We did the Quito Banos loop, with 3 full days in Banos. We really appreciated the flexibility of staying in Banos for 3 days. Our trip to Banos included stopping at Quilotoa Crater Lake which has spectacular views. We spent about 90 minutes there and had enough time to explore some of the paths. Our trip from Banos to Quito included a cocoa farm where we made our own chocolate. We participated in roasting, shelling, grinding and then making chocolate. After this the village elder took us on a tour of where the cocoa trees grew. This was my favorite excursion provided by Wanderbus. Our driver was punctual for pick up, shared interesting facts about Ecuador as we traveled.

We purchased the Jacamar pass from Quito to Banos however it ended up being a comfortable car with a driver/guide Erick and just the two of us. Erick was great, providing a general overview as we travelled, he spoke excellent English and was a safe driver. Erick provided some tips on things to do in Banos and local food we should try. Lake Quilotoa was great although we didn't think we had enough time to hike down to the water, but walked half way down. It's a very dusty trail! Overall it was a nice day.

We had an absolutely incredible experience on our trip to Ecuador! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations, and so much of that was thanks to our amazing guide, Erick. He truly went above and beyond to make sure every moment of the trip was fun, seamless, safe, and unforgettable. From day one, Erick noticed how fascinated my friend and I were by wildlife, and he made such a thoughtful effort to point out every exotic animal we encountered throughout the tour. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to detail made the experience feel so personal and special. Each day was perfectly balanced between adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. We were incredibly lucky to see Cotopaxi and Quilotoa with clear skies and no rain! The views were absolutely breathtaking and even more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. It genuinely felt magical. I’m so grateful we found Wanderbus. Erick not only made the trip exciting and informative, but he also made us feel completely taken care of the entire time. He ensured we safely arrived at every accommodation, helped translate whenever needed, and sincerely cared about our comfort and wellbeing. As a vegetarian, I especially appreciated how attentive he was in communicating with restaurants and servers to make sure I always had proper meal options during every excursion. Our final day was truly spectacular and the perfect ending to the trip. From exploring the Amazon lagoon and spotting incredible birds and monkeys, to visiting the chocolate farm and learning about the entire chocolate-making process (while tasting delicious fresh cacao fruit along the way!), every part of the day was memorable. Ending everything with the luxury thermal spa experience was the perfect finishing touch, absolutely iconic! I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Ecuador, especially with Erick as your guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable, explained everything thoroughly throughout the journey, and made us feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. He’s also an excellent driver, and every transfer felt smooth and stress-free. Thank you again for such an unforgettable experience. We truly cannot wait for our next trip with all of you! :)

We had a great time. We saw so much of the country and enjoyed every minute. The tour, food, scenery and activities were wonderful. We had a private small bus for our group of 6. Our driver was great. He knew the roads so well and was a cautious driver. Our guide was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. If we needed anything he went out of his way to have the driver stop at a pharmacy to get aspirin or bathroom stop whenever possible. Both driver and guide helped out any of us who needed help walking on dirt roads or if one of us was slower than others in our group. Both driver and guide worked well together. We will definitely recommend this 7 day tour and will use them again in the future for the other tours that are available. Thank you so much.

Our guide Erick was great, very well informed and knowledgeable. He whisked us safely through the stunning landscapes of central Ecuador and taught us a lot about the culture and history of the area. I would highly recommend this trip especially if you want to get to Banos from Quito whilst also getting to visit Cotopaxi and Quilotoa all within one day. Thank you wanderbus!