THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cover Ecuador’s highland highlights in four or five days: Cotopaxi’s volcano, Quilotoa’s crater lake, Baños’ waterfalls, Chimborazo’s puna, and colonial Cuenca. This guided loop balances short hikes with scenic drives and cultural stops.
Cover Ecuador’s highland highlights in four or five days: Cotopaxi’s volcano, Quilotoa’s crater lake, Baños’ waterfalls, Chimborazo’s puna, and colonial Cuenca. This guided loop balances short hikes with scenic drives and cultural stops.
Book with Polylepis Tours
Book directly with Polylepis Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Polylepis Tours · Quito, Pichincha
A predawn Quito pickup, diesel hum and headlights cutting through cloud, sets the tone: the Andean cordillera rising like a row of sleeping giants as you drive toward Cotopaxi.
moderate.
4–5 days.
Moderate fitness advised; able to manage short hikes (30–120 minutes) at altitude and several hours of vehicle travel each day.
Yes — the operator offers tour variants that can start in Quito or finish in Cuenca; confirm your preferred start point at booking.
Accommodation for 4 nights and breakfasts are included; one courtesy meal and some entrance fees are covered—verify specifics when booking.
The tour involves vehicle travel and short, sometimes steep walks; it’s not ideal for those with significant mobility limitations—contact the operator for assistance options.
Acclimatize in Quito, avoid alcohol upon arrival, hydrate, eat lightly, and notify guides if you experience severe symptoms; the itinerary allows gradual ascent.
Ingapirca preserves Cañari and Inca stonework where Andean cultures intersected; Cuenca’s historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The páramo and crater lakes are fragile—stay on trails, pack out waste, and minimize water use; local guides follow low‑impact practices to protect highland ecosystems.
Polylepis Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Polylepis Tours
Book directly with Polylepis Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now