

Ecuador 360°: from the Andes to the Amazon
The trip in a nutshell
From the Andes to the depths of the Amazon jungle, this 11-day journey will take you beyond your expectations. We'll venture through the streets of Quito, hike in Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world's largest active volcanoes, and admire the crystal-clear waters of Laguna Quilotoa (just to name a few of the epic adventures included in this trip). But it's not just about nature and landscapes; we'll also delve deep into the culture and traditions of this small but extraordinary country, and we're certain you won't want to leave! So, brush up on your Spanish and join us on this unforgettable journey!
Trip type
360º - it's our great classic that allows you to discover the destination in all its aspects. We recommend packing a backpack rather than a suitcase as there will be lots of moving around.
Physical rating
HIGH - this itinerary involves hiking or similar adrenaline-pumping adventures so a high level of physical effort and adaptability is required. Be prepared for an active trip, potential long transfers and adventures like no other!
Entry requirements
Please visit your country's official government website to find out the necessary requirements for entering the country of destination.
Arrival and departure
This trip begins and ends in Quito. On the first day, aim to arrive by 6pm - on the last day, you can leave whenever!
What's included
10 nights in shared rooms with private bathroom
All breakfasts
Private van with local driver on day 3,4,5,7,9
Excursion in the Cotopaxi National Park with a local guide
Excursion to the Quilotoa lagoon with local guide
Dinner included on day 3 and 4
Local experience: lunch at a Salasaca village with the local community
Dinner with the local community in the Amazon and an exciting walk at night through the jungle
Travel coordinator services
Cancellation up to 31 days before departure — 100% refund (deposit refunded as a gift card) or option to change trips.
Itinerary
Welcome to Ecuador
Quito
Flights to/from the UK are not included in the package, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred departure airport, time, and airline.
Upon arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, we will check-in to our hotel and have a welcome meeting. Quito, also known as San Francisco de Quito, is situated in the central-northern region of the country and is home to over two million people. This vibrant city serves as the political and economic hub of Ecuador and boasts a rich cultural and tourist scene. We will kick off this adventure with a celebratory toast, marking the beginning of our journey together.
Included: overnight stay
Not included: meals and drinks
Quito
Let's get acclimatised: Otavalo market or adventure?
Did you know that Quito sits almost 3,000 meters above sea level? Today, we will take it easy to give our bodies time to acclimate to the altitude.
We have several options for the day, including a visit to the famous Otavalo market, known for its indigenous handicrafts. We can also explore some of the stunning sights outside the city.
On our way to Otavalo, we can stop in Cayambe to taste and learn about the city's famous bizcochos, a local biscuit. Upon arrival at the Otavalo market, you'll have the chance to browse through the various stalls and witness the daily life of the locals. We'll then head to the picturesque Laguna Cuicocha, located in a volcanic crater and boasting two lush green islands. Our last stop will be Cotacachi, a town famous for its leather goods.
Alternatively, for those seeking a more active day, we can organize a high-adrenaline experience complete with a zip line and tubing along the river. You don't have to decide now, but keep it in mind as an option!
Included: overnight stay
Money pot: any optional activities
Not included: meals and drinks
On the slopes of Cotopaxi
Greetings, Weroaders! Today, we have no excuses as we've successfully acclimated and are ready to kick off the adventure!
We'll rise early to make our way to the Cotopaxi National Park. The park is home to three volcanoes, including the famous Cotopaxi, which is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. Although climbing the Cotopaxi is quite challenging and not part of our itinerary, it remains the second highest volcano in Ecuador at 5,897 meters above sea level. The untouched natural beauty that surrounds the area is what makes it so fascinating. The park is home to over 90 species of birds, including hummingbirds, alpine condors, caracaras, ducks, Andean gulls, and lapwings. You may also spot some mammals like deer, hares, Andean foxes, and pumas. We'll take the winding paths that weave through the park, taking a hike through the snow-capped volcano's base. Keep your eyes open for foxes, white-tailed deer, and Brazilian rabbits, all of which call this area home. We're off to an excellent start, don't you think?
