Ecuador Tour

Volcanoes & Rainforests of Ecuador

Arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

Few cities in the world enjoy such a perfect location as Quito. Nestled at an altitude of 2,850 meters between volcanoes, with the most famous being Pichincha, the city was originally established during the Inca Empire and later rebuilt by Spanish conquerors in 1534.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of the historic center of Quito, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit Independence Square, the San Francisco Church, the Gothic Basilica, and the famous statue of the Virgin Mary (El Panecillo).

Next, we will drive 22 kilometers north of Quito to the equator line—Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). There, we will explore the viewpoint and the Half of the World Museum.

After our visit, we will return to Quito.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast, we will drive approximately an hour and a half to the city of Otavalo. On the way, we will stop in the town of Cayambe to taste the local delicacy—biscuits baked over an open fire.

Continuing our journey, we will visit the famous Otavalo Market, a vibrant marketplace where locals sell their diverse goods. The indigenous people in the area are known for their traditional clothing, with men wearing white tunics over pants, dark ponchos, and black felt hats, while women adorn themselves with embroidered blouses, gold necklaces, long skirts, and head coverings. Upon arrival, you will have free time to wander through the stalls of handicrafts and artisanal goods.

Afterward, we will drive to the picturesque village of Cotacachi, known for its leather industry, and then continue to Cuicocha Lagoon, featuring two green islands at the foot of the Cotacachi volcano.
After our visit, we will take a drive back to Quito, where we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast, we will drive for approximately one hour to Papallacta, a small village known for its main attraction, the Papallacta hot springs. These hot springs are considered some of the most luxurious and well-preserved in Ecuador, offering stunning views. Along the way, we will stop for breathtaking views of the Antisana Ecological Reserve.

Following our visit, we will continue with a drive of about 3 hours to the lodge in Tena, located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Over the next few days, you will enjoy a variety of activities in the jungle. We will hike along forest trails, paddle in canoes, learn about the flora and fauna of the Amazon basin, taste local dishes, and find time to relax while listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Accommodation will be at the jungle lodge on a full-board basis.
Shared tours are included.

Please note: Staying in the Amazon is a unique experience that differs significantly from what you may be accustomed to. The lodge is relatively simple, isolated, and surrounded by rainforest, rivers, and lakes. The rooms do not have phones or televisions, and internet access is often unstable, typically available only in the dining area/lobby/reception. This lodge is suited for those who love nature and seek an experience away from the developed Western world.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a day filled with shared activities in the Amazon.

Participate in guided excursions, including jungle hikes, canoeing, and wildlife observation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest.

Overnight at the jungle lodge on a full-board basis.

After breakfast, we will leave the jungle and drive approximately two and a half hours to Baños. Baños is a tranquil town surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and lush forests. The area features stunning hot and cold springs with views of the Tungurahua volcano.

Upon arrival, we will embark on a tour of the city and its surroundings. We will enjoy a scenic cable car ride that glides between the trees, followed by a walking tour along the waterfall trails and a relaxing soak in the hot springs.

After our adventures, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Baños.

After breakfast, we will set out for a drive of approximately 3 hours to Quilotoa Lagoon, located within the crater of the Quilotoa volcano. The volcano rises to nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, with a diameter of about 2.5 kilometers.

Upon arrival, we will embark on a hiking tour around the crater, where you can also descend to the lake filled with striking green mineral waters.

Here are a few options for hiking routes based on your fitness level:
• Viewpoint Walk: You can enjoy views of the lagoon and walk for a few minutes along the same elevation. There is a lovely café near the viewpoint.
• Descent to the Lagoon and Ascent: This option takes about two hours. The climb back is quite steep and the ground can be sandy. For a small fee, you can return on horseback.
• Caldera Loop Trail: A 10 km route that takes 5-7 hours, suitable for those with a moderate to high fitness level. Horses can also be rented on-site for an additional fee. It’s advisable to start early to complete this trail.

After our adventures at Quilotoa, we will transfer to a hotel near Cotopaxi volcano.
Overnight in the Cotopaxi region.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day trip to Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is an active volcano and the second-highest peak in Ecuador, rising to an impressive 5,897 meters. The volcano has been considered a sacred site by the indigenous people long before the Inca period in the 15th century, who worshiped it as a “bringer of rain,” symbolizing the fertility of the land. Its summit was believed to be the dwelling place of the gods, which is why the name of the volcano in the local indigenous language translates to “Throne of the Moon.”

The hiking route will vary based on your fitness level. You can choose a shorter walking trail with views of the volcano or a more challenging ascent starting at an elevation of 4,500 meters to the base camp at 4,800 meters, which takes about an hour. From there, you can continue to the glacier’s edge at 5,100 meters, which adds another hour of walking. The return hike follows the same path.
Please note that this trek is considered challenging due to cold weather, winds, and high altitude, so it may be less suitable for some participants.

It is essential to wear good hiking shoes and warm clothing for this day! The ascent is to an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level, so please see the altitude warning for the trip.

After our adventure, we will drive back to Quito, which takes approximately an hour and a half. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast, we will drive approximately two hours to the Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve, where we will enjoy a day filled with activities in the reserve. Mindo is known as one of the best birdwatching destinations in the world, home to around 500 species, including toucans and other exotic birds.

We will embark on a walking tour in the reserve, where we will reach a refreshing waterfall and also visit the butterfly farm.
Next, we will continue with a chocolate tour, during which we will learn about the various stages of producing Ecuadorian chocolate, renowned for its exceptional taste and high quality.

After our activities, we will drive back to Quito and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for your flight back home.