If wild jungles crystal-clear crater lakes and volcanic island vibes sound like your kind of adventure, Ecuador is about to blow your mind. This 17-day trip kicks off deep in the Amazon where you’ll wake up to monkey calls and fall asleep to jungle symphonies. Pedal through local communities eat your weight in handmade chocolate and soak in the thermal energy of Baños. Then it’s off to Quilotoa — a dreamy turquoise crater lake you’ll hike down to and maybe even kayak across. Just when you think the trip couldn’t get any better you’ll head to the legendary Galápagos Islands for epic snorkelling, volcanic hikes, and more wildlife than your camera roll can handle. This is Ecuador turned all the way up.
Travel Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia
Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience, Shandia
Your G for Good Moment: Ceramic visit at Centro Comunitario Guayama Grande, Quilotoa
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Your Discover Moment: Baños
Your Big Night Out Moment: Quito
Your Big Night Out Moment: - San Cristóbal Island, San Cristóbal Island. Cacao and Chocolate Experience. Amazon Jungle Walk & Pimpilala Waterfalls Visit. Community Artisan Workshop Visit. Guayama Community Project Visit. La Carolina Park Orientation Walk. Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal Island). Snorkelling equipment and activity at Tijeretas (San Cristóbal). Concha de Perla snorkelling excursion. Hike to Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island). Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island). Isabela Municipal Tax. Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters. Internal flights. Free time in Tena, Baños, Quilotoa, & Quito. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Stay deep in the Amazon jungle surrounded by the sounds and sights of the wild, Bike through a local community and learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar, Chill or thrill in Baños with hot springs hikes and giant canyon swings, Hike down to a lake at the centre of the crater in Quilotoa and choose to paddle across its turquoise waters, Snorkel with sea lions and spot blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos, Trek the Sierra Negra volcano and feel the power of a truly wild landscape
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg. 14.
What meals are included in this trip?
16 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Public bus, private vehicle, taxi, plane, public speedboat
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo 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 solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Simple hotels (12 nts), Community Lodge (2 nts), Eco-friendly Inn (2 nts, multi-share).
Itinerary
Quito
Arrive at any time and prepare for an epic adventure through Ecuador’s highlights and hidden gems. It will be 1000% better than watching reels of these beautiful places! Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and then choose to hang out with the group afterwards for an optional dinner in Quito. Break the ice, get to know each other, and share your best travel stories before making new ones together over the next nine days.
Quito/Tena
Hop on a bus and travel into the lush Amazon Jungle and your community lodge stay in the rainforest. Learn about local food production and everything there is to know about cacao. If in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants. At the end of the experience, the group will enjoy a taste of this sweet treat amid the sounds of the forest. It is here you will experience life in the jungle firsthand and connect with the local indigenous culture. It’s the perfect way to fall in love with the Amazon you have been learning about since you were younger.
Tena
Put the pedal to the metal on a cycling excursion to the Indigenous Shandia community. This rural village is surrounded by rivers and the fertile Amazon landscape. Take in the beauty as you ride through the jungle. And take pride in being able to help support the preservation of the community’s indigenous culture. Afterwards, spend free time at the lodge and choose to enjoy some of the activities available to visitors. Choose to walk to the nearby beach along the river and try to spot wildlife in the jungle. Later go on an included walk to the Pimpilala Waterfalls and perhaps there will be time for a quick dip into the natural pool formed at the base of the falls. Group selfie, anyone?
Tena/Baños
Experience a slice of local life on a public bus ride between Tena and Baños. Download those road trip playlists and stare at the passing scenery. Arrive in the afternoon and get settled. The town is surrounded by lush cloud forest and has an abundance of outdoor optional activities for travellers to indulge in. Maybe soak in the nearby hot springs to relax after bumping along on the bus. But rest up because you’re in the adventure capital of Ecuador and tomorrow there’s no time to waste.
Baños
Discover your adventurous spirit on this full free day to enjoy the epic outdoor adventure activities in Baños. Nestled at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano, this town is a gorgeous place to hangout for the day. From ziplining to canyoning and visiting the famous Casa del Arbol, you won’t have time to worry about what to do next. And maybe end the day with a group dance party to see if you can make the next viral Tik Tok. Opt to pre-book the "Baños Canyoning Adventure" or "Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include one of these optionals on your tour.
Baños/Quilotoa
Leave Baños behind to travel to Quilotoa and its stunning caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption. It’s a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Along the route the group will stop for a visit to an art workshop and gallery that celebrates the indigenous art of the region, showcasing the breathtaking works in Tigua's artistic community. Here, you can meet local artisans and learn about their techniques. Upon arrival to the town of Quilotoa the group will hike down to the lake in the centre of the crater to enjoy the dramatic surrounding landscape and turquoise coloured water. Check-in to your eco-friendly accommodations in the evening located high in the Ecuadoran Andes at over 10,400 feet in elevation (3200 meters above sea level) with views that will make you fall in love. Who wants to move here and stay forever?
Quilotoa
Feel the warmth and impact of community connection today on a visit to the Guayama Community project nearby. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the area’s indigenous peoples while supporting the sustainable development of this project. Discover the ceramic art and culture project led by the local population. Lunch will be had on your own at the on site restaurant. You’ll be welcomed into their indigenous community with open arms and leave with a deeper love of this region and its people. Later, relax back at your accommodations in Quilotoa, play some cards, swap travel stories, and laugh together as a group.
Quilotoa/Quito
After breakfast, travel back to Quito swapping stories with your travel crew on the ride back. Take some time to grab lunch on your own, maybe find some potato soup, or fried cheese empanadas, or fresh ceviche. Then, come back together with everyone for an orientation walk at La Carolina Park with its natural oasis within the city. The night belongs to you and it’s time to let loose. Find somewhere to dance your heart out and let the beat move your soul.
Quito
Get those legs moving on a full free day in Quito. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and highest constitutional capital in the world. Choose to check out the equator and visit the museum there or simply walk to a local park and chill out with some good food from a delicious café. No judgement, the choice is all yours.
Quito/Santa Cruz Island
Wheels up! Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Transfer across Santa Cruz island to town and take a guided visit in the afternoon to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an opportunity to see the famous tortoises up close. Get to know the group in the evening over a few drinks. Cheers to new adventures with new friends!
Santa Cruz Island/Isabela Island
Hop on a speedboat and head to Isabela Island. Soak up the views around you — you might even see dolphins or whales alongside the boat! After dropping your stuff at the hotel, get up close and personal with a volcano as you hike the Sierra Negra. Explore the incredible landscape and admire spectacular views from above.
Isabela Island
Take advantage of a full free day on Isabela Island where optional activities abound to do as much or as little as you like. Choose to take an excursion to Los Tuneles, go snorkelling at Tintoreras, take a surf lesson or just laze on the beach.
Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island
This morning enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Concha de Perla. Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the town. Later, head out to explore Puerto Ayora town, time for shopping or enjoy a bite to eat.
Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island
Take another speedboat to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands.. Later, go snorkelling at Tijeretas to look for wildlife like sea lions, rays and marine iguanas before wandering along the malecón to look for a local place to watch the sunset. Later, choose to get your dance on!
San Cristóbal Island
The day is yours to explore San Cristóbal Island. You can opt to snorkel at epic Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos, visit the white-sand beach of Playa Mann, or La Lobería to mingle with the resident sea lions.
San Cristóbal Island/Quito
Say "Adios!" to the Galapagos Islands and board a morning flight back to Quito. Transfer to the hotel to kick back and relax before enjoying the last night in the capital city.
Quito
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
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 leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. 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.
