Ecuador in 10 Days: Cotopaxi Cowboys and Amazon Adventures
Experience Ecuador’s buzzing energy, volcanic elevations, and rainforest effervescent on this 10-day trip through Quito, Cotopaxi, and the amazing Amazon.
Ecuador
10 days / 9 nights
$3,400 /person
$3,400 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Straddling the Middle of the World at the world’s equatorial border of zero degrees
Riding a horse in the style of a traditional Cotopaxi Chagra
Hiking at the base of volcanoes in Cotopaxi National Park
Experiencing the thrills of the Amazon in total darkness during a nocturnal jungle tour
Marveling at historic Quito’s architecture, including the ornate Church of the Society of Jesus
¡Bienvenido a Ecuador!
Mitad del Mundo — The Middle of the World — and Quito's Historic Core
Santa Rita’s Hike of the Waterfalls and a Pachamama Gratitude Ceremony
Horseback Riding Beneath Volcanoes and a Dude Ranch Cooking Class
Volcanoes, Glaciers, and Cotopaxi National Park
Santa Rita’s Hike of the Waterfalls and a Pachamama Gratitude Ceremony
Overview
Now that you’ve experienced Ecuadorian culture and city life, it’s time to head south toward Cotopaxi by way of the spectacular Santa Rita nature reserve. During today’s scenic road trip, you’ll make your first stop about 45 minutes outside of Quito at this private ecological reserve, suspended at 3,200 meters — 10,500 feet — of elevation. Alongside your local expert guide, you’ll experiment with the reserve’s various trails, stumbling across cascading waterfalls, snaking rivers, and the petrified lahars of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Once you’ve tested all the reserve’s waters, you’ll embark on another 45-minute drive, this time to a sustainable dude ranch — your accommodation for the next few nights. Once you settle in, you’ll participate in a Pachamama “Mother Earth” gratitude ceremony to start your highlands adventure. Afterward, you’ll have free time at your hotel, with access to the on-site mountain spa wet area. Soak in hot waters, unwinding amid the mountains. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Highlights
APU Mountain Spa Wet Area
Indulge in your new environment in the most relaxing way possible. After a busy few days, you'll have time this afternoon to soak in the hot waters of your hotel's spa wet area, nestling yourself among the bubbling jets. For ultimate relaxation, you'll also have the option of an add-on massage or spa treatment.
Pachamama Ceremony
The name “Pachamama” translates to “Mother Earth,” which you’ll discover in great, grounding depth during today’s gratitude ceremony. This ancient ritual will connect you with place, bridging the gap between you and the Cotopaxi lands.
Santa Rita Ecological Reserve
You can witness nearly a dozen volcanoes from Santa Rita Ecological Reserve, which, while less than an hour outside of Quito, will feel like you've left city life far, far behind. During today's guided visit, you'll explore this vast stretch of greenery, tucking between mountain nooks and coming across free-flowing waterfalls, towering trees, and local Ecuadorian wildlife. Nature, at its most natural.
Accommodations
Hacienda El Porvenir (or similar)
Ecotourism, adventure, and activity — surrounded by four volcanoes. At the foothills of Ruminahui Volcano and a trio of other volcanic mountains, this hacienda sits just four kilometers north of Cotopaxi National Park. At an altitude of 3,600 meters, the 1,000-hectare hotel offers a variety of activities led by expert guides, allowing guests to enjoy the Andean landscape and beauty of Ecuador.
Location:
A 4k Ingreso Norte Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Machachi 171110, Ecuador
Phone:
+59326009533
Transportation
The drive takes approximately two hours.
Quito
Cotopaxi, Hacienda El Porvenir (or similar)
How it works
Fill out request form
Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.
Meet your expert
Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.
Book your trip
Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.
Take-off
Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.
Ready to Go?
Let our local experts plan your dream trip.
What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- COVID entry and exit information and assistance
- Nine nights of accommodations, with breakfast included
- All activities, ground transfers, tours, and meals mentioned in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything listed as optional or not included in the itinerary
- Domestic flights