8-day action-packed Ecuador adventure
This 8-day, adventure-packed tour of Ecuador takes you from the Andean highlands to the Amazon Rainforest. Charged with adrenalin and filled with wildlife wonders, it will be one to remember and can easily be combined with a tour of the Galapagos Islands.
You'll begin in the capital city of Quito before hitting the famous downhill biking route of Nono-Mindo. The track winds its way from the Guagua Pichincha Volcano into the cloud forests of Mindo. You'll also zoom through the forest canopy on a zip-lining excursion and hike in the Cotopaxi National Park.
The fun and thrills don't end there: you'll cruise to the Devil's Cauldron Waterfall by bike, try your hand at white-water rafting on the Jatunyacu River, and soak away any aches and pains in a natural hot spring high in the Andes.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in double rooms in hotels as per the itinerary
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure days
- Land transfers as per the itinerary with an English-speaking driver
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
Optional:
- Hotel accommodation upgrades
Itinerary at a Glance
Quito
Arrival in Ecuador
Quito - Mindo
Biking the Nono-Mindo route
Mindo - Cotopaxi
Zip-lining & journey to Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi - Banos
Striking volcano views
Banos - Misahualli
Waterfalls biking tour
Misahualli - Papallacta
Whitewater rafting & hot springs
Papallacta - Laguna De Cuicocha
The otherworldly Cuicocha Crater Lake
Laguna De Cuicocha - Quito
Homeward or onward
Detailed Itinerary
Quito
Day 1: Arrival in Ecuador
Upon arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be taken by private transfer to your hotel in the city center - a journey of approximately 45 minutes. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the old town of Quito or relaxing at your hotel.
Quito - Mindo
Day 2: Biking the Nono-Mindo route
The Nono-Mindo downhill biking tour begins north of Quito at an altitude of 3,500m, and descends to 1,800m. This adventurous day out consists of 70.8km (44 miles) of biking, down from the highlands and the Guagua Pichincha Volcano into the cloud forest of Mindo.
The route offers great opportunities for birdwatching and picturesque views of the Ecuadorian landscape - perfect for both nature lovers and experienced bikers. During the tour, you will pass through various ecological and climatic zones, featuring a wealth of plant and animal life.
Mindo - Cotopaxi
Day 3: Zip-lining & journey to Cotopaxi
Today, head high into the Mindo cloud forest on a zip-lining tour of the forest canopy. You’ll get to soar over the cloud forest on high wires for a whole different perspective of its natural beauty. If you're lucky, you'll see birds flying alongside you and witness the canopy's wildlife all around.
Back down at ground level, head on foot to the river for a refreshing swim. Later on, you'll hit the road for a journey to your next destination, Cotopaxi.
Cotopaxi - Banos
Day 4: Striking volcano views
After breakfast, set off into the Cotopaxi National Park for a hiking tour around the Limpiopungo Lagoon, in the foothills of the Rumiñahui Volcano. From here, enjoy wonderful views of the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world.
In the afternoon, continue by road to the town of Baños on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. Here, you can indulge in an evening of cocktails and even salsa dancing, if you're feeling up for it!
Banos - Misahualli
Day 5: Waterfalls biking tour
After breakfast, set out on a waterfalls tour by bicycle. Cycling is a wonderful way to explore this beautiful terrain, dotted with impressive waterfalls. The route covers 15km between the Sangay and Llanganates National Parks, and features one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country - the Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron), right at the end of the tour.
Later, you'll hit the road again for an onward journey to Misahualli, to check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
Misahualli - Papallacta
Day 6: Whitewater rafting & hot springs
This morning, prepare your gear to paddle the wild waves of the Jatunyacu River, just a five-minute drive from the hotel.
The beauty of this river will inspire you and reveal the magic of the Amazon Rainforest. After a very important safety briefing from your rafting guides, start your Class III whitewater rafting expedition down the Jatunyacu River, known for its clear waters and awesome rapids. Have fun playing games and exploring the canyons, and by the end of this adventure, stop for a picnic lunch prepared by your guides.
Finish the day with a drive back up to the village of Papallacta, where you'll stay the night and recharge in volcanic hot springs high in the cool Andes.
Papallacta - Laguna De Cuicocha
Day 7: The otherworldly Cuicocha Crater Lake
After a healthy breakfast, take a very short drive to the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve to marvel at the Cuicocha Crater Lake. Today's adventure will take you on a trek around the lake, at the foot of the Cotacachi Volcano. Your guide will point out the wonderful wildlife en route, including the many beautiful flowers that dot the trail.
At the end of the hike, take a boat ride to the center of the crater to observe the volcano's geothermal activity. As you glide across the water, you will see bubbles rising from the center of the caldera - a truly unforgettable sight! Finally, disembark and return to your hotel for a relaxing last evening of the tour.
Laguna De Cuicocha - Quito
Day 8: Homeward or onward
Today, it's time to check out of your hotel and head back to Quito. You may wish to continue your adventures, exploring more of Ecuador's mainland or venturing to the Galapagos Islands, before heading back to the international airport for your flight home. Either way, have a safe onward journey!
