Itinerary - Ecuador 360°: from the Andes to the Amazon

Flights to/from the UK are not included in the package, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred departure airport, time, and airline.

Upon arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, we will check-in to our hotel and have a welcome meeting. Quito, also known as San Francisco de Quito, is situated in the central-northern region of the country and is home to over two million people. This vibrant city serves as the political and economic hub of Ecuador and boasts a rich cultural and tourist scene. We will kick off this adventure with a celebratory toast, marking the beginning of our journey together.

Did you know that Quito sits almost 3,000 meters above sea level? Today, we will take it easy to give our bodies time to acclimate to the altitude.

We have several options for the day, including a visit to the famous Otavalo market, known for its indigenous handicrafts. We can also explore some of the stunning sights outside the city.

On our way to Otavalo, we can stop in Cayambe to taste and learn about the city's famous bizcochos, a local biscuit. Upon arrival at the Otavalo market, you'll have the chance to browse through the various stalls and witness the daily life of the locals. We'll then head to the picturesque Laguna Cuicocha, located in a volcanic crater and boasting two lush green islands. Our last stop will be Cotacachi, a town famous for its leather goods.

Alternatively, for those seeking a more active day, we can organize a high-adrenaline experience complete with a zip line and tubing along the river. You don't have to decide now, but keep it in mind as an option!

Greetings, Weroaders! Today, we have no excuses as we've successfully acclimated and are ready to kick off the adventure!

We'll rise early to make our way to the Cotopaxi National Park. The park is home to three volcanoes, including the famous Cotopaxi, which is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. Although climbing the Cotopaxi is quite challenging and not part of our itinerary, it remains the second highest volcano in Ecuador at 5,897 meters above sea level. The untouched natural beauty that surrounds the area is what makes it so fascinating. The park is home to over 90 species of birds, including hummingbirds, alpine condors, caracaras, ducks, Andean gulls, and lapwings. You may also spot some mammals like deer, hares, Andean foxes, and pumas. We'll take the winding paths that weave through the park, taking a hike through the snow-capped volcano's base. Keep your eyes open for foxes, white-tailed deer, and Brazilian rabbits, all of which call this area home. We're off to an excellent start, don't you think?

Prepare to be amazed as we arrive at Quilotoa, a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe. The view from above is simply stunning, and as we descend to the lakeshore before ascending the steep walls of the caldera, Quilotoa will literally take your breath away, especially since we are at almost 4,000 meters above sea level.

Located on the caldera of a dormant volcano formed in 1280, following the last eruption of the volcano, Lake Quilotoa is one of the must-see stops on any Ecuador trip. The intense blue and turquoise reflections of the water, combined with the greenery of the surrounding mountains and the white clouds in the sky, create a perfect picture - like a real painting that we will walk into!

Salasaca is a community located in the Tungurahua province of central Ecuador, and we have the pleasure of visiting it! The Salasacas reside here and speak only Spanish and Quichua. Agriculture, livestock, and handicrafts are the main economic activities of this community. The Salasacas use ancient looms to weave handcrafted tapestries, many of which depict various aspects of their daily lives. In the central square of Salasaca, there is a market known as the "Square of the Arts" where these beautiful handicrafts can be found. We will enjoy lunch in the community before continuing our journey towards Banos.

Good morning, Baños! Today we start our day in Baños de Agua Santa, a charming small town that has become increasingly popular among backpackers from all over Ecuador. And it's no surprise why! Here, we can find not only waterfalls, hot springs, and picture-perfect spots for Instagram addicts, but also a plethora of adventure sports to choose from.

So, let's grab our raincoats, fellow travelers, and start with the "ruta de las cascadas" (route of the waterfalls) until we reach "el Pailón del Diablo", a stunning waterfall that can be accessed through a lush green path.

Afterward, we'll make a quick stop at Casa Del Arbol where those who are interested can swing on the famous swing that seems to be suspended in the air (warning for Instagram addicts!). Then, we'll take a dip in the warm thermal waters, perhaps while waiting for the sunset with a refreshing cold beer in hand. Who knows what Baños de Agua Santa will offer us at night, between its lively nightlife and colourful festivals!

Today, we have some leisure time to enjoy before embarking on our next adventure. We will take a private transfer to Tena in the Amazon region where we will spend the next two nights. But before we get there, we've already received a dinner invitation, which we simply cannot refuse! We will have the pleasure of sharing a meal with the Valencian community, and if we're up for it, we can also go on a night hike to explore the forest after dinner. Exciting, isn't it?

After a restful night, we wake up to the sounds of the jungle and the smell of fresh coffee. We will have a delicious breakfast and then have the entire day to ourselves to explore the surroundings. For those seeking adrenaline, we have plenty of options. One of the most popular activities in the Amazon is river rafting. The rivers in the region are fast and turbulent, making for a thrilling ride. You will be equipped with safety gear and a guide to navigate the rapids. The experience is unforgettable and will leave you feeling exhilarated. If you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of jungle adventures to choose from. You can go on a guided hike through the forest, learning about the plants and animals that call it home. You might even spot some monkeys swinging from the trees or a colourful macaw flying overhead. Another option is a canopy walk, which allows you to walk on suspended bridges high up in the trees. It's a unique perspective of the rainforest and a chance to see the flora and fauna from a different angle. Of course, there are those who just want to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the Amazon. You can take a leisurely boat ride down the river or find a quiet spot to meditate and connect with nature. There are also natural hot springs in the area, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of adventure. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to take it all in and appreciate the beauty and wonder of this amazing place.

As we bid farewell to the Amazon and make our way back to Quito, we can't help but feel a mix of emotions - excitement for the adventures we've had, nostalgia for the places we've visited and a sense of contentment for the experiences we've shared with new friends.

But before we reach our final destination, we have one last stop to make - the rejuvenating Papallacta Baths. As we enter the protected area of Canyon Ranch, we're greeted with breathtaking views of the majestic Antisana volcano that looms in the distance.

We have a range of activities to choose from today - we can explore the scenic surroundings on foot, take in the fresh mountain air and perhaps even spot some of the local wildlife. Or we can indulge in a luxurious spa treatment, soaking in the natural thermal waters that have been hailed for their therapeutic benefits. As the day winds down and we begin our journey back to Quito, we can't help but feel grateful for this unforgettable experience. We may be leaving Ecuador, but the memories we've made on this trip will stay with us forever.

On our final day in Ecuador, we have two options to choose from. The first one is to explore the city in the morning and visit its various attractions, and then spend the afternoon shopping for traditional souvenirs. Alternatively, we can go on an excursion outside the city, which we previously decided to skip on the second day of our trip. However, regardless of what we choose, we will all come together for dinner in the evening to reminisce about the unforgettable moments of this adventure and raise a toast to the end of our journey.

Time to go back home: see you again on your next WeRoad adventure!