Ecuador Highlands

9 days4.827 reviews
Explorer
From
USD $1,237

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

From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle, this nine-day trip will take you through diverse Ecuador. 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. Get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family, where you’ll connect with them and participate in a Pachamanca food ceremony, perhaps also brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise and you’ll take it all on with a local leader and likeminded travellers.

Map of Ecuador Highlands including Ecuador
Trip code: GGSH
Start
Quito, Ecuador
End
Quito, Ecuador
Destinations
Ecuador
Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)
Days
9
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
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
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 plant life that thrives here.

Hike to Pailon del Diablo – an 80-m-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 and highest active volcanos in the world – while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park.

Learn from a local Indigenous community during your homestay in the La Calera Community. Take part in the Pachamanca food ceremony, which has been a part of South American culture for centuries.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Ecuador Highlands including Ecuador

Inclusions and activities

Meals

8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)

Included activities
  • Amazon- Night walk
  • Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre
  • Banos - Walking tour
  • Banos - Pailon del Diablo Waterfall hike
  • Cotopaxi - National Park walk
  • Cotopaxi - Flower plantation visit
  • Cotopaxi- Tour of historical hacienda
  • Cotacachi- Pachamanca and village experience
  • Cuicocha - Lagoon viewpoint
  • Otavalo - Market Visit

Optional activities
  • Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - USD100
  • Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50
  • Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
  • Banos - Bellavista Viewpoint - Free
  • Banos - Hot springs - USD5
  • Banos - Swing at the End of the World - USD2
  • Banos - Route of the waterfalls - USD2

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.

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 Day 7 (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

4.8 out of 5 based on 27 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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Meghan · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 26 Nov 2024

Catherine · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 24 Nov 2024

Alida · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 20 Nov 2024

Elizabeth · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 18 Oct 2024

Egle · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 18 Oct 2024
Ecuador Highlands
From
USD $1,237