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This itinerary is valid for departures until April 12, 2018 (and the June 7th departure). To view the itinerary from May 2018 onwards click here.
The Ecuador Experience
18 days, Quito to Quito
Itinerary
Day 1Quito
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until the evening 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.
Optional Activities - Day 1 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.
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.
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**
Day 2Quito/Tena
Head down winding roads to the Amazon Basin and spend the night in Tena.
Descend into the Amazon Jungle region. Watch the scenery change dramatically heading away from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Tena
Enjoy a free day in Tena, opt to visit an animal rescue centre or go whitewater rafting. Later, head to a local Quichua community in a small Amazonian village to spend two nights in rustic jungle huts. Enjoy nature walks and visits with the local shaman.
Enjoy the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle firsthand. Take guided hikes to learn about the natural environment and the traditional knowledge of the local people.
Free Time
Enjoy the optional activities around Tena.
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.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Jatunyacu River Rafting with lunch
65USD per personHit the rapids in the Amazon, and enjoy the thrill of a lifetime! Enjoy amazing scenery as you paddle past rainforests on this wild ride.
AmaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre Visit
25USD per personTake a guided tour of amaZOOnico, a rescue and rehabilitation centre that rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for animals who are victims of illegal trafficking. See large cats and reptiles up close, and learn all about the important work of this sanctuary.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 4Tena
Spend the day exploring the area around the Quichua community and learn more about local life in the jungle.
Jungle Excursions
Go for canoe rides through the Tena area on the Napo River to learn more about the way of life in the region. Or, go on jungle walks to learn about the traditional uses of local plants.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Tena/Baños
Travel to Baños and enjoy the numerous outdoor optional activities available. Opt to go hiking, ziplining, or soak in the hot springs.
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.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 6Baños
Enjoy free time to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.
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 6 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Day 7Baños/Alausí
Travel to Alausí via Riobamba and take in the architecture of this local town.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Spend time getting to know this city.
Day 8Alausí/Guayaquil
Board the train for an included excursion bound for the Devil's Nose. After, continue by bus to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador.
Enjoy Ecuador's most spectacular train journey. The famed Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) ride descends in a spectacular display of engineering around stunning mountain terrain. The journey returns back to Alausí after more than 1000m (3280 ft) in elevation loss.
After disembarking the train, journey south to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. Located at the mouth of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is also Ecuador's most important port.
Spend the evening exploring the city's highlights including Bolivar Park, the Old South Market, and Barrio de las Penas.
Take some time to stroll along the malecon (boardwalk) dotted with shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums. Opt for a boat ride down the Guayas River.
Devil's Nose Excursion
Head out on an excursion on the famed Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) train ride, which descends to the coast in a spectacular display of engineering around stunning mountain terrain. Witness how the railway winds its way around curves and tunnels over a distance of only 26km (16 mi), but the drop in elevation is significant, well over 1,000m (3280 ft)! The train manages the descent through a series of switchbacks before returning to Alausí.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Explore this lively city.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Guayaquil City Highlights
Spend some time exploring the city's highlights, including Bolivar Park, the Old South Market, and Barrio de las Penas, and get a feel for this evolving city.
Guayas River Boat Ride
Head out on the Guayas River by boat to get a new perspective on this area. See many sights you can miss on shore.
Day 9Guayaquil/Puerto López
Head to the beach town Puerto Lopez and Machalilla National Park. There are tons of activities in the area to take part in over the next few days.
Enjoy Puerto Lopez. Optional activities in the area include a trip to Isla de la Plata, hiking in Machalilla National Park, a visit to an archaeological site, diving, and snorkelling.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Days 10–11Puerto López
Enjoy free time to explore. Optional activities include a day trip to Isla de la Plata, hiking in Machalilla National Park, snorkelling or relaxing on the beach. Opt to go whale watching (when in season).
Other optional activities in the area include day trips to Isla de La Plata, with colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies and a number of other sea birds. Visitors usually come to view migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular activities in the area.
Free Time
Get active or get lazy— the choice is yours.
