Ecuador

The Highlights of the Andes and Yasuni National Park

8 days

Trip Snapshot

This 8-day Ecuador adventure begins in Quito with a city tour, cooking class, and a visit to the Mitad del Mundo monument. Next, journey to Cotopaxi National Park for stunning volcano views, followed by a relaxing night at a traditional Hacienda. You'll then visit the breathtaking Quilotoa Lagoon before returning to Quito. The trip culminates with a thrilling 4-day deep-jungle expedition into the incredible biodiversity of Yasuni National Park in the Amazon basin.

Trip Type:Tailor-Made

Fully customized trips designed around your unique interests and needs.

Travel Theme:Explorer Trips

Go off the beaten path and dive into real, raw adventure.

Departure City:Quito
End City:Quito
Operated in:English / Spanish
Physical Difficulty:Average

Travel Styles: Walking tour · Educational · Sustainable Travel · Kayak & Canoe · Nature & Widlife · Wildlife · Eco · Indigenous culture · Hiking · Classes · Adventure · Jeep & 4WD · Visit markets · Amazon · Culture & History.

Things you will do

Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cotopaxi National Park
Quilotoa Crater Lake
Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth
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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Quito - Transfer to your hotel

Embark on a thrilling Ecuadorian adventure starting in Quito, with a personal driver to meet, assist and escort you to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 2: Quito City Tour - Cooking Class - Middle of the World

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito's historic city center, with a private guide. Visit important landmarks, try your hand at cooking local dishes, and learn about ancient Ecuadorian culture at the interactive Inti Ñan Museum at the "Middle of the World".

Day 3: Cotopaxi National Park - Hacienda

Experience the thrill of exploring Cotopaxi National Park with a private guide. Marvel at one of Earth's highest active volcanoes, spot wild horses and the world's largest flying bird, the Andean condor. Trek up to the Jose Rivas refuge and the base of a glacier before ending your day at a cozy hacienda.

Day 4: Quilotoa Lake - Back to Quito

Explore the stunning Quilotoa crater lake in the Ecuadorian Andes, with options to hike into the crater, kayak in the lake, or enjoy panoramic views from the rim.

Day 5: Flight to Coca - Arrival at the Lodge - First Observation Tower

Experience an Amazonian adventure with a boat ride on the Napo River, a visit to the indigenous Kichwa Añangu Community, a hike to an observation tower or a kayak ride, topped with mesmerizing jungle sunsets.

Day 6: Parrot Clay Lick - Community Visit - Boat Trip along the Añangu Creek

Discover the vibrant parrot species at the Parrot Clay Lick, observe wildlife along the Añangu Creek, learn about the Kichwa culture at the Kury Muyu center, and enjoy a traditional evening catamaran ride on the Napo River.

Day 7: Hike the Trails of Tierra Firme Forest - Second Observation Tower - Night Walk

Experience the Kichwa culture, explore the biodiverse Yasuní forest, climb a 36m observation tower for wildlife sightings, and savor traditional Amazonian cuisine.

Day 8: Guayusada Ritual - Farewell Amazon Jungle - Flight back to Quito

Embark on a mystical journey with a traditional Kichwa ceremony, savor the sacred guayusa drink, and get your dreams interpreted. Enjoy a scenic motor canoe ride through the Ecuadorian tropical jungle to El Coca.

What's Included

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Meet your Local Expert

Mathias

Mathias

Baboo Certified
5 (2 reviews)
Expertise:
"Ever since I first visited South America 15 years ago, I was enchanted by the heartliness of its people, and the beauty of the landscapes. In 2014 I settled in Ecuador and I've been organizing unforgettable trips for our guests since then." — Mathias

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