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Overview

Self-drive tour of Ecuador

From the hidden treasures of the Amazon to the snowy peaks of the Andes, from volcanoes and lava flows to the heart of a UNESCO world heritage city, from hot salsa moves to colored markets, you’ll discover myriad contrasts in this country of a thousand faces. Uniktour welcomes you to Ecuador: the best of what Latin America has to offer – all in one small country! Let yourself be guided by the rhythms of the aboriginals, the flow of the pirogue, and the tribal beat of the hiking trails on this self-drive tour of Ecuador.

Uniktour strongly believes that the best way to discover a country is through its people. This means we encourage as much contact with the local population as possible. Throughout this tour of Ecuador, Uniktour will introduce you to this beautiful country’s inhabitants and allow you to uncover its many charms – at your own pace. We want to offer you an easygoing travel experience where you get to discover the area’s highlights and yet benefit from just the right amount of independence.

Ecuador invites you into its heart. Follow colorful and surreal itineraries and share the lives and emotions of its people, in an atmosphere of mutual respect. This is more than a self-drive tour: this is your self-drive tour.

Feel free to contact our Ecuador specialist for more information on this original self-drive tour!

Itinerary

Day 1| Quito
Departure from Canada. International flight. Arrival in Quito (2800m). A member of our staff will welcome you at the airport before your hotel transfer. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a day of leisure (we do not recommend planning too many activities on this first day, in order to allow yourself time to acclimatize to the altitude). Overnight in hotel.

PART 2 (Day 2 to Day 5) Amazon rainforest
The Ecuadorian Amazon - 130.000 km2 (half the country territory) – pop. 250 000 (2% of the country total)
Covering close to half of the country’s total surface area, the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest covers an area more than 4 times the size of Belgium, an immense green expanse scarred with countless waterways snaking around the world’s largest river network. When night falls, the daytime silence makes room for the chaotic sounds of the jungle, where insects, birds, howling monkeys, and countless other creatures come out, in a very audible way.

Day 2| Arrival in the Amazon
Enjoy breakfast and then pick-up your rental car – you’re off! Today, take the Baeza – Tena road and head for the Amazon rainforest.
After having crossed the Andes, the open mountainous landscape gives way and is slowly replaced by lush vegetation, a warm tropical climate, and houses built on stilts (around 6 hours on the road). When you get to Tena, one of our associates will be waiting for you. Enjoy a nice meal and continue on to your lodge (around 90 min on the road). If the water level is high enough, you will be taken to your lodge aboard a pirogue (transfer time: around 90 min). Arrive at your destination at the end of the day and enjoy some free time, relaxing and listening to the surreal sounds of the surrounding wildlife (and maybe take a dip in the river). Overnight in a rustic lodge. BLD

Day 3| A day in the Amazon: hiking in a primary forest
After breakfast you leave for a day of hiking in one of the Amazon’s primary forests (the community you are visiting includes approx. 4500 ha of protected forest). A local guide will accompany you into the forest (English-speaking specialist, subject to availability), where you will discover medicinal plants and learn traditional gold panning techniques, among other activities. Return to the lodge at the end of the day and go for a dip in the Amazon River. Overnight in a rustic lodge. BLD.

Day 4| A day in the Amazon: discover the area on a pirogue, (community, museum, crafts & animal center)
A day spent in a canoe on the rivers of the Amazon: visit a local community, meet the inhabitants, and discover their environment. Visit a museum and learn all about traditional hunting and fishing techniques. For lunch, enjoy a picnic next to the water and then continue your day’s exploration with a visit to an animal centre. At the end of the day, take a dip in the Amazon River. Overnight in a rustic lodge. BLD.

PART 3 (Day 5 to Day 7) Banos
Banos – pop. 10,000 – alt. 1800m
In the heart of a magical natural setting lies the town of Banos, named after the sulfurous waters that spring from nearby Tungurahua volcano, an imposing mass that towers over the village. With its pleasantly refreshing climate, high mountains covered in lush forests, and hot springs, Banos welcomes you!

