8-DAY MULTISPORT ECUADOR ONCE IN A LIFETIME

8-DAY MULTISPORT ECUADOR ONCE IN A LIFETIME

8 DAYS

FROM $1.699

Trip type

Moderate adventure expeditionns in treeking, biking, rafting, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking and diving in the Ecuatorian Andes, Amazon and the Galapagos Islands.
Active Adventure

Activity Level

Daily activities may include short hikes and drives on bumpy roads. Voyagers should be in good health and wear comfortable walking shoes to endure standing for prolonged periods of time.
Moderate

Service Level

Comfortable and appropriate accommodations, mostly local-won and with big personality, and mix of public and private transport especially with sea, train and flights.
Standard

Small Group Departure

Max. 16 / Av. 10
Or call +001 305 2805599

TRIP OVERVIEW

Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the most biodiversity and spectacular geography on the planet. 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 rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake 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 life-style. For the one with an adventurous spirit, this expedition is certain to serve your appetite.

TRIP ACTIVITIES

Canyoning
Culture
Swimming
Trekking
Wildlife

Are you looking for a challenge? Ecuador is home to a treasure of unique climates with some of the most biodiversity and spectacular geography on the planet. 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 rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake 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 life-style. For the one with an adventurous spirit, this expedition is certain to serve your appetite.

Canyoning
Culture
Swimming
Trekking
Wildlife

Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00pm.

Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.

Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito or similar.

Meals included: none.

After breakfast, we leave Quito driving southwards along the gorgeous Avenue of Volcanoes, getting the chance to see the colorful Andean fields. On our way, we will reach 12,000 feet. (3657 meters). After arriving at the Cotopaxi National Park, we will go hiking around Limpiopungo lagoon of the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. 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 night life by drinking cocktails and dancing salsa.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

This morning we will cross by mountain bike from the Llanganates National Park to the Pastaza River Canyon, enjoying the beauty of the special climate of the cloud forest. The road brings us through some Andean farms and a great canyon with many waterfalls, while descending into the jungle, we will have a breath-taking 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 also go to The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

This morning we will hit the road of the waterfalls. The first stop will be at the Bride’s Veil waterfall, where we will take the Tarabita (cable car) to get across the Pastaza River. Then we will hike down to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador, later, we will go deeper into the jungle inside the Llanganates National Park. The name “llanganates’ ‘ comes from “beautiful mountain” in the local native language. Here, 600 years ago, the Incas hid their golden treasures. Many explorers have spent years looking for these treasures, some have even disappeared with no luck in this dense pristine jungle. During a hike through the tropical rainforest, we will climb through several waterfall canyons. Our local native guide will teach about the incredible flora and fauna that thrive in this unequaled habitat, and we will spend the night at the Local Basic Jungle Lodge run by a kichwa indigenous family.

Accommodation: Amazon Homestay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

We greet the day by preparing our gear to paddle the wild waves of the Jatunyacu River, located just a 5 minute drive from the homestead. The beauty of this river will inspire you and reveal the magic of the Amazon rainforest. After a very important safety briefing from our rafting guides, we will start our class III rafting expedition down the Jatunyacu River, well known for its clear waters and awesome rapids. We will have a lot of fun playing some games and also exploring one of the canyons. The end of the journey offers us a stop for a picnic, prepared by our guides. We conclude our day with a drive back up to the Andes to a spot called Papallacta, where we will stay the night and recharge in the volcanic hot springs high in the midst of the cool Andes.

Accommodation: Termas Papallacta

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

In the morning we will do a hiking exploration in the nearby Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve in the cloud forest, where there are beautiful flora that include colorful orchids, and if walking slowly and quietly, you may see some beautiful birds too. Later we will travel across the Andes to stop by the equatorial line to witness this great attraction and to stand on both hemispheres at the same time. Your guide will suggest a place to eat before going to the Otavalo Indigueous Market and spend some time shopping and learning about this ancient culture that is still lively here today.

Hands on cultural experience – AJ Sustainable Sacha WarmiKuna women project

For lunch, we will head to Pijal, a small village located in the heart of the Andes to visit one of the AJ sustainable projects called Sacha WarmiKuna (women from the mountain). This is one fantastic effort developed by AJ and the local women with the main purpose to support their families and encourage the position of the women in the local society, providing them an alternative side work beside housekeeping, as a new option for an in-come. Once at the project you will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the true spirit of the South-American woman and their skills for textiles and a deep culinary knowledge coming from the past generations. You will be part of the preparation of “Aji”, a local spicy salsa which is part of their identity, you will also share precious time with them and a tasty traditional lunch in which local women have used the 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 have the chance to give back, by buying handmade scarfs here. Later we will arrive at the beautiful, historical hacienda of Pinsaqui where we will stay overnight. Enjoy a typical Andean cocktail as welcome, and learn about the history of this place.

