We had a wonderful time our trip. There were so many beautiful and amazing places to visit in the Andes/Highlands of Ecuador. Our guide, Diego, was absolutely wonderful. Diego was courteous, punctual, respectful and took care us all the way to the end of our trip. He always told us ahead of the time the itinerary for the next day and asked for our opinions on it and if we wanted to do something else or slow down he was able to accommodate us. He also had a breadth of knowledge of Ecuador and was able to speak of or equate of Ecuadorean customs with other parts of the world. I would definitely recommend this trip and Diego to all my friends.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Entrance fees to all activites according to your tour
- 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)
Excludes
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Optional Horse at Quilotoa Lake ($10)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Day 1
1
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.
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.
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.
Day 2
2
The first stop of this day will be the viewpoint of the enchanted lagoon of Yambo. from here you will enjoy an amazing scenery.
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.
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.
Day 3
3
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.
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.
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 .
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)
Day 4
4
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.
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.
Day 5
5
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)
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)
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
This amazing tour through the middle of the country showcases all the beautiful scenery. Sebastian was a wonderful guide, and because I was a solo traveler, he provided choices for a more tailored experience. He was very kind, patient, easy going, and very knowledgeable. 10/10 stars - He is fantastic! I was able to enjoy hiking in many different environments, and Sebastian was very knowledgeable about the flora & fauna in each place and had answers to all of my random questions. He was also very attentive-- making sure I didn't miss out on any part of all the experiences, such as making sure I was in the original swing at the "Swing at the End of the World" and guiding me through the cave-like crawl spaces to get to the top of the stairs at Pailon del Diablo. He was a safe driver, and while there was a lot of car time, I was able to see many places and landscapes of this beautiful country. I highly recommend this tour!!
Our trip to Ecuador was absolutely incredible and truly exceeded all of our expectations! My friend and I had such an amazing time exploring this beautiful and diverse country, and so much of the experience was made special by our wonderful tour guide, Diego. Our guide was outstanding! He has an incredible depth of knowledge about Ecuador and shared so much with us about the country’s geography, ecosystems, history, culture, and natural beauty. What really stood out was his passion. He didn’t just show us the sights; he helped us understand and appreciate what made each place so unique. His stories and explanations made every experience even more fascinating. We had so many unforgettable highlights along the way—hiking Cotopaxi, seeing the breathtaking Crater of Quilotoa, swinging over the beautiful landscape in Baños, hiking toward the magnificent Chimborazo, and exploring the charming city of Cuenca. Every destination offered something completely different, and we were constantly amazed by Ecuador’s incredible landscapes and natural beauty. There were definitely some challenging hikes, but our guide was always patient, encouraging, and attentive to our pace. He made us feel safe and comfortable while still encouraging us to enjoy every adventure. We laughed a lot, learned so much, and created memories that we will cherish for a very long time. What we loved most was that this trip never felt like simply checking places off a list. We truly experienced Ecuador —its landscapes, ecosystems, culture, and people. Our guide’s knowledge, kindness, enthusiasm, and genuine love for his country made the journey even more meaningful. A huge thank you to our amazing guide for making our trip so special.
This trip was a fantastic experience. Eddie was a very accommodating, informative, and entertaining guide. There are a lot of great stops and sights along the way, and we really enjoyed the hikes. You really hit the major highlights of mainland Ecuador with this trip. That does mean a lot of time on the road, but it was worth getting to see so much of the country in a relatively short amount of time. My only advice would be to pay extra for the first class version of the tour. We paid for the one with the superior hotels, which were labeled 3-4 star hotels, but were more similar to 2-2.5 star hotels by American standards.
This trip was a fantastic experience. Eddie was a very accommodating, informative, and entertaining guide. There are a lot of great stops and sights along the way, and we really enjoyed the hikes. You really hit the major highlights of mainland Ecuador with this trip. That does mean a lot of time on the road, but it was worth getting to see so much of the country in a relatively short amount of time. My only advice would be to pay extra for the first class version of the tour. We paid for the one with the superior hotels, which were labeled 3-4 star hotels, but were more similar to 2-2.5 star hotels by American standards.
