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16-Day Active Ecuador

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Overview

Ecuador is a small country yet is uniquely endowed with dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Without ever leaving the country, you can move in a matter of hours from jungle to rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and then down to the Pacific Coast while observing a breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature.

En route, through this Ecuador adventure, you will follow the courses of rivers broad and narrow; rest along the shores of pristine lakes; explore mysterious caves and marvel at the unique plant and animal species that have evolved undisturbed on isolated islands in the Pacific the Galapagos Islands.

From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador's fascinating diversity that is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions continue to be formed by their immediate geographical environment.
Hiking & Trekking
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Adventure
Culture & Arts
Beach & Sea
Diving

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Quito and Drive to Otavalo

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Arrive in Quito and Drive to Otavalo

Take a 2-hour bus ride from Quito airport to Otavalo and appreciate the stunning landscapes: the arid and fertile Guayllabamba Gorge, the snow-capped Cayambe volcano that represents the highest point on the equator line in the world, and the San Pablo Lake with its stunning backgrounds that offer picture-worthy panoramas.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Palmeras Inn3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Bus from Quito to Otavalo

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Imbabura Province

Day 2

Kayaking and Otavalo Market

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Kayaking and Otavalo Market

Look forward to a morning of kayaking on Lake San Pablo, at the foot of the Imbabura volcano where you'll explore the area surrounding the lake. In the “Plaza de Los Ponchos”, wander around Otavalo’s famous handicrafts market. Here, the colourful stalls are filled with an excellent selection of handwoven crafts: belts, tapestries, ponchos, carpets, sweaters, and more. This is the perfect place to get yourself or your loved ones a souvenir!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Palmeras Inn3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Laguna San Pablo Kayaking

    Otavalo Market

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Imbabura Province

    Otavalo

Day 3

Mojanda Lagoons Hike

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Mojanda Lagoons Hike

Today continue towards the Mojanda lagoons, located 15 km south of Otavalo, at an elevation of 3,700 metres (12,139ft.). Hike for approximately 2 km and appreciate the stunning landscapes, two smaller lagoons, and the crater lake “Laguna Grande de Mojanda". This is a spectacular landscape that has been formed by volcanoes where a total of five lakes can be found. Return to Otavalo later in the afternoon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Las Palmeras Inn3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mojanda Lake Walks

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Otavalo to Mojanda Lake

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Imbabura Province

Day 4

Drive to Quito via Peguche and Cayambe

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Drive to Quito via Peguche and Cayambe

Head to the quiet village of Peguche. Walk along the trail through the eucalyptus forest to the 18-metre high waterfall. For the Incas, this was a sacred location during Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) celebrated in June. Today, pilgrims still bathe here before religious ceremonies. Drive to Quito. Located near Cayambe, about 47km north of Quito, the Quitsato Sundial monument is situated exactly on the equator.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cascada de Peguche

    Quitsato Sundial

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Otavalo to Quito

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Imbabura Province

    Pichincha

    Quito

Day 5

City Tour of Quito

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City Tour of Quito

Take a ride on South America’s highest cable car, reaching an altitude of 4,050 metres to appreciate Quito from above. Walk around the trekking routes by Pichincha volcano, or relax in a nice café. Afterwards, start your city tour in Quito’s old town. Walk to the Independence Square to the archbishop’s palace, the metropolitan cathedral, and the municipal palace. Visit “La Compañia” church, one of the most important Spanish Baroque works in Latin America dating back to the 18th century.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Teleférico Quito

    Quito Old Town

    Quito City Tour

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

Day 6

Drive to the Cotopaxi Region

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Drive to the Cotopaxi Region

From Quito, drive along the “Avenue of Volcanoes” with views of the Andes Mountains until you see Cotopaxi volcano in the background. Located 55km south of the capital, the “Shining Peak” (in Kichwa language), is the second-highest mountain in Ecuador with an altitude of 5,897 metres and one of the world’s active volcanoes. Go on a 2-hour horseback ride and enjoy the Ecuadorian highlands while you learn about “chagras”: the local cowboys who live in private properties known as “haciendas”.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Tierra del Volcán El Porvenir3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cotopaxi National ParkOptional Activity

    Horse Riding with by Tierra del Volcán

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Quito to Cotopaxi

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Cotopaxi Province

    Pichincha

Day 7

Isinlivi to Chugchilan Trekking

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Isinlivi to Chugchilan Trekking

In the morning drive to the small village Isinlivi. Today you hike for about 5 hours from Isinlivi to Chugchilan and enjoy the picturesque Andean highlands. When you arrive in Chugchilan, you'll be free to explore or rest after your day of trekking.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hostal Mama Hilda

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Isinlivi to Chugchilan (5 hours/7 miles)

    ChugchilánOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Pichincha

    Cotopaxi Province

    Chugchilán

Day 8

Trek Chugchilan to Quilotoa

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Trek Chugchilan to Quilotoa

After breakfast, your 5 hours hike starts in the tiny village Chugchilan. You pass a few small villages on the way and can observe the living situation of the habitants. You will reach a pine forest and continue along a dirt road uphill. Finally, you reach the cráter rim and follow it to the village of Quilotoa, a spectacular crater lake.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hostería Rumipamba de Las Rosas3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Chugchilan to Quilotoa (6 hours/9 miles)

