Amazing Ecuador

From the peaks of the Andes to the Amazon jungles; enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife, artisan markets, and rafting along the way

No country fits such incredible diversity into such a small area. Our Amazing Ecuador adventure combines two days of hiking in the Andes near the famous market town of Otavalo, three days in the Amazon at the lodge the Lonely Planet guidebook calls the best example of ecotourism in Ecuador, and rafting the Rios Toachi and Blanco outside Quito. We are guests of ecotourism projects in both the Andes and Amazon, providing us a unique view of local communities along with the wildlife and spectacular mountain scenery. This is adventure travel at its finest! Days 1-3, Quito and the Andes highlands With its colonial architecture and views of nearby snowcapped mountains • Shop the local market in Otavalo, known for fine weavings and tapestries • Hike Lake Cuicocha and the extinct volcano Fuya Fuya, up to almost 14,000 feet. Experience rural life in a small Andean farming town Days 4-6, Yachana Lodge and the Amazon Basin Scenic flight over the Andes, into the Amazon • Boat up the Rio Napo to Yachana Lodge, called the best ecotourism project in Ecuador• Hike rainforest trails • Birdwatching and night hike • Paddle a dugout canoe • Meet a native healer and learn a healing ceremony • Savor traditional foods of Ecuador with a local Yachana twist. Days 7-9, Quito colonial city tour and rafting Rios Toachi and Blanco Boat downriver to Coca and fly back to Quito • Tour of old colonial Quito • Scenic drive down the steep western flank of the Andes • Raft the Class III Rios Toachi and Blanco • Depart for Galapagos extension or back home After a day of rafting down the western slope of the Andes, we offer several extension options to experience the evolutionary wonder of the Galapagos Islands. While the Galapagos is a highlight to any Ecuador trip, we think you'll find the Andes and Amazon equally memorable....more