Day 5| Arrival in Banos
After breakfast, get back on the road and head towards the small town of Banos, gateway to the Andes (approx. 4h on the road). Settle into your hotel and enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Many activities are on offer here, including hot springs and short hikes. One such hike takes you to a spot called Virgen in about 45 min. There, you get superb views of the town, volcano, and surrounding area. Overnight in hotel. B.
Optional: overnight at a villager’s home (no extra fees; contact us for more information)

Day 6| A day in Banos: bike ride down the “route of the waterfalls”
In this magical setting, hop on a bike and discover amazing Pastaza valley. Travel from waterfall to waterfall, passing mountains and forests, and discover unique scenery on this lovely bike tour (90% downhill; it is possible to go bungee jumping on the way down). This tour can last anywhere from a couple of hours to the whole day, depending on what you want to do and how fast you go. For the return journey, a van will be rented on location to bring you back to the starting point. Standing on the back of your vehicle on your return journey is a great way to enjoy the beautiful landscape a second time around. You have a variety of options to choose from in the evening: the town’s hot springs, spa services, night observation of the active volcano, etc. Overnight at the hotel. B
Optional: overnight at a villager’s home (no extra fees; contact us for more information)

Day 7| End of your stay in Banos
Depending on how you feel, you can enjoy some free time in Banos in the morning and then head for your destination, the Quilotoa lagoon (about 4½ on the road). Or, inversely, you can head to Quilotoa in the morning and enjoy some free time there in the afternoon (including a descent into the lagoon). If you decide to stay in Banos in the morning, you can opt to go rafting, horseback riding, canyoning, or enjoy the services of a spa.

PART 4 (Day 7 and Day 8) QUILOTOA
Quilotoa – pop. 100 inhabitants – alt. 3950m.
Nestled between the magnificent peaks of the western Ecuadorian Andes, the mysterious crater of an extinct volcano jealously hides the green waters of Ecuador’s most beautiful lagoon: Quilotoa! Culminating at 3950 meters, the peak of this ring of rock gives bird’s eye views of the emerald lagoon. Look around you and your gaze loses itself in a sea of mountainous peaks, highlands covered in wheat fields and green pastures, thatch-roofed huts scattered across solitary landscapes, and the wide-open spaces of the country’s interior. This region has maintained a feeling of authenticity, as a visit to any of its myriad small villages will confirm.

Day 7| Arrival in Quilotoa
The road from Banos to Quilotoa (approx. 4 ½ h) doesn’t disappoint: after joining up with Volcano Alley, you take a small winding road that takes you to the heights of the Andes. Your journey takes you through a patchwork of landscape and semi desertic regions as you drive across one of Ecuador’s most beautiful – and harshest – regions: Quilotoa. Today’s destination: an ancient volcanic crater lying at an altitude of almost 4000, the bottom of which is filled with the emerald green waters of a beautiful lagoon. The Andes rise sharply all around you, as far as the eye can see. Settle into a rustic family inn and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy some free time in the village. (Note that you can walk down to the bottom of the crater and come back up on mule back. The return trip takes about 2h). Dinner and overnight in a rustic family inn. BD

Day 8| A day in Quilotoa: hiking in the area and return journey to Quito
This morning, enjoy breakfast and go for a walk in one of the area’s many hiking trails, with or without a local guide (we recommend taking a guide): around the crater (+/- 6 h), Zumbahua canyon (+/- 4 h). Or you can head down to the bottom of the crater, if you haven’t already been (+/- 2 h). Early in the afternoon, you get back on Volcano Alley and drive all the way back to the capital (approx. 4 h drive time). If the weather is clear, you’ll get to see plenty of volcanoes along the way, including world-renown Cotopaxi (the world’s highest active volcano, at 5897 m), and the Illinizas. Once you arrive in Quito terminal, a taxi can take you to your lodgings. Overnight at hotel. B.
Optional: overnight at a local villager’s (no extra fees; please tell us in advance if you are interested)

PART 5 (Day 8 – Day 10) QUITO
Quito – pop. 1.5 million – alt. 2850m.
One of the most beautiful cities in the New World, settled at the foot of Pichincha volcano (4794m). Benefitting from a fresh spring climate all year long, set in a beautiful mountainous setting, this 2800m high city is also home to many architectural wonders. The first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site, Quito’s historic area is an open-air museum, filled with 18th century elegance and charm.

