Ecuador to Galápagos: Jungle Beats & Island Heat

Arrive at any time and prepare for an epic adventure through Ecuador’s highlights and hidden gems. It will be 1000% better than watching reels of these beautiful places! Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and then choose to hang out with the group afterwards for an optional dinner in Quito. Break the ice, get to know each other, and share your best travel stories before making new ones together over the next nine days.

Included Experiences

• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Hop on a bus and travel into the lush Amazon Jungle and your community lodge stay in the rainforest. Learn about local food production and everything there is to know about cacao. If in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants. At the end of the experience, the group will enjoy a taste of this sweet treat amid the sounds of the forest. It is here you will experience life in the jungle firsthand and connect with the local indigenous culture. It’s the perfect way to fall in love with the Amazon you have been learning about since you were younger.

Included Experiences

• Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Cacao and Chocolate Experience: Expand your knowledge of local food production and learn everything there is to know about cacao. If it's in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants and learn about the history of cacao in Ecuador. While the plant has been harvested since the early 16th century, the late 19th century saw the beginning of the Ecuadorian cacao boom. The plant remains a key export and is fundamental in supporting local communities across the country. Roast and de-shell the beans, then re-heat the beans with milk and cinnamon into a fondue to be eaten with local fruits. When finished, enjoy a fire-side traditional jungle snack.
• Shandia Community Lodge: Stay overnight at the Shandia Indigenous lodge located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive tours led by the village’s youth. The community lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Watch a chocolate making demonstration and learn about their cultivation of cacao and their traditional agriculture practices. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by women who were provided with culinary training through the project. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Put the pedal to the metal on a cycling excursion to the Indigenous Shandia community. This rural village is surrounded by rivers and the fertile Amazon landscape. Take in the beauty as you ride through the jungle. And take pride in being able to help support the preservation of the community’s indigenous culture. Afterwards, spend free time at the lodge and choose to enjoy some of the activities available to visitors. Choose to walk to the nearby beach along the river and try to spot wildlife in the jungle. Later go on an included walk to the Pimpilala Waterfalls and perhaps there will be time for a quick dip into the natural pool formed at the base of the falls. Group selfie, anyone?

Included Experiences

• Shandia Biking & Community Experience: Cycle to the Indigenous Shandia community, a rural village surrounded by rivers and lush Amazonian landscapes. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive experiences led by the village’s youth. Spend 40 minutes cycling from Shandia lodge stopping along the way to take in the beauty of the Amazon. These cultural tours are seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. This provides an economic opportunity for youth who traditionally would have left the community to find work. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a new generation in the community and contributing to the preservation of their culture.
• Free Time: Take advantage of free time to enjoy the activities available at the lodge.
• Amazon Jungle Walk & Pimpilala Waterfalls Visit: Head into the jungle today where you will see a variety of plants (medicinal, timber, and fruit), and animals including birds, monkeys, and insects. As you walk learn more about the uses and relationships between these plants and the indigenous people in the area. The group will also visit the Pimpilala Waterfalls and perhaps there will be time for a quick dip into the natural pool formed at the base of the falls.
• Shandia Community Lodge: Stay overnight at the Shandia Indigenous lodge located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive tours led by the village’s youth. The community lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Watch a chocolate making demonstration and learn about their cultivation of cacao and their traditional agriculture practices. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by women who were provided with culinary training through the project. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.

Experience a slice of local life on a public bus ride between Tena and Baños. Download those road trip playlists and stare at the passing scenery. Arrive in the afternoon and get settled. The town is surrounded by lush cloud forest and has an abundance of outdoor optional activities for travellers to indulge in. Maybe soak in the nearby hot springs to relax after bumping along on the bus. But rest up because you’re in the adventure capital of Ecuador and tomorrow there’s no time to waste.

Included Experiences

• Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
• Free Time: Enjoy free time in Baños, a town famous for outdoor activities. Visit the local hot springs, or simply relax in town.

Optional Experiences

• Hot Springs - Baños: Soak weary muscles in the thermal baths that Baños is famous for. Head to hot springs at the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “little hell” in Quichua, or try some of the baths fed by the melt waters of Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Rise before the sun for an early soak – watching the sun peak over the mountains while relaxing in the warm waters is definitely worth the early start.

