9 Days | Be moved by the natural beauty of Ecuador, from the Andes to the Amazon
From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle, this nine-day trip will take you through diverse Ecuador. Walk through the Amazon Jungle with an Indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest. Get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family, where you’ll connect with them and participate in a Pachamanca food ceremony, perhaps also brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise and you’ll take it all on with a local leader and likeminded travellers.
Trip overview
- Start
- Quito, Ecuador
- Finish
- Quito, Ecuador
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Ecuador
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- GGSH
- Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in eco lodge-style accommodation on the banks of the Arajuno River and enjoy a special evening walk through the jungle under the night sky.
- Walk in the rainforest with an Indigenous guide by your side to lead the way, point out local birds and teach you about the plant life that thrives here.
- Hike to Pailon del Diablo – an 80-m-high waterfall so fierce that you’ll need to carry a poncho to keep dry from its wrath!
- Marvel at the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano – one of the largest and highest active volcanos in the world – while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park.
- Learn from a local Indigenous community during your homestay in the Caldera Community. Take part in the Pachamanca food ceremony, which has been a part of South American culture for centuries.
- This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
- Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs, with warmer layers for the evening.
- This trip includes jungle hikes, which can be strenuous due to the humidity. A decent level of fitness is required to feel comfortable when exploring the jungle.
- While accommodation in the Amazon is clean, comfortable and ideally located, it can seem basic. Please remember that this is a very remote part of the world.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Itinerary
Inclusions
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Private vehicle, Public bus
Hotel (5 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)
- Amazon- Night walk
- Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre
- Banos - Walking tour
- Banos - Pailon del Diablo Waterfall hike
- Cotopaxi - National Park walk
- Cotopaxi - Flower plantation visit
- Cotopaxi- Tour of historical hacienda
- Cotacachi- Pachamanca and village experience
- Cuicocha - Lagoon viewpoint
- Otavalo - Market Visit
- Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100
- Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50
- Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
- Banos - Bellavista Viewpoint - Free
- Banos - Hot springs - USD5
- Banos - Swing at the End of the World - USD2
- Banos - Route of the waterfalls - USD2
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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