Ecuador Highlands
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1914
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Public bus
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGSH
Starts: Quito , Ecuador
Finishes: Quito , Ecuador
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights),Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,655 ($184 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital of Quito, high in the Andes. You’ll notice a mix of modern and traditional houses dotted halfway up the surrounding mountain peaks that frame the city and an Old Town with architectural jewels just waiting to be explored. Your trip officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the cobblestoned streets, checking out the market stalls or joining an Urban Adventure tour through the city’s historic centre – check out the Quito Legends and Culture Tour at urbanadventures.com.
Optional Activities:
- Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) (100 USD)
- Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour (50 USD)
- Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) (70 USD)
After breakfast this morning, wave goodbye to the country’s capital and switch up the pace as you make your way to the Amazon on a local bus bound for Tena. Your lodge-style accommodation in Tena, on the banks of the Arajuno River, is only accessible by canoe so you can expect a little bit of adventure for the last leg of today’s trip! You'll have a free afternoon to explore the eco-lodge – built with all-natural materials, this lodge belongs to the Selvaviva Foundation that works with the Indigenous community in the area. Tonight, have dinner at the eco-lodge, listening to the singing sounds of jungle insects and the flicker of the fireplace. Then, wander the area under the twinkling night sky on a night walk with your leader guiding the way.
Included Activities:
- Amazon- Night walk
Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. You’ll be surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes on Earth, teeming with wildlife, so make sure you take a moment to breathe it all in. After lunch, visit an animal rescue centre to learn more about the local wildlife (and how we can help to protect them).
Included Activities:
- Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre
Take the opportunity to mingle with the locals and maybe brush up on your Spanish on a public bus headed for Banos. Surrounded by mountains, hot springs and waterways that lead to waterfalls, this is a perfect next step after the rainforest! When you arrive, stretch your legs on a leader-led walking tour of the city and get the inside scoop on the best places to grab a bite to eat. This afternoon, visit Pailon del Diablo – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. The 80-m-high falls have a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path (so make sure you bring a waterproof jacket). There are a lot of stairs, but they will be worth it when you reach the view of Pailon del Diablo.
Included Activities:
- Banos - Walking tour
- Banos - Pailon del Diablo Waterfall hike
Today, you have a free day to explore Banos and take on all the optional activities you like! Your leader will always be on hand to help arrange anything you’d like to do – maybe head for the ‘Swing at the End of the World’ and get your heart racing or hike to the Bellavista Viewpoint. You could also opt to soak away your worries in the hot springs or visit the local waterfalls.
Optional Activities:
- Banos - Bellavista Viewpoint - Free
- Banos - Hot springs (5 USD)
- Banos - Swing at the End of the World (2 USD)
- Banos - Route of the waterfalls (2 USD)
Rise bright and early this morning and drive along the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ to the Cotopaxi National Park, which sits at 3800 m above sea level. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for a gorgeous view of the Cotopaxi volcano – Ecuador’s second-highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world! Keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife, including condors, deer and spectacled bears. Have lunch at La Cienega – sitting at the bottom of the volcano, this is one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador and famously housed Charles-Marie de la Condamine, a French scientist who led the Geodesic Mission. After lunch, explore the on-site architecture, gardens and chapel. On the way back to Quito, you’ll also visit a flower farm for a guided tour where you’ll learn about all stages of production here. Connect with the plants by cutting and touching the flowers around you, becoming a part of the final phase of production, and learn about their green initiatives and environment mission.
Included Activities:
- Cotopaxi - National Park walk
- Cotopaxi - Flower plantation visit
- Cotopaxi- Tour of historical hacienda
Make your way north to Cotacachi to visit the La Calera Community today, where Indigenous families will be waiting for you for tonight’s homestay. When you arrive, you’ll participate in the ‘Pachamanca’ food ceremony, where the pot is heated with volcanic stones to cook the local, Andean vegetables. Pachamanca has been a part of South American culture for centuries, dating back to pre-historic times. The name comes from the Quechua language ‘Pacha’ (meaning earth) and ‘Manca’ (meaning cooking pot or earth oven). Widely used in times of the Incas, this ritual is a celebration of fertility and life. While lunch is cooking, visit some of the women's entrepreneurship programs and learn more about the community here. After, spend some more time getting to know the local families and depending on the season, maybe feed the animals, take milk from the cows or harvest some vegetables.
