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> Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes
Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes. Ecuador is a small country that packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty, biodiversity, and indigenous heritage. Discover this South American jewel on a memorable adventure, travelling from the emerald-clad Andes to the Amazon’s thriving jungles. Come face-to-face with unique creatures on a nighttime walk through the forest and on a tour of an animal sanctuary; hike through awe-inspiring Cotopaxi National Park, crowned by the soaring Cotopaxi Volcano; and delve into indigenous culture read more on a visit to an Amazonian community and Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas.
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Quito
Trip Ends
Quito
Departures
Jun 2026 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
1 Trip Review
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
SEANG
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. Stay: NH Collection Royal Quito
Drive into the mountainous Andean highlands to Otavalo, surrounded by misty volcanoes, and visit the town’s famous handicraft market—one of the largest outdoor markets in South America. Browse stalls selling colourful local art, textiles, and souvenirs, and try your hand at haggling. Then, visit a local community establishment for an included lunch of traditional specialities. Later, settle into your room at a historic hacienda, where we’ll spend the night. Stay: Hotel Pinsaqui (B/L)
Make your way to the village of Papallacta, known for its abundant natural hot springs. En route, visit the home and studio of a renowned traditional weaver, who is working to preserve the indigenous weaving techniques of the Otavalo region. Get a glimpse of daily life, and observe members of the community at work on the backstrap loom, which has been used in these parts for centuries. Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for an afternoon of relaxation. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools, enjoying stunning mountain views, and indulge in a variety of optional spa treatments. Stay: Hotel Termas Papallacta (B)
Head towards Tena, often called Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon. On the way, we’ll stop at El Quetzal Protected Forest to explore the property’s reserve—home to a plethora of avian species, including 8 varieties of hummingbirds. Enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant, then continue to Misahualli. This charming town is one of the oldest ports in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and harbours a thriving population of Capuchin monkeys. Arrive in Tena and board a motorized canoe to our jungle lodge, perched along the banks of the Arajuno River. This evening, embark on a walk into the forest with a naturalist guide, looking out for the Amazon’s nocturnal creatures. Stay: Itamandi Lodge (B/L/D)
Depart early by canoe to visit a saladero, or a parrot clay lick. Alongside our naturalist guide, observe brightly coloured parrots and parakeets gather here to snack on the mineral-rich clay, which studies suggest aids in digestion and provides an important nutrient supplement. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then take a tour of AmaZOOnico, an animal rescue centre that rehabilitates wild creatures that have been victims of illegal trafficking. Later, we’ll visit the home of a local Amazonian family for a unique cultural experience. Chat with your hosts about their traditions and beliefs and learn about everyday life in the jungle; then sit down to a delicious homemade lunch. Stay: Itamandi Lodge (B/L/D)
Leave the Amazon behind and travel to Baños. This popular resort town is packed with gorgeous landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and—as the name indicates—thermal springs originating from the base of the Tungurahua Volcano. Along the way, stop at Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas for a walk with an expert guide, discovering the diverse flora of the region and learning about the indigenous uses of the various plants found there. After arriving in Baños, enjoy free time to stroll through the town. Stay: Hotel Sangay Spa (B)
The day is yours to explore Baños and the surrounding area. Choose to head to the mountains for an invigorating hike, and later soak your tired muscles in one of the town’s thermal springs. Set off on a mountain biking adventure, pedaling past rivers, waterfalls, and delightfully green landscapes; opt to hit the rapids on a white-water rafting excursion; and much more. Stay: Hotel Sangay Spa (B)
Drive back to Quito, Ecuador’s capital, along the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes. En route, we’ll venture through Cotopaxi National Park—home to the snowcapped Cotopaxi Volcano, the second highest peak in the country. As you explore this magnificent park, keep an eye out for the resident wildlife, which ranges from condors, foxes, and deer to the the endangered Andean puma. Stay: NH Collection Royal Quito (B)
Depart at any time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit the Otavalo Weaving studio and get a lesson from local weaver.
- Explore villages and learn about traditional handicrafts and folk art from locals.
- Traverse the Amazon jungle with a local naturalist guide.
- Learn about the relationship between cultures and the plants around them at the Jardín Botánico Las Orquídeas.
- Be surrounded by towering volcanoes.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Otavalo Weaving Lesson, Otavalo
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Amazon Home Experience, Tena
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit the Orchids Botanical Garden, Puyo
- Your G for Good Moment: Kawsaymi Community Lunch, Otavalo
- Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
- Arrival transfer
- Overnight in an historic hacienda
- Explore the Otavalo handicraft market
- Cloud forest reserve visit
- Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle excursions
- Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels – 4 nts, historic hacienda – 1 nt, jungle lodge – 2 nts, hot springs resort – 1 nt
- On our Ecuador trip, we use various different types of accommodations that are unique to the various environments experienced on this trip. From a historic hacienda in the highlands to a hot springs resort at Papallacta, these are wonderful places to stay.
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides
- 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Private van, motorized canoe, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys
These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way.
With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travelers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.
Trip Reviews (1)
The guide on this trip was very knowledgeable and was able to provide in-depth information on the customs of all sorts of indigenous Ecuadorian people, plants and wildlife (from what to eat and which bugs can kill you), to the layout of the land. I felt like this was more than an introduction to Ecuador but it still left me wanting more.
I would've read more never chosen any of the accommodations for myself, however they were all very comfortable and charming. Free bottled water and breakfast included everywhere. If you love nature, wildlife and love to explore places less travelled by other tourists then this is a fantastic trip.
I would've read more never chosen any of the accommodations for myself, however they were all very comfortable and charming. Free bottled water and breakfast included everywhere. If you love nature, wildlife and love to explore places less travelled by other tourists then this is a fantastic trip.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Friday
10 Apr 2026
10 Apr 26
Quito
Saturday
18 Apr 2026
18 Apr 26
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,489
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
17 Apr 2026
17 Apr 26
Quito
Saturday
25 Apr 2026
25 Apr 26
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,489
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
24 Apr 2026
24 Apr 26
Quito
Saturday
02 May 2026
02 May 26
Quito
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,489
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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