Ecuador Nature & Culture

Ecuador is a mesmerizing country rich in nature, culture, and diversity. Discover Quito, myriad indigenous markets, snow-capped volcanoes, hot springs, and more!

This nature and culture tour of mainland Ecuador immerses you in five different paradises located north and east of the mountainous Andean region. From walking the cobblestone streets of colonial Quito (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and visiting Latitude Zero at the Equator, to hiking in the intriguing cloud forest, to relaxing in hot springs in the paramo highlands, we will just begin to scratch the surface of the gems Ecuador has to offer. Then, we will bring you to Nono, a little jewel built in colonial times by the Jesuits, where the charm and hospitality of Villa Doris wait for you.

Endless adventures await on this 7-day, privately-guided tour!

• Learn about colonial Quito on a city tour visiting iconic churches and plazas
• Hike in the lush, evergreen cloud forest at 10,500ft above sea level
• Visit the most traditional artisan markets in South America in Otavalo and nearby towns
• Relax at the hot springs while enjoying an outstanding view of the highlands
• Visit Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano on Earth!
• Savour the delicious cuisine in every destination

During this adventure, you will experience Ecuador's vibrant and colorful culture as well as its diverse natural landscapes.

We will take you toward the north of Quito to one of the most colorful and well-known indigenous markets of Latin America where artisans display the best of their work. You can also look forward to an overnight stay at a 400-year-old hacienda, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience. In the paramo highlands, an ecosystem unique to regions lying above the tree line and below the snow line, we’ll make a relaxing stop to bathe in the hot springs. Here, we’ll also have the chance to do a small hike in this unique ecosystem. Finish the tour by visiting Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, where hiking and taking photographs are a must. Come, enjoy it all!

Ecuador enjoys spring-like weather all year round. Most days we enjoy sunny mornings and cooler afternoons with temperatures around 55°F-64°F (12°C-18°C).

• June to November: The dry season is generally the best time to visit Ecuador's cloud forest, with June to September being the dryest time in this Andean region. Days will be mostly sunny and warm with less chance of rain, making it ideal to explore the forest and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The dry season is also the best time to see many of the cloud forest’s endemic bird species, including the colorful Andean cock-of-the-rock and the elusive plate-billed mountain toucan. The cloud forest can experience rain even in the dry season, so still prepare for the possibility of wet weather if you travel during this season.
• December to May: The wet season is when you can see the cloud forest in its most lush and green state, and when its stunning waterfalls will be at their fullest. April is typically particularly rainy. Note: The wet season can bring heavy rainfall and mudslides, which may make some trails and roads inaccessible.

Our Outlook on Culture and Equality
How can the world be united if we do not understand that diversity makes us equal? The dreams of Ecuadorians are pretty much related to your own dreams.

We take you on a trip to discover the soul of our people and their living history; the richness of our culture and our regions, while supporting those who weave a dream for a better future for their families. Join us on this trip and go back home with a richer soul.

Staff
We hire guides and drivers who do an excellent job for our clients and who only rely on tourism as the major source of their income. At Villa Doris we hire a housekeeper who receives a fair salary according to the law of Ecuador.
We visit small enterprises to make sure that, through our visits, we contribute to their development and economic growth.

Cultural Heritage
Travelers will meet the makers of local products at Otavalo, Peguche, and Cotacachi in the north, and the embroiderers of Nono while visiting the cloud forest.
They will learn for instance how they obtain the colors for their textiles and how the whole family depends on the income produced by the workshop.
The women of Sisa Quinde receive our support, guidance, sales force, and logistic aid for them to embroider and sell their creations.

Accommodation
In Ecuador, eco-friendly practices are new to the industry. However, the accommodations chosen for this program are Ecuadorian-owned and we have seen these properties working hard to grow and to be very good referents to the industry. In this specific program, we are using only one-night stays in order for the clients to see as much of Ecuador as possible in a short amount of time.

Most accommodations are implementing eco-friendly practices such as changing our toilets to install water flow reducers and buying organic and local products to support small businesses and families in our neighborhoods. We are using bio-degradable cleaning products and offering bio-degradable toiletries for our guests.

Environmental practices
We carry tote bags and reusable plastic bottles for water. We bring all garbage back to the city to be taken to a recycling program.
We visit the reserves of Yanacocha and Zuro Loma which were created to protect the mammals and birds of the cloud forest.

Please be sure you have traveler's insurance.

We have been certified with the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel & Trade Council and we follow all regulations instructed by the Ministry of Tourism in our country.