Ecuador is a small country that packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty, biodiversity, and indigenous heritage. Discover this South American jewel on a memorable adventure, traveling from the emerald-clad Andes to the Amazon’s thriving jungles. Come face-to-face with unique creatures on a nighttime walk through the forest and on a tour of an animal sanctuary; hike through awe-inspiring Cotopaxi National Park, crowned by the soaring Cotopaxi Volcano; and delve into indigenous culture on a visit to an Amazonian community and Omaere Ethnobotanical Park. Join Michael and Lillian Dikovitsky on this awesome journey.

Ecuador map, G Adventures, Adventure Travel, Ecuador Travel, Amazon travel

DAY 1 QUITO - JULY 19, 2024

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

DAY 2 QUITO/OTAVALO - JULY 20, 2024

Drive into the mountainous Andean highlands, stopping for lunch in the village of Peguche. Meet some of the local residents, and learn about the community’s weaving traditions. Continue to Otavalo, surrounded by misty volcanoes, and visit the town’s famous handicraft market—one of the largest outdoor markets in South America. Browse stalls selling colourful local art, textiles, and souvenirs, and try your hand at haggling. Later, settle into your room at a historic hacienda, where we’ll spend the night.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

DAY 3 OTAVALO/PAPALLACTA - JULY 21, 2024

Make your way to the village of Papallacta, known for its abundant natural hot springs. En route, visit the home and studio of a renowned traditional weaver, who is working to preserve the indigenous weaving techniques of the Otavalo region. Get a glimpse of the family’s daily life, and observe them at work on the backstrap loom, which has been used in these parts for centuries. Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for an afternoon of relaxation. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools, enjoying stunning mountain views, and indulge in a variety of optional spa treatments.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Otavalo Weaving Lesson| Your Wellness Moment Papallacta Hot Springs Visit

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4 PAPALLACTA/TENA - JULY 22, 2024

Head towards Tena, often called Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon. On the way, we’ll stop at Guango Lodge to explore the property’s cloud forest reserve—home to a plethora of avian species, including more than 10 varieties of hummingbirds. Enjoy lunch in the lodge’s orchid garden, then continue to Misahualli. This charming town is one of the oldest ports in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and harbours a thriving population of capuchin monkeys. Arrive in Tena and board a motorized canoe to our jungle lodge, perched along the banks of the Arajuno River. This evening, embark on a walk into the forest with a naturalist guide, looking out for the Amazon’s nocturnal creatures.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 5 TENA - JULY 23, 2024

Depart early by canoe to visit a saladero, or a parrot clay lick. Alongside our naturalist guide, observe brightly coloured parrots and parakeets gather here to snack on the mineral-rich clay, which studies suggest aids in digestion and provides an important nutrient supplement. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then take a tour of AmaZOOnico, an animal rescue centre that rehabilitates wild creatures that have been victims of illegal trafficking. Later, we’ll visit the home of a local Amazonian family for a unique cultural experience. Chat with your hosts about their traditions and beliefs and learn about everyday life in the jungle; then sit down to a delicious homemade lunch.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Amazon Home Experience

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 6 TENA/BAÑOS - JULY 24, 2024

Leave the Amazon behind and travel to Baños. This popular resort town is packed with gorgeous landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and—as the name indicates—thermal springs originating from the base of the Tungurahua Volcano. Along the way, stop at Omaere Ethnobotanical Park for a walk with an expert guide, discovering the diverse flora of the region and learning about the indigenous uses of the various plants found there. After arriving in Baños, enjoy free time to stroll through the town.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Visit the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7 BAÑOS - JULY 25, 2024

The day is yours to explore Baños and the surrounding area. Choose to head to the mountains for an invigorating hike, and later soak your tired muscles in one of the town’s thermal springs. Set off on a mountain biking adventure, pedaling past rivers, waterfalls, and delightfully green landscapes; opt to hit the rapids on a white-water rafting excursion; and much more.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8 BAÑOS/QUITO - JULY 26, 2024

Drive back to Quito, Ecuador’s capital, along the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes. En route, we’ll venture through Cotopaxi National Park—home to the snowcapped Cotopaxi Volcano, the second highest peak in the country. As you explore this magnificent park, keep an eye out for the resident wildlife, which ranges from condors, foxes, and deer to the vicuna and the endangered Andean puma.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9 QUITO - JULY 27, 2024

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Otavalo Weaving Lesson, Otavalo
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Amazon Home Experience, Tena
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park, Baños
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
Arrival transfer
Overnight in an historic hacienda
Explore the Otavalo handicraft market
Cloud forest reserve visit
Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle excursions
Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotels (4 nts), historic hacienda (1 nt), jungle lodge (2 nts), hot springs resort (1 nt).

MEALS

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

TRANSPORTATION

Private van, motorized canoe, walking.

STAFF & EXPERTS

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Not Included:

Flights to and from Quito
Meals not listed

TRAVEL STYLE: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC JOURNEYS

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

SERVICE LEVEL: UPGRADED

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

PHYSICAL RATING: 2 - LIGHT

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

TRIP TYPE: SMALL GROUP

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10

AGE REQUIREMENT: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pricing:

$2,349.00 per person
Based on Double occupancy and on a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 16

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation 60 days or more prior to departure = Deposit paid will become a Lifetime Deposit (LTD) and stay on file in your name to use on a G Adventures trip in the future.
Cancellation between 30 and 59 days prior to departure = LTD + 50% loss of final payment
Cancellation within 30 days of departure = LTD + 100% loss of final payment

It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 we also strongly recommend purchasing an all-inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance as well.

National Geographic Journeys Adventure Travel

Extras:

BAÑOS CANYONING ADVENTURE - $30.00

Jump, slide, rappel, swim and float your way down the Rio Blanco on this canyoning adventure. Make your way down stream and enjoy the stunning scenery as you head into the heart of Llanganates National Park. Please keep in mind this is a level 4/5 physical activity. Good mobility and a strong fitness level are required for you to have an enjoyable experience.

BAÑOS ZIPLINING ADVENTURE BUNDLE - $25.00

Buckle up your harness, put on your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along a zipline suspended 850m above the canyon below, dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you cross Tibetan Suspension Bridge above Pastaza River. Rock climb up to a second zipline to finish off this adrenaline-filled adventure. Please keep in mind this is a level 3/5 physical activity. Good mobility, no fear of heights, and a strong fitness level are required for you to have an enjoyable experience.

QUITO CITY TOUR AND EQUATOR - $50.00

Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Note: Price and availability of Extras are subject to change. Price is secured once the service is booked and confirmed.