Ecuador Active Adventure

Once you have arrived in Quito, make your way to the hotel. Set high in the Andes and straddling the equator, Quito is one of South America’s most atmospheric capitals. Its historic centre is among the best-preserved colonial quarters on the continent and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its churches, plazas and centuries-old architecture.

Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and begin exploring independently. You can wander through the old town, visit a local café, or simply relax after your journey and adjust to the altitude.

Later in the day, we gather at 6 PM at the hotel to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead with a welcome briefing. This first day is designed to ease you into Ecuador and provide time to rest before the adventure begins.

Quito – Cotopaxi National Park – Banos. After breakfast, depart Quito and travel south along Ecuador's famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, one of the country's most scenic routes. Along the way, admire the patchwork of colourful Andean farmland and dramatic mountain landscapes as you ascend to an altitude of approximately 3,657 metres (12,000 feet).

On arrival at Cotopaxi National Park, enjoy a hike around the picturesque Limpiopungo Lagoon, located in the foothills of Rumiñahui Volcano. From here, take in spectacular views of Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes and an iconic symbol of Ecuador.

This afternoon, continue through the rugged landscapes of Llanganates National Park, a region steeped in legend and often referred to as the Sacred Mountains. The journey then takes you to the lively town of Banos, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon Basin. The evening is at leisure to explore the town's vibrant atmosphere, with its restaurants, bars and bustling nightlife.

Trekking Time: approximately 3 hours
Trekking Distance: approximately 6.4 km

This morning we set off by mountain bike from Llanganates National Park towards the spectacular Pastaza River Canyon. As we descend through the cloud forest, take in the region's lush scenery, passing Andean farms, dramatic canyon landscapes and a series of waterfalls along the way.

The route offers breathtaking views over Banos, a vibrant town set in a spectacular location at the foothills of Tungurahua Volcano, one of Ecuador's most famous active volcanoes. This afternoon, enjoy time to explore Banos at leisure before visiting the iconic Swing at the End of the World, the scenic viewpoint made famous by the winning photograph of the 2014 National Geographic Photo Contest.

Biking Time: approximately 3 hours
Biking Distance: approximately 32 km

Banos - Llanganates National Park. This morning, we travel along Banos' famous Route of the Waterfalls, a scenic journey through lush valleys and dramatic mountain landscapes. Our first stop is the striking Bride's Veil Waterfall, where we'll cross the Pastaza River by cable car for spectacular views of the surrounding canyon.

We continue to the impressive Pailon del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) Waterfall, one of Ecuador's most powerful and spectacular cascades, where a short hike brings you close to the thundering falls.

Later, we venture deeper into the pristine wilderness of Llanganates National Park. Named after the indigenous word for "beautiful mountain", this remote and mysterious region is steeped in legend. According to local folklore, the Incas hid vast quantities of gold here over 600 years ago, and generations of explorers have searched the dense jungle in vain.

Accompanied by a local guide, we enjoy a hike through the tropical rainforest, passing through waterfall-carved canyons while learning about the remarkable flora and fauna that thrive in this biodiverse environment. This evening, experience authentic local hospitality with an overnight stay at a simple jungle lodge operated by a Kichwa indigenous family.

This morning, we prepare our equipment for an exciting white-water rafting adventure on the Jatunyacu River, located just a short drive from our lodge. Surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest, this beautiful river offers the perfect combination of adventure and stunning scenery.

Following a comprehensive safety briefing from our expert rafting guides, we set off on a thrilling Class III rafting expedition along the Jatunyacu's crystal-clear waters. As we navigate the exhilarating rapids, there will be opportunities to enjoy fun group activities and explore one of the river's scenic canyons.

At the end of our rafting journey, we stop for a picnic lunch prepared by our guides before beginning the drive back into the Andes. This evening, we arrive in Papallacta, a picturesque mountain destination renowned for its natural hot springs. Here, we can relax and unwind in the soothing volcanic pools, surrounded by the cool mountain scenery of the high Andes.

Papallacta – Otavalo. This morning, we visit the famous Otavalo Market, one of South America's most renowned indigenous markets. Meet members of the local Otavalo community and learn about their traditions, culture and way of life as we browse colourful stalls selling handcrafted textiles, alpaca products, jewellery, ceramics and other artisan goods.

Later, we travel to the Andean village of Pijal to visit Sacha WarmiKuna ("Women of the Mountain"), a community project that supports local women through sustainable income opportunities while preserving traditional skills and cultural heritage.

During our visit, we take part in the preparation of ají, a traditional Ecuadorian sauce, before enjoying a home-cooked lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We also learn about traditional weaving techniques and have the opportunity to purchase handcrafted textiles directly from the women who create them, helping to support the local community.

Otavalo – Cuicocha Crater Lake – Quito. This morning, we set out towards the Cotacachi–Cayapas Ecological Reserve, home to the striking Cuicocha Crater Lake. Formed within the caldera of an active volcano, the lake is known for its deep blue waters and steep crater walls, set against a backdrop of cloud forest.

We begin a guided trek along the crater rim, following a well-maintained trail that circles the lake. Along the way, our guide introduces us to native plant species and explains the volcanic history that shaped this landscape. Weather permitting, there may be views of surrounding peaks rising above the crater.

After completing the trek, we take a boat ride out onto the lake, allowing us to experience the caldera from within and observe signs of volcanic activity beneath the water’s surface.

We then begin our journey back to Quito, where we check into our hotel.

Hiking Time:4.5 hours
Hiking Distance: 4.82 km

After a final breakfast, our adventure ends.