In the late afternoon we will be transferred to the hacieda and enjoy a welcome cocktail and a delicious dinner.

NOTE – This morning if you do not want to go hiking, you can book a spa treatment and pay directly to the Hotel, make sure you organize this the night before just by calling from your own room to the spa.

Accommodation: Pinsaquí Hacienda or similar.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Today after a very healthy breakfast we have a very 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 many beautiful flowers to you along the trail, at the end of our hike, we will take a boat ride to the center of the crater to observe the activity of this volcano, witness bubbles coming up from the center of the caldera.

 

Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

International departures, end of services. Take with you memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”!

Meals included: Breakfast.

What’s Included?

  • Activities: 3 hours hiking in Cotopaxi National Park in the Andes, 3 hours biking in the Llanganates National Park, 4 hours white-water rafting on Jatunyacu River in the Amazon rainforest, 3 hours canyoning at Pimpilala waterfalls, bird watching and hiking exploration in the cloud forest, soaking in Papallacta hot springs, 5 hours trekking the loop of Cuicocha Crater Lake, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, making chocolate, salsa lesson.
  • Accommodation based in double occupancy: 5* hotel in Quito, 3 star hotel in Baños, home stay in the Amazon, 4 star Spa Resort in Papallacta, Colonial Hacienda in Imbabura.
  • Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.
  • Meals: 6 breakfast, 4 lunch, 2 dinner.
  • 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-people- rafts, NRS life jackets, NRS paddles, splash jackets.
  • Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides.

What is not included?

  • International flights.
  • My own room supplement – estimated budget usd $471 usd.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Meals not described in the itinerary – estimated budget usd $120 usd.
  • Tips for guides, drivers and hotels. – estimated budget usd $150 usd

ITINERARY

Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 18:00pm.

Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.

Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito or similar.

Meals included: none.

After breakfast, we leave Quito driving southwards along the gorgeous Avenue of Volcanoes, getting the chance to see the colorful Andean fields. On our way, we will reach 12,000 feet. (3657 meters). After arriving at the Cotopaxi National Park, we will go hiking around Limpiopungo lagoon of the foothills of the Rumiñahui volcano. From here, we have the best views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. 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 night life by drinking cocktails and dancing salsa.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

This morning we will cross by mountain bike from the Llanganates National Park to the Pastaza River Canyon, enjoying the beauty of the special climate of the cloud forest. The road brings us through some Andean farms and a great canyon with many waterfalls, while descending into the jungle, we will have a breath-taking 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 also go to The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo.

Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast.

This morning we will hit the road of the waterfalls. The first stop will be at the Bride’s Veil waterfall, where we will take the Tarabita (cable car) to get across the Pastaza River. Then we will hike down to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador, later, we will go deeper into the jungle inside the Llanganates National Park. The name “llanganates’ ‘ comes from “beautiful mountain” in the local native language. Here, 600 years ago, the Incas hid their golden treasures. Many explorers have spent years looking for these treasures, some have even disappeared with no luck in this dense pristine jungle. During a hike through the tropical rainforest, we will climb through several waterfall canyons. Our local native guide will teach about the incredible flora and fauna that thrive in this unequaled habitat, and we will spend the night at the Local Basic Jungle Lodge run by a kichwa indigenous family.

Accommodation: Amazon Homestay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

We greet the day by preparing our gear to paddle the wild waves of the Jatunyacu River, located just a 5 minute drive from the homestead. The beauty of this river will inspire you and reveal the magic of the Amazon rainforest. After a very important safety briefing from our rafting guides, we will start our class III rafting expedition down the Jatunyacu River, well known for its clear waters and awesome rapids. We will have a lot of fun playing some games and also exploring one of the canyons. The end of the journey offers us a stop for a picnic, prepared by our guides. We conclude our day with a drive back up to the Andes to a spot called Papallacta, where we will stay the night and recharge in the volcanic hot springs high in the midst of the cool Andes.