Day 9| Discovery of Quito and surroundings
Day of leisure in Quito. We suggest you make your way 22km outside of Quito to La Mitad del Mundo (a 40 min trip), a memorable monument that marks the line of the equator. Visit the ethnographic museum and its exhibition center. Also, don’t forget the small museum only a few hundred meters from this famous landmark. Depending on how much time you have left, another interesting option is Pululahua, an extinct volcano crater where people lived and cultivated the land. Other options include a hike to Pasachoa crater, the flanks of Pichincha volcano, a visit to a museum dedicated to the painter Guayasamin, the Banco Central archeological museum, a stroll around town, etc. Return to Quito by the end of the day. Overnight at hotel. B
Optional: overnight at a local villager’s (no extra fees; please tell us in advance if you are interested)

Day 10| Colonial Quito + road to Otavalo
Quito, once an important city for both the Incas and the Caras, is one of the most beautiful cities in the New World. Nestled in the Andes at an altitude of more than 2800m, it conjures up souvenirs from the colonial era. In the morning, we suggest you take a guided tour of colonial Quito, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, which includes Independence Place, the cathedral, San Francisco church, the Panecillo (small bread), and the church of the Company of Jesus, jewel of Quito. “Protected” by guards wearing 19th century uniforms, the Presidential Palace is adorned with the wrought iron balustrade that once decorated the Palais des Tuileries in Paris, before its destruction by the Commune. In the afternoon your trip continues: say goodbye to Quito and head north towards the Otavalo region (2650m). This city is located in a valley between two extinct volcanoes: Imbabura, the father, and Cotacachi, the mother. Surrounded by lagoons and natural reserves, this region is a great opportunity to discover a new side to the Andes (approx. 2 ½ hours of driving). Settle into your hotel and enjoy some free time in this lovely little provincial town. Overnight at hotel. B

PART 6 (Day 10 to Day 13) OTAVALO
Otavalo – pop. 30,000 – alt. 2530m
The northern sierra: here, volcanoes and lagoons create grandiose scenery, while the indigenous tribes build a fascinating melting pot, from the sculptors of San Antonio to the Otavalo weavers.

Day 11| A day in Otavalo: a family of artisans
At the heart of our travel philosophy are rewarding encounters with the local population. This means we like to offer travelers a chance to experience enriching exchanges and to discover a new and different cultural identity. For a truly novel and authentic human experience, we give you the opportunity to spend the day with a family of artisans. They will come to pick you up at your hotel and bring you into their home. Today you spend the whole day with them, share their routine, and learn the basics their weaving techniques. You can even try your hand at weaving your own cloth. Return to Otavalo at the end of the day. Overnight at hotel. BL

Day 12| Day of leisure in Otavalo
The area offers a variety of activities, including hikes to the lagoons and nature reserves, horseback riding, visiting some of the artisan villages (woodworking, leather, etc.), ATV rides, and more. Overnight at hotel. B
Optional: spend an extra day in Indian villages and homes in the Otavalo region, and take a closer look at how they handle leather and wool, how they use traditional methods to make carpets, ponchos, and how they use agave – also called “Cabuyo” – to weave fabrics (you can purchase some samples on location). Or perhaps you’d like to learn more about the area’s native population via a sociological presentation by your local guide (in Spanish). Cost: 50 CAD/group + 25 CAD/person. Please let us know in advance if you are interested in this option.

PART 7 (Day 13 – Day 14) QUITO, Departure
“Let’s hope the story doesn’t end there…”

Day 13| Traditional hike in Otavalo; return to the capital for salsa lessons
The famous Indian market starts early Saturday morning. With myriad textiles, hats, baskets, and tropical fruits, there’s no lack of color here. Otavalo market is the most famous in Ecuador. Every week, aboriginals from the mountains make their way to this market to sell traditional clothing, making it a favorite meeting place. This is a great place to purchase souvenirs and gifts. Please note: if you can’t make it to Otavalo on a Saturday, there is another market open every day at town square, where all of the local inhabitants’ crafts are also available for purchase. During the afternoon, return to the Capital (approx 2½ h on the road). Last night in Ecuador. At the end of the day, we offer you a chance to take a salsa lesson, the country’s exotic national dance (level: beginner to advanced). Overnight at hotel. B
Optional: overnight at a local villager’s (no extra fees; please tell us in advance if you are interested)

Day 14| Quito
This morning, we suggest you take the cable car to the top of Cruz Loma (alt. 4050m), flight schedule permitting. This will give you unforgettable views of the capital and of Ecuador’s highest peaks. Absolutely stunning panorama. Drop off your rental car downtown or at the airport. International flight.

Please note...
Traveling off the beaten path sometimes means having to deal with unexpected setbacks (strikes, damaged roads, local celebrations, etc). Your ability to adapt to such situations and local life conditions (transportation, food, accommodation, unforeseen events, natural hazards) and unexpected circumstances is key to making the most out of your travel experience. We invite you to try to stay positive and to keep your sense of humor in such situations.

