Overview & Highlights
An exhilarating self-drive adventure exploring the cloud forest of Ecuador’s Andean foothills on the fringe of the Amazon basin.
Between the high Andean plateaux studded with snow-dipped volcanoes and the sultry rainforest of the Amazon basin, the eastern foothills and valleys of Ecuador are stifled with the giant ferns, creepers and orchids of misty cloud forest. Winding its way south through this ethereal landscape, parallel with the Andean spine and tracing what is known as the ‘eyebrow of the jungle’ is a the paved road, Route 45. Recent improvements to this road mean that places once almost inaccessible to visitors are now brought within easy reach of Quito and the country’s principal highland cities.
The traffic is relatively light and the route is wondrously scenic throughout, creating for independent drivers a brand new opportunity to discover a little-visited region by self-drive hire car. We’ve designed an innovative itinerary for you where you travel under your own steam down this road staying at forest-based lodges along the way, with opportunities to take a dip in thermal pools, go river rafting, jungle trail walking and wildlife spotting, while visiting local indigenous communities and their farms to immerse yourself in their way of life.
Climbing back up to the high Andes you’ll return north to Quito along the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes, a completely different environment of wide open spaces blanketed by sprawling pastures and haciendas pitted with the perfect cones of a string of ice-clad mountain peaks, some still fizzing with activity. You’ll pull over to discover the dazzling colours of an indigenous market and venture off the paved road to explore safely the sublime Cotopaxi National Park, the most beautiful in the country.
- Walking tour of colonial Quito
- 8 days of self-drive in Ecuador
- Choice of activities each day
THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA
Finn Clennett
Travel Expert
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Quito, transfer to hotel in the historic centre.
Day 2
Guided walking tour of colonial Quito.
Day 3
Transfer to the airport to collect your hire car; set off on your self-drive adventure.
Day 4
Full day to explore the area around Cabañas San Isidro.
Day 5
Drive to Santa Rita, guided Pacari chocolate tour.
Day 6
Optional activities.
Day 7
Drive to Baños via Puyo, visiting a botanical garden and waterfalls en route.
Day 8
At leisure in Baños.
Day 9
Drive up the Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park.
Day 10
Morning optional excursions; drop off car at airport; international flight.
Things to do
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Accommodation
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Inspired by this trip
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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