Accommodation: Termas Papallacta

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

In the morning we will do a hiking exploration in the nearby Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve in the cloud forest, where there are beautiful flora that include colorful orchids, and if walking slowly and quietly, you may see some beautiful birds too. Later we will travel across the Andes to stop by the equatorial line to witness this great attraction and to stand on both hemispheres at the same time. Your guide will suggest a place to eat before going to the Otavalo Indigueous Market and spend some time shopping and learning about this ancient culture that is still lively here today.

Hands on cultural experience – AJ Sustainable Sacha WarmiKuna women project

For lunch, we will head to Pijal, a small village located in the heart of the Andes to visit one of the AJ sustainable projects called Sacha WarmiKuna (women from the mountain). This is one fantastic effort developed by AJ and the local women with the main purpose to support their families and encourage the position of the women in the local society, providing them an alternative side work beside housekeeping, as a new option for an in-come. Once at the project you will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the true spirit of the South-American woman and their skills for textiles and a deep culinary knowledge coming from the past generations. You will be part of the preparation of “Aji”, a local spicy salsa which is part of their identity, you will also share precious time with them and a tasty traditional lunch in which local women have used the 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 have the chance to give back, by buying handmade scarfs here. Later we will arrive at the beautiful, historical hacienda of Pinsaqui where we will stay overnight. Enjoy a typical Andean cocktail as welcome, and learn about the history of this place.

In the late afternoon we will be transferred to the hacieda and enjoy a welcome cocktail and a delicious dinner.

NOTE – This morning if you do not want to go hiking, you can book a spa treatment and pay directly to the Hotel, make sure you organize this the night before just by calling from your own room to the spa.

Accommodation: Pinsaquí Hacienda or similar.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Today after a very healthy breakfast we have a very 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 many beautiful flowers to you along the trail, at the end of our hike, we will take a boat ride to the center of the crater to observe the activity of this volcano, witness bubbles coming up from the center of the caldera.

 

Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito or similar.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

International departures, end of services. Take with you memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”!

Meals included: Breakfast.

PHOTOS FROM OUR GALLERY

What’s Included?

  • Activities: 3 hours hiking in Cotopaxi National Park in the Andes, 3 hours biking in the Llanganates National Park, 4 hours white-water rafting on Jatunyacu River in the Amazon rainforest, 3 hours canyoning at Pimpilala waterfalls, bird watching and hiking exploration in the cloud forest, soaking in Papallacta hot springs, 5 hours trekking the loop of Cuicocha Crater Lake, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, making chocolate, salsa lesson.
  • Accommodation based in double occupancy: 5* hotel in Quito, 3 star hotel in Baños, home stay in the Amazon, 4 star Spa Resort in Papallacta, Colonial Hacienda in Imbabura.
  • Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.
  • Meals: 6 breakfast, 4 lunch, 2 dinner.
  • 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-people- rafts, NRS life jackets, NRS paddles, splash jackets.
  • Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides.

What is not included?

  • International flights.
  • My own room supplement – estimated budget usd $471 usd.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Meals not described in the itinerary – estimated budget usd $120 usd.
  • Tips for guides, drivers and hotels. – estimated budget usd $150 usd

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About YOUR ADVENTURE

TRIP DETAILS

  • ITINERARY DISCLAIMER: It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
  • DRIVING TIME: On Day 2, 5, 6 and 7 from 2 to 3 hours a day. / On Day 3 and 4 no driving.
  • SEASON: All year
  • PROVINCE: Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Pastaza, Tungurahua, Chimborazo.
  • TERRITORY: All Inter-Andean Valleys and Andes mountains, cloud forest in Sangay and Llanganates National Park and canyons.
  • TREKKING TIME: 3 to 6 hours a day
  • ALTITUDE: From 5100 to 1600 m (16,732 to 5,249 ft)
  • AVG. TEMP.: Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF
  • DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to challenge. This program will run from the high Andean Mountains to the tropical cloud forest of the Amazon, which involves trekking for 4 to 5 hours a day along canyons and volcanoes.
  • ADVENTURE GEAR: Hiking sticks.
  • ACCOMODATION: All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
  • MEALS: Traveling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure. Vegetarians, Vegans and Gluten Free people are very welcome in our trip, our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals for them, as Ecuador is very well known for its great diversity of gastronomy.
  • YOUR TRIP LEADERS AND GUIDES: All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed from the Tourism University to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides this they all are Ecuadorian and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some locations and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service and make sure we practice sustainable tourism involving local indigenous people in our operation. In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.
  • SUSTAINABLE ECO AND CULTURAL TOURISM: Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon rain forest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.
  • HEALTH INFORMATION: Please inform AJ of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.
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