Discover your adventurous spirit on this full free day to enjoy the epic outdoor adventure activities in Baños. Nestled at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano, this town is a gorgeous place to hangout for the day. From ziplining to canyoning and visiting the famous Casa del Arbol, you won’t have time to worry about what to do next. And maybe end the day with a group dance party to see if you can make the next viral Tik Tok.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Baños, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking, canyoneering, and relaxing in the hot springs. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!

Optional Experiences

• Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle: Buckle up your harness, put on your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along a zipline suspended 850m above the canyon below, dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you cross Tibetan Suspension Bridge above Pastaza River. Rock climb up to a second zipline to finish off this adrenaline-filled adventure. Please keep in mind this is a level 3/5 physical activity. Good mobility, no fear of heights, and a strong fitness level are required for you to have an enjoyable experience.
• Mountain Bike Rental: Hop on your bike and explore the amazing scenery surrounding Baños. Pass by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and changing vegetation – depending on what path you take. Enjoy the cool wind on downhill stretches, but be sure to bring sunblock; the sun can be strong.
• Horseback Riding - Baños: Hop in the saddle and explore Baños’ beautiful countryside by horseback. Check out the unique vegetation in the region, and, perhaps, trot over to Tungurahua Volcano for amazing views.
• Hiking - Baños: Head to the mountains for some amazing treks; Baños provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor adventure.
• Whitewater Rafting: Hit the rapids in the adrenaline capital of Ecuador. Choose a river that suits your experience level; there a number with varying ranges of difficulty. Enjoy amazing Andean scenery and a fun-filled ride!
• Baños Canyoning Adventure: Jump, slide, rappel, swim and float around Cascadas de Chamana on this canyoning adventure, while enjoying the stunning scenery near Sangay National Park. Please keep in mind this is a level 4/5 physical activity. Good mobility and a strong fitness level are required for you to have an enjoyable experience.
• Visit Casa del Arbol: Perched on a hilltop behind Baños is La Casa del Arbol, sporting epic views of the Tungurahua volcano on a clear day. It was used previously to monitor the volcano's activity, but now has become a popular attraction because of the iconic image of a swing attached to the treehouse. Visit the viewpoint where you can choose to try whooshing over the abyss for yourself to feel the thrill of swinging on the edge of the world.

Leave Baños behind to travel to Quilotoa and its stunning caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption. It’s a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Along the route the group will stop for a visit to an art workshop and gallery that celebrates the indigenous art of the region, showcasing the breathtaking works in Tigua's artistic community. Here, you can meet local artisans and learn about their techniques. Upon arrival to the town of Quilotoa the group will hike down to the lake in the centre of the crater to enjoy the dramatic surrounding landscape and turquoise coloured water. Check-in to your eco-friendly accommodations in the evening located high in the Ecuadoran Andes at over 10,400 feet in elevation (3200 meters above sea level) with views that will make you fall in love. Who wants to move here and stay forever?

Included Experiences

• Community Artisan Workshop Visit: Nestled in the heart of Tigua, you will find a vibrant gallery that celebrates the local indigenous art of the region. Visit here and see the beautiful works of Julio Toaquiza, a pioneer in Tigua's artistic community. The kaleidoscope of colors and intricate designs that tell stories of the Andes and its people. Each piece reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Tigua community, making it not just an art gallery, but a living museum of the traditions and values that shape this beautiful region. Meet local artisans, learn about their techniques, and consider participating in a workshop to create your own piece of art.
• Quilotoa Community Entrance: This popular hike down to Quilotoa's crater is relatively short, but steep. It offers gorgeous views and a chance to experience the mesmerizing water up close. The way down is shorter, but steep and the ascent back up can be more challenging due to the high altitude. Once down at the crater choose to relax by the water or maybe rent a kayak for a unique experience while here in Ecuador.

Feel the warmth and impact of community connection today on a visit to the Guayama Community project nearby. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the area’s indigenous peoples while supporting the sustainable development of this project. Discover the Kichuas Panzaleos culture project led by the local population. Lunch will be had on your own at the on site restaurant. You’ll be welcomed into their indigenous community with open arms and leave with a deeper love of this region and its people. Later, relax back at your accommodations in Quilotoa, play some cards, swap travel stories, and laugh together as a group.

