Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Ecuador Beaches, Amazon & Highlands" (SEQQ), but here are some similar trips.
Ecuador Beaches, Amazon & Highlands
14 days, Quito to Quito
Itinerary
Day 1Quito
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until the evening. Please check at the hotel reception for a welcome note from your G Representative advising on the time and location of the welcome meeting.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Quito/Manta
Take an early morning flight to Manta. Located on Ecuador's central coast, Manta is port city known for its fishing industry. Get familiarized with this bustling city with a guided tour of the Cancebi Museum and Tagua workshop, and a visit to Montecristi.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Manta Full-Day Tour
Immerse yourself in Manta's rich history and culture with a guided tour of the city's sites. Visit the Cancebi Museum to learn about local fishing practices and traditions, and view historical artefacts. See the fishing market in action, meet local fisherman and opt to buy some of the fresh produce. Visit a working Tagua factory to see how this natural material is transformed into buttons, jewellery and ornaments. Finish the day with a trip to Montecristi, famous for the hats of the same name.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Manta/Puerto López
Travel to Puerto Lopez. On the way, visit the Agua Blanca Community. Hike, check out the museum and take a mud bath. Enjoy lunch in the community before continuing to Puerto Lopez. Enjoy free time on arrival.
Located within the Machalilla National Park, the Agua Blanca community is one of the oldest archaeological sites in South America. Marvel at the natural archaeological wonders here which include temples, houses and ancient artefacts. Visit the community's brightly painted church and museum and browse the local artisan's market for unique souvenirs.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Agua Blanca Community Museum
Visit an indigenous community and hike through the grounds with a local guide. Stop to soak in therapeutic mud, learn about flora and fauna, or wander through the archaeological museum.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Puerto López
Embark on a day-trip to Isla del Plata, home to a variety of seabirds including blue-footed boobies and fantastic snorkelling that rivals the Galápagos.
Day Trip to Isla de la Plata
Explore Isla de la Plata, affectionately known as the “poor man’s Galápagos.” Be sure to bring your camera to this wildlife watching haven. Meet colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies and a number of other sea birds. View the migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Snorkelling
25USD per personGrab a mask and fins and hit the surf. Discover the coral reef around Isla de la Plata, and keep an eye out for turtles, manta rays, and, a wide range of marine life.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Puerto López
Enjoy free time to explore. Optional activities include hiking in Machalilla National Park, relaxing on white-sand beaches, or whale- watching (when in season).
Free Time
Choose to get active or relax in the beach town of Puerto Lopez and the beautiful Machalilla National Park that surrounds it.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Los Frailes Beach
FreeGrab a tuk-tuk to the park entrance and make your way to one of its beaches. Chill out on the incredibly soft white sand, take a dip, and enjoy.
Machalilla National Park Hike
15USD per personGo trekking at Machalilla National Park, Ecuador’s only coastal national park, which covers more than 40,000 ha of tropical dry forest and cloud forest as well as 20,000 ha of Pacific Ocean. Explore the park's coastline, which contains the country’s only coral formations (just off the mainland). Get your blood pumping with some day hikes to soak in the beautiful scenery and learn about the area. Be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Puerto López/Quito
Transfer to Guayaquil and fly back to Quito. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Options include taking a city tour, riding the cable car up the nearby volcano, or relaxing in one of the city's many cafés and restaurants. This evening, opt to enjoy a night out on the town with the group.
Free Time
Make a most of a free day in Ecuador's lively capital.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Quito City Tour & Equator Line
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.
Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Teleférico
9USD per personEnjoy spectacular views of Quito from this sky tram up Volcán Pichincha. Choose to go for a hike at the top, or just come along for the ride.
Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day
Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening. **Park entrance fee is not included and is split among the number of travellers in the group**
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Quito
Enjoy a free day to get out and explore the many sights Quito has to offer.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore Ecuador's capital.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Quito City Tour & Equator Line
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.
Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Teleférico
9USD per personEnjoy spectacular views of Quito from this sky tram up Volcán Pichincha. Choose to go for a hike at the top, or just come along for the ride.
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day
Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening. **Park entrance fee is not included and is split among the number of travellers in the group**
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Quito/Baños
Travel to Baños and be spoiled over the next few days by the abundance of optional outdoor activities in the area like hiking, ziplining, and canyoning. Today, choose to take it easy and relax in local hot springs.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Enjoy a relaxing soak in the local hot springs and some free time to explore this adventurous town.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Pailon del Diablo Optional Visit
El Pailón del Diablo is located about 30 minutes outside of Baños. Choose to visit these powerful falls that plunge 80m down.
