The Lava Line

Welcome to Quito! The mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador's capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the 'light of America') is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centres in America. It was also the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Fact. We'll jump straight in to a team tour of the city & skip between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Squeezing in a visit to the IInti-Ñan Museum should round off the first day on trip pretty nicely. (D) Stay: Hostal de La Mancha Quito

It's out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. Not a bad way to spend the day. This stunning landscape is composed of vibrant hills and tumbling rivers that make it a White Water Rafting dream (hint, hint). If that's not your scene, we'll head to a humming bird sanctuary, and try and catch these beautiful birds as they buzz around. Then we'll settle in for the night, ready for big adventures tomorrow. (B) Stay: Hotel Las Heliconias

Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional canelazo brew, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip. You'll get the chance to meet a shaman, play soccer with the local kids and really experience what tribe life is all about in this part of the world. Like the sound of this? Maybe consider packing some extra school supplies or tasty treats in your luggage - absolutely not essential but definitely appreciated by the local children. This afternoon, take the adrenaline up a notch and and hit the river for some fast and furious rafting. Nothing like a spot of rapid riding to induce group bonding. Tonight, we'll feast on delicious meats, sauces and salads, all traditional and sourced locally from the area. YUM. (B/D)

Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we're off to the adrenaline capital of Banos, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits... Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Banos is a big deal on the natural beauty front. With tomorrow earmarked as our day of outdoor adventuring, tonight is all about learning the art of sultry salsa with an included lesson to get our snake hips a-shaking. Our friendly local teacher, Edith, knows what's up on the dance floor, and by the time we leave those salsa pro's won't know what's hit them. Dance floor goals complete, we'll hop around some watering holes for a taste of the local nightlife. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Napolitano Apart Banos (or similar)

The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn't just any regular old zipline – we're talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – pretty much the ultimate aerial adventure. Don't have such a head for heights? Horsey fun and canyoneering expeditions will keep you on your toes. Oh what a tough day this will be in Banos – deciding how best to embrace your inner adventurer. (B)

Today we head back to Quito for a quick stopover for the night. You've got another chance to explore this beautiful city - lucky you! - but save some energy for tomorrow's adventure to the islands. (B) Stay: Hotel Palace Guayaquil

Your trip ends after breakfast today when it's time to say adios to your new bffs. Why not continue the adventure on head onto our Peru Uncovered trip? (B)