8-DAY MULTISPORT ECUADOR ONCE IN A LIFETIME JT
8-DAY MULTISPORT ECUADOR ONCE IN A LIFETIME JT
8 DAYS
Trip type
Activity Level
Service Level
Small Group Departure
Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the planet’s most biodiversity and spectacular geography. Witness the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes while hiking and biking on the slopes of the Andes. Explore the waterfall canyons and raft along the Jatunyacu River whose waters flow into the mighty Amazon River. Trek the Cuicocha Crater Lake rim and spend an evening relaxing in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta. Experience truly unique cultural encounters like spending an evening with an indigenous family in the Amazon, learning about their customs, food, knowledge, and lifestyle. For the one with an adventurous spirit, this expedition is certain to serve your appetite.
Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the planet’s most biodiversity and spectacular geography. Witness the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes while hiking and biking on the slopes of the Andes. Explore the waterfall canyons and raft along the Jatunyacu River whose waters flow into the mighty Amazon River. Trek the Cuicocha Crater Lake rim and spend an evening relaxing in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta. Experience truly unique cultural encounters like spending an evening with an indigenous family in the Amazon, learning about their customs, food, knowledge, and lifestyle. For the one with an adventurous spirit, this expedition is certain to serve your appetite.
Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the planet’s most biodiversity and spectacular geography. Witness the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes while hiking and biking on the slopes of the Andes. Explore the waterfall canyons and raft along the Jatunyacu River whose waters flow into the mighty Amazon River. Trek the Cuicocha Crater Lake rim and spend an evening relaxing in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta. Experience truly unique cultural encounters like spending an evening with an indigenous family in the Amazon, learning about their customs, food, knowledge, and lifestyle. For the one with an adventurous spirit, this expedition is certain to serve your appetite.
Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the planet’s most biodiversity and spectacular geography. Witness the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes while hiking and biking on the slopes of the Andes. Explore the waterfall canyons and raft along the Jatunyacu River whose waters flow into the mighty Amazon River. Trek the Cuicocha Crater Lake rim and spend an evening relaxing in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta. Experience truly unique cultural encounters like spending an evening with an indigenous family in the Amazon, learning about their customs, food, knowledge, and lifestyle. For the one with an adventurous spirit, this expedition is certain to serve your appetite.
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation.
Accommodation
Accommodation based on double occupancy
Meals
7 breakfasts. 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Outdoor Gear
Top-tier gear for the activities described in the Itinerary
Activities
Activities described in the itinerary
AJ Expert
Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure
Is this tour for me?
Would you like a quote for this tour?
TRIP ACTIVITIES
TRIP OVERVIEW
Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the planet’s most biodiversity and spectacular geography. Witness the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes while hiking and biking on the slopes of the Andes. Explore the waterfall canyons and raft along the Jatunyacu River whose waters flow into the mighty Amazon River. Trek the Cuicocha Crater Lake rim and spend an evening relaxing in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta. Experience truly unique cultural encounters like spending an evening with an indigenous family in the Amazon, learning about their customs, food, knowledge, and lifestyle. For the one with an adventurous spirit, this expedition is certain to serve your appetite.
Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: In-flight.
After breakfast, we leave Quito, driving south along the gorgeous Avenue of Volcanoes and taking in the colorful Andean fields. On our way, we will reach 12,000 feet. (3657 meters). After arriving at Cotopaxi National Park, we will go hiking around Limpiopungo lagoon in the foothills of Rumiñahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano. In the afternoon, we continue our drive towards the Llanganates National Park, known as the sacred mountain, until we reach the town of Baños, located at the entrance of the Amazon. Here we can enjoy the best nightlife by drinking cocktails and dancing.Trekking Activity Level – Moderate. This adventure is at high elevation; make sure you drink a lot of water or coca tea (in case of altitude sickness). The trail is on dirt, surrounded by bushes and grass.
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Trekking Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet (366 meters)
Minimum Elevation: 12700 feet (3870 meters)
Maximum Elevation: 13850 feet (4222 meters)
NOTE – If the weather and physical conditions are good, you may trek to the Basecamp, with a maximum elevation of 16000 feet. (488 meters)
What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece, hiking shoes, gloves, hat, buff, bring rain jacket and pants, water bottle, sun cream, binoculars
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: La Floresta or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
This morning we will ride mountain bikes from the Llanganates National Park to the Pastaza River Canyon, enjoying the beauty of the cloud forest’s unique climate. The road takes us through some Andean farms and a great canyon with many waterfalls; as we descend into the jungle, we will have a breathtaking view of Baños, a town well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, which has been active since 1999. The volcano is the main attraction of this region. In the afternoon, we will have some time to explore the town and visit The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo.
Biking Activity Level – Moderate: mostly downhill; the first 45 minutes are uphill, then just down. You will be riding on cobblestone and dirt roads for the first two hours, and 1 hour on asphalt.
