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From the high Andes to the Amazon to the Galapagos, with artisan markets, monkeys, hiking, and rafting along the way
Amazing Ecuador
No country fits such incredible diversity into such a small area as Ecuador, and this trip takes you through the activities and places to see it all. We start with exploring small communities, browsing local markets, and hiking lakes and volcanos high in the Andes, before flying into the Amazon and taking a two hour boat ride upriver to Yachana Lodge on the banks of the Rio Napo. Three days there allows us to experience the jungle by dawn, day, and night; hiking trails and floating the river by dugout canoe. Adventure travel in Ecuador at its finest!
After a day of rafting down the western slope of the Andes, we offer several extension options to experience the evolutionary wonder of the Galapagos Islands. While the Galapagos is a highlight to any Ecuador trip, we think you'll find the Andes and Amazon equally memorable.
Days 1-3, Quito and the Andes highlands Meet in Quito, with its colonial architecture and views of nearby snowcapped mountains • Shop the local market in Otavalo, known for fine weavings and tapestries • Hike Lake Cuicocha and the extinct volcano Fuya Fuya, up to almost 14,000 feet • Experience rural life in a small Andean farming town
Days 4-6, Yachana Lodge and the Amazon basin Scenic flight over the Andes, into the Amazon • Boat up the Rio Napo to Yachana Lodge, called the best ecotourism project in Ecuador• Hike rainforest trails • Birdwatching and night hike • Paddle a dugout canoe • Meet a native healer and learn a healing ceremony • Savor traditional foods of Ecuador with a local Yachana twist
Days 7-9, Quito colonial city tour and rafting Rios Toachi and Blanco Boat downriver to Coca and fly back to Quito • Tour of old colonial Quito • Scenic drive down the steep western flank of the Andes • Raft the Class III Rios Toachi and Blanco • Depart for Galapagos extension or back home
Galapagos extension
Optional active trip in the Galapagos. Continue your exploration of Ecuador with a 4, 5 or 8 day trip to the evolutionary wonders of the Galapagos Islands • Fly Quito to Galapagos • Live aboard one of our boats, ranging from clean and comfortable to luxury accommodations • Swim, snorkel, hike, and dive among the sea lions, birds, iguanas, and other amazing plants and animals on the islands
Lodging highlights
Cafe Cultura, a converted mansion that now is one of Quito's leading small hotels, is our base for our first night and two nights when we return to the city. It is quiet and peaceful, but only a short walk to the city's Mariscal District, with its restaurants and shops. Cafe Cultura has individually decorated rooms, a small and beautiful garden, and plenty of common space to relax and enjoy the lovingly restored interior.
Runa Tupari Guesthouses are one room (plus private hot water bath), well crafted wood and brick cabins located on the land of local families in small highland communities. The cabins are clean, comfortable, and private, yet provide a glimpse into local rural life as they are nestled among gardens and farms.
Yachana Lodge, located on the banks of the Rio Napo, has been called the best example of ecotourism in Ecuador. The Lodge features hiking trails on its private land, in the buffer zone of National Park Sumaco-Galeras, and easy access to float down the Rio Napo. It has a close connection to the tiny adjacent community and other nearby communities, including producing and exporting delicious chocolate that is locally gathered; and its guides are locals who have grown up in the Amazon.
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