Excellent driver and tour guide. Nice places visited. But can improve the places to stay. One night the hotel was terrible, but they made changes for the next day.
The tour was absolutely excellent! We got to see how beautiful Ecuador is and experience the warmth of its people. The scenery was amazing, the places we visited were spectacular, and the food was delicious. Our guide, Cristian, is very knowledgeable about Ecuador’s history, and our driver, Felipe, is a great storyteller with a wonderful knowledge of Ecuador’s popular and urban history. Together, they made this trip a truly memorable adventure. We were a group of 13 people, including older adults, adults, and young people, and they made sure everyone had a great time. They took care of us throughout the entire trip and treated us like family. Everything was very well organized. We had a small issue with one of the hotels, but they took care of it within minutes. Their quick response was greatly appreciated. We would definitely recommend this tour! If you want to see Ecuador, learn about its history and culture, and have a great experience along the way, this is the tour for you!
An unforgettable experience. With Polylepistours and our guide Flavio, we enjoyed the main wonders of Ecuador: Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Quilotoa, incredible waterfalls, and cultural visits to churches and archaeological sites like Ingapirca. We were a group of 29, including more than 20 young children, and we felt very safe and well taken care of at all times. They picked up each family at our hotel and returned them to us. 100% recommended.
As a solo female traveler from the U.S., I decided to explore Ecuador on my own and booked the 5-day tour with Edison. It was, without a doubt, the best decision I made. Edison was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. He customized the itinerary to match exactly what I wanted, making sure I could see as much of Ecuador as possible in just five days. Despite spending many hours on the road, I felt completely safe, comfortable, and well taken care of throughout the entire trip. If you’re considering this tour, don’t hesitate—I can’t recommend it highly enough. Thank you, Edison, for an unforgettable experience. You have my utmost respect, and I hope to travel with you again someday! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Edison is a phenomenal tour guide who took my wife and me on an unforgettable four-day journey in Ecuador. He exceeded our expectations by taking us to the most culturally and historically significant sites in Ecuador and explaining each location with an impressive encyclopedic knowledge. In addition to taking us to the best breathtaking sites, he was always attentive to our needs and treated us with the utmost level of professionalism, respect and kindness. He also helped us take photos, gave us valuable advice that significantly improved our travel experience and always made sure we were safe in Ecuador. If you're looking for a punctual, highly knowledgeable, and empathetic tour guide who is passionate about teaching others about his beautiful country, we would highly recommend Edison!
Excellent guidance from Diego during the whole trip. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about ecuadorian culture and history. We spent a great time learning and visiting Ecuador :)
My husband and I highly recommend the 5 day Magical tour with Edison Juca/Polylepsis tours. Edison is very passionate and knowledgeable of the history, culture and cuisines of Ecuador. He is even an avid birdwatcher, he pointed out so many different species of hummingbirds and birds in Mindo, the birdwatching capital of the world. In Mindo we also visited a butterfly sanctuary and enjoyed a cacao facial and tour at Yumbo. Edison and my husband planned our days perfectly, we agreed to start early and end late to maximize our experiences. Edison was flexible and provided a unique and customized experience. Edison always timed our activities in a way that maximized the best view possible at Cotopaxi summit, where we were greeted by an Andean fox. We were lucky to have a clear view of the Chimborazo, the closest peak to the sun. We set off to Baños, we stayed in a local lodge, upon arrival we booked massages and enjoyed a delicious dinner. We visited the mighty and impressive Pailon del Diablo and the twin waterfalls. We enjoyed our visit to the world famous La Casa del Arbol, the swing there overlooks a volcano. Edison is a photographer also, he was happy taking our photos and providing tips. We also visited and hiked through the Parque National Cajas, Waterproof shoes and clothing are a must, we were always well prepared for changes in weather. Lastly,we visited the beautiful city of Cuenca, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our first evening we dined at the Jardín Restaurant at the Victoria Hotel, the food, atmosphere and service were phenomenal. We did walking tours during the day and in the evening. We dined at the magnificent, French inspired Masion Matilde, a special treat and ambience. A one of a kind and perhaps one of our favorite trips!!
