Echoes of the Andes
Overview
Set in the heart of the Andes, this unforgettable 7-day journey invites travelers to discover the rich diversity and breathtaking landscapes of Quito and its surrounding highlands. From charming streets and panoramic mountain vistas to picturesque Andean villages and dramatic natural wonders, the itinerary reveals the many faces of Ecuador in one seamless experience. Along the way, travellers will encounter the cultural spirit of places such as San Antonio de Pichincha, the serene countryside of Nono and Yanacocha Reserve, the vibrant energy of Baños de Agua Santa and the spectacular Andean scenery surrounding Quilotoa Lagoon and Lasso.
Important notes:
- Some drives on this itinerary may involve winding roads. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we recommend planning accordingly.
- Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
- If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Format
Locations
- Ecuador
- Quito
- Nono
- Baños de Santa Agua
- Pujilí
- Lasso
- Latacunga
- Papallacta
- Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), Quito, Ecuador
- Yanacocha Biological Reserve, Quito, Ecuador
- Quilotoa Lake, Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Quito (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Shared transfers for all the services within your itinerary
- 6 nights accommodation in select category (4 nights in Quito, 1 night in Baños de Agua Santa, 1 night in Latacunga/Lasso)
- Early check-in upon arrival
- Daily breakfast, unless noted otherwise
- Other meals as per itinerary (drinks not included)
- More Moments activities included:
- Quito half-day city tour
- San Antonio de Pichincha half-day city tour
- Ecuadorian Chocó Andino region full-day excursion
- El Pailon del Diablo tour
- Bride’s mantle tour
- Quilotoa Lagoon tour
- Tigua Artisan Painting Centre visit
- Andes National Park tour
- Hotel taxes
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Quito
Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you’ll proceed through customs and immigration. Once cleared, you’ll collect your luggage and exit the baggage hall, where a local representative will be waiting to greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name. Your representative will then escort you to your transfer for a comfortable journey to your hotel to check-in.
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on a captivating half‑day exploration of Quito. This immersive experience invites you to soak in the city’s charm, cultural richness and unique atmosphere as you journey through its most emblematic areas.
Afterwards. You will be transferred back to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free to relax or continue discovering Quito at your own pace.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour
This half‑day sightseeing excursion showcases the very best of Quito, a city celebrated for its rich cultural legacy, ornate facades and dazzling gilt altars. Your journey begins at Independence Square, followed by visits to the Archbishop’s Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You will also explore outstanding examples of colonial art and architecture, including the impressive Santo Francisco Convent. The experience concludes with a panoramic view of Quito’s historic colonial district from Panecillo Hill, offering an exceptional perspective of the city’s beautifully preserved layout.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 2
Quito – San Antonio de Pichincha – Quito
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on today’s exciting adventure, a half‑day tour to San Antonio de Pichincha to explore its most iconic landmarks, including the famous Middle of the World Monument and the engaging, interactive Intiñan Museum.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour
Begin this adventure with a short drive to the north of Quito, where you will arrive at our planet’s Latitude 0°0’0” to visit the iconic Equatorial Monument. Here, you can learn about the 18th-century French Geodesic Expedition, one of the first scientific missions designed to measure the Earth’s shape. Next, you will visit the Intiñan Museum, also known as “The Trek of the Sun,” where you will be guided through the fascinating world of Andean cosmovision, culture and traditions. Interactive exhibits and playful demonstrations of physics allow you to witness the unique phenomena that occur at the equator. This is also the place where you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere—a truly unforgettable experience.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3
Quito – Yanacocha – Nono – Quito
After an early breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on a captivating full-day excursion into the Ecuadorian Chocó Andino region. This scenic 2-hours drive journey ventures beyond the city into the tranquil Andean countryside, where breathtaking landscapes and pristine natural surroundings create an unforgettable atmosphere.