Budget

**Rates published on this website are for information purposes only and are not legally binding (since departure dates are not given). Prices on this website are known to fluctuate frequently in relation to changes in currencies and hotel pricing. In order to obtain a definite quote, please click here.

Other fees

Trip characteristics

Strong points: a rich and varied itinerary that won’t wear you down, plenty of encounters with the local population, a wide variety of landscapes
Themes: culture, nature, and ethnic groups
Regions: Andes mountain range (Volcano alley) & Amazon rainforest
Main stops: Amazon rainforest (Tena region), Banos, Otavalo, Quilotoa, Quito
Accessibility: this is a flexible itinerary, suitable for ages 7 to 70
Period - Climate: Due to Ecuador’s year-long temperate climate, this journey can take place 365 days a year
Departure: Suggested day of departure is Monday, though it is possible to start any day of the week
Extension(s): You can decide to prolong the pleasure and enjoy a stay on the shores of the Pacific, or even in the Galapagos (cruise or combined tour). More information is available on demand.

A note concerning transportation...
When using public transportation to get to any of the sites or lodgings mentioned in the itinerary, taxis and/or minibuses will prove indispensable. Travel times are given for information purposes only and can vary considerably in relation to driving conditions, weather, and unforeseen circumstances (labor strike, damaged roads, national holidays, etc).

Travel insurance...
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance (including emergency assistance) before your departure.

About renting a car in Ecuador…
Please note: we strongly discourage driving at night!

CONDITIONS/PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW WHEN RENTING A CAR
- Driver must have a valid national driver’s license
- Driver must be the holder of a valid driver’s license for at least two years
- Driver must sign rental contract (Standard contract is for one driver; a supplement applies to any extra drivers, payable on location)
- When the driver picks up the vehicle, he must give his credit card to the rental company and agree to charges in the following cases:
a) Vehicle dropped off without a full gas tank
b) Late vehicle drop off
c) Vehicle drop off at an agency other than that in Quito
d) Loss, theft, or damages caused to the rented vehicle (amounts and percentages vary according to driver’s insurance policies)
e) Loss or theft or car radio, keys, or documents
- All car insurance contracts take effect when driver takes possession of the car. Any relevant contract details will be explained at this moment.

Overview

The country of Ecuador lies on the Pacific coast of South America, bordered by Columbia to the north and Peru to the east and south. There 14.3 million Ecuadorians scattered across a territory whose total surface area is 283 000 km2. Ecuador takes its name from the fact that it straddles the line that separates the planet’s two hemispheres. The official language is Spanish, but many native communities living in the Andes and in the eastern shuar still speak Quechua, a language that dates back to the Inca Empire.

Ecuador is split into four main geographical areas: the Costa, the Sierra, the Amazon, and the Galapagos archipelago. Each region has its own distinct and unique climate and landscapes, which makes this a country of natural contrasts. Traveling through the wonderful natural world of Ecuador, we can float along the currents of wide rivers and narrow streams, take a rest on the shores of crystal-clear lakes, explore mysterious caves and gaze at bizarre and unique plant and animal species that evolved far from Man on deserted islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Geography

Continental Ecuador is divided into three clearly delimited geographical areas from east to west. The coast, known as Costa, covers a third of the western region, stretching for 800 km from the foothills of the Andes all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The mountain range, or Sierra, seems to split the country in half. Many mountains in this area reach dizzying heights, including Chimborazo (6310 m), the country’s highest peak, and the mythical Cotopaxi, the world’s tallest active volcano, with an altitude of 5897 meters. This region is also home to the country capital, Quito, as well as many other of the country’s important urban areas. The Oriente is the region starting along the eastern slopes of the mountains that is covered by the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. With such luxuriant vegetation, the Oriente is relatively hard to reach, and is therefore sparsely populated.

It is important to mention the Galapagos archipelago, a group of 48 volcanic islands located 960 km from the Ecuadorian coast: these islands’ rich biodiversity earned them the status of UNESCO world heritage site.

