Ecuador Explorer

Days 1-2: Arrive in Quito and start your Ecuador experience with a two night stay in the capital. We can take you on an optional city tour in the afternoon of the first day or on the second day upon request, but the rest of the time is yours to explore this beautiful colonial city. (B)

Day 3: Enjoy a scenic 30-minute flight across the Eastern Andes to Coca, followed by a short drive and a covered boat transfer to the Napo Cultural Center. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Wayusa drink and an introduction to the lodge before settling into your comfortable room overlooking the jungle.

Days 4: Set off by motorised canoe towards the Parrot Clay Lick in the heart of the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. Along the journey, look out for vibrant birdlife as you make your way to the Parakeet Trail, where you may witness up to five species of parrots, parakeets and macaws gathering to feed on the mineral-rich clay. Keep your eyes peeled for other rainforest inhabitants, including monkeys. The adventure continues at the Kury Muyu intercultural interpretation centre, where local women share their Kichwa heritage, customs and traditions. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore a selection of locally made handicrafts.

Following lunch, venture out by boat along the Añangu stream, exploring the waterways in search of the Amazon’s fascinating wildlife. In the afternoon, step aboard a catamaran for a memorable journey along the Napo River. As you cruise through the rainforest landscape, immerse yourself in the stories, legends and traditional songs of the Kichwa community, accompanied by tasty snacks freshly roasted over an open fire. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Start your day with an early breakfast before visiting local community initiatives to gain insight into the Kichwa people’s traditions, values and close connection with the natural world. Continue with a guided walk through the terra firme rainforest, where you’ll discover its remarkable biodiversity, from towering ceiba trees to monkeys moving through the canopy. After lunch, head out on another forest walk to a second observation tower, offering further opportunities to spot colourful birds and other fascinating wildlife.

As night falls, enjoy a traditional Amazonian dinner showcasing regional specialities, including maito, a dish cooked in leaves over a fire, and chontakuru, roasted palm weevil larvae. Later, join a guided night walk through the rainforest, when a different world comes to life. Look out for nocturnal insects, reptiles and mammals as you discover the jungle’s fascinating wildlife after dark. (B/L/D)

Day 6: For a memorable final morning in the Amazon, you may wish to take part in the traditional Guayusada ceremony, which begins at 4:30 am. Join the Kichwa Añangu community as they gather to drink guayusa tea, sharing ancestral wisdom, stories and traditions in this meaningful cultural ritual. Afterwards, return to the lodge for breakfast before boarding a comfortable motorised canoe for the journey back to Coca, marking the end of your Amazon adventure.

On arrival, fly back to Quito, where you’ll be met and transferred north to the vibrant town of Otavalo. Renowned for its lively market, Otavalo is the perfect place to browse colourful textiles, traditional handicrafts and locally made souvenirs while experiencing the rich Indigenous culture at the heart of Ecuador.(B/D)

Day 7: Today, head south, back past Quito, into the breathtaking landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, where vast open plains, colourful Andean flowers and tranquil mountain lakes sit beneath the towering Cotopaxi volcano. On arrival at your lodge, take time to unwind and soak up the spectacular surroundings, perhaps enjoying a leisurely walk through the scenery. For those seeking a little more adventure, guided hikes or horseback riding can also be arranged, offering a wonderful way to explore this remarkable Andean wilderness. (B)

Day 8: visit a local Market of Pujilii where you can experience how the local Andean Communities still have thriving trading culture. You will then head to the beautiful Quilotoa Lagoon. You will park near
the top of the crater lake and take on the walk down to the spectacular lagoon with views over the Andes. After this you will continue South on the way to yoru next desitination. (B)

Day 9: Travel through Ecuador’s spectacular High Andes to Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, home to the impressive Chimborazo Volcano. En route, visit Balbanera Church, Ecuador’s oldest church, before enjoying a moderate hike to Whymper Refuge at around 5,000 metres, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Continue to Guamote and stay at Inti Sisa Guesthouse, a community-based project established in 1999 to support education and local development. Located in a region with a strong Indigenous heritage, Inti Sisa provides adult education, supports local schools and runs a kindergarten, helping to create valuable opportunities for the wider community. (B/L)

Day 10:Spend the morning immersed in Indigenous culture with a visit to the Ayol family in the community of Cumandá el Molino. Learn about their ancestral customs and permaculture project before exploring the remains of an old hacienda, a reminder of the region’s history and Indigenous resilience. Meet Don Cesar’s alpacas, observe traditional wool spinning and try your hand at grinding corn before helping Doña Maria Manuela prepare tortillas in a traditional choza, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday life in the Andes.

After lunch, visit nearby Indigenous communities in Guamote, a mountainous region renowned for its rich cultural heritage, where approximately 95% of the population identifies as Indigenous. Meet local residents and discover their traditions, way of life and the sustainable development initiatives helping to support their communities.(B/L)

Day 11: Bid farewell to the Inti Sisa community and begin your journey back towards Quito, stopping in the lively town of Baños along the way. Here, your guide will introduce you to some of the region’s spectacular waterfalls, surrounded by lush landscapes. Spend the evening at leisure exploring Baños, enjoying its welcoming atmosphere, local restaurants and charming streets.

Day 12: Spend the day exploring Baños at your own pace, a charming town surrounded by lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls and the imposing Tungurahua Volcano. For those seeking adventure, discover the spectacular waterfalls along the famous Route of the Waterfalls or experience the thrill of the iconic mountain swings, with sweeping views across the valley. Alternatively, take a more relaxed approach and enjoy the town’s lively atmosphere. As the day draws to a close, soak in the natural thermal springs, a perfect way to unwind after a day discovering this beautiful corner of Ecuador. (B)

Day 13: Journey into the breathtaking landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park, where the towering Cotopaxi Volcano rises above vast Andean plains, pine forests and shimmering lagoons. Keep an eye out for wild horses roaming freely across the open páramo as you explore this spectacular natural setting. After a day immersed in Ecuador’s highland scenery, continue to the outskirts of Quito and settle into your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 14: At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight home, bringing your unforgettable journey through Ecuador to a close.

Prices from: £2995 per person
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24 hour assistance
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut - just ask us!