Heart of Ecuador

Upon arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, your private guide and chauffeur will escort you to your hotel which is just a short, scenic drive away. There, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the concierge, who is available to assist with anything you may need. Your guide will review tomorrow’s personalized itinerary, tailored entirely to your interests. This evening, enjoy a refined welcome dinner at the hotel, prepared by some of Ecuador’s most acclaimed chefs.

This morning, begin your day at the “Middle of the World,” where the equator divides the hemispheres. Explore the monument honoring the French Geodesic Mission and visit either the Ethnographic Museum or the interactive Inti Ñan Museum. Savor a scenic lunch at El Crater, overlooking the Pululahua volcanic crater, then return to Quito’s Old Town for a guided stroll through its colonial gems, including San Agustin Monastery, La Compañía Church, and San Francisco Plaza. Conclude with a visit to a boutique chocolate atelier to discover the secrets of Ecuador’s renowned Fine Aroma Cacao. This evening, choose between a theatrical cupola visit with private convent dinner or a tethered hot air balloon ride over Quito by night.

This morning, begin your day with a traditional breakfast before enjoying a private transfer to the Anglaruna Kaway community for a rare opportunity to engage with Ecuador’s indigenous heritage. Participate in an Andean Chakana healing ritual, learn to craft traditional beverages, and enjoy heartfelt cultural exchanges, all set against the stunning backdrop of Imbabura Volcano and San Pablo Lake. Continue to Otavalo to explore South America’s most iconic indigenous market, alive with vibrant textiles, handmade crafts, and artisanal treasures. Then, journey to historic Hacienda Zuleta for a private walking tour of its storied grounds, working cheese factory, and serene countryside setting. This evening, you have the option to enjoy an incredible panoramic view on a tethered hot air balloon flight over San Pablo Lake.

Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast, setting the tone for a day entirely tailored to your desires. Choose from a curated selection of immersive experience, whether it’s exploring private trails on foot or horseback, joining an embroidery or cooking workshop, or simply drifting through the countryside in a horse-drawn carriage. At midday, indulge in a private luxury picnic featuring fresh, farm-to-table cuisine, thoughtfully prepared and served in a spectacular natural setting, surrounded by the crisp Andean air and panoramic views. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, relax in the hacienda’s peaceful surroundings or elevate your experience with optional activities, including guided workshops, an additional ride through the highlands, or a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Imbabura province.

This morning, following breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Quito Airport ahead of your flight to the charming city of Cuenca. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel via private transfer. Enjoy a refined lunch at the hotel, followed by an afternoon at leisure to relax or begin exploring the cobbled streets and colonial ambiance of this UNESCO-listed gem.

Begin your day with a guided tour of Cuenca’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the San Sebastian and Del Carmen churches, the Modern Art Museum, Calderón Park, the vibrant Flower Market, and both the original Sagrario Cathedral and the grand New Cathedral, one of Latin America’s largest. Visit a traditional paja toquilla hat factory to observe the intricate process behind Ecuador’s famed Panama hats. Stroll through the Barranco del Río Tomebamba, a charming riverfront district, and take in panoramic views from the Turi lookout, where Cuenca’s red rooftops and domes stretch toward the Andes. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for lunch before departing for El Cajas National Park. This high-altitude ecosystem features over 300 glacial lakes and serves as a vital water source for the region. Visit the Tres Cruces viewpoint for sweeping views of the wetlands and páramo, celebrated for its ecological richness and rare biodiversity.

This morning, after breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Saraguro, the “Land of Maize,” home to proud indigenous communities deeply rooted in tradition. Immerse yourself in their culture as you explore local villages and learn about their enduring beliefs and customs. Begin with panoramic views of the Jubones Desert en route to El Alumbre farmhouse, where you’ll tour the grounds, learn about tropical fruit cultivation, and enjoy fresh tastings. Continue to Chayazapa for a traditional farm-to-table lunch at Don Leonidas, followed by a hands-on look at sugarcane harvesting and artisanal spirits. In the afternoon, visit La Papaya’s award-winning coffee plantation and Ranti Café in Quisquinchir to learn about high-altitude coffee production, from bean selection to roasting, culminating in a curated tasting.

This morning, following breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport ahead of your flight home.