Please note that the Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on the following dates in 2025 for preventative maintenance on the runway: April 5 & 12; May 10, 17 & 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; September 6, 13 & 20. between the hours of 2am and 2pm. For passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates, please double-check flight schedules with your airline in case of changes. Internal flights within Ecuador and Galapagos will be adjusted accordingly and any changes to schedules will be communicated at the welcome briefing.
Arrive at any time.
Visitors arriving in Quito will likely feel the effects of the altitude. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, general lethargy, and a reduced appetite. This is no cause for alarm; it is simply your body’s way of coping with the altitude. It may take a little time to acclimatize, but before long you probably will not even notice it. Take it easy for the first day or two, and reduce alcohol and cigarette consumption to minimize the effects. Be sure to drink plenty of water and do not attempt too much in any given day.
Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
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.
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.
Enjoy 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.
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Travel by bus into the Amazon Basin and enjoy the incredible scenery en route to the jungle town of Tena. Watch as it changes from towering mountains to lush jungle, passing by waterfalls and deep river valleys. Upon arrival, get active and cycle to the nearby community of Shandia, where you'll discover the beauty of the Amazon with a member of the local community as your guide.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
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.
Stay overnight at the Shandia Indigenous lodge located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive tours led by the village’s youth. Watch a chocolate making demonstration and learn about their cultivation of cacao and their traditional agriculture practices. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by women who were provided with culinary training through the project. Leave Shandia Indigenous lodge knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.
Navigate the wild Jatunyaku River in the surrounding lush cloud forest. The cool water and air make this an excellent change from the tropical Amazon climate. Return to Tena for the night.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on a full-day excursion on River Jatunyacu, a wide and relatively calm waterway, with some large waves. Take on Class 3+ rapids, which include a good balance of rapids and open water. Give it a try, even if new to the sport – this experience is accessible for anyone without any previous rafting experience.
Travel by local bus to Baños, a town surrounded by lush cloud forest. In the afternoon, you will visit Pailón del Diablo and walk up the winding steps to the waterfall. Then, visit the famous Casa del Arbol perched on a hilltop where you can see Volcán Tungurahua on a clear day. Perhaps test your fear of heights and try one of the swings that whoosh over the huge drop below dubbed the "edge of the world".
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
El Pailón del Diablo is located about 30 minutes outside of Baños. The Spanish name translates to "The Devil's Cauldron" in English. These powerful falls are 80m high and pull their strength from Rio Verde. The group will take a short walk to the falls before returning to the van.
Total distance: 2km (1.3 miles)
Total elevation: 148m (485ft)
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.
Enjoy free time in Baños, a town famous for outdoor activities. Visit the local hot springs, or simply relax in town.
Soak 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.
Transfer by private vehicle to the start point of the trek into Llanganates National Park. Enjoy spectacular scenery of the Tunguragua Volcano while trekking into the park through lush cloud forest. Spend the night camping under the stars enjoying nature at its best.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Embark on an exhilarating trek in the Andean moorland of Llanganates National Park, famous for its amazing landscapes and storied mystery. Legend has it that the Inca General Ruminahui has a large sum of gold hidden somewhere in the Tungurahua mountain range. Start the hike at 3,200m (10,498 ft) above sea level and travel upwards to 3,800m (12,467 ft). See a variety of changes in vegetation while trekking to higher elevations. Expect stunning views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Sangay Volcano (if visibility is good). You could see some varieties of birds and the Spectacled Bear. On the way to camp, cross through communities such as El Triunfo and Cruz Loma. Later in the day you will arrive at the campsite which is at 2600 meters above sea level. Spend a night camping at a local trout farm in the National Park with the opportunity to catch and prepare fresh fish.
Rise early and continue trekking in Llanganates National Park before returning to Baños in the afternoon. Opt to visit the local hot springs.
Continue trekking and return by foot to the entrance of Llanganates National Park to take a transfer back to Baños. Opt to visit local hot springs to relax and rest aching muscles or continue the adventure with canyoning or ziplining.
Wake up and take in the amazing landscape of the Llanganates National Park from the comfort of your tents. After breakfast at camp, continue trekking and enjoy the magnificent views while descending through this unique environment. Start at 3,800m (12,467 ft) and return to the entrance to the park. It will take around 4-5 hours along trails through the canyon of the Rio Verde Chico. Today's trek ends in the parish of Ulba sitting at 1750 metres about sea level. Transfer back to Baños from here.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
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.
Depart early from Baños and travel by bus to a hacienda near Cotopaxi Volcano. Later, take part in a horseback riding or biking excursion.
Enjoy a free morning in Baños to explore the area on foot or take on one of the many optional activities that the region has to offer. After lunch, travel by public bus through spectacular Andean scenery arriving at a hacienda, near the base of Cotopaxi Volcano. Enjoy a choice between a biking excursion through Polilepys forest or horseback riding with views of the volcano.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Time to choose your own adventure! The choice is yours between biking through Polilepys forest or horseback riding to a volcano viewpoint. Take in amazing views of one of the world's highest active volcanoes, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
Soak 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.
In the morning, head into Cotopaxi National Park for a guided tour and spectacular views. After a box lunch at Limpiopungo Lake, return to Quito for a final night in the city.
First thing in the morning, travel by private van into the national park to start the trek up to the refuge. Take in changing park scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Visit Limpiopungo lake for a boxed lunch. Enjoy lunch and catch your breath before transferring back to the capital city for a final night out on the town.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at 5,897m (19,342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow-covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Keep an eye out for park wildlife, including condors, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and more. For those who want to hike, there are options available (weather permitting). Please ensure you have proper hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof/windproof jacket and warm hats and gloves. Hike is approximately 1.5 hours.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Enjoy 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.
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.