Biking Time: 3 hours
Biking Distance: 20 miles (32.18 km)
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (152 meters)
Minimum Elevation while Biking: 5500 feet (1676 meters)
Maximum Elevation while Biking: 10450 feet (3185 meters)
NOTE – If you want to avoid the uphill, our transportation will always be available, and our driver will be happy to give you a ride until you decide to join the biking group.
What to wear today: Shorts, t-shirt, fleece, tennis shoes, buff, bring a rain jacket and pants, water bottle, sun cream, mosquito repellent.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: La Floresta or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏡 Accommodation: Amazon Homestay.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏡 Accommodation: Termas Papallacta
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
In the morning, we will visit Otavalo Market, where the Otavalo Indigenous people wear traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair. Learn all about their daily activities, typical food, and native language. Explore their famous handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries, and more at bargain prices.
Hands-on cultural experience – AJ Sustainable Sacha WarmiKuna women project.
For lunch, we will head to Pijal, a small village in the heart of the Andes, to visit one of AJ’s sustainable projects, Sacha WarmiKuna (women from the mountain). This is a fantastic effort developed by AJ and the local women, with the main purpose of supporting their families and strengthening women’s position in local society by providing alternative side work alongside housekeeping as a new source of income. Once at the project, you will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the true spirit of South American women and their skills in textiles and deep culinary knowledge passed down through generations. You will be part of preparing “Aji”, a local spicy sauce that is part of their identity; you will also share precious time with them and enjoy a tasty traditional lunch made with fresh products harvested the same day from the surrounding organic fields. Later, we will learn more about the weaving process of their textiles. Don’t miss the amazing opportunity to give back by buying handmade scarves here.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏡 Accommodation: Las Palmeras Inn
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, after a very healthy breakfast, we have a short drive to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. The main attraction here is the Cuicocha Crater Lake. Our adventure will take us on a trek around this still active volcano. Your guide will present you with many beautiful flowers along the trail. At the end of our hike, we will take a boat ride to the center of the crater to observe the volcano’s activity and see bubbles rising from the caldera floor.
Hiking Activity Level – moderate, this adventure will be on a very nice trail around Cuicocha Crater lake by a Cloud Forest, in the early morning will be possible to have great views of the snowed capped Cayambe volcano the trail can be a bit muddy so make sure you wear your hiking shoes.
Hiking Time: 4.5 hours
Hiking Distance: 9.3 miles (4.82 km)
Elevation Gain: 1300 feet (45.72 meters)
Minimum Elevation while hiking: 10400 feet (3169.92 meters)
Maximum Elevation: 1550 feet (472.4 meters)
What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece, hiking shoes, gloves, hat, buff, bring a rain jacket and pants, water bottle, sun cream, binoculars.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏡 Accommodation: Sheraton or similar
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Inclusions
What’s Included?
- Activities: Activities included in the itineraries.
- Accommodation: Double occupancy accommodation.
- Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.
- Meals: Meals described in the itinerary.
- Trekking or Hiking: Black Diamond trekking sticks
- Biking: Trek X Caliber MTB (hydraulic disc brakes, front Rock Shock suspension), Bontrager helmets, full finger gloves.
- Canyoning: rubber boots, ropes, harnesses.
- Rafting: Aire and NRS 7-person rafts, NRS life jackets, NRS paddles, splash jackets.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert, English-speaking adventure trip leader.
What is not included?
- International flights.
- My own room supplement
- Airport transfers (International flights)
- Travel insurance (suggested).
- Meals not described in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides, drivers and hotels.
Calendar & Price
RELATED TOURS
Active Adventure
Moderate to challenging
Standard
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation.
Accommodation
Accommodation based on double occupancy
Meals
7 breakfasts. 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Outdoor Gear
Top-tier gear for the activities described in the Itinerary
Activities
Activities described in the itinerary
AJ Expert
Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure
Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the planet’s most biodiversity and spectacular geography. Witness the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes while hiking and biking on the slopes of the Andes. Explore the waterfall canyons and raft along the Jatunyacu River whose waters flow into the mighty Amazon River. Trek the Cuicocha Crater Lake rim and spend an evening relaxing in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta. Experience truly unique cultural encounters like spending an evening with an indigenous family in the Amazon, learning about their customs, food, knowledge, and lifestyle. For the one with an adventurous spirit, this expedition is certain to serve your appetite.
Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: In-flight.
After breakfast, we leave Quito, driving south along the gorgeous Avenue of Volcanoes and taking in the colorful Andean fields. On our way, we will reach 12,000 feet. (3657 meters). After arriving at Cotopaxi National Park, we will go hiking around Limpiopungo lagoon in the foothills of Rumiñahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano. In the afternoon, we continue our drive towards the Llanganates National Park, known as the sacred mountain, until we reach the town of Baños, located at the entrance of the Amazon. Here we can enjoy the best nightlife by drinking cocktails and dancing.Trekking Activity Level – Moderate. This adventure is at high elevation; make sure you drink a lot of water or coca tea (in case of altitude sickness). The trail is on dirt, surrounded by bushes and grass.