Included: overnight stay, transport, local guide, dinner
Money pot: any optional activities, entrance fees
Not included: other meals and drinks
Quilotoa Lagoon
It looks like a painting!
Prepare to be amazed as we arrive at Quilotoa, a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe. The view from above is simply stunning, and as we descend to the lakeshore before ascending the steep walls of the caldera, Quilotoa will literally take your breath away, especially since we are at almost 4,000 meters above sea level.
Located on the caldera of a dormant volcano formed in 1280, following the last eruption of the volcano, Lake Quilotoa is one of the must-see stops on any Ecuador trip. The intense blue and turquoise reflections of the water, combined with the greenery of the surrounding mountains and the white clouds in the sky, create a perfect picture - like a real painting that we will walk into!
Included: overnight stay, transport, local guide, dinner
Money pot: any optional activities, entrance fees
Not included: other meals and drinks
The Salasaca community
Salasaca is a community located in the Tungurahua province of central Ecuador, and we have the pleasure of visiting it! The Salasacas reside here and speak only Spanish and Quichua. Agriculture, livestock, and handicrafts are the main economic activities of this community. The Salasacas use ancient looms to weave handcrafted tapestries, many of which depict various aspects of their daily lives. In the central square of Salasaca, there is a market known as the "Square of the Arts" where these beautiful handicrafts can be found. We will enjoy lunch in the community before continuing our journey towards Banos.
Included: overnight stay, transport, community visit, lunch
Money pot: any optional activities, entrance fees
Not included: other meals and drinks
Baths of Agua Santa
On the hunt for adventures
Good morning, Baños! Today we start our day in Baños de Agua Santa, a charming small town that has become increasingly popular among backpackers from all over Ecuador. And it's no surprise why! Here, we can find not only waterfalls, hot springs, and picture-perfect spots for Instagram addicts, but also a plethora of adventure sports to choose from.
So, let's grab our raincoats, fellow travelers, and start with the "ruta de las cascadas" (route of the waterfalls) until we reach "el Pailón del Diablo", a stunning waterfall that can be accessed through a lush green path.
Afterward, we'll make a quick stop at Casa Del Arbol where those who are interested can swing on the famous swing that seems to be suspended in the air (warning for Instagram addicts!). Then, we'll take a dip in the warm thermal waters, perhaps while waiting for the sunset with a refreshing cold beer in hand. Who knows what Baños de Agua Santa will offer us at night, between its lively nightlife and colourful festivals!
Included: overnight stay
Money pot: any optional activities, entrance fees
Not included: other meals and drinks
Let's head to the Amazon!
Arriving in Tena
Today, we have some leisure time to enjoy before embarking on our next adventure. We will take a private transfer to Tena in the Amazon region where we will spend the next two nights. But before we get there, we've already received a dinner invitation, which we simply cannot refuse! We will have the pleasure of sharing a meal with the Valencian community, and if we're up for it, we can also go on a night hike to explore the forest after dinner. Exciting, isn't it?
Included: overnight stay, transport, dinner, night walk
Money pot: any optional activities, entrance fees
Not included: other meals and drinks
Exploring the Amazon Rainforest
Let's immerse ourselves in nature
After a restful night, we wake up to the sounds of the jungle and the smell of fresh coffee. We will have a delicious breakfast and then have the entire day to ourselves to explore the surroundings. For those seeking adrenaline, we have plenty of options. One of the most popular activities in the Amazon is river rafting. The rivers in the region are fast and turbulent, making for a thrilling ride. You will be equipped with safety gear and a guide to navigate the rapids. The experience is unforgettable and will leave you feeling exhilarated. If you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of jungle adventures to choose from. You can go on a guided hike through the forest, learning about the plants and animals that call it home. You might even spot some monkeys swinging from the trees or a colourful macaw flying overhead. Another option is a canopy walk, which allows you to walk on suspended bridges high up in the trees. It's a unique perspective of the rainforest and a chance to see the flora and fauna from a different angle. Of course, there are those who just want to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the Amazon. You can take a leisurely boat ride down the river or find a quiet spot to meditate and connect with nature. There are also natural hot springs in the area, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of adventure. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to take it all in and appreciate the beauty and wonder of this amazing place.
