Itinerary
- Day 1
Quito
You'll arrive in Quito and have time to wander around the old town on your own before meeting your guide at 6pm. This colonial center is one of the largest and best-preserved in the Americas, plus it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The information session at your hotel will cover what's ahead for the week.
Optional Activities
- Day trip to explore Quito's old town and surrounding area (can be arranged in advance)
Landmarks Quito Old Town Pichincha Volcano 
- Day 2
Quito to Baños
The drive south from Quito takes you along the Route of the Volcanoes, climbing to 3,657m altitude. You'll stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon below Rumihahi Volcano where you can see Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano. After heading through Llanganates National Park, you'll reach Baños, a town at the edge of the Amazon. Later that evening there's time for cocktails and salsa dancing in town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- 3-hour hike in Cotopaxi National Park exploring Limpiopungo Lagoon
- Visit to Llanganates National Park
Landmarks Cotopaxi Volcano Limpiopungo Lagoon Rumihahi Volcano Llanganates National Park Tungurahua Volcano 
- Day 3
Baños
Mountain biking starts from Llanganates National Park, taking you through cloud forest and Andean farms down to Pastaza River Canyon. The route passes multiple waterfalls and offers great views of Baños far below. After lunch back in town, you'll visit the famous swing at the edge of the world, where a National Geographic photo contest winner shot his winning image in 2014.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- 3-hour mountain bike tour in Llanganates National Park through cloud forest, Andean farms, and Pastaza River Canyon
Optional Activities
- Visit to the swing at the end of the world
- Town exploration
Landmarks Pastaza River Canyon Swing at the End of the World - Day 4
Baños to Llanganates National Park - Jungle Lodge
This morning you head to the Route of the Waterfalls, starting at Veil Waterfall and crossing the Pastaza River by cable car. From there you descend to Pailón del Diablo, Ecuador's second highest waterfall, then trek deeper into the jungle and rainforest gorges within Llanganates National Park. Your guide will point out local flora and fauna along the way. You'll stay overnight at a basic jungle lodge run by an indigenous Kichwa family.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cable car ride over Pastaza River at Veil Waterfall
- Visit to Pailón del Diablo waterfall
- 3-hour jungle trekking and canyoning through Llanganates National Park exploring waterfall gorges along Pimpilala River
Landmarks Veil Waterfall Pailón del Diablo Waterfall Llanganates National Park - Day 5
Amazon Rainforest - Papallacta
After a safety briefing, you'll paddle Class III rapids on the Jatunyacu River, which has clear water and good whitewater sections. The 4-hour rafting trip includes canyon exploration and games, with a picnic lunch prepared by the guides. Later you'll drive back to Papallacta in the Andes for the evening, where hot volcanic springs surround you with cool mountain peaks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic lunch prepared by guides)
Included Activities
- Class III white water rafting expedition on Jatunyacu River (approximately 4 hours)
Landmarks Jatunyacu River - Day 6
Papallacta to Otavalo
You'll hike through the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve in the cloud forest, looking for colorful orchids and exotic birds. The route crosses the Andes to reach the equator line, where you can stand in both hemispheres at once. Before visiting the Indigenous Market in Otavalo, your guide will recommend where to eat. Then it's a transfer to the hacienda for a welcome cocktail and dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Easy hike in Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve through cloud forest
Optional Activities
- Visit to Indigenous Market in Otavalo
Landmarks Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve Equator Line Indigenous Market in Otavalo Antisana Volcano 
- Day 7
Imbabura - Quito
After breakfast, you'll hike around Cuicocha crater lake in the Cotacachi Cayapas reserve, an active volcano with colorful flowers all around. A boat ride takes you out to the crater center where you can see volcanic activity and bubbles from the caldera. Next you'll visit Sacha WarmiKuna, a sustainable women's project in Pijal village, where you'll help prepare traditional aji salsa and eat lunch with organic local ingredients. The afternoon includes learning about textile weaving, then driving to historic Pinsaqui Hacienda for a welcome cocktail and overnight stay. You'll return to Quito later for a farewell dinner with guides and the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional lunch prepared by Sacha WarmiKuna women using fresh organic produce harvested from surrounding fields)
Included Activities
- 5-hour hike around Cuicocha crater lake in Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve
- Boat ride to the center of the crater to observe volcanic activity
- Hands-on cultural experience at Sacha WarmiKuna women's project including aji preparation, traditional lunch, and textile weaving workshop
Optional Activities
- Purchase handmade scarves at Sacha WarmiKuna project
Landmarks Cuicocha Crater Lake Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve - Day 8
Departure
Your trip ends today as you head home. You'll take with you memories and photos from the week exploring Ecuador's different landscapes, culture, and wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast