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Quilotoa Lake to Salcedo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chugchilán

    Cotopaxi Province

    Salcedo

Day 9

Explore the Devil's Cauldron Waterfall

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Explore the Devil's Cauldron Waterfall

From Salcedo, drive down into the jungle. As the temperature decreases, appreciate the lush landscapes filled with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids as you arrive to Misahualli. As you go to the east of Baños, follow the river and admire the views over the Amazon basin. Then, take a short and easy hike for about 2km to the Devil’s Cauldron waterfall. Enjoy the verdant forest landscape, walk along the hanging bridge, and get splashed by the waterfall’s plunging water as you explore.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Jungle Lodge El Jardin Aleman3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    El Pailon Del Diablo

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Salcedo to Puerto Misahuallí

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Salcedo

    Banos

    Tena

Day 10

Explore the Amazon

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Explore the Amazon

After breakfast, go to the Misahualli about 4km from the lodge. Start your canoe tour to the “Misicocha” protected forest. Hike through the forest, keeping your eyes open for toucans, parrots, and small monkeys while learning about different medicinal plants. Enjoy lunch surrounded by nature. Then, ride the canoe upstream to an indigenous village. The community will teach you their traditional dance. Browse through their handicrafts and support their work before returning to the lodge.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Jungle Lodge El Jardin Aleman3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Excursion around El Jardin Aleman

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tena

    Provincia de Napo

Day 11

Whitewater Rafting and Return to Quito

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Whitewater Rafting and Return to Quito

The Jatun Yacu River is a blast for experienced rafters and the beginning of a whitewater addiction for of first-timers. Flowing off the Amazon side of the Andes they have some of the longest navigable sections of whitewater in the country. Combine this with the sights and sounds of the rainforest and you are guaranteed a day to remember. We will fit you with life jackets and helmets, give you a safety briefing and train you in the paddling techniques needed. After rafting, return to Quito.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    San Jose de Puembo Quito Airport, an Ascend Hotel Collection

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Jatun Yacu River Rafting

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Puerto Misahuallí to Quito

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Tena

    Provincia de Napo

    Quito

Day 12

Fly to the Galapagos

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Fly to the Galapagos

Today you will be taken to the airport in Quito to take your flight to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are the highlight of every Ecuador trip; it is the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes in the world. Walk to Frigate Bird Hill, just outside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. From here, see some of the nicest views of the town and the bay. Keep your eyes out for the great and magnificent frigate birds and learn to differentiate them to begin your Galapagos adventure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Katarma3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mirador Cerro Tijeretas

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Quito to San Cristobal

    Private Driver from Airport Isla San Cristobal to Katarma

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Galápagos Islands

    Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Day 13

Lobos Island Boat Trip

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Lobos Island Boat Trip

From Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, take a 1h boat ride to Lobos Islet. This small, flat, peaceful island got its name from the sea lion colonies living here. Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies in their nesting areas or marine iguanas feeding on algae among submerged boulders. Dive into the crystal clear waters to swim, snorkel or dive with curious and friendly sea lions and explore the incredible marine life. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Katarma3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Lobos Island Snorkelling

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Isla Lobos

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

    Galápagos Islands

Day 14

Travel to Santa Cruz and Explore

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Travel to Santa Cruz and Explore

You will be transferred on a speed boat to Santa Cruz Island which is about 2 hours away. From Puerto Ayora, walk about 3.2km to Tortuga bay, one of the longest white sandy beaches in the archipelago. Along its shores, keep an eye out for marine iguanas, sharks, sea turtles, and migratory birds. On the west, a rocky edge divides the beach and creates a calm cove ideal to swim around the bay

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Villa Laguna3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tortuga Bay

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Santa Cruz

    Walking from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

    Ecuador

    Puerto Ayora

Day 15

Full-Day Boat Trip around the Galapagos Islands

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Full-Day Boat Trip around the Galapagos Islands

During a full day boat excursion you’ll visit one of the islands North Seymour, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. Each of the islands has its own significant beauty to offer and regardless which you’ll visit, you’ll definitely enjoy your time there are you witness the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos. Lunch on board in between explore the islands and snorkelling offshore.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Villa Laguna3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Full-Day Boat Excursion around the Galapagos

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Boat from Puerto Ayora to North Seymour Island

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Puerto Ayora

    Galápagos Islands

Day 16

Departure from the Galapagos

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Departure from the Galapagos

This is the last day of your Ecuador adventure. In the morning, transfer to Baltra airport and take a flight to Quito or Guayaquil for your departure. On the way to the airport, you will visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve “El Chato” in the Santa Cruz highlands, one of the few places where you can see these giants in their natural habitat.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Puerto Ayora to Seymour Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Puerto Ayora

    Galápagos Islands

Included in Price

  • 15 nights accommodation
  • 19 activities
  • 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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