Andes to Amazon

Overview

Discover the best of mainland Ecuador: wildlife, jungles, volcanoes and coast

Andean ranges, colonial landmarks, effervescent indigenous markets and verdant cloud forests are just the start of the wonders we see on this adventure in Ecuador. We also follow the Avenue of the Volcanoes where we glimpse the snow-capped peaks of Cayambe and Chimborazo, and stay in the Amazon Rainforest, which we share with monkeys and more. It finished on the Pacific coast, where we take to boats to navigate mangroves and visit a cacao plantation – a fitting end to a trip packed with adventure and culture.

Highlights

Visit colonial Quito, the Otavalo indigenous market and Cuenca's Unesco reserve
Stay overnight in the peaceful Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
Spend two nights soaking up the sounds of the Amazon Rainforest
Visit the ruins of Ingapirca and Cajas National Park
Take a mangrove boat trip by the Pacific coast and visit a cacao plantation

Key Information

Accommodation: 5 Superior nights (3 hotel, 2 hacienda), 8 Classic nights (2 hotel, 3 lodge, 3 hosteria)
Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Several areas visited are at high altitude
Travel by minibus and boat

Included

13 breakfasts, five lunches, three dinners
All accommodation (see below)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Airport arrival transfers

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Quito
Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. There’s a free transfer from the airport to the hotel for all customers today, please read the joining instructions for more details. Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)
Day 2: Quito city tour; Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
A short walking tour of Quito this morning is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. The heart of old Quito is a colonial masterpiece and the capital is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in South America, as well as being a Unesco-listed site. Leaving Quito, we head to the Bellavista Cloud Forest on the northwestern slopes of the Andes. En route, we stop at the Intiñan Equator Museum, an interactive outdoors museum that sits directly on the middle of the earth. Here, a guide takes us around the exhibits and we can do fun science experiments only possible at the equator, while also collecting a stamp in our passports to say we have been on the equatorial line. After, we continue to Bellavista. Situated at the top of the Tandayapa Valley, it is a private reserve bursting with orchids, bromeliads, toucans, tanagers and hummingbirds. The area is a paradise for naturalists with a vast network of hiking trails. Accommodation: Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve & Lodge (or similar)
Day 3: Spot birds in Bellavista; to hacienda
We have an early start this morning to appreciate the diversity of Bellavista and spot some of the many resident bird species – there are 20 hummingbird species here alone! Following this morning's excursion, we drive towards northern Ecuador and the beautiful hacienda that will be our home for the next few nights. Accommodation: Hosteria Pantavi (or similar)
Day 4: Visit San Clemente indigenous community
After breakfast, we travel towards the foothills of the Imbabura Volcano where the indigenous community of San Clemente resides at 9,515ft (2,900m). The community consists of several families whose main livelihood is farming and agriculture. We have a guided tour by one of the families, who introduces us to native and medicinal plants, explains traditional embroidery techniques, tells us about their culture and shows us the day-to-day activities that take place here. A traditional lunch will be prepared using locally grown produce. This afternoon, we drive back to our hacienda with the rest of the day free to relax in the beautiful gardens. Accommodation: Hosteria Pantavi (or similar)
Day 5: Walk at Cuicocha Crater Lake; visit Otavalo
We start with a drive to Cuicocha Crater Lake at approximately 10,665ft (3,250m). This beautiful caldera (volcanic crater) is about 2mi (3km) wide and was formed more than 3,000 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption. We start with a scenic walk (up to three hours) along one section of the lake to take in the impressive scenery. We then continue to Otavalo, which is situated in a valley at 7,380ft (2,250m) with a bustling indigenous market. There are many stalls and the local people wear colourful traditional clothing, a fantastic introduction to Andean life and a good place to pick up souvenirs. We have time to soak up the atmosphere before continuing to our overnight stay, a 400-year-old colonial hacienda. Accommodation: Hacienda San José de Puembo (or similar)
Day 6: Visit Papallacta Hot Springs; to Amazon Rainforest
