Ecuador route: Quito to Cuicocha Caldera and the Equator
This route showcases Ecuador's diverse ecosystems and cultural heritage across multiple regions. Travelers visit cloud forests at Mashpi, explore volcanic calderas, experience indigenous markets, and discover ancient ceremonial sites with resident wildlife conservation projects.
- Distance
- 2219.3 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Mashpi Lodge in Cloudforest
- End
- Loja
- Stops
- 13
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Mashpi Lodge in Cloudforest — Eco-lodge nestled in Ecuador's misty cloudforest offering immersive nature experiences, birdwatching, and waterfall exploration in a biodiverse mountain sanctuary.
- Hacienda Zuleta — Historic working hacienda in the Ecuadorian highlands featuring horseback riding, traditional agriculture, and authentic rural hospitality amid Andean mountain landscapes.
- Cuenca — Colonial highland city renowned for textile production traditions and artisanal craftsmanship, hosting cultural programs for content creators.
- Saraguro — Indigenous community region famous for traditional shamanic blessing ceremonies performed on mountain peaks with spiritual significance.
- Quito — Capital city of Ecuador located high in the Andes Mountains, serving as the main hub for travel throughout the country.
- Mashpi — Cloud and rainforest lodge sanctuary encompassing 6,000 acres of protected biodiversity, featuring canopy walks and nighttime wildlife exploration.
- Cuicocha Caldera — Volcanic crater lake featuring two baby volcanoes with geothermal activity visible as bubbles rising from the caldera floor.
- Equator — Geographic landmark marking the equatorial line crossing Ecuador, a major tourist attraction for experiencing the zero-degree latitude.
- Zuleta — Historic Andean community featuring ancient Caranqui pyramids and ceremonial sites dating back 1,400 years with active condor conservation programs.
- Caranqui Pyramids — Archaeological complex of 13 ceremonial and burial mounds built by the pre-Incan Caranqui tribe with original 11th-century flooring.
- Cajas National Park
- Ingapirca — Pre-Columbian Incan archaeological complex featuring temple installations and military base ruins overlooking an expansive valley.
- Loja — Southern Ecuadorian region inhabited by the Saraguro people, known for traditional shamanic rituals and indigenous cultural practices.
Useful for your trip
- Where to stay
- Casa Gangotena is a recommended accommodation in Quito for your city stay.
- Where to stay
- Mashpi Lodge offers 6,000+ acres of protected rain and cloud forest with modern architecture. Located in the jungle at elevation where you can observe cloud formations.
- Where to stay
- Hacienda Zuleta is located in the Avenue of Volcanoes near ancient Caranqui ceremonial pyramids and offers condor viewing opportunities.
- Where to stay
- Mansión Alcázar and ITZA Hotel Boutique Internacional are accommodation options in Cuenca.
- Tip
- Cloud forest elevation begins above 900 meters (3,000 feet); rainforest is below this elevation. Mashpi has both types.
- Tip
- Night walks at Mashpi Lodge allow you to search for glass frogs and experience the nocturnal ecosystem.
- Tip
- Visit Otavalo Market (Plaza De Los Ponchos) for traditional ponchos and local crafts; it's packed daily with no specific organization.
- Tip
- Cajas National Park sits at over 13,000 feet (4 kilometers elevation) with monochromatic landscapes and wild alpacas and horses roaming freely.
- Tip
- Ingapirca is an Incan archaeological site with temple installations and military base structures overlooking a valley.
- Tip
- Traditional shamanic blessing rituals can be experienced with the Saraguro people in the Loja region.
- Save money
- Flowers are very affordable; a whole bouquet of roses cost $1.
- Tip
- Ecuador Film Residency program supports content creators to tell Ecuador stories; check ecuador.travel/es/film-residency/ for details.