Included Activities:
- Cotacachi- Pachamanca and village experience
This morning after a home-cooked breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and board the bus to the Cuicocha Lagoon. This lagoon sits in a collapsed volcanic crater and features two mounded islands that look like the backs of two guinea pigs (Cuicocha means ‘guinea pig lake!’). When you arrive, take one of the paths to the several viewpoints and appreciate the vast scenery. Then, head to the local Indigenous market of Otavalo – one of the best places to haggle for souvenirs. Browse the many stalls that sell hats, tapestries, ceramics, textiles and more. Later, head back to Quito and maybe rally your travel companions for one final dinner before your trip comes to an end – your leader will be ready with all the best bars and street eats!
Included Activities:
- Cuicocha - Lagoon viewpoint
- Otavalo - Market Visit
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Michael - Traveled, December 2023
Johanna was an exceptional tour leader across all aspects of her role in ensuring a successful group trip in Ecuador.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Deborah - Traveled, November 2023
Ecuador Highlights was not worth it. Three of the seven days were spent on the bus, going from one destination to another. Activities were not done or done poorly. Not given time to do much in the locations we spent so much time traveling to. Tour guide average.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Ivona - Traveled, November 2023
Just do it! Don't think twice about going to Ecuador. It's a beautiful land with amazing food and people. Worth to see and protect.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Stefani - Traveled, October 2023
Amazing tour that brings you to so many different parts of Ecuador. Our tour guide, Jo, was excellent, very knowledgeable, and well-connected. Ecuador has a variety of diverse ecosystems, so be prepared for hot and humid as well as cold and rainy. And do not let the home stay detour you, it is a very welcoming community and the host families are very friendly
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Maureen - Traveled, October 2023
This was my first time on South America, and it was a FANTASTIC introduction to the continent. It whetted my appetite for Latin culture. I can't wait to explore more this wonderful place.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Deborah - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent whistle stop tour of Ecuador if you don’t have much time. Amazon stay is incredible. Needed more time in Banos though! Tour leader Johanna was very approachable and knowledgable and loved her country!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2023
Mauro - Traveled, September 2023
This journey got so much in it, from the amazon rainforest over the waterfalls around banos to the heights of the cotopaxi volcano and a lot more. Was an amazing experience on very adventures days. Our guide and our group was amazing and wholesome, we were also all in a similar age category (all between 28-43). Special note goes to the swimming in the rainforest river, which was truly extraordinary, there were monkeys jumping from tree to tree while you have to go back to either the raft our your tube because small rapids were ahead. (really small ones) There is not really something negative about this trip, just note that you will be travelling in a bus a lot and always get eggs for breakfest. I am not going to bus travel and eat eggs for some weeks now.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Mirjam - Traveled, September 2023
I enjoyed the trip a lot. We have seen a lot in a really short time. Analu is an excellent guide and she knows a lot about her country. Not sure if "Highlands" is the right titel for this trip. Would be great if there would be a trip which included more mountainactivities like hiking up a volcano.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Anna - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was fantastic. From Amazon to cloud forest to Cotopaxi - it was wonderful to see a range of things in Ecuador. Analu was an amazing guide - so knowledgeable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Andrea - Traveled, September 2023
We loved our trip to the Ecuador Highlands. We got to experience the wonders of the Amazon rainforest, stay with a wonderful family at the community stay and see other amazing sites of Ecuador. We would highly recommend this trip to others!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Craig - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing trip of diverse locales. From the hot, lush Amazon rainforest, the waterfalls of Banos, the green mountains of the cloud forest, the spectacular volcano Cotopaxi; this trip has it all
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
Josie - Traveled, August 2023
An amazing trip with a varied itinerary. The stay in the amazon eco lodge was incredible, the night in baños was so fun, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide than Etiel! I would 10/10 recommend this trip as a great introduction to Ecuador and its remarkable landscapes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Harriet - Traveled, August 2024
Highly recommend, great trip! Learnt a lot about Ecuador and was impressed by the accommodation and inclusions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2024
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!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2024
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2024
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!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
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