We wanted to work our way from Quito to Cuenca visiting sights along the way and this tour ticked all the boxes. Visiting the volcanoes Cotopaxi and Chimborazo was a high point, especially the climb at Chimborazo to the second refuge hut at 5040m. The Cajas national park outside Cuenca was completely different scenery, and a peaceful time in nature. Our guide Flavio had a wealth of information about the history, culture, flora and fauna of the Andes, and we enjoyed the many experiences he shared with us. Our driver José was careful and helpful, we knew we were in good hands despite some rough roads! Loved this tour, it packs a lot in but also allows some peaceful breaks along the way.
Polylepis and our guide Sebastian offered us a perfect tour of Ecuador! It was everything I had hoped for when I booked the tour, and my wife now thinks I am incredibly smart for finding them. We saw a very diverse selection of activities and sites. Sebastian was so knowledgeable and a wonderful ambassador for his country and culture. I also appreciated the support we received from Edison and Polylepis when we had a small issue with one of the booked hotels. It is relatively easy to deliver good customer service, but it is a hallmark of great customer service when inevitable issues are quickly resolved. We are grateful to Polylepis and Sebastian for their guidance and insight.
WOW!! We had an amazing experience with Polyepis tours. We booked this trip as a post trip to a Galapagos cruise. The itinerary covered all of the highlights of the area and more and the hotels were amazing. Edison collaborated with us to work out an itinerary to meet all of our needs. Our tour guide, Cristian and driver, Jose were amazing. Cristian's knowledge of Ecuador and its history and people was amazing. Jose navigation of the Country and service to us as customers was first class. We loved every city we saw and it was great how Cristian would cater the day to our needs and desires. The rich history of the Country and the people showed through the architect and the countryside and the art. We loved the enthusiasm and love for the Country that Cristian has which showed through his knowledge and quaint stops he made to show us the individual skills and craftmanship of the people we highly recommend using Polyepis tours and Cristian and Jose
I took the 5-day tour from Quito to Cuenca. I was the only passenger, so it was a private tour. My guide and driver, Diego, spoke perfect English. Moreover, he was a great driver, very polite, and extremely knowledgeable--a veritable walking encyclopedia. For example, when we were in the Andes, every few meters there was some plant or geological formation that he would describe in the indigenous Quechua genesis, the Latin name, the Spanish history, and the current uses including traditional medicine. In Cuenca, which I discovered as one of the great cities of the world, he did the same for all cultural artifacts and places. I'm thinking of going back to Cuenca next year. Two caveats: the Andes are VERY HIGH, so it's not for the light-headed although I wouldn't recommend high-altitude pills because of their side effects. I also recommend paying some extra for accommodations. The least expensive option is quite Spartan.
This is an active trip along the Ecuadorian Andes avenue of volcanoes. Visit Cotopaxi national park and Laguna Quilota. This is a steep climb down into the inactive volcano, but you can hire a mule to ascend. Visit Banos,famous for it's waterfalls and Swing at the End of the world. Climb to 5000m at Chimborazo. Visit Ingapara archeological complex, a large Canari and Inca ruin. I had an extra day,so we had an extended city tour to also see a couple of museums, including Museo Pumapungo and the old cathedral, and then a longer day hiking in Cajas National Park. So many highlights. You do need to be fit to get the most from the activities at high altitude. The guide, Ed, was very accommodating and helpful to fill in my extra day. He was very informative throughout the tour. A great tour guide for a solo traveller. I had some issues with my Latam Airlines booking, and all communication was in Spanish. Ed helped to communicate with the airline to enable me to be sure this was sorted. Great appreciated.
This is an active trip along the Ecuadorian Andes avenue of volcanoes. Visit Cotopaxi nationaal park, and Laguna Quilota. This is a steep climb down into the inactive volcano, but you can hire a mule to ascend. Visit Banos, famous for it's waterfalls and Swing at the End of the world. Climb to 5000m at Chimborazo. Visit Ingapara archeological complex, a large Canari and Inca ruin. I had an extra day, so we had an extended city tour to also see a couple of museums, including Museo Pumapungo and the old cathedral, and then a longer day hiking in Cajas National Park. So many hightlights. You do need to be fit to get the most from the activities at high altitude. The guide, Ed, was very accommodating and helpful to fill my extra day. I had some issues with my Latam Airline booking, and all communication was in Spanish. Ed helped communicate with the airline to enable me to be sure that this was sorted.
