Ecuador Upgraded

It’s strange that a country so literally at the centre of the Earth can feel overlooked. From the imposing Andean mountains to the lush jungles of the Amazon, Ecuador sometimes feels like the tasting menu for South America. The best part is that on this wonderful adventure you’ll get to taste a little bit of everything. At Otavalo, wander the largest market in South America, take a canoe ride through the Amazon, dive deep into indigenous culture, hike amid volcanoes, tour an animal sanctuary, and slip into some natural hot springs on a trip that really packs a punch. Trust us, the adventure is worth it!

Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Quito/Otavalo
Journey into the Andean highlands and stop for lunch in the village of Peguche. Travel on to Otavalo, visit one of the largest outdoor markets in South America, and try your hand at haggling. Spend the night in a historic hacienda.

Day 3 Otavalo/Papallacta
En route to the village of Papallacta we’ll visit the home and studio of a renowned traditional weaver. Glimpse daily life and observe weaving techniques that have been used for centuries in these parts. In the afternoon, arrive at the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort where you will have time to relax, take a dip into the thermal pools and opt to treat yourself to some available spa treatments.

Day 4 Papallacta/Tena
Explore the cloud forest reserve at the Guango Lodge and indulge in a delicious lunch in an orchid garden. Continue on to Misahualli and search for capuchin monkeys there before arriving in Tena. Board a canoe and travel to a jungle lodge on the banks of the Arajuno River and embark on a night walk through the forest with a naturalist guide.

Day 5 Tena
Rise early for a canoe ride to visit a parrot clay lick, also known as a Saladero with a naturalist guide. Eat breakfast at the lodge before taking a tour of an animal rescue centre. Afterwards, visit the home of a local Amazonian family to learn about life in the jungle before sharing a homemade lunch.

Day 6 Tena/Baños
Say goodbye to the Amazon as you travel to the popular resort town of Baños. Stop for a visit to the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park along the way and walk with an expert guide. Enjoy free time in Baños to partake in adrenaline pumping activities or take a scenic horseback ride in the countryside.

Day 7 Baños
Enjoy a free day to wander through Baños and the surrounding area. You could head out on a hike, lounge in one of the town’s thermal springs, or get your adrenaline pumping on a mountain biking or white-water rafting adventure.

Day 8 Baños/Quito
Travel back to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, along the Avenue of Volcanoes. Hop out for a quick hike through Cotopaxi National Park and search for wildlife as you explore this park, home to the second highest peak in the country.

Day 9 Quito
Depart at any time.