A short drive over the dramatic (and breathless at 13,350ft/4,069m) Papallacta Pass. East of Quito, the Papallacta Hot Springs are regarded as the nicest in Ecuador. We have time to bathe in both hot and cold pools as the snow-capped Antisana Volcano looms over the horizon. We continue our journey, driving around the volcano flanks before a descent into the Amazon Basin to our rainforest lodge. After a short briefing, we take a night walk to discover our new surroundings; there are fantastic night-time sounds to listen out for, a wonderful experience amid the rainforest humidity. Accommodation: Liana Lodge (or similar)
Day 7: Rainforest exploration; AmaZoonico Animal Rescue Centre
Today we discover the Amazon Basin on foot, the incredible biodiversity explained by our indigenous guide. There is a good chance of seeing kingfishers, parrots, oropendolas and other bird species. We have a good chance of seeing squirrel and capuchin monkeys, although other larger mammals are considerably more shy and harder to spot. The insect life is also fascinating, with beautiful butterflies flashing by and army and leafcutter ants on patrol. We also visit the AmaZoonico Animal Rescue Centre where we can see some of the larger forest inhabitants, such as tapirs, capibaras, peccaries and various monkey species. Accommodation: Liana Lodge (or similar)
Day 8: To Baños; visit Devil's Cauldron waterfall
We begin the wonderfully scenic drive west along the Road of the Waterfalls with spectacular views of the upper Amazon Basin and the Andes. The climb back to the highlands is mesmerising as we watch the ecology change and many waterfalls cascade from the high peaks into the lush valley of the Pastaza River. There are good photo opportunities along the way, including a visit to the Pailon del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) waterfall. We continue to Baños, a picturesque hot spring and pilgrim town adjacent to the 16,400ft (5,000m) tall Tungurahua volcano. In the late afternoon, we have a walking tour of Baños with an optional visit to the thermal baths. Accommodation: La Floresta Hotel (or similar)
Day 9: Walk in Chimborazo National Park
We drive to the Chimborazo region for a short walk (around two hours) in Chimborazo National Park, climbing from 15,090ft to 16,400ft (4,600m to 5,000m). Given the altitude, we take the climb slowly with plenty of stops to enjoy the view. Due to the equatorial bulge, the Chimborazo summit is the furthest place from the centre of the earth. In the national park, there are good possibilities to observe vicuñas, a relative of the llama. This afternoon, we continue south to Riobamba. Accommodation: Hacienda Abraspungo (or similar)
Day 10: To Ingapirca and Cuenca
We have an early start today as we head to Cuenca, stopping to visit the Balbanera Church before continuing to Ingapirca, the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador. The Inca empire stretched along the Andes north through Ecuador into Colombia and south through Peru and deep into Chile. Ingapirca has fine examples of their famed brickwork plus a solar observatory. We descend from the highlands to colonial Cuenca where we stay for the next two nights. Accommodation: Hotel Carvallo (or similar)
Day 11: Half-day city tour of Cuenca
Like the old centre in Quito, Cuenca is a Unesco World Heritage site and a charming place to explore. A guided tour this morning takes into the remarkably intact old town, where many artisans have taken up residence amid the narrow colonial streets and famous landmarks. The afternoon is free to discover the town at your own leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Carvallo (or similar)
Day 12: Walk in Cajas National Park; to Las Chorreras
A short drive this morning brings us to Cajas National Park, known as the Gateway to the Snowy Mountains in Quichua. This is a stunning area of lofty peaks, lagoons, lakes and rivers amid pristine paramo vegetation. During a walk of around two hours, we may encounter some of the 125 bird species recorded here, such as yellow-billed pintails, Ecuadorian hillstars or violet-throated metaltails. We stay in a hotel close to Cajas National Park for our last night in the Andean Highlands before we descend towards the coast. Accommodation: Hosteria Dos Chorreras (or similar)
Day 13: Mangrove boat trip; visit cacao plantation
Today we descend towards the Pacific and visit the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve where we take a boat through mangrove forest. This important ecosystem has both red and black mangrove species and provides opportunities for seeing several aquatic birds and other wildlife along the many small river inlets. In the afternoon, we visit a cacao plantation to learn about the production of one of Ecuador's biggest exports. We then travel to Guayaquil, the main port town in Ecuador, for our final evening together. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Guayaquil (or similar)
Day 14: Depart Guayaquil
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it's time to bid Ecuador and the rest of the group goodbye and begin our return journey home.