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Trekking Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet (366 meters)
Minimum Elevation: 12700 feet (3870 meters)
Maximum Elevation: 13850 feet (4222 meters)
NOTE – If the weather and physical conditions are good, you may trek to the Basecamp, with a maximum elevation of 16000 feet. (488 meters)
What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece, hiking shoes, gloves, hat, buff, bring rain jacket and pants, water bottle, sun cream, binoculars
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: La Floresta or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
This morning we will ride mountain bikes from the Llanganates National Park to the Pastaza River Canyon, enjoying the beauty of the cloud forest’s unique climate. The road takes us through some Andean farms and a great canyon with many waterfalls; as we descend into the jungle, we will have a breathtaking view of Baños, a town well known for its spectacular location right at the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, which has been active since 1999. The volcano is the main attraction of this region. In the afternoon, we will have some time to explore the town and visit The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo.
Biking Activity Level – Moderate: mostly downhill; the first 45 minutes are uphill, then just down. You will be riding on cobblestone and dirt roads for the first two hours, and 1 hour on asphalt.
Biking Time: 3 hours
Biking Distance: 20 miles (32.18 km)
Elevation Gain: 500 feet (152 meters)
Minimum Elevation while Biking: 5500 feet (1676 meters)
Maximum Elevation while Biking: 10450 feet (3185 meters)
NOTE – If you want to avoid the uphill, our transportation will always be available, and our driver will be happy to give you a ride until you decide to join the biking group.
What to wear today: Shorts, t-shirt, fleece, tennis shoes, buff, bring a rain jacket and pants, water bottle, sun cream, mosquito repellent.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏨 Accommodation: La Floresta or similar.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏡 Accommodation: Amazon Homestay.
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏡 Accommodation: Termas Papallacta
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
In the morning, we will visit Otavalo Market, where the Otavalo Indigenous people wear traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair. Learn all about their daily activities, typical food, and native language. Explore their famous handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries, and more at bargain prices.
Hands-on cultural experience – AJ Sustainable Sacha WarmiKuna women project.
For lunch, we will head to Pijal, a small village in the heart of the Andes, to visit one of AJ’s sustainable projects, Sacha WarmiKuna (women from the mountain). This is a fantastic effort developed by AJ and the local women, with the main purpose of supporting their families and strengthening women’s position in local society by providing alternative side work alongside housekeeping as a new source of income. Once at the project, you will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the true spirit of South American women and their skills in textiles and deep culinary knowledge passed down through generations. You will be part of preparing “Aji”, a local spicy sauce that is part of their identity; you will also share precious time with them and enjoy a tasty traditional lunch made with fresh products harvested the same day from the surrounding organic fields. Later, we will learn more about the weaving process of their textiles. Don’t miss the amazing opportunity to give back by buying handmade scarves here.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏡 Accommodation: Las Palmeras Inn
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, after a very healthy breakfast, we have a short drive to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. The main attraction here is the Cuicocha Crater Lake. Our adventure will take us on a trek around this still active volcano. Your guide will present you with many beautiful flowers along the trail. At the end of our hike, we will take a boat ride to the center of the crater to observe the volcano’s activity and see bubbles rising from the caldera floor.
Hiking Activity Level – moderate, this adventure will be on a very nice trail around Cuicocha Crater lake by a Cloud Forest, in the early morning will be possible to have great views of the snowed capped Cayambe volcano the trail can be a bit muddy so make sure you wear your hiking shoes.
Hiking Time: 4.5 hours
Hiking Distance: 9.3 miles (4.82 km)
Elevation Gain: 1300 feet (45.72 meters)
Minimum Elevation while hiking: 10400 feet (3169.92 meters)
Maximum Elevation: 1550 feet (472.4 meters)
What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece, hiking shoes, gloves, hat, buff, bring a rain jacket and pants, water bottle, sun cream, binoculars.
SERVICES INCLUDED
- 🏡 Accommodation: Sheraton or similar
- 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
What’s Included?
- Activities: Activities included in the itineraries.
- Accommodation: Double occupancy accommodation.
- Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.
- Meals: Meals described in the itinerary.
- Trekking or Hiking: Black Diamond trekking sticks
- Biking: Trek X Caliber MTB (hydraulic disc brakes, front Rock Shock suspension), Bontrager helmets, full finger gloves.
- Canyoning: rubber boots, ropes, harnesses.
- Rafting: Aire and NRS 7-person rafts, NRS life jackets, NRS paddles, splash jackets.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert, English-speaking adventure trip leader.
What is not included?
- International flights.
- My own room supplement
- Airport transfers (International flights)
- Travel insurance (suggested).
- Meals not described in the itinerary.
- Tips for guides, drivers and hotels.
Is this tour for me?
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