This 4 day journey from Quito to Cuenca was absolutely exceptional and far exceeded all my expectations. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of Ecuador in a relatively short time, without ever feeling negatively rushed. The drive itself was an experience. Throughout the journey, breathtaking Andean landscapes unfolded before us, with spectacular views of iconic volcanoes appearing one after another in this order: Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Los Ilinizas, Rumiñahui, and El Altar. Every transfer offered new panoramas and highlighted the raw beauty and immense scale of Ecuador’s landscape. Each stop along the route was unforgettable. Cotopaxi was powerful and majestic, while Laguna Quilotoa was simply unreal — such a stunning crater lake can, in my opinion, only be compared to places like Iceland or Laguna de los Tres in Patagonia. Baños was vibrant and full of energy, and getting extremely close to the mighty Pailón del Diablo waterfall was an intense and emotional experience. One of the absolute highlights of the trip was driving up to approximately 4,800 meters above sea level, followed by a hike up to 5,000 meters. Being so close to Chimborazo, feeling the cold, the wind, and its overwhelming presence, was truly humbling and deeply powerful. The logistics, pacing, and overall organization were excellent. Despite covering so much ground, everything ran smoothly and felt well thought out. I would wholeheartedly recommend this route to anyone looking for an intense, authentic, and unforgettable experience in Ecuador. It was a challenging, beautiful, and deeply rewarding journey that I will remember for a very long time.
We had an incredible trip with guide Christian and driver Jose! We explored and never felt rushed. Wha an incredible trip! Highly recommend this company!!
We 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!
Me 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.
Very 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.
My 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!
Polylepis 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.
This 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.
Our 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.
Unforgettable, Magical, Epic, Breathtaking. Highly recommended. We just came from our trip to Galápagos and didn’t expect mainland Ecuador to be this beautiful, but it totally surprised us in the best way. Here’s what we saw, the highlights and absolutely loved: Cotopaxi National Park Stunning volcano views and beautiful open landscapes. It was amazing to be near one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Quilotoa Lagoon The crater lake was absolutely breathtaking. Photos really don’t do it justice. The hike back up is tough, so we definitely recommend taking the horse. It adds to the experience and makes the climb a fun little adventure. Riding a horse up a steep mountain? That’s something you don’t get to do just anywhere. Baños Pailón del Diablo The waterfall was huge. When we went it was raining but we still go ahead and it was worth it as we got to experience how super powerful this largest waterfall in ecuador it is. And the cable car ride over the Pastaza River was ridiculously scary as it seems old technology but honestly so thrilling. Totally worth it if you enjoy a bit of adrenaline. La Casa del Árbol or Swing at the End of the World It was cloudy when we visited, but we still had a blast. The swing itself was fun and a little scary in the best way. Totally worth checking out. Mount Chimborazo This is the tallest mountain in Ecuador and also known as the closest point on Earth to the sun because of how the planet bulges at the equator. It was really cold and super windy at the top, but the views and the whole atmosphere made it a must-see. Ingapirca Archaeological Complex This was a really cool stop to learn more about Ecuador’s history, especially the Inca and Canari cultures. If you enjoy a mix of nature and culture, this place is a great add. Cuenca We loved the vibe here. One of the main highlights was the New Cathedral, also known as Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción. It’s the biggest church in Cuenca and one of the largest in Ecuador. The blue domes are stunning and the whole area is full of charm, especially at night! El Cajas National Park This park felt like something out of a dream. Misty lakes, high-altitude trails, and peaceful scenery made it one of the most magical hikes of the trip. Even though it was cloudy when we started hiking, the weather is unpredictable and it can be in a good way such that it became sunny for awhile allowing us to take stunning photos. Bonus stop at Devil’s Nose Train in Alausí This wasn’t part of our original itinerary, but since we were ahead of schedule, our guide brought us there to check it out. The train wasn’t operating yet when we visited. It was set to reopen the following weekend after being closed for several years due to COVID. We didn’t get to ride it, but it was really cool to see the station and feel the excitement of the upcoming reopening. It felt special to be there just before it all starts again. And of course, a huge thank you to our guide Edison. He was fantastic. Super knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Ecuador. We felt very safe and well taken care of throughout the trip and learned so much thanks to him. Overall, Ecuador has completely won us over. If you are short on time but want to see as much as possible, this tour is such a great way to experience it all without feeling rushed. We absolutely recommend it. We truly didn’t expect Ecuador to be this beautiful and Ecuadorians to be so welcoming, and we’re happy to say it also felt safe from start to finish, including during our personal trips to the Amazon region and the Galápagos.
