Ecuador: Hike, Bike & Raft
Overview
Highlights
- Quito's World Heritage-listed Old Town is best explored on foot. Wander its architecture-rich streets past dozens of gilded churches, through stately plazas and among vendors hawking local delicacies.
- A guided walk through the Amazonian jungle reveals an array of wildlife and fascinating insights into the jungle’s critical role in the lives of locals.
- Experience white water rafting on a main tributary of the Amazon River, the Jatunyacu (Big Water) River.
- Hike from the emerald-coloured crater lake of Quilotoa to the tiny Andean village of Chugchilan, taking in glorious panoramas along the way.
- Go mountain biking down the world’s highest active volcano in Cotopaxi National Park.
- Enjoy plenty of free time in chilled out Banos, which sits in the shadow of the active Tungurahua Volcano. From hiking beside waterfalls to soaking in the mineral goodness of the town’s thermal springs, Banos will satisfy your spirit.
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Itinerary
Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. After this important meeting, join your leader on a walking tour of the historic centre of Q...
Today will be an early start, as the group will be on the move by 7 am. Catch a local bus from Quito Central Station to Tena (approximately 5 hours). There’s no toilet on board, but the bus will stop for one toilet break during the journey. From Tena, travel by privat...
In the morning after breakfast, you will travel by canoe to visit a local indigenous community and become part of the local family as you interact and learn about their lifestyle and customs, you will also get to prepare a local drink known as chicha. After the visit...
Today is a bucket list day as you go whitewater rafting on a main tributary of the Amazon River. The adventure begins after breakfast when you’re picked up by rafting experts for the 40-minute drive to the village of Cando in Llanganates National Park and the class II...
After an orientation walk of Banos take a private vehicle to Pondoa, a small village in the shadow of the Tungurahua Volcano, for a hands-on lesson on Ecuadorian farm life. Plan on milking cows, harvesting whatever needs to be picked – corn, tamarillo, babaco – before...
Enjoy a free day in Banos, a city that offers a variety of adventurous and relaxing experiences (please see safety note below). There are several options for soaking in natural hot springs, or perhaps a massage, even salsa dancing. Your leader can help you choose from...
Depart Banos early for Quilotoa, an emerald-coloured volcano crater lake, in a private vehicle that you will use for the remainder of your trip. Along the way you’ll stop at the Pujili or Salasaca Market. After taking in the sights and sounds of this very real mounta...
After an early breakfast you’ll begin a day dedicated to hiking 14 breathtaking kilometres (8.7 miles) to the tiny Andean village of Chugchilan. As you hike down the picturesque valley you’ll pass through villages like the tiny Guayama, where after three or four hours...
Depart in a 4WD vehicle to Cotopaxi National Park and be taken to the highest point of the tour: 4500 metres (15,000 feet) above sea level. The volcano juts out from a flat landscape, the view is stunning, and, on a clear day, you will see the eight volcanoes that su...
The trip ends after breakfast this morning.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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