Cuenca To Quito 4 Or 5 Day Tour With Chimborazo, Quilotoa, Baños And Cotopaxi.

My wife and I had an excellent experience with our guide Wilson on the trip through the Andes from Cuenca to Quito. Our guide was very knowledgeable, a good companion, and a safe driver. We were able to customise the itinerary based on our desires. The hotels were comfortable and the meals were delicious and often local specialties.we highly recommend Bestours and our guide Wilson.

Our experience with Cuenca Bestours started off on a really positive note: we could have a couple of online meeting with the person in charge of our tour, Javier Vallejo, who since the beginning showed his problem-solving attitude and great organization. Javier organised the tour to accomodate all the interest points we described during our calls plus suggested additional activities worth doing. In this way, each day was carefully organised to not have "empty" moment which would result in a loss of time. Every day was organised in detail, and each day we could further fine-tune the schedule directly speaking/messagging with Javier on whatsapp or directly with our dedicated guide. Indeed on the mainland part of the tour, we were accompanied by Luis Gonzales in our private tour who served as guide and driver as well: he is a very competent guide and personalized explainations to accomodate our personal interests (e.g. I am interested in medicinal plants, so he was always pointing them out and explaining their traditional use). Luis was also very flexible in terms of schedule and agenda, so he was happy to arrange details even on the spot (e.g. we asked if we could have cuy (ecuadorian delicacy) for lunch on a day, and evenn though it was not the plan, he agreeded to eat in a different location to have the proper cuy experience). Extras: Once we planned our trip with Javier, based on our itinerary, he proposed additional activities that would happen only on specific days of the week in some areas. In this way we managed to visit the animal market in Guamote (one of the largest in Ecuador). We also manage to secure a train ticket in Alausi (the only train in Ecuador which is still active) -> tickets were only avaialbe for sale at the beginning of each months (so not possible to buy them before the start of our tour) and are sold out very quickly, but Javier kept trying and managed to buy them. Our experience at the Galapagos was equally good. Before reaching Galapagos we had another phone call with Javier to ask about some of the items we bought on the mainland (indeed Galapagos has some restirctions regarding some materials). This showcases once more how available and dedicated Javier was with us. Each day at the Galapagos we had a different activity planned. Javier also managed to accomodated a dive in one of the locations I specifically asked without affecting the overall tour and number of activities planned. Each time we had a question we could message him: we really felt like an expert was always with us throught our trip. For both mainland and Galapagos, the selection of hotels was remarkable, we liked each one of them. Each one reflecting the tradition of the places we visited. We were particularly pleased by the fact that Javier proposed us to sleep in a "community"-led hotel in Guamote which uses the earning to support children in the area and allow them to attend school and develop competences for the job market. Overall a great organization, great dedication, and great experience; I would strongly reccomend this operator and our team Javier/Luis for a tour of Ecuador!

Took my British family to Ecuador for the first time and booked this tour with Cuenca Bestours—it was an amazing experience! We visited a wide range of places, explored the country’s rich culture and history, and enjoyed plenty of delicious local food. Our driver, Homero, and our guide, Wilson, were both fantastic—professional, friendly, and made the whole journey seamless and enjoyable. We felt completely at ease as they took care of everything. We even extended our trip with four extra days in Mindo, which Cuenca Bestours also organised perfectly. We highly recommend this tour and agency to anyone visiting Ecuador!

Despite the company delayed to communicate the pickup over an hour with tour guide, Louis came to apologize even not his fault. Over the past few days, Louis was very caring and made all good arrangements very well. We enjoyed so much thrip. The hotels were all good.

Amazing, just a great tour, good prices, super communicative, wonderful guide. Note that I am late writing this review, we actually travelled in July 2023. There was a degree of flexibility in the tour, we wanted to tweak things a little and we pushed the envelope a little in terms of what we could pack into the trip and added a bit extra. I wasn't well for a part, and Sebastian was very helpful. We had a 12 yr old with us and that was no issue. The itinerary was as great as you'd expect but the real benefit was the ability to set it all up in advance, discuss things and still end with a price that felt more than reasonable. I would recommend the company to anyone looking to travel in the region.

We absolutely loved this tour! Our guide was Sebastian - he was always right on time, matched our activities to our needs and pace, and answered the millions of questions we asked with a smile…teaching us continuously for 5 days about the country, the landscape, the food, the people, the culture, etc. We had spectacular weather and so saw Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Tingurahua and Chimborazo in all their glory. We loved the hikes, the views, the hummingbirds, and the history. We stayed in fabulous haciendas, and enjoyed lovely lunches. This tour is a great way to experience the Ecuadorian Andes. Enjoy!

