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You dream it, we organize it. Shall we head to the Andes and Amazon jungle for 11 days? We’ll adventure through Quito, trek in Cotopaxi, admire Laguna Quilotoa, and discover Ecuador’s culture and traditions. You’re welcome!

Is this trip for me?

Party and nightlife
Relax
Nature and adventure
City and cultures
Monuments and history
Physical effort
Trip type
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Itinerary

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!

A map showing a circular tour itinerary that starts and ends in Quito, with the route indicated by a line, dots, and arrows.
An expansive cityscape of historic buildings and tiled roofs sprawling across a hillside at sunset.

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.

Two women on a WeRoad group trip look at a colorful knitted item held by a local vendor at an outdoor market.
A smiling woman wearing traditional clothing and a black hat harvests a yellow corn cob in a field of dry corn stalks.
A person in a red helmet smiles while zip-lining through a dense green forest.

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!

A snow-covered volcano with a plume of smoke rising from its peak, set against a blue sky above a forested landscape.

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?

A first-person view of a person's legs and hiking shoes dangling over a grassy cliff edge, overlooking a turquoise crater lake.

Straight out of 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!

Members of a WeRoad group trip help local farmers handle a cow in a wooden pen on a rural, green hillside.

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.

A view from above of a large waterfall cascading into a lush green gorge, with a winding stone staircase on the cliffside.

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!

An elderly indigenous woman with red face paint and a feather headdress looks through a wooden window frame.

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?

A hummingbird in mid-flight feeds from a hanging red and yellow flower surrounded by wet green leaves.

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.

A steaming thermal pool at a resort with wooden lodges, set against a backdrop of a snow-capped mountain under a sunset sky.

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.

A low-angle view of an ornate brick cathedral with large blue and white striped domes against a cloudy sky.

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.

A WeRoad group trip poses for a photo in a mountain landscape with a large, snow-capped peak partially covered by clouds.

Check out and goodbye

Time to go back home: see you again on your next WeRoad adventure!

What's included

What's not included

Roundtrip flight to/from destination
  • Meals and drinks where not indicated

  • Tips

  • All extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack :)

  • Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section

Optional activities

Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.

Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.

  • Full day Quito city tour & Equator Line "Mitad del Mundo" - approx. USD40

  • Full day Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lake - approx. USD40

  • Mindo Cloud Forest - approx. USD35

  • Ruta De Las Cascada Bike Rent - approx. USD25

Additional info

Learn more about accommodation, transport, and other useful travel information.
  • Non-sharing room option

    The no-sharing room option may not be available for all tours

  • Staff

    Our trips are led by a Group Leader 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 Group Leader.

  • 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.

  • Info on private roomsShow all details

Why WeRoad

  • Small groups, on average 11 people

  • Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure

  • Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed

The Group Leaders

Our Group Leaders are chosen because they’re people just like you: passionate travelers who share the experience authentically, while having the skills to take care of the organisation, and help you get the most out of every moment of the trip.

Find your flight

For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.

ArrivalQuito (UIO)
ReturnQuito (UIO)
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

About this trip

About WeRoad

About Ecuador

From
$ 1,530
Book with $ 0
Free trip change
Interest-free installments