you can climb from the first refuge to the second refuge and on to the Condor Lagoon at 5100 m. The Chimborazo (6268m) is the highest mountain in the world measured from the center of the earth and the closest point to the sun. You will see numerous vicuñas in the wildlife reserve. In the afternoon you will drive past the Colta Lake to the small Andean village of Guamote.

Overnight at Intisisa Art Guesthouse. Included: breakfast and dinner.

Distance / Time: 200 km – 4 hours.

This morning explore the colorful weekly market in Guamote. Then head south to Ingapirca, the largest and most important Inca fortress in the country. After visiting the Temple of the Sun and the Archaeological Museum in Ingapirca, you will drive to Cuenca, where you can take your first short tour of the city in the evening

Overnight at San Juan Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 219 km – 4 hours.

Take a self-guided tour of the colonial old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the old and new cathedrals, the flower market, and the Archaeological Museum of the Central Bank. Another attraction in Cuenca is the production of the Panama Hat, which can be visited, and the market hall “10 de Agosto” in the center. In the afternoon you can visit the viewpoint of El Turi.

Overnight at San Juan Hotel. Included: Breakfast.

Travel to the Cajas National Park, where you can take a short hike at the Toreadora Lagoon. Continue towards the coast to the port city of Guayaquil. Once you have settled into your hotel, we recommend a visit to the Iguana Park right on your doorstep and a walk along the Malecón 2000 promenade and to the St. Ana viewing hill.

Overnight at Grand Hotel Guayaquil. Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 200 km – 4 hours.

This morning is at your leisure, we recommend using the pool and spa at your hotel. In the early afternoon, you will drive to the airport to return your rental car (same time as pick-up) and catch your flight back home.

Included: Breakfast.

Distance / Time: 7 km – 20 min.

Services included:
  • Accommodation in a double room in the hotels mentioned (or equivalent)
  • Meals as specified
  • Private transfer-in, Quito airport – hotel on day 1.
  • City tour with English-speaking guide incl. entrance fees to “La Compañía”, San Francisco (approx. 5 hours)
  • 10-day car rental in the chosen category, unlimited mileage, full insurance, second driver allowed, drop off fee.
  • English-speaking assistance when picking up the rented car.
  • On-site customer service
Services not included:
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
  • Excursions and sightseeing suggested in the program (except Quito city tour)
  • Gasoline expenses/ toll charges
  • International flights
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses

GET IN TOUCH

  • info@latinarealtoursecuador.com
  • +593 98 485 4049
  • +593 99 870 2207
  • +593 2 3160851
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