Wow what a tour we had! Javier was such a legend - so knowledgeable about everything Ecuador, perfect English, knew all the best spots and it even felt like he controlled the weather! Also he is a great driver, the transport was super comfortable and we saw and did everything we wanted to. All of the accommodation was great and the food was fantastic. Javier knew locals everywhere we went which helped to give us such an authentic feel of the country. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough - if you are considering it, just book it. You will not be disappointed!

This is my third tour with Cuenca Tours and they again surpassed their previous tours. They were able to smoothly accommodate changes in plans due to delayed flights and each person we dealt with from their company was kind and generous with their time. We were taught and driven by tour guide Andres Leon, who we had requested from the year before. His knowledge on the history of the places we visited was wonderful, and he went out of his way to ensure the experience for each of us was unique. His love for his country was uplifting and we are grateful to him for all he shared. ( including his choice of lunch spots which helped to support local economy) .It was also lovely to go a bit off the beaten path and meet, listen and learn from local people which included the process of bean to chocolate, an art class from a local artist and participating unexpectedly in towns parades.

It is jampacked with exciting historical places to visit and thrilling activities. Our tour guide Sebastian and our driver have been very helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, and courteous.

We did the 1-day tour from Guayaquil to Cuenca + 4 days from Cuenca to Quito. It was an amazing road trip. Sebastion was our tour guide. He is not only an excellent tour guide but also a great travel companion. Kudos to him we had a fantastic experience for the trip. Through him we also learned so much more about Ecaudor! We took the premium option. The hotels and the lunches arranged by Cuenca Bestour were all top quality. Highly recommended!

My husband and I worked with Cuenca Bestours to plan a 6-day trip between Cuenca and Quito. Javier, the owner, was very easy to work with and tailored our trip specifically to our interests. He was very flexible about adding sights we wanted to see and removing ones we had already visited. He gave us a choice of accommodations (standard or first class) and we choose the standard hotels. Each hotel we stayed in was very good with excellent breakfasts. We enjoyed speaking with the owners of these smaller family-run hotels. The tour included lunches were also excellent. The first day, Sebastian was our driver/guide and Lincoln was our driver/guide the rest of the way. The landslide on the Panamerican Highway was the reason for the switch in drivers so that it would be easier for them to return at the end of the trip. Both Sebastian and Lincoln were excellent drivers – very careful especially when passing on the narrow mountain roads. They were both very knowledgeable about Ecuador and the sights we visited: Devil’s Nose Hike (unfortunately, the train is not running), Chimborazo Wildlife Refuge, Baños, Quilotoa Lake, Cotopaxi National Park and Limpiapungo lake, and Mindo Cloud Forest, hummingbird farm, and chocolate factory. Both Sebastian and Lincoln were very patient and encouraging as we are slow hikers and take lots of pictures. They were also very good about stopping for unique photo opportunities. Both were quite willing to take pictures of us with our camera. Lincoln also took photos with his cell camera during the trip and shared them with us which was very nice. Sebastian and Lincoln were always willing to discuss options and other things to do if we had extra time. It was also nice to share their insights as to what life is like in Ecuador and compare with the way things are done in the USA. It was a wonderful trip, and we enjoyed every minute. We would highly recommend working with Cuenca Bestours to plan your excursions in Ecuador.

Our 4 day trip covered so many incredible sights. Our guide and driver, Sebastian, gave us more information than we could ever hope to remember. The Ingapirca site was impressive along with the Inca trail. We made the hike to the second refuge on Chimborazo reaching 4867 m (16,000 ft.). This was the highlight of the entire trip. Our stop in Alausi for lunch and shopping gave us an opportunity to eat local foods and buy local crafts. The Alpaca sweaters there were an incredible buy. The Treehouse in Banos with its swing was not for the feint of heart! Crater Lake was a beautiful sight. We were fortunate that the skies were mostly clear so we could see the lake. Each time I mentioned that I wanted to find a hat, honey, or a jacket, Sebastian would know a place to find the items I wanted. The hotels we stayed in were first rate, the food along the journey was interesting and tasty and plentiful. I can’t say enough good things about our guide, Sebastian or about the company he works for, Cuencas Bestours and Javier the owner. I would use them again if we ever return to Ecuador.

