4 or 5 Day Quito to Cuenca and Cotopaxi,Quilotoa,Baños,Chimborazo
Overview
Available languages
120 hours
Mobile ticket
If you’re short on time and want to see all that Ecuador has to offer, take a comprehensive four or five-day tour. Accommodation and transportation is included between your visits to Quito,Cotopaxi Quilotoa ,Banos, Chimborazo, Cuenca, and more. Every step of the way, your private guide will be with you to narrate your experience. Where you begin is up to you, as the tour can begin from either Quito or Cuenca.
-Enjoy four nights arranged accommodation
-Relax in comfortable transportation between each destination
-Experience a huge amount of Ecuador in just few days
-Get an immersive and personalized experience with a private guide
(OPTIONAL: after fihishing your tour in Cuenca if you need to travel to Guayaquil, you can have a Transfer tour to Guayaquil with an extra charge)
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Child rate applies only when sharing with 1 paying adult
If you are staying in a place different than a hotel, the guide will pick you up from your airBnB or house(please let us know the exact address)
Passport name, number,date of birth, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Quito - Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Latacunga
Accommodations
Overnight at Latacunga hotel
Cotopaxi National Park
06:30 Early in the morning, the guide will pick you up from your hotel in Quito to begin the tour, first visit the Cotopaxi National Park, you will walk around the Limpiopungo Lake,and if the weather is clear you will have time to enjoy the scenery of one of the highest volcanoes of Ecuador and one of the most active in the world.
Laguna Quilotoa
After visiting Cotopaxi National Park, you will go to Quilotoa Lake, for many the most beautiful place in Ecuador, here you will walk to the bottom of the lake and for the return you can walk up or if you prefer you can rent a horse to ascend.. Finally you will travel to Latacunga to rest in your assigned hotel.
Canon del Rio Toachi
After visiting Quilotoa, you will have a short visit to the most impressive canyon in Ecuador. the Toachi canyon located next to the parish of Sumbahua. Finally you will travel to Latacunga City.
Latacunga - Baños-Riobamba
Accommodations
Overnight at Riobamba hotel
The first stop of this day will be the viewpoint of the enchanted lagoon of Yambo. from here you will enjoy an amazing scenery.
Banos
09:00am-After visiting Yambo Lake you will go to the charming city of Baños to enjoy the famous” Av. De las Cascadas”, after visiting the waterfall of Pailon del Diablo, you will have time for a delicious lunch and then you will travel in one of the nicest cable cars over Pastaza river.
La Casa del Arbol
After your lunch, you will take the “Swing at the end of the world”, one of the most famous swings in Latin America. After this experience you will travel aroun 1:30 hours to Riobamba city.
Riobamba-Chimborazo-Ingapirca-Cuenca
Accommodations
Overnight at Cuenca Hotel.
Mount Chimborazo
07:15am- After breakfast, the guide will pick you up to travel to Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve, there you will walk and enjoy the scenery of the highest mountain en Ecuador "Chimborazo", also there some times you will see vicuñas, lamas and alphacas. In this place you will arrive by car till the first refuge (4800masl) and from there if you agree, you could walk up 200mts to the second refuge of Chimborazo located at 5000masl. After this you will have time for your box lunch.
Iglesia de Balbanera
After visiting Chimborazo Mountain, you will visit the oldest church of Ecuador, La Balbanera is considered one of the most important churches in Ecuador and it is located in a nice andean valley, where the local people are preparing and selling the famous guineapig.
Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
Here you will visit an archaeological complex of Ecuador "Ingapirca" here you will learn about the Cañari and Inca cultures. For people who start their tour on Fridays or Saturdays, the complex will be visited from outside since the Ingapirca ruins are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and will be complemented with a visit to the mountain called "face of the Inca". Then you will travel 1:30hours to Cuenca. Stay overnight .
Cuenca
Then you will travel for 1:30 min. to arrive to Cuenca to stay at the assigned hotel. Cuenca is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador and Southamerica (two nights in Cuenca)
Cajas National Park + Cuenca City Tour
Accommodations
Overnight at Cuenca hotel End of services ( for the 4 day tour option )
El Cajas National Park
08:30am- after breakfast for the morning you will visit Cajas National Park, this place is considered one of the nicest places in all south America. you will walk in one of its trails learning and enjoying its magical andean scenery. After visiting the middle part of Cajas you will have time for a delicious lunch, and then you will travel back to the city of Cuenca for the city tour.
Cuenca
In the afternoon you will have a half day city tour of Cuenca considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador, here you will visit its historic center that was declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 by the Unesco, also you will walk by the riverbank of Tomebamba river. Additionally you will visit Turi viewpoint from where you will have a spectacular view of Cuenca and in the tour is possible to visit a Panama Hat Factory.