Included Experiences

• Entrance + Community living experience in Guayama Grande: The Guayama Grande Community Tourism Cultural Center offers travellers a meaningful experience where they can learn about the culture and lifestyle of the area's indigenous peoples, while also supporting the sustainable development of this centre. Enjoy the landscape's natural beauty surrounded by mountains. Learn about daily life in the quichua agricultural community, walk through the farming area with a local guide to learn about the community's traditional crofts, crop seasonality, and their project to eliminate pesticide use. Then head out to the fields to watch the planting or harvesting process, depending on the season. Feel welcome by the community and leave with a deeper connection and appreciation of this land and its people.
• Free Time: Free time will be had back at the accommodations. Choose to hang out as a group or head into town for a night of fun, laughter, and some cold beverages. You can also choose to hike again in the area or find a stunning view of the crater as the sun begins to set.

After breakfast, travel back to Quito swapping stories with your travel crew on the ride back. Take some time to grab lunch on your own, maybe find some potato soup, or fried cheese empanadas, or fresh ceviche. Then, come back together with everyone for an orientation walk at La Carolina Park with its natural oasis within the city. The night belongs to you and it’s time to let loose. Find somewhere to dance your heart out and let the beat move your soul.

Included Experiences

• La Carolina Park Orientation Walk: Set off on an orientation walking tour with your CEO of La Carolina Park. This large, 165-acre urban park can be found in the heart of Quito. It features a botanical garden with diverse ecosystems, including high-altitude Andean grasslands, cloud forest, wetlands, and Amazon. Walk around a bit and get a sense of its immense size and importance as a recreational space for locals within the city. Then choose to enjoy extra time here yourself if you desire.
• Free Time: The night is yours in Quito. Find a local spot for a delicious dinner on your own and maybe dance the night away with your travel family by your side. What are your best dance moves?
• Big Night Out: Enjoy a night out on the town with your travel friends and truly let your hair down in the lively Ecuadorian city of Quito.

Get those legs moving on a full free day in Quito. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and highest constitutional capital in the world. Choose to check out the equator and visit the museum there or simply walk to a local park and chill out with some good food from a delicious café. No judgement, the choice is all yours.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend a full free day in Ecuador's historic capital. Relax, visit museums, walk through parks, and find some great local places to eat. There's nothing better than a day to reset while travelling and this is the perfect opportunity.

Optional Experiences

• Visit the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park: Visit the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park and discover ethnobotany – the study of the relationship between cultures and the plants around them. Plants are integral to the lives of Amazonian indigenous groups who use them for shelter, nourishment, medicine, and in spiritual practices. Set out on the trails with an expert guide to learn about the diverse plant life and the local Shuar and Waorani people, and enjoy unique botanical experiences like tasting cinnamon and being painted with Achotillo sap.
• Quito City Tour & Equator Line: Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
• Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day: Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening.

Wheels up! Fly to the Galápagos Islands. Transfer across Santa Cruz island to town and take a guided visit in the afternoon to the Charles Darwin Research Station for an opportunity to see the famous tortoises up close. Get to know the group in the evening over a few drinks. Cheers to new adventures with new friends!

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Hop on a speedboat and head to Isabela Island. Soak up the views around you — you might even see dolphins or whales alongside the boat! After dropping your stuff at the hotel, get up close and personal with a volcano as you hike the Sierra Negra. Explore the incredible landscape and admire spectacular views from above.

Included Experiences

• Sierra Negra Volcano Hike: Hike to the rim of the 10km (6 mi) wide crater of the Sierra Negra volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. Trek across the moon-like landscape of the lava fields and fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views looking north toward Fernandina and the rest of Isabela Island. The volcano last erupted in June 2018, making it the most recent eruption of the Galápagos. This hike is 7km in total (3.5 km each way).
• Boat: Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.

Take advantage of a full free day on Isabela Island where optional activities abound to do as much or as little as you like. Choose to take an excursion to Los Tuneles, go snorkelling at Tintoreras, take a surf lesson or just laze on the beach.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a free day on Isabela Island to lounge on the beach or try out some of the many optional activities available in the area.

Optional Experiences

• Wall of Tears Bike Visit: Cycle to the 'Wall of Tears' and tour this sombre historical site that pays homage to the prisoners of an on-island penal colony, who were forced to build a wall out of huge blocks of lava. Many prisoners died during the wall's construction between 1946 and 1959.
• Los Tuneles Snorkelling: Grab your swimsuit, a snorkel, and head out to explore the waters to see what’s living under the sea. Head to Los Tuneles about a 40 minute boat ride away from Puerto Villamil. The lava formations and mangroves make this an ideal place for snorkeling. Keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and large schools of colourful fish. (140-150 USD per person)
• Islote Tintoreras Snorkelling: Go snorkelling at the islet Las Tintoreras, located south of Puerto Villamil – it's the perfect place to glide along watching the magic unfold under the water’s surface. Enjoy a small calm turquoise bay to look for the whitetip reef shark, which are fairly common in the archipelago. (The sharks are called Tintorera in Spanish, which is where the site gets its name.) Keep an eye out for sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and rays as well as the sharks. (45-50 USD per person)
• Surfing Lesson: Grab your swimsuit and get ready to hang ten! Learn how to find and ride the waves with surfing lessons from local experts. Enjoy the fresh sea air, and try to spot local marine life while enjoying the waters.

