Ecuador Highlands

8 Days | Be moved by the natural beauty of Ecuador, from the Andes to the Amazon

4.7 out of 5 based on 20 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $1,547
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From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle, this 8-day trip will take you further. You’ll walk through the Amazon Jungle with an indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest (to name just a few of the epic nature-loving adventures). But it’s not all just about the landscapes here, you’ll also get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family where you’ll connect with them, lending a hand with chores, doing seasonal activities and perhaps, brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise.

Trip overview

Map of Ecuador Highlands including Ecuador
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Ecuador
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GGSH
This trip generates 28 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in eco lodge-style accommodation on the banks of the Arajuno River and enjoy a special evening walk through the jungle under the night sky.
  • Walk in the rainforest with an indigenous guide by your side to lead the way, point out local birds and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. Then, visit an Amazon animal rescue centre.
  • Opt to hike to Pailon del Diablo, an 80-meter-high waterfall so fierce that you’ll need to carry a poncho to keep dry from its wrath.
  • Marvel at the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano – one of the largest active volcanos in the world – while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park.
  • Live like a local as you’re welcomed into a family home in a sustainable community high in the hills of Ecuador, getting your hands dirty and helping with everyday tasks like reforestation projects, organic gardening or jam making, to name a few.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
  • Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs, with warmer layers for the evening.
  • This trip includes jungle hikes, which can be strenuous due to the humidity. A decent level of fitness is required to feel comfortable when exploring the jungle.
  • While accommodation in the Amazon is clean, comfortable and ideally located, it can seem basic. Please remember that this is a very remote part of the world.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Ecuador Highlands including Ecuador

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (2 nights)

Activities
  • Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre
  • Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
  • Banos - Walking tour
  • Cotopaxi -National Park walk
  • Quito - Local community experience
  • Otavalo - Market Visit
Add on activities
  • Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100
  • Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50
  • Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
  • Banos - Swing at the End of the World - USD2
  • Banos - Bellavista Viewpoint - Free
  • Banos - Hot springs - USD5
  • Banos - Route of the waterfalls - USD2
  • Quito - Flower Plantation Visit - USD10

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 5 & 6 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 20 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Crystal · Traveled July 2024
The Ecuador Highlands trip was fantastic value for money and gave a great overview of the incredibly beautiful country. I was constantly in awe of how scenic the place is - it far exceeded my expectations. From hiking through the Amazon, to immersing myself in the culture during the home stay, I loved it all. We were also incredibly lucky to have Etiel as our leader, whose enthusiasm was contagious and whose knowledge was enlightening.
Review submitted 30 Jul 2024

Emily · Traveled July 2024
This trip was amazing! In such a short period of time we coved so much of the country. Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. This is a very jam packed itinerary, so if you love constant action this trip is perfect for you. Count yourself lucky if you get Etiel as a leader. He was exceptional!
Review submitted 30 Jul 2024

Sarah · Traveled May 2024
The guide Etiel was wonderful and Tena was great. Too short a time in Baños and Cotopaxi hike was tiny, felt like a waste of the drive as we didn’t even see it, 2 night should be spent here so in the rainy season you have the chance to see in the morning on an early hike, the community stay was good and nice to speak Spanish with the family, this was too long though as 2 nights. Also no time in Baños if you want to do any adventure activities as you arrive too late in the day and leave early the next.
Review submitted 18 May 2024

Daisy · Traveled March 2024
An amazing experience from start to finish, guided by the most knowledgeable, warm and friendly soul - Etiel, thank you for everything, I hope our paths cross again!
Review submitted 25 Jun 2024

Kevin/Cynthia · Traveled December 2023
We got glimpses of the various beautiful regions and their ecosystems with many memorable experiences. The home stay was wonderful (thanks to google translate). Can’t say enough about the knowledgeable guides and fabulous food.
Review submitted 16 Dec 2023
Ecuador Highlands
From
NZD $1,547