Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Ecuador experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
This is the perfect introduction to mainland Ecuador - an itinerary that includes a diverse mixture of experiences and climates as well as truly breath-taking scenery. Ecuador has some incredible contrasts in ecosystems thanks to variances in elevations due to the Andes running like a backbone through the country. This means that, within a relatively small country, you don’t have to travel far to have a great mix of amazing experiences. The contrasts could not be greater between the elegance of a former colonial city, the rugged and colourful rural Andean villages and the dense steamy rainforest and traditional communities of the Amazon Basin.
Start with a few days exploring fascinating colonial Quito, a perfect city to explore on foot around its historic centre and perhaps with a ride up its cable car for superb views. A short flight from the city and then a river boat journey brings you to the staggering biodiversity of the tropical Ecuadorian Amazon. After spotting howler monkeys, tree frogs and caiman from your jungle lodge, return to the cooler Andean highlands north of Quito for a few days of well-earned relaxation! You will spend your final few nights in a hacienda near to the bustling and colourful market town of Otavalo.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Ecuador holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
Fly to Quito. You will be greeted by our friendly representatives and transferred into the city. Your guide will give you an overview to help you make the most of your time.
Your tour of Quito will focus around the impressive plazas and cobbled streets of the Old Town, as well as taking in a few of the city’s viewpoints. You will continue north to visit the equator line, where you can straddle both the northern and southern hemispheres.
You have time at leisure to explore the city. For wildlife enthusiasts, you may like to arrange a trip to the cloudforest, or perhaps to visit the famous Cotopaxi National Park. These things can be arranged locally.
An early start for your flights to the biodiverse Amazon rainforest. You will be greeted and transferred deep into the Yasuni National Park by a combination of vehicle, motor canoe and paddle boat. Here you will find the impressive jungle lodge, your home for the next three nights. All activities and meals will be included during your stay, as well as the services of an experienced naturalist guide.
Mornings offer the best chance to spot wildlife, so be prepared for early starts and busy days of wildlife spotting! Typical activities include nature walks, canopy tower climbs and leisurely trips by paddle canoe. Your expert naturalist guide will scan the tree tops and water’s edge, pointing out lurking caiman, playful river otters or perhaps a swooping colourful macaw along the way.
Many lodges are set in dense forest with surrounding walking trails to explore on foot. Your specialist guide will take you in search of the curious amphibians, plants, insects and birds. You may visit the impressive clay lick, where patience is usually rewarded with spectacular views of parrots and macaws.
Fly back to civilisation. You will be transferred into the spectacular Otavalo region. You will stay in a remote hacienda near Otavalo.
Up to an hours’ drive from your hacienda you will find the impressive bustling Otavalo market town. Spend a few hours exploring with your guide to learn about the history, culture and colourful range of produce on offer. The market town can be visited any day of the week, but the activity is in its full flow on Saturdays when there is also a livestock market.
Day at leisure to relax, explore the stunning surroundings or perhaps take a horse ride. Activities can be arranged locally.
You will be transferred back to Quito for your flights home.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Dawn and Louise are dedicated to all things Ecuador and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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