After your visit, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to unwind and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Ecuadorian Chocó Andino region full-day excursion
Today’s adventure begins with a visit to the lush Yanacocha Reserve, nestled high on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano and surrounded by the rich ecosystems of the Chocó Andino. Here, the cool mountain air and sweeping Andean landscapes set the tone for a day immersed in nature and tranquillity. The journey continues with a cultural stroll through the charming Andean parish of Nono, a peaceful village tucked into a scenic valley where traditional life and rural beauty remain deeply rooted. Blending breathtaking scenery, authentic local character and the unique atmosphere of Ecuador’s highland cloud forests, this full-day excursion offers a refreshing escape into one of the country’s most enchanting regions.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 4
Quito – Baños de Agua Santa
After an early breakfast, you’ll set out on a scenic 3.5-hour journey to Baños de Agua Santa, a vibrant town renowned as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Along the route, you’ll stop at El Pailón del Diablo, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the region, where the Rio Pastaza thunders through lush jungle scenery. Your journey continues with a visit to the picturesque Bride’s Mantle waterfall, offering another breathtaking natural viewpoint.
After these visits, you’ll continue onward to Baños de Agua Santa. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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El Pailón del Diablo tour
Enjoy this remarkable natural wonder, an impressive site where three cascading falls converge to form an extraordinary whirlpool, with soothing waters of approximately 23°C. A short walk through the lush, verdant surroundings enhances the experience, offering the chance to spot colourful birds along the way. Immersed in the sights and sounds of the rainforest, this visit beautifully captures the magic and serenity of Ecuador’s natural landscapes.
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Bride’s mantle tour
Experience this graceful, veil‑like waterfall cascading down lush canyon walls along Ecuador’s Route of the Waterfalls. Known for its striking beauty and gentle mist, it offers scenic viewpoints and an excellent photo stop amid the region’s tropical landscape.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 5
Baños de Agua Santa – Quilotoa - Pujilí – Lasso – Latacunga
After breakfast and check out, you’ll continue your scenic journey toward the Cotopaxi Province! Travelling through the charming regions of Quilotoa and Pujilí along the way. Upon arrival at your hotel, settle in for your overnight stay and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Quilotoa Lagoon tour
Explore this dazzling crater lake nestled high in the Ecuadorian Andes. Its vibrant turquoise waters, framed by dramatic volcanic cliffs, create one of the country’s most unforgettable landscapes. As you arrive at the rim, sweeping panoramic views reveal the lagoon’s striking colors and the rugged terrain that surrounds it, an inspiring setting that captures the spirit of the Andean highlands.
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Tigua Artisan Painting Centre visit
Step into the colourful world of Tigua at this renowned artisan painting centre, where the rich artistic traditions of the Andean highlands come vividly to life. Here, local artists continue the celebrated Tigua style, known for its bold colours, intricate details and captivating storytelling, creating pieces that reflect centuries of cultural heritage. As you explore the workshop, you’ll witness the creativity and craftsmanship that have made Tigua art famous throughout Ecuador, offering an inspiring glimpse into one of the region’s most vibrant artistic communities.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 6
Latacunga – Papallacta - Quito
After breakfast and check out, your tour guide will lead you on today’s journey toward Ecuador’s captivating capital, Quito. Enjoy a scenic 1.5‑hour drive from Lasso, highlighted by a visit to either Cotopaxi National Park or Artisana National Park, two remarkable natural areas showcasing the region’s beauty.
Notes: The park selected for your visit will be confirmed by your local guide on the day of the excursion.
Following your exploration, a delicious lunch awaits before you continue toward Quito. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Andes National Park tour
Set out on an unforgettable exploration of Ecuador’s Andean highlands with a guided visit to one of the region’s remarkable national parks. Whether the journey leads you to the sweeping landscapes surrounding Cotopaxi or the serene natural beauty of Artisana, this experience offers a captivating look at the country’s diverse mountain ecosystems. Travel through striking high‑altitude scenery, breathe in the crisp Andean air and immerse yourself in the dramatic environments that make these protected areas so unique. Each park delivers its own blend of rugged charm and tranquillity, promising a memorable encounter with Ecuador’s pristine wilderness.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Quito – Canada
After breakfast and check out, your local representative will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel and take you to Mariscal Sucre International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 twin beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 twin beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 twin beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 Adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Important Information
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Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from the 4th of December 2026 until 26th March 2027
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Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Beverages during meals
- Porterage of luggage at hotels
- Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, room service, etc.)
- Transfers for optional activities, or any additional transfers outside those listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
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- Car: For all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and intercity transfer services