When you go to a country far away from home...it is good to have a friend. Javier (and Sebastian) put up a perfect tour for us, showed us mainland Ecuador south to north... we were put up in some of the best hotels, did all activities we wanted to do and we had an absolute great time for all the five days. Thank you, Javier!

Greatly enjoyed this trip and we were very well looked after by Cuenca Bestours. The Andean region in Ecuador is really beautiful and we enjoyed staying in the haciendas out in the countryside. Especially loved the day trip to Quilotoa Lake and could have spent more time hiking in the nearby countryside. Thank you Javier, Wilson and Andres!

Memorable experience from beginning to end. We got to see the highlights along the way from Cuenca to Quito (Ingapirca, Banos, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi, to name a few), as well as some off the beaten path attractions like visits to local markets. We wouldn't have been able to organize everything so well on our own. Devil's Nose is not to be missed even if the train is not working right now. Javier was an excellent guide.

The trip was wonderful and full of beautiful views and experiences. Javier and Thomas were awesome. Definitely recommended.

My wife and I chose this tour for it went to many places in Ecuador we could not go to in our own. We enjoyed every hotel that was on the tour. They were all very personable. Some spoke English some not. It did not matter our guide arranged everything. Each day was a bit difficult. Some the mountains some the markets. All was great. They plan this tour with me in mind. Each day we went down off the mountains. It made sleeping easier. After a few days I was fine with the altitude. I had plenty of time to do sketches. The guide would do whatever you wished. We stopped at special markets just for us. Even went to the hot springs that was not originally scheduled. It was great. Only thing I would suggest for the visitor. Bring enough cash to pay for the tour. It is difficult to do bank transfers or PayPal. The banks can easily give you cash. Just do it early for you may have a limit each day. I highly recommend this tour. Next time we will do the Ecuador Amazon.

After searching several tour companies online, I was able to find the perfect itinerary I was looking for. Cuenca Best Tours had the itinerary I wanted. After ending my Galapagos tour, my driver was waiting patiently at Guayaquil Airport to take me to Cuenca. Then I met SEBASTIAN the next day to start my Avenue of the Volcano Tour. Sebastian was my guide for the first 4 fantastic days. Then, I met JAVIER, the owner of Cuenca Best Tours the last 2 days of my tour. I had the most amazing tour in Ecuador. Everything went well. My guides were very knowledgeable, punctual and I felt very safe and comfortable. The car/ van we used were in great condition. Communication with Javier before the trip was easy. He was very accommodating with what I wanted to do with my tour. I truly enjoyed my tour thru Cuenca Best Tours. Very reliable, flexible and services were excellent. I hope to visit the Amazon someday and I will definitely use Cuenca Best Tours again. Thank you Sebastian and Javier for a memorable adventure in Ecuador.

Four of us (three adults, one child) spent five days travelling from Quito to Cuenca in mid December 2018. It was an amazing trip, brilliantly organised, with an outstanding guide - Javier. It was a real pleasure to spend five days with someone so knowledgeable and passionate about his country. The hotels we stayed in were all great choices. Each day was planned effectively, and we did some things we never expected to be able to manage - including a hike up to 5000m on Chimborazo. Javier was a patient and courteous guide, who always considered his clients' needs. We cannot recommend Javier and Cuenca Bestours highly enough. They also helped us with other bookings and information in Cuenca, and they responded very quickly to any questions while we were booking the trip. Thanks Javier!

It was a very interesting trip with great views and the guide knew a lot about the places toured, giving us recommendations and explanations of each place, as well as curiosities about them

Everything perfect! Great organization. Guide / driver very good and very helpful. Each stage was as planned.

The Service offered by Cuenca Best tours Recommended, seriousness, commitment, respect and unmatched Service. It was a good choice.

A very well organized tour. We visited the Sierra de Ecuador from Cuenca to Quito. We pass through Chimborazo, Riobamba, Baños, Ecuadorian Amazonia, Quilotoa and Quito. Very physically affordable routes. The quality hotels, clean and good Service (we want to highlight in particular the attention received by Santiago at the Hotel Casa 1881 in Riobamba). Also highlighting the attention received by guide and driver Lincoln, he did an impeccable job without any hitches. It made travel enjoyable, very good driving and also interesting contributions and information about the sites to visit. Serviceable at all times to our needs. We've been delighted. Tour 100% recommended.