This was an amazing trip, the volcano visits and views were outstanding. We even saw five Andean condors at Antisana. We opted for upgraded hotels and the selection was great. Edison made us feel safe and secure the entire trip and he knows facts and history of the areas visited.
It was a very good four days tour. Our guide, Diego, was excellent. He was knowledgeable, attentive, and pleasant to be with. There was a bit more driving than we expected, but there was no other way to attend all those beautiful places we visited.
Our guide Diego was phenomenal. His knowledge of history, geology, and culture of Ecuador and his love for his country made this trip very special. He attended to all our needs, supported us at every step and yet gave us enough private time. All the sites were truly remarkable: mountains, lakes, local festivals and workshops.
This 4 day trip took us through different parts of the central Andes, from Cotopaxi to Cuencaa. Diego is one of the best guides I’ve ever had. He arranged things smoothly and went the extra mile to have us feel well looked after throughout our four day trip. He provided rich commentary with broad knowledge of a wide range of topics. He pointed out differences in the ecosystems as we changed zones of the Andes, discussed how current economic development initiatives and initiatives affected the communities we traveled through, educated us about indigenous culture and agriculture, pointed out the medicinal uses of various plants, and shared his deep love of his home city, Cuenca. We came away with rich context that helped us understand the people, climate, indigenous legacy and modern history that shape the beautiful landscapes we were seeing.
Eddie was an amazing tour guide for our 5 days from Quito, through Cuenca, and then to Guayaquil for our flight to the Galapagos. He was always kind and professional and had a wealth of information to share about the regions cities, geography, and history. He knew every plant we asked about and always presented information clearly and concisely. Our driver Jose was also very kind and made getting from place to place smooth and easy. We were sad to leave them for our next leg of the trip! If you are looking for a guide and driver, you can’t go wrong with these two!
Our trip to the Ecuadorian has been awesome. Diego was very attentive , giving us a lot of information , giving us all the time we needed and the scenery was amazing. Thank you for making our vacation so memorable.
Amazing tour that shows you authentic Ecuador and amazing sights in a quick period of time. My guide Andrés was by far the best tour guide I’ve ever had in any country. He went above and beyond, was extremely knowledgeable, and great to get along with! I would highly recommend this tour if you want to learn about Ecuadorian culture, cuisine, and nature.
Just completed the 5 day tour and it was absolutely fantastic. Eddie and Cristian provided a trip way beyond what we were expecting. There is so much to see and do in Ecuador and their knowledge is superb.
I would really recommend this tour. You will see a lot in such a short time. I really enjoyed this experience. My guide was Diego and he did a great job. He gave me so much informations about Ecuador.. He drove safely all the way to Cuenca and also.. he was giving me good tips where to go eat in places we stayed. Definitely would do it again.
Reliable tour operator in Ecuador. Excellent communication and good tours, hotels and restaurants. I highly recommend Polylepis Tours. We had a great time and all was set on time. Thanks Edison and Wilson!