Total distance: 2km (1.3 miles)
Total elevation: 148m (485ft)
Hot Springs - Baños
4USD per personSoak weary muscles in the thermal baths that Baños is famous for. Head to hot springs at the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “little hell” in Quichua, or try some of the baths fed by the melt waters of Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Rise before the sun for an early soak – watching the sun peak over the mountains while relaxing in the warm waters is definitely worth the early start.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Baños
Enjoy a free day to take full advantage of all the activities in this adventurous town.
Opt to pre-book the "Baños Canyoning Adventure" or "Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Baños, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking, canyoneering, and relaxing in the hot springs. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Mountain Bike Rental
10USD per personHop on your bike and explore the amazing scenery surrounding Baños. Pass by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and changing vegetation – depending on what path you take. Enjoy the cool wind on downhill stretches, but be sure to bring sunblock; the sun can be strong.
Horseback Riding - Baños
25USD per personHop in the saddle and explore Baños’ beautiful countryside by horseback. Check out the unique vegetation in the region, and, perhaps, trot over to Tungurahua Volcano for amazing views.
Hiking - Baños
FreeHead to the mountains for some amazing treks; Baños provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor adventure.
Whitewater Rafting
30USD per personHit the rapids in the adrenaline capital of Ecuador. Choose a river that suits your experience level; there a number with varying ranges of difficulty. Enjoy amazing Andean scenery and a fun-filled ride!
Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle
25USD per personBuckle 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.
Baños Canyoning Adventure
Jump, slide, rappel, swim and float around Cascadas de Chamana on this canyoning adventure, while enjoying the stunning scenery near Sangay 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.
Visit Casa del Arbol
Perched on a hilltop behind Baños is La Casa del Arbol, sporting epic views of the Tungurahua volcano on a clear day. It was used previously to monitor the volcano's activity, but now has become a popular attraction because of the iconic image of a swing attached to the treehouse. Visit the viewpoint where you can choose to try whooshing over the abyss for yourself to feel the thrill of swinging on the edge of the world.
Day 10Baños/Tena
Travel by bus into the Amazon Jungle. Spend two nights in rustic jungle huts in a local Quichua community. Enjoy nature walks and learn about local culture.
Descend into the Amazon Jungle region. Notice the scenery change dramatically heading from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest.
Stay with a Quichua family and enjoy the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle firsthand.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience
Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life.
Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 11Tena
Enjoy a full day in the Amazon learning about local life in the jungle. Spend the night in rustic jungle huts in a Quichua community.
Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience
Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life.
Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Tena/Papallacta
Cycle to the nearby community of Shandia and discover the beauty of the Amazon with a member of the community as your guide. Later, take a local bus to Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools with volcanic views.
Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience
Cycle to the Indigenous Shandia community, a rural village surrounded by rivers and lush Amazonian landscapes. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive experiences led by the village’s youth. Spend an hour and 45 minutes cycling from Pimpilala village to Shandia stopping along the way to take in the beauty of the Amazon. These cultural tours are seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. This provides an economic opportunity for youth who traditionally would have left the community to find work. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a new generation in the community and contributing to the preservation of their culture.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Papallacta/Quito
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hot springs before travelling back to Quito for free time to explore.
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit
Enjoy access to the private hot springs at the accommodation in Papallacta.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Quito
Depart at any time.
We recommend booking pre or post nights in Quito for additional time to explore. The optional activities may require additional time, speak to your CEO for assistance booking these activities on trip.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Quito City Tour & Equator Line
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.
Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Mindo Cloud Forest - Full Day Trip
70-100USD per personDrive northwest for 2 hours, enjoy the dramatic change of vegetation heading down from the Andes into the cloud forest. Mindo is a tiny town set amidst some of the most beautiful and peaceful countryside in the entire country. It is a centre for both nature and adventure activities. Go walking through the cloud forest and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the different waterfalls, take time to ride up the cable car with amazing views. Visit a butterfly farm and see an array of colourful hummingbirds for which Mindo is renowned. In the afternoon, opt for an organic chocolate tour and tasting.
This trip takes roughly 9 hours departing at 7 am, and includes a guide, transport and lunch. Any activities upon arrival will be additional. **Check availability at destination because this tour does not have daily departures.
Otavalo Market - Full Day Trip
Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo’s famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Head north from Quito along the Pan-American highway for 2.5 hours. On the way, visit the village of Calderon to see colourful figures made of bread and visit Cayambe to taste typical ‘biscochos’ (local biscuits). Try your hand at haggling in the market – it’s expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price. After, continue on to the leather market at Cotacachi or Peguche the weaving town. The market is open daily, however Saturdays are the busiest.
This trip takes roughy 8 hours, departs daily at 8 am.
Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day
Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening. **Park entrance fee is not included and is split among the number of travellers in the group**