If you want to sample the region’s highlights without sacrificing some of its lesser known gems, there’s no better way to experience Ecuador's dramatic scenery and colourful people. Visit the Amazon and a shaman for an incredible introduction to indigenous culture and witness lush jungles and exotic wildlife. Staying in simple hotels and homestays and using public transport will keep you grounded in the local customs and culture. We'll travel from the Avenue of the Volcanoes to relaxing Pacific beaches and mountain hot springs in Ecuador. This adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.
What's Included
- 2-night Amazon Jungle homestay, Excursion by train to the Devil's Nose, 2-night homestay at an indigenous community, Visit to Otavalo market.
- 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners. (Allow USD305-400 for meals not included.)
- Simple hotels (12 nts), Amazon community stay (2 nts), night bus (1 nt), indigenous community homestay (may be multi-share) (2 nts).
- Public bus, truck, motorized canoe.
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
- Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10
Add to your Experience
Add on a trip to the Galapagos Islands EV10PA.
Places Visited
- Amazon
- Ecuador
Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Tena
Travel by bus into the Amazon basin, to Tena. Optional activities include visiting an animal rescue centre, caving and white water rafting.
Days 3-4 Amazon jungle (2B,2L,2D)
Spend two nights at a homestay in the jungle. Guided hikes. Visit a local shaman and learn about Quichua history and culture.
Days 5-6 Baños
Bus journey to Baños. Some optional activities included hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and mountain climbing or soaking in the nearby hot springs.
Day 7 Alausí
Travel via Riobamba by bus to Alausí for free time to explore the town.
Day 8 Devil's Nose Train / Guayaquil
Board the train to an included excursion bound for the Devil's Nose, before returning to Alausí to catch the bus to Guayaquil. Arrive in the afternoon for some free time to explore the city or take an optional boat ride on Guayas River.
Days 9-12 Puerto Lopez/Machalilla National Park
Continue along the coast by bus to Puerto Lopez. Optional activities include a day trip to Isla de la Plata, hiking in Machalilla National Park, a visit to a local community reforestation project, snorkelling, or relaxing on the beach. Whale watching an option in season. Return to Quito by overnight bus on the night of day 12.
Day 13 Quito
Free day in Quito for an optional city tour, ride the cable car up the nearby volcano or relax in one of the city's many cafes and restaurants.
Days 14-15 San Clemente (1B,2L,2D)
Travel by bus to the Indigenous community of San Clemente. Optional hikes to see and learn about the medicinal plants or trek up the Imbabura Mountain. Interact with the locals and learn about their traditional ways of life. Optional cultural evening and show with typical food.
Day 16 Otavalo (B)
Transfer to Otavalo by public bus. Optional activities include a visit to Peguche waterfall, Cotacachi leather market or hike around Cuicocha Lake.
Day 17 Otavalo / Quito
Explore the Otavalo handicraft market for shopping before returning to Quito by bus.
Day 18 Quito
Depart at any time.
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