Culture

Like many other South American countries, Ecuador has had an eventful history. Early in the 16th century, it was conquered by the Inca Empire, which was conquered in one fell swoop with the arrival of Pizarro and the Spanish conquistadors in 1532, who the Incas saw as magicians. Offering no resistance, the Inca Empire was quickly overrun. This was the beginning of the colonial era, which dramatically altered the country’s identity. Nowadays, it is impossible to ignore the heritage left by this conquest, particularly when looking at the architecture and the superb baroque buildings in the bigger cities. The Catholic Church has also played a major role since the beginning of the Spanish conquest. Still today, Ecuadorians are very religious: close to 95% of the population is catholic. However, in many cases Catholicism was merely added to the country’s indigenous beliefs, which often has created some rather surprising religious views. Also, the more we travel into the Andean regions, the more we find Quechua traditions and other relics of the pre-Columbian era, offering a rare glimpse into the foundations of Ecuador.

Ecuador is a flamboyant country bursting with cultural contrasts and alive with traditional music. Rich from centuries of varied influences, Ecuadorian music blends Spanish sounds with the traditional pan flute music from the Andes. In addition, African influences dating back to a long period of slavery are still very apparent.

To properly get a grasp of this country’s soul, all you need is to make your way to any of the many typical markets that bring the cities and villages to life early in the morning: fruits and vegetables, cattle, ceramics, hats, carpets, and handicrafts of all kinds are waiting to dazzle you with their colors! Here, shopkeepers selling textiles and handicrafts exchange light-hearted and passionate rants with each other, creating a great spectacle that visitors are sure to enjoy! By far the country’s most famous market, flamboyant Otavalo market offers a condensed version of Ecuadorian handicrafts. Here you’ll find magnificent wools, carpets, and ponchos. Of course, this is also a great place to marvel at the beauty of the handicrafts produced by the Otavalo Indians.

Many festivals and celebrations give life to the Ecuadorian calendar and offer a great way to get to know the country:

- Mardi Gras in February: the country’s most important festival, celebrated with colorful carnivals.
- The Corn and Tourism Festival, held during the last week of June: with parades featuring traditional groups and street mimes, this colorful festival is also a great opportunity to view some of the local handicraft exhibitions. Not to be missed.
- The Fiesta de San Juan, in June: this lively Indian celebration features a wide variety of costumes and dances. It lasts for 3 days and 3 nights and ends with a mass.
- Esmeralda’s Independence, on August 5th: for almost a week, people celebrate dancing during this festival that focuses on merengue and salsa.
- Todos los Santos, November 1st: Day of the dead during which people converge to the cemeteries in order to invite the deceased to come back to the world of the living. This important day is an opportunity to honor the deceased by decorating their tombs, but also to play music and sample some local dishes.
- Foundation of Quito, in December: colorful vehicles and traditional music fill the streets, samba orchestras play and the atmosphere is out of this world.

Climate

Each of Ecuador’s main geographical areas has a its own distinct climate, allowing travelers to visit the country all year long. The climate is generally tropical, though the Andes’ influence means it is also moderate. Temperatures are therefore relatively cool in higher altitudes, and there are considerable variations between regions. In short, Ecuador has two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from December to May in the flatlands and from January to April on the coast, with daily showers that get stronger later in the day. It rains all year long in the Amazon region, though more precipitation occurs between April and June. The dry season lasts for the rest of the year.

The coast benefits from a warm and dry climate all year long, particularly between April and June. The beaches are lovely and the temperatures are generally ideal for swimming. The rainy season takes place between January and April. Later in the year between July and August, clouds and fog appear. The cold Humboldt Current influences climate in the southern coast, where temperatures are generally cooler.

The Sierra | The Sierra’s climate is often described as “permanent spring”. Here, temperatures stay cool, particularly in higher altitudes (14°C to 18°C), and temperature differences between night and day are surprising. The rainy season lasts from December to May, but there is considerable cloud cover throughout the year. The best time to visit is between June and September, when temperatures are generally comfortable and there is less humidity.

The Oriente | As one would expect, the Oriente climate is hot and humid, with rainfall occurring throughout the year, especially between April and June. The tropical forest covers most of the eastern half of the country, and the average temperature is 25°C. It can get pretty cold in the forest, particularly at night and when it rains.

The Galápagos | The climate of the Galápagos Islands is influenced by the Humboldt Current and is thus dry and tropical. There are two main seasons: the dry season (or Garua season) and the warm season. During the dry season, which lasts between June and November, temperatures oscillate between 20°C and 24°C and the waters are cooler than during the rainy season. There is very little rain, but the wind blowing from the south brings a quasi-permanent fog (Garuas). During the warm season, which lasts from December to May, average temperatures rise to 25°C, with a warm sun and sporadic rains.