Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes

Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes

• Trip code: 417X042
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Some trips just hit different — and this one’s got the perfect mix of wild nature, bucket list thrills, and real local connection. Dive into the heart of Ecuador with a lodge stay deep in the Amazon where monkeys leap overhead and the jungle hums all night long. Learn how to make chocolate from scratch and cruise through a local community by bike before heading to Baños for hot springs, canyon swings, and all the adventure your heart can handle. Then explore the volcanic rim and dreamy turquoise waters of Quilotoa, one of the country’s best-kept secrets. With just the right balance of structured days and free time, you’ll come back with more than just epic photos — you’ll leave with stories you’ll be telling for years.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (4 nts), Community Lodge (2 nts), Eco-friendly Inn (2 nts, multi-share)

Checklist

Amazon:
• Knee-length socks
• Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants
• Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts
• Pack liners to waterproof bags

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local community guide

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg. 14

Highlights

Stay deep in the Amazon jungle surrounded by the sounds and sights of the wild, Bike through a local community and learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar, Chill or thrill in Baños with hot springs hikes and giant canyon swings, Hike down to a lake at the centre of the crater in Quilotoa and choose to paddle across its turquoise waters, Experience Ecuador’s Indigenous culture through community-led activities

Introduction

Some trips just hit different — and this one’s got the perfect mix of wild nature, bucket list thrills, and real local connection. Dive into the heart of Ecuador with a lodge stay deep in the Amazon where monkeys leap overhead and the jungle hums all night long. Learn how to make chocolate from scratch and cruise through a local community by bike before heading to Baños for hot springs, canyon swings, and all the adventure your heart can handle. Then explore the volcanic rim and dreamy turquoise waters of Quilotoa, one of the country’s best-kept secrets. With just the right balance of structured days and free time, you’ll come back with more than just epic photos — you’ll leave with stories you’ll be telling for years

Meals Included

8 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 4 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD125-165 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Baños
- Heiße Quellen (4USD pro Person)
- Mountainbiken (10USD pro Person)
- Reiten (25USD pro Person)
- Wanderung (Gratis)
- Wildwasser-Rafting (30USD pro Person)
- Baños Canyoning
- Visit Casa del Arbol
- Baños – Zipline-Bundle (25USD pro Person)

Start / Finish

von Quito

Transport

Public bus, private vehicle, taxi

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Shandia Community Erlebnis & Radtour, Shandia
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Discover-Moment: Baños
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Quito. Cacao and Chocolate Experience. Amazon Jungle Walk & Pimpilala Waterfalls Visit. Community Artisan Workshop Visit. Guayama Community Project Visit. La Carolina Park Orientation Walk. Free time in Tena, Baños, Quilotoa, & Quito. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Minimum Age 18+

The minimum age for this trip is 18 years

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

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

Day 2 Quito/Tena

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

Day 3 Tena

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?

Day 4 Tena/Baños

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

Day 5 Baños

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

Day 6 Baños/Quilotoa

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 of Julio Toaquiza, a pioneer in Tigua's artistic community.Here, you can meet local artisans, learn about their techniques, and even participate in workshops to create your own piece of art. 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?

Day 7 Quilotoa

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. Enjoy time at the bee farm where you will learn about the honey extraction process, and discover the ceramic art and 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

Day 8 Quilotoa/Quito

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

Day 9 Quito

Depart at any time. Or maybe stay longer to explore more of Quito on your own

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Day 2 Quito/Tena

Day 3 Tena

Day 4 Tena/Baños

Day 5 Baños

Opt to pre-book the "Baños Canyoning Adventure" or "Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include one of these optionals on your tour.

Day 6 Baños/Quilotoa

Day 7 Quilotoa

Day 8 Quilotoa/Quito

Day 9 Quito