Included: overnight stay
Money pot: any optional activities, entrance fees
Not included: other meals and drinks
The thermal baths of Papallacta
Relax and then return to Quito
As we bid farewell to the Amazon and make our way back to Quito, we can't help but feel a mix of emotions - excitement for the adventures we've had, nostalgia for the places we've visited and a sense of contentment for the experiences we've shared with new friends.
But before we reach our final destination, we have one last stop to make - the rejuvenating Papallacta Baths. As we enter the protected area of Canyon Ranch, we're greeted with breathtaking views of the majestic Antisana volcano that looms in the distance.
We have a range of activities to choose from today - we can explore the scenic surroundings on foot, take in the fresh mountain air and perhaps even spot some of the local wildlife. Or we can indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, soaking in the natural thermal waters that have been hailed for their therapeutic benefits. As the day winds down and we begin our journey back to Quito, we can't help but feel grateful for this unforgettable experience. We may be leaving Ecuador, but the memories we've made on this trip will stay with us forever.
Included: overnight stay, transport
Money pot: any optional activities, entrance fees
Not included: other meals and drinks
Last day in Quito: Let's explore the capital
Discovering Quito
On our final day in Ecuador, we have two options to choose from. The first one is to explore the city in the morning and visit its various attractions, and then spend the afternoon shopping for traditional souvenirs. Alternatively, we can go on an excursion outside the city, which we previously decided to skip on the second day of our trip. However, regardless of what we choose, we will all come together for dinner in the evening to reminisce about the unforgettable moments of this adventure and raise a toast to the end of our journey.
Included: overnight stay
Money pot: any optional activities, entrance fees
Not included: other meals and drinks
Time to say goodbye
Check out and goodbye
Time to go back home: see you again on your next WeRoad adventure!
End of services. The itinerary may undergo some variations that differ from what stated above. These variations may not be predictable nor depend on WeRoad’s will, i.e. climate conditions, national holidays, strikes, etc.

The travel coordinators
Our travel coordinators are chosen because they are people like you. Not only are they the best travel buddy you could hope for, but they're trained professionals guaranteed to show you a travel experience like never before
Info to know
Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.
Visas and Vaccinations
Before booking, please ensure to check what documents, visas, and vaccinations are required to enter the country you are visiting. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Arrival and Departure Times
We always advise trying to get to the meet-up point for the first day of your tour by 5pm. On the last day of the tour you are free to leave whenever you want!
Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
Available dates
Travel coordinator
Barbara
Group
7 WeRoaders
Travel coordinator
Barbara
Group
7 WeRoaders
Travel coordinator
Jason Andreas Michael Phillipe
Group
9 WeRoaders
Travel coordinator
Jason Andreas Michael Phillipe
Group
9 WeRoaders
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Round-trip flights are not included in any of our trips because we like to give you autonomy and flexibility: you can choose the airline you want to fly with, the departure airport that suits you best, and how many and which stops you want to make.
Since flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: if possible, you can arrive at your destination a few days earlier or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
This is the question of all questions, and here’s the answer, broken down into points!
The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
It is used to streamline paymentsfor extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
You’ll find the amount of the money pot on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the money pot’ – how do you get there? Look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money pot? Click here’, and you’ll find the details.
The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
It is used exclusively for group expenses that ALL participants decide to take part in.
It is estimated based on the experiences of other groups but can vary depending on the needs of the group itself. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
If not all of the money pot is used, the difference will be returned to all participants at the end of the trip in equal amounts.
The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the money pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
If you pay in advance part of the money pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded in case of trip cancellation.