Important Information

The trip destination

Accommodation: 5 Superior nights (3 hotel, 2 hacienda), 8 Classic nights (2 hotel, 3 lodge, 3 hosteria)
Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Several areas visited are at high altitude
Travel by minibus and boat

Food

All breakfasts, five lunches and three dinners are included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffets with toast, cereal, eggs, fruits and tea/coffee. For lunch and dinner, the tour leader will recommend various options in convenient locations, usually booking restaurants and eating with the group. Vegetarians can be catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.

Weather

In Quito and the highlands, it should be warm by day and generally dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout the year at 20C (68F), nights 8C (46F). Some rain can be expected in February to May and October to November but storms, though heavy, are generally short. Quito and the highlands are considered to have quite a pleasant climate, although the evenings can be chilly. In the jungle regions, it will be hot with high humidity.

There is always a possibility of rain at any time, but not to the extent of spoiling your enjoyment. The driest time in the jungle (in terms of rainfall levels, not number of rainy days) is October to January. On the Guayaquil coast, the climate is tropical. Between December and April, it is sunny, hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often reaching the mid-30Cs (around 86F). As the Humboldt Current moves north, the city tends to be cloudier and cooler between May and November, but temperatures rarely dip below 29C (84F).

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us

It will appeal to those interested in the astonishing variety of mainland Ecuador: Spanish and Inca history, paramo highland, mangrove systems, rainforest, cloud forest and volcanoes. It is a busy trip, taking in a huge amount of scenery, flora, fauna and history in two weeks. Many of the areas visited are at high altitude and some short walks (normally one to three hours) are planned. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Prices / Dates

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sdsd AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 / Thu, 02 Jan 2025	NOK 35 765	On request	NOK 5 965	Available
Fri, 14 Feb 2025 / Thu, 27 Feb 2025	NOK 38 570 NOK 32 790	On request	NOK 6 595	Available
Fri, 07 Mar 2025 / Thu, 20 Mar 2025	NOK 38 570 NOK 36 650	On request	NOK 6 595	Available
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 / Thu, 17 Apr 2025	NOK 38 570	On request	NOK 6 595	Available
Fri, 01 Aug 2025 / Thu, 14 Aug 2025	NOK 38 570 NOK 34 710	On request	NOK 6 595	Available
Fri, 05 Sep 2025 / Thu, 18 Sep 2025	NOK 38 570 NOK 36 650	On request	NOK 6 595	Available
Fri, 21 Nov 2025 / Thu, 04 Dec 2025	NOK 38 570	On request	NOK 6 595	Available
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 / Thu, 01 Jan 2026	NOK 38 570	On request	NOK 6 595	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 / Thu, 02 Jan 2025	NOK 35 765	On request	NOK 5 965	On request
Fri, 14 Feb 2025 / Thu, 27 Feb 2025	NOK 38 570 NOK 32 790	On request	NOK 6 595	On request
Fri, 07 Mar 2025 / Thu, 20 Mar 2025	NOK 38 570 NOK 36 650	On request	NOK 6 595	On request
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 / Thu, 17 Apr 2025	NOK 38 570	On request	NOK 6 595	On request
Fri, 01 Aug 2025 / Thu, 14 Aug 2025	NOK 38 570 NOK 34 710	On request	NOK 6 595	On request
Fri, 05 Sep 2025 / Thu, 18 Sep 2025	NOK 38 570 NOK 36 650	On request	NOK 6 595	On request
Fri, 21 Nov 2025 / Thu, 04 Dec 2025	NOK 38 570	On request	NOK 6 595	On request
Fri, 19 Dec 2025 / Thu, 01 Jan 2026	NOK 38 570	On request	NOK 6 595	On request

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Highlights of Ecuador: Andes to Amazon

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates