G Adventures
Save 20%Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru · 51 days · Active
fromCAD 8,919
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
If you want to sample the region’s highlights without sacrificing some of its lesser-known gems, there’s no better way to experience Ecuador's dramatic scenery and colourful people. Visit the Amazon and a shaman apprentice for an incredible introduction to indigenous culture of the jungle. Staying in simple hotels and homestays and using public transport will keep you grounded in the local customs and culture. We'll travel from the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to relaxing Pacific beaches and mountain hot springs. This adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Ecuador
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Head down winding roads to the Amazon Basin…Descend into the Amazon Jungle region. Watch the scenery change dramatically heading away from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest.
AmazonDescend into the Amazon Jungle region. Watch the scenery change dramatically heading away from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest.
Day 3Enjoy a free day in TenaAmazon
AmazonEnjoy a free day in Tena, opt to visit an animal rescue centre or go whitewater rafting. Later, head to a local Quichua community in a small Amazonian village to spend two nights in rustic jungle huts. Enjoy nature walks and visits with the local shaman.
Day 4Spend the day exploring the area around…
Spend the day exploring the area around the Quichua community and learn more about local life in the jungle.
Day 5Travel to Baños and enjoy the numerous outdoor…
Travel to Baños and enjoy the numerous outdoor optional activities available. Opt to go hiking, ziplining, or soak in the hot springs.
Day 6Enjoy free time to experience all this adventurous town has to offer
Enjoy free time to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.
Day 7Travel to Alausí via Riobamba and take…
Travel to Alausí via Riobamba and take in the architecture of this local town.
Day 8Board the train for an included excursion bound…Enjoy Ecuador's most spectacular train journey. The famed Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) ride descends in a spectacular display of engineering around stunning mountain terrain. The journey returns back to Alausí after more than 1000m (3280 ft) in elevation loss. After disembarking the train, journey south to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. Located at the mouth of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is also Ecuador's most important port. Spend the evening exploring the city's highlights including Bolivar Park, the Old South Market, and Barrio de las Penas. Take some time to stroll along the malecon (boardwalk) dotted with shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums. Opt for a boat ride down the Guayas River.
Enjoy Ecuador's most spectacular train journey. The famed Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) ride descends in a spectacular display of engineering around stunning mountain terrain. The journey returns back to Alausí after more than 1000m (3280 ft) in elevation loss. After disembarking the train, journey south to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. Located at the mouth of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is also Ecuador's most important port. Spend the evening exploring the city's highlights including Bolivar Park, the Old South Market, and Barrio de las Penas. Take some time to stroll along the malecon (boardwalk) dotted with shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums. Opt for a boat ride down the Guayas River.
Day 9Head to the beach town Puerto Lopez…Enjoy Puerto Lopez. Optional activities in the area include a trip to Isla de la Plata, hiking in Machalilla National Park, a visit to an archaeological site, diving, and snorkelling.
Enjoy Puerto Lopez. Optional activities in the area include a trip to Isla de la Plata, hiking in Machalilla National Park, a visit to an archaeological site, diving, and snorkelling.
Day 10Enjoy free time to exploreOther optional activities in the area include day trips to Isla de La Plata, with colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies and a number of other sea birds. Visitors usually come to view migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular activities in the area.
Other optional activities in the area include day trips to Isla de La Plata, with colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies and a number of other sea birds. Visitors usually come to view migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular activities in the area.
Day 11Enjoy free time to exploreOther optional activities in the area include day trips to Isla de La Plata, with colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies and a number of other sea birds. Visitors usually come to view migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular activities in the area.
Other optional activities in the area include day trips to Isla de La Plata, with colonies of nesting blue-footed boobies and a number of other sea birds. Visitors usually come to view migrating whales (June to October) and dolphins around the island. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular activities in the area.
Day 12Spend another full day in Puerto López before…Quito
QuitoSpend another full day in Puerto López before an overnight bus to Quito.
Day 13Arrive in the morning and enjoy a free…Quito
QuitoArrive in the morning and enjoy a free day in Quito. Opt to take a city tour, ride the cable car up the nearby volcano or relax in one of the city's many cafés and restaurants.
Day 14Travel to the indigenous community of San Clemente
Travel to the indigenous community of San Clemente. Interact with the locals and learn about their traditional ways during a homestay. Opt to enjoy a cultural evening and show with typical food.
Day 15Spend a full day here with optional hikes…
Spend a full day here with optional hikes to learn about the area's medicinal plants or trek up the Imbabura Mountain. Interact with the locals and learn about their traditions.
Day 16Head to OtavaloExplore the largest handicrafts market in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
Explore the largest handicrafts market in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
Day 17Explore some more before travelling back to Quito…
QuitoExplore some more before travelling back to Quito in the afternoon for one final night out in the capital city.
Day 18Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Traveller reviews
“loved it,its a great tour.an extra daz in banos would have been good as there is alot to do and see.”
“great trip,really showed the variety ecuador has to offer,busy but enjoyable”
“Our leader, Giovanny, was fantastic. The other group members were great. The trip was a whole lot of fun. Overall, a wonderful trip!”
Discover Ecuador
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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