We offer several payment methods to meet all needs:
1. Credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
2. Installment payments for certain countries only
If you choose the deposit and balance option, you can pay the balance from your MyWeRoad Personal Area via bank transfer.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. (Deposits will be refunded in the form of a gift card valid for 365 days from issue date.) If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option. Deposits will be refunded in the form of a gift card valid for 365 days from issue date.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
In general, we always choose local accommodations, avoiding large hotel chains, because we love to experience the culture of the place and, whenever possible, contribute to the local economy. Typically, our accommodations are hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and hostels run by local entrepreneurs, with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
For our Collection trips, which are our premium category, the accommodations are always 4 or 5-star or carefully selected boutique hotels.
The list of accommodations for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator between 5 and 3 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
If you're wondering why WeRoad trips have a money pot, we’re assuming you already know what it is. If not, or if you have any doubts, we invite you to read all the information here!
Let’s quickly recap: The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator. It’s used to speed up payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
But let’s get to the point: why the money pot? First of all: it gives us a lot of flexibility. In all WeRoad trips you will have a bunch of Must See/Must Do activities already included - these are experiences, places or activities that simply cannot be missed! Any extra activities is decided by the group, why? Because each group is unique and may have particular wants or desires and the Money Pot allows each group to customise their trip to make it perfect for their requirements!
It also helps us speed up payments – imagine being in the subway in New York City, one by one purchasing the ticket...a nightmare right? Thanks to the Money Pot, the Travel Coordinator can simply purchase the tickets for everyone making the entire processes smoother! Any leftover money will be returned at the end of the trip and split equally amongst all participants.
In some destinations, buying goods or services on site is more economical as you are able to negotiate the price - places like Morocco, or South East Asia, bargaining is part of the culture. As such, our Travel Coordinators will be able to secure the best deal for all participants.
The amount of the money pot is specified in each trip – look for this button
which will take you to a detailed breakdown for each trip, like this:
WeRoad is not authorised to provide this information due to privacy reasons.
However, there is a solution - you can connect with your travel buddies by joining our Facebook group. Look for a post related to your trip, or ask the group admins for help in connecting with your future travel companions!
If a Travel Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you're interested in, you can easily find their introduction post in the group via the website: in the tour list, click on 'Ask the coordinator', or in the trip details page, in the coordinator section, click on 'Ask [coordinator's name] for information on this trip in our Facebook group'. For both cases, see the screenshots below!
Tour List
Trip details page
In all our groups, the Travel Coordinator and participants speak English – knowing how to speak and understand English is therefore a fundamental requirement to participate in our trips.
On average the groups are made up of 6-15 people, with a minimum of 3/4 participants and a maximum of 15.
All our travellers are in theirs 20s, 30s and 40s. If you're very curios to know the age range of the group for a tour you're interested in, you can contact us by WhatsApp at +447716573700
Regarding the male-female ratio, this is not guaranteed and varies trip by trip.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking – although, in our opinion, that kind of spoils the surprise! You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked. Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
You can spot this info in the screenshots below:
desktop (insert screen)
mobile (insert screen)
Yes, in all our trips you will share a room with other same-sex travellers, and the bathroom will either be private or shared only with fellow participants of the trip. The rooms we select can be doubles, triples, quadruples, or multi-bed (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
There are never dorms with people outside the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodations like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
During the booking process, you can also choose to opt for a mixed room: in this case, if needed, only those who have agreed to this option may share a room with travellers of a different sex. If you are booking for multiple people together and select this option, the room will not be exclusive to your group but may be shared with other travellers in the group.
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller and will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will be available for any eventuality and will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary (transports, timings, accommodations, meeting points, etc.), so you can enjoy the trip without any worries!
You will have the chance to get to know them when the WhatsApp group is created approximately 2 weeks before departure - this will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking – their details will be specified in the schedule or on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your Personal Area, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'Once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you, even if you no longer travel with us.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. We can also meet up for a dinner or a trek together at one of the events organised by our coordinators around the world!