OPTION 1:At the beginning of the tour from Quito/OPTION 2:At the end of the tour from Cuenca( Only 5 day tour option)
Accommodations
Overnight at Cuenca Hotel End of services ( for the 5 day tour option )
Mindo
If you wish to do the 5-day tour with OPTION 1, the guide will pick you up from your hotel in QUITO and you will visit Mindo at the beginning of the tour, which includes visits to the butterfly farm, bird watching and a chocolate tour. Also in this option you will visit the Middle of the World. The rest of the tour continues as shown in the program, turning day 1 into day 2. After visiting Mindo you will travel to Machachi to stay overnight. (If you need more details, please contact us)
Piedra de Agua Fuente Termal & Spa
If you wish to do the 5-day tour with OPTION 2, the guide will pick you up from your hotel in CUENCA and you will visit Gualaceo and Chordeleg, which includes visits to the jewerly and textiles workshops. Also in this option after lunch you will have time in Piedra de Agua SPA. (If you need more details, please contact us)
What‘s Included
Breakfasts
Pure water all the trip
One meal of courtesy
Driver/guide SUV (2 to 3 people) - Minivan (4 to 6 people) - Minibus (7 to 15 people)
4 or 5 nights accommodation depending on the tour option you choose. (based on double occupancy)
Entrance fees to all activites according to your tour
Meals
Personal expenses
Tips
Optional Horse at Quilotoa Lake ($10)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
First class 5-day tour
First Class Hotels: 5 nights
SUV,VAN,MINIBUS: Profesional transportation
First Class: Excellent option in private service with better category of hotels, you can decide some details of the tour with this option.
Pickup included
Tourist Superior 4-day Tour
Tourist Superior Hotels: 4 nights
SUV,VAN,MINIBUS: Profesional transportation
Tourist Superior: Special tour with good hotels.
(In this kind of tour it is possible that more people join)
Pickup included
Standard 5-day (shared tour)
Standard Class Hotel: 5 nights
SUV,VAN,MINIBUS: Profesional transportation
Standard: Good economic option with the possibility of traveling with other people. Guaranteed departures.
Pickup included
Tourist Superior 5-day Tour
Tourist Superior Hotels: 5 nights
SUV,VAN,MINIBUS: Profesional transportation
Toursit Superior : NIce option with good category of hotels.
In this option more people can joined the tour
Pickup included
First class 4-day tour
First Class Hotels : 4 nights
SUV,VAN,MINIBUS: Profesional transportation
Private tour : Great tour with best hotels around the area (private tour)
Pickup included
Standard 4-day (shared tour)
Economic Class Hotels: 4 nights
SUV,VAN,MINIBUS: Profesional transportation
Standard: Option with a nice tourist class hotel (shared tour)
(In this kind of tour it is possible that more people join)
Pickup included
Reviews
54 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We had an incredible trip...
Michelle G,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible trip with guide Christian and driver Jose! We explored and never felt rushed. Wha an incredible trip! Highly recommend this company!!
Don’t miss out on visiting Central Ecuador!
reyesgirl77,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on the 4 day tour and had a fantastic time. Luckily we were the only ones on the tour with our guide, Sebastian, who was able to tailor our itinerary each day. He was a safe driver and knowledgeable about the different sites on the tour. Although there is a lot of time in the car, the landscapes are truly beautiful which made the ride enjoyable. Additionally Sebastian made sure to provide bathroom stops along the way. We have awesome photos and great memories of all the different sites on this tour of central Ecuador. Highly recommend!
Unbelievably perfect for a short trip - the most incredible guide
aishaalexandra1,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Me and my fiancé only had a week in Ecuador and chose this tour as we were so impressed by all the sights that were included! This tour exceded every and all expectations that we had. Edison was the most incredible tour guide, so knowledgable, kind and unbelievably friendly. He really went the extra mile to make our trip fantastic, personalising it and answering our many questions. He gave us insight and wisdom into the different foods, geography, and rich cultural and political history of Ecuador. Do not hesitate if considering this tour, I would and already have recommended it to friends and family.
Through Ecuadorian Andes
KasiaGuRoth,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well planned and executed tour. We were able to see and experience a lot of different aspects of life in Ecuador. Beautiful country. Sebastian our guide was very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
An Unforgettable Ecuadorian Adventure with the Best Guide!
545tanmayk,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 4-day Quito to Cuenca tour with Polylepis Tours was flawless, largely thanks to our guide, Diego, and the owner, Edison. Diego was the heart of the experience. His knowledge about the volcanoes, lagoons, and local culture was impressive, and he shared it with a friendly and engaging attitude that made every day a joy. He is a true asset to this company. The owner, Edison, was incredibly prompt and helpful in all our communications. As a wonderful final touch, he even gave me a courtesy ride to the airport, which was so thoughtful. I highly recommend Polylepis Tours for anyone wanting to see the best of Ecuador with a reliable, friendly, and professional company. A five-star experience all around!
Reliable Team
tessp678,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Polylepis was a great team to work with on this 5 day trip. It exceeds my expectation. Our guide Diego is well versed with each of the areas we visited. Respectful and accommodating with our needs.
Excellent tour from Quito to Cuenca
365lilyl,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was an excellent experience which highlighted many spectacular areas from Quito to Cuenca. Diego was our guide and his knowledge of local culture and natural sciences was extensive. As a result, I had a wonderful time and would not hesitate to use this company again.
I recommend!
marcosravi,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We made the 5 day package, Mindo, cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Chimborazo and Cuenca. As Ecuador was in a moment of demonstrations our script had to have changes. I definitely recommend!
Bucket List Checked! The Perfect Road Trip Through The Ecuadorian Highlands
Dimpledforlife,,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our road trip through the Highlands of Ecuador was nothing short of magical. The diversity of its beauty kept one constantly in awe. It is hard not to fall in love with this place. None of this would have been possible without our amazing guide Sebastian from Polylepis Tour. He was knowledgeable, experienced, flexible, and patient. He took such great care of us throughout this journey. The trip was also very well-organized. The accommodations were clean and pretty, and we saw everything we wanted to see. I would highly recommend booking with them.
Little-known tour of Ecuador
Alessandrofiorenza,,Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide, prepared and attentive to our needs. The tour was designed together to try to combine culture, knowledge of people and their customs and nature. Everything perfect
From US$645.00
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