Our favorite was on the one hand visiting Mindo. It is a beautiful small city with its own charm. Visiting Quiolotoa was also a wonderful experience. On the other hand we really enjoyed climbing the Chimborazo. Even though it wasn't easy and a bit challenging, we did it. And standing up there was amazing:) But all in all the whole tour was a highlight! Thanks to our guide Diego! :)
The previous reviews all indicated this trip was excellent; so cutting to the chase was it worth it? It most certainly was and my overall summary is it exceeded our expectations and they were high to start with. My wife and I were hosted by Diego and we enjoyed his company enormously. He was a font of information and we spent much of our time swapping information and laughing. Whether is was Diego and my wife nailing the species names of plants, whether trivial or the Latin binomial classification or me discussing the difference between C3 and C4 photosynthesis in plants it was just easy going and informative. It fed into lively discussions of the role of eucalypts in Ecuador from Diego and me discussing the role of epicormic shoots in fire regeneration of the more than 600 species of eucalypts (note the old genus Eucalyptus is now split into several genera). The wonderful fauna, staggeringly beautiful scenery and majestic mountains will take your breath away. Diego hosted us wonderfully and it wasn’t just biology, his knowledge of the history of Ecuador, its people’s and landscape was first rate. Visiting the craft workshops was another high point for us. Finally, I should add how we laughed with Diego about the vagaries of English pronunciation, as my wife is English and I am Australian and many of the families he hosts are American. When we are back in the bubble of Oxford, dodging the tourists, or grappling with our research projects, I am sure we will keep a special place in our hearts for this beautiful country and how special Diego made it. Thank you Diego, my friend.
Our guide, Diego, provided us with an incredible adventure with breathtaking sights on a private tour from Quito to Cuenca. Diego was an amazing driver, guide and Spanish (and native language) tutor as we experienced beautiful Andean mountains, lagoons, fauna, flowers and local food and culture along the way. The views over the Quilotoa lagoon and those of Chimborazo were "once in a lifetime" experiences for us. I highly recommend taking this tour rather than flying from Quito to Cuenca.
Our trip with Edison from Quito to Cuenca was amazing. We only had 3 days in our overall itinerary for this trip and Edison was very accommodating in making sure we could see as many of the key sites as possible without feeling rushed. Edison was very responsive on WhatsApp as we were planning the trip. He is a knowledgeable guide, a really enjoyable person to be around and a great driver. We will never forget these three days and are so grateful that Edison made it all happen. Highly recommend!!
The four day tour from Quito to Cuenca with Polylepis Tours is a winner! Diego is a great guide, knowledgeable about local history, fauna and flora and so much more. The four days flew by and were very informative. For a first-time visitor to Ecuador, the trip opens up the country and shows some of its best assets. Give it a try!!
Climbing Chimborazo was definitely my favorite part of the tour . Our guide vast knowledge of the Fauna and flora was notable and his knowledge of the Ecuadorian culture was excellent and very educational. Altitude sickness is a real thing and future travelers should be mindful.
5 stars to our guide Diego! He was amazing and we felt so lucky we got out with him. He knew so much about Ecuador and had so much great knowledge and insight to share. It really made the long drives and hikes that much more interesting and exciting. He was extremely responsible and kind and made the whole trip very easy. Was also very flexible. 4 stars to Polylepis tours. The pre trip communication was sometimes difficult. We found ourselves having to repeat things multiple times and had asked for better rooms but were not given the upgrade when we were told to pay for it. We ended up sorting it out but it was a bit frustrating. The tour otherwise was very well planned out and smooth as soon as it began. Such a great adventure and an amazing way to see this beautiful part of the country. So glad we did it!
What can I say. It was an amazing trip and Milton went above and beyond to make our trip everything it could be - extremely knowledgable, takes pride in his work and just an overall great guy! The sites were out of this world and we were fortunate with fantastic weather in November. Ecuador is just an overall beautiful place! Note to others, prepare for the altitude if your coming from sea level!
Eddy took great care of us while being both the driver and guide for our fabulous trip. His passion & knowledge of Ecuadorian nature & culture are phenomenal & greatly enriched our experience. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to immerse oneself in the Andean highlands of central Ecuador.
We had a wonderful trip with Edison and José. Edison was a Excellent guide and José did very good driving all four days. They were very nice and always worried about our safety and health during the trip. Very patient and gave very good instructions and descriptions about the sites we visited. Always found nice view points so that we could take pictures. We strongly recommend this trip to others with children as well.
Excelent guide. Very flexible. Does everything to satisfy the clients and gives all the details you want. Best guide ever had in my trips.
Was a wonderful experience, enjoyed every moment. Our tour guide, Diego, was excellent! Would recommend.
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