Optional Activities - Days 10–11 HideShow
Day Trip to Isla de la Plata
45-60USD per personExplore 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.
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.
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.
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.
Agua Blanca Community Museum
15USD per personVisit 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.
Day 12Puerto López/Quito
Spend another full day in Puerto López before an overnight bus to Quito.
Overnight Bus
Curl up and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 12 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.
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.
Day 13Quito
Arrive in the morning and enjoy a free day in Quito. Opt to take a city tour, ride the cable car up the nearby volcano or relax in one of the city's many cafés and restaurants.
Free Time
Get out and explore this capital city.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
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.
Quito City Tour
40-50USD per personTake a tour of Quito to learn more about this beautiful city and its local culture. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the golden Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city.
Day 14Quito/San Clemente
Travel to the indigenous community of San Clemente. Interact with the locals and learn about their traditional ways during a homestay. Opt to enjoy a cultural evening and show with typical food.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Local Living Moment: Indigenous Community Homestay
Make new friends and memories on this homestay. Interact with the locals in this indigenous community and learn about their traditional ways of living. Opt to enjoy a cultural evening and show, and enjoy regional food.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Cultural Show
Watch a cultural show to learn more about this indigenous community and their way of life.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 15San Clemente
Spend a full day here with optional hikes to learn about the area's medicinal plants or trek up the Imbabura Mountain. Interact with the locals and learn about their traditions.
Free Time
Head out and explore.
Your Local Living Moment: Indigenous Community Homestay
Make new friends and memories on this homestay. Interact with the locals in this indigenous community and learn about their traditional ways of living. Opt to enjoy a cultural evening and show, and enjoy regional food.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Nature Walks
Take the opportunity to learn about local flora. Head out for walks around the area to learn more about medicinal uses for the area's plants.
Imbabura Mountain Trek
Trek to Mt Imbabura, a volcano in northern Ecuador. Get in some activity as well as a better feel for the nature in this area. See slopes extensively farmed with high altitude meadows, and stunning cloud forests that add to the beautiful landscape.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 16San Clemente/Otavalo
Head to Otavalo, famous for its market. Opt to visit the Peguche Waterfall and Cotacachi leather market or hike around Cuicocha Lake.
Explore the largest handicrafts market in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Otavalo Handicrafts Market Visit
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. Try to arrive early for the best bargains (it starts at dawn), and try your hand at haggling – it’s expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price.
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
Peguche Waterfall Visit
Enjoy a stroll to the famous Peguche Waterfall nestled within a gorgeous protected forest, Bosque Protector Cascada de Peguche. Take in the beauty of this natural wonder that’s also a sacred Indigenous ceremonial site used for purification baths.
Cuicocha Lake Hike
Trek around this volcanic crater lake located at 3,246m (10,650 ft) above sea level. Take in amazing scenic views of the deep blue lake and its two lava islands.
Cotacachi Visit
Visit the mountain town of Cotacachi, known for its leather goods and handicrafts. Wander the streets of the scenic town and watch craftspeople make handmade leather goods. Take in local living, and be sure to pick up some goods and souvenirs.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Otavalo/Quito
Explore some more before travelling back to Quito in the afternoon for one final night out in the capital city.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow
Peguche Waterfall Visit
Enjoy a stroll to the famous Peguche Waterfall nestled within a gorgeous protected forest, Bosque Protector Cascada de Peguche. Take in the beauty of this natural wonder that’s also a sacred Indigenous ceremonial site used for purification baths.
Cuicocha Lake Hike
Trek around this volcanic crater lake located at 3,246m (10,650 ft) above sea level. Take in amazing scenic views of the deep blue lake and its two lava islands.
Cotacachi Visit
Visit the mountain town of Cotacachi, known for its leather goods and handicrafts. Wander the streets of the scenic town and watch craftspeople make handmade leather goods. Take in local living, and be sure to pick up some goods and souvenirs.
Day 18Quito
Depart at any time.
Optional Activities - Day 18 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.
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.
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**