Speed is the watchword for this high-adrenaline active tour around Ecuador. Across nine action-packed days, you’ll bike or horseback ride near Cotopaxi (an Andean stratovolcano), raft down rushing rivers, trek the lush foothills of Baños, and much, much more. Best of all, you’ll always travel with an experienced and passionate Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who knows the quickest and most scenic routes to wherever you’re headed. Remember, you’re here for a great time, not a long time; slather on that sunscreen, strap on your helmet, and hit the ground running!
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience, Shandia
Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Whitewater rafting excursion on the Jatunyaku River in the Amazon Jungle (full-day). Pailon del Diablo Waterfall Visit. Casa del Arbol Visit. Trekking in Llanganates National Park. Mountain bike excursion. Camp includes tent and sleeping bag. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Go whitewater rafting in the Amazon, Marvel at an active volcano, Visit the iconic Casa del Arbol and soak up stunning views of the Tungurahua volcano, Explore the trails around Cotopaxi Volcano by mountain bike
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg 10.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Public bus, private vehicle, hiking, biking, rafting.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (7 nts), camping (1 nt).
Itinerary
Quito
Arrive at any time.
Quito/Tena
Travel by bus into the Amazon Basin and enjoy the incredible scenery en route to the jungle town of Tena. Watch as it changes from towering mountains to lush jungle, passing by waterfalls and deep river valleys. Upon arrival, get active and cycle to the nearby community of Shandia, where you'll discover the beauty of the Amazon with a member of the local community as your guide.
Tena
Navigate the wild Jatunyaku River in the surrounding lush cloud forest. The cool water and air make this an excellent change from the tropical Amazon climate. Return to Tena for the night.
Tena/Baños
Travel by local bus to Baños, a town surrounded by lush cloud forest. In the afternoon, you will visit Pailón del Diablo and walk up the winding steps to the waterfall. Then, visit the famous Casa del Arbol perched on a hilltop where you can see Volcán Tungurahua on a clear day. Perhaps test your fear of heights and try one of the swings that whoosh over the huge drop below dubbed the "edge of the world".
Baños/Llanganates National Park
Transfer by private vehicle to the start point of the trek into Llanganates National Park. Enjoy spectacular scenery of the Tunguragua Volcano while trekking into the park through lush cloud forest. Spend the night camping under the stars enjoying nature at its best.
Llanganates National Park/Baños
Rise early and continue trekking in Llanganates National Park before returning to Baños in the afternoon. Opt to visit the local hot springs. Continue trekking and return by foot to the entrance of Llanganates National Park to take a transfer back to Baños. Opt to visit local hot springs to relax and rest aching muscles or continue the adventure with canyoning.
Baños/Cotopaxi
Depart early from Baños and travel by bus to a hacienda near Cotopaxi Volcano. Later, take part in a horseback riding or biking excursion. Enjoy a free morning in Baños to explore the area on foot or take on one of the many optional activities that the region has to offer. After lunch, travel by public bus through spectacular Andean scenery arriving at a hacienda, near the base of Cotopaxi Volcano. Enjoy a choice between a biking excursion through Polilepys forest or horseback riding with views of the volcano.
Cotopaxi/Quito
In the morning, head into Cotopaxi National Park for a guided tour and spectacular views. After a box lunch at Limpiopungo Lake, return to Quito for a final night in the city. First thing in the morning, travel by private van into the national park to start the trek up to the refuge. Take in changing park scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Visit Limpiopungo lake for a boxed lunch. Enjoy lunch and catch your breath before transferring back to the capital city for a final night out on the town.
Quito
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.