Trip Style
Original
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
GGSH
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 9 Day Ecuador Highlands. From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle, this nine-day trip will take you through diverse Ecuador. Walk through the Amazon Jungle with an Indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest.
Get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family, where you’ll connect with them and participate in a Pachamanca food ceremony,...read more perhaps also brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise and you’ll take it all on with a local leader and likeminded travellers.
Get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family, where you’ll connect with them and participate in a Pachamanca food ceremony,...read more perhaps also brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise and you’ll take it all on with a local leader and likeminded travellers.
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital of Quito, high in the Andes. You’ll notice a mix of modern and traditional houses dotted halfway up the surrounding mountain peaks that frame the city and an Old Town with architectural jewels just waiting to be explored. Your trip officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the cobblestoned streets, checking out the market stalls or joining an Urban Adventure tour through the city’s historic centre – check out the Quito Legends and Culture Tour at urbanadventures. com.
After breakfast this morning, wave goodbye to the country’s capital and switch up the pace as you make your way to the Amazon on a local bus bound for Tena. Your lodge-style accommodation in Tena, on the banks of the Arajuno River, is only accessible by canoe so you can expect a little bit of adventure for the last leg of today’s trip! You'll have a free afternoon to explore the eco-lodge – built with all-natural materials, this lodge belongs to the Selvaviva Foundation that works with the Indigenous community in the area. Tonight, have dinner at the eco-lodge, listening to the singing sounds of jungle insects and the flicker of the fireplace. Then, wander the area under the twinkling night sky on a night walk with your leader guiding the way. (B/L/D)
Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. You’ll be surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes on Earth, teeming with wildlife, so make sure you take a moment to breathe it all in. After lunch, visit an animal rescue centre to learn more about the local wildlife (and how we can help to protect them). (B/L/D)
Take the opportunity to mingle with the locals and maybe brush up on your Spanish on a public bus headed for Banos. Surrounded by mountains, hot springs and waterways that lead to waterfalls, this is a perfect next step after the rainforest! When you arrive, stretch your legs on a leader-led walking tour of the city and get the inside scoop on the best places to grab a bite to eat. This afternoon, visit Pailon del Diablo – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. The 80-m-high falls have a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path (so make sure you bring a waterproof jacket). There are a lot of stairs, but they will be worth it when you reach the view of Pailon del Diablo. (B)
Today, you have a free day to explore Banos and take on all the optional activities you like! Your leader will always be on hand to help arrange anything you’d like to do – maybe head for the ‘Swing at the End of the World’ and get your heart racing or hike to the Bellavista Viewpoint. You could also opt to soak away your worries in the hot springs or visit the local waterfalls. (B)
Rise bright and early this morning and drive along the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ to the Cotopaxi National Park, which sits at 3800 m above sea level. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for a gorgeous view of the Cotopaxi volcano – Ecuador’s second-highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world! Keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife, including condors, deer and spectacled bears. Have lunch at La Cienega – sitting at the bottom of the volcano, this is one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador and famously housed Charles-Marie de la Condamine, a French scientist who led the Geodesic Mission. After lunch, explore the on-site architecture, gardens and chapel. On the way back to Quito, you’ll also visit a flower farm for a guided tour where you’ll learn about all stages of production here. Connect with the plants by cutting and touching the flowers around you, becoming a part of the final phase of production, and learn about their green initiatives and environment mission. (B/L)
Make your way north to Cotacachi to visit the La Calera Community today, where Indigenous families will be waiting for you for tonight’s homestay. When you arrive, you’ll participate in the ‘Pachamanca’ food ceremony, where the pot is heated with volcanic stones to cook the local, Andean vegetables. Pachamanca has been a part of South American culture for centuries, dating back to pre-historic times. The name comes from the Quechua language ‘Pacha’ (meaning earth) and ‘Manca’ (meaning cooking pot or earth oven). Widely used in times of the Incas, this ritual is a celebration of fertility and life. While lunch is cooking, visit some of the women's entrepreneurship programs and learn more about the community here. After, spend some more time getting to know the local families and depending on the season, maybe feed the animals, take milk from the cows or harvest some vegetables. (B/L/D)
This morning after a home-cooked breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and board the bus to the Cuicocha Lagoon. This lagoon sits in a collapsed volcanic crater and features two mounded islands that look like the backs of two guinea pigs (Cuicocha means ‘guinea pig lake!’). When you arrive, take one of the paths to the several viewpoints and appreciate the vast scenery. Then, head to the local Indigenous market of Otavalo – one of the best places to haggle for souvenirs. Browse the many stalls that sell hats, tapestries, ceramics, textiles and more. Later, head back to Quito and maybe rally your travel companions for one final dinner before your trip comes to an end – your leader will be ready with all the best bars and street eats! (B)
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in eco lodge-style accommodation on the banks of the Arajuno River and enjoy a special evening walk through the jungle under the night sky.
- Walk in the rainforest with an Indigenous guide by your side to lead the way, point out local birds and teach you about the plant life that thrives here.
- Hike to Pailon del Diablo – an 80-m-high waterfall so fierce that you’ll need to carry a poncho to keep dry from its wrath!
- Marvel at the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano – one of the largest and highest active volcanos in the world – while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park.
- Learn from a local Indigenous community during your homestay in the La Calera Community. Take part in the Pachamanca food ceremony, which has been a part of South American culture for centuries.
- Hotel (5 nights)
- Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights)
- Homestay (1 night)
- 8 Breakfasts included
- 4 Lunches included
- 3 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Brochure
Intrepid Central & South America (2024-25)
Dive into Intrepid's Central & South America brochure, a curated collection of vibrant adventures. From the rhythms of salsa in Cuban bars to the peaks of Andean mountains, each journey promises authentic experiences and transformative moments. Let Intrepid lead you to the heart of these captivating regions, where discovery beckons.
Availability
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Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Guaranteed Departures
Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
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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 enquire. 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 enquire. 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 Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These 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 Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These 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.