This morning enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Concha de Perla. Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the town. Later, head out to explore Puerto Ayora town, time for shopping or enjoy a bite to eat.

Included Experiences

• Concha de Perla snorkelling: Visit the calm bay of Concha de Perla for a snorkelling experience. Snorkel alongside up to 20 different species of bird as well as tropical fish, sea lions, and maybe even penguins.
• Boat: Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.

Optional Experiences

• Surfing Lesson: Grab your swimsuit and get ready to hang ten! Learn how to find and ride the waves with surfing lessons from local experts. Enjoy the fresh sea air, and try to spot local marine life while enjoying the waters.
• Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Visit: Walk through the town’s wetlands to visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. With the giant tortoise on its way to extinction in the late 1950s, this program was established to protect these noble creatures.
• Flamingo Lagoon Visit: Spend some time exploring Isabela's natural attractions. Enjoy a walk to the largest coastal lagoon in the Galápagos, also a principal breeding ground for flamingos. Make stops along the way at a lookout point, and to visit natural pools, beaches, and mangrove swamps. Also stop along the way at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre to see how these fascinating creatures are hatched, cared for and released into the wild in the ongoing efforts to protect the species.
• Wall of Tears Bike Visit: Cycle to the 'Wall of Tears' and tour this sombre historical site that pays homage to the prisoners of an on-island penal colony, who were forced to build a wall out of huge blocks of lava. Many prisoners died during the wall's construction between 1946 and 1959.

Take another speedboat to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands.. Later, go snorkelling at Tijeretas to look for wildlife like sea lions, rays and marine iguanas before wandering along the malecón to look for a local place to watch the sunset. Later, choose to get your dance on!

Included Experiences

• Interpretation Center Visit: Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.
• Tijeretas Snorkelling Excursion: Enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Tijeretas, which happens to be one of the best places to search for underwater life in the Galapagos. As you move through the water be on the lookout for sea lions, rays, and marine iguanas, and sea turtles.
• Big Night Out - San Cristóbal Island: Enjoy a night out on the town with your travel friends and truly let your hair down in the fun and lively atmosphere of San Cristóbal Island.
• Boat: Jump aboard this speedy vessel, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins or whales en route to the next island.

The day is yours to explore San Cristóbal Island. You can opt to snorkel at epic Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos, visit the white-sand beach of Playa Mann, or La Lobería to mingle with the resident sea lions.

Optional Experiences

• Puerto Chino Beach Visit: Head to this white-sands of Puerto Chino beach and go for a swim or lounge in the sun.
• Snorkelling (Isla Lobos): Snorkel the waters of peaceful Isla Lobos, amid the families of sea lions and their inquisitive pups looking to play. Spot nesting frigatebirds and the famous blue-footed boobies resting on the shore. Be sure to bring your camera to catch some snaps at this prime wildlife watching haven. (90-110 USD per person)
• La Lobería Beach Visit: Visit La Lobería beach and be greeted by a colony of sea lions. Keep your eyes open for marine iguanas on the black rocks and sea turtles in the shallow bay.
• Playa Mann Visit: Head to this white-sand beach just a short walk from town. Go for a swim or watch snoozing sea lions.
• Snorkelling (Kicker Rock): Embark on a snorkelling adventure at Kicker Rock, one of the most stunning landmarks in the Galápagos Islands that’s home to an incredibly diverse range of marine life that inhabits the nutrient-rich water. Explore the rock which rises 150m (492 ft) above the ocean's surface, and is divided into two parts by a narrow channel. See an array of sharks and fish that are drawn to the rock and provide for an exhilarating unique snorkelling experience. (140-160 USD per person)

Say "Adios!" to the Galapagos Islands and board a morning flight back to Quito. Transfer to the hotel to kick back and relax before enjoying the last night in the capital city.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Depart at any time.

Optional Experiences

• Quito City Tour & Equator Line: Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
• Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day: Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening.