Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes

G Adventures · 9 days
Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes
Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes
Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes
Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes
9 Days
From AUD $1399
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating

Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes

Ecuador: The Amazon, Cloud Forests & Crater Lakes

G Adventures · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Some trips just hit different — and this one’s got the perfect mix of wild nature, bucket list thrills, and real local connection.

Highlights

  • Stay deep in the Amazon jungle surrounded by the sounds and sights of the wild
  • Bike through a local community and learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar
  • Chill or thrill in Baños with hot springs hikes and giant canyon swings
  • Hike down to a lake at the centre of the crater in Quilotoa and choose to paddle across its turquoise waters
  • Experience Ecuador’s Indigenous culture through community-led activities

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Public bus, private vehicle, taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Quito, Ecuador

Finishes

Quito, Ecuador

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Quito

Arrive at any time and prepare for an epic adventure through Ecuador's highlights and hidden gems. It will be 1000% better than watching reels of these beautiful places! Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and then choose to hang out with the group afterwards for an optional dinner in Quito. Break the ice, get to know each other, and share your best travel stories before making new ones together over the next nine days.
2

Day 2: Quito/Tena

Hop on a bus and travel into the lush Amazon Jungle and your community lodge stay in the rainforest. Learn about local food production and everything there is to know about cacao. If in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants. At the end of the experience, the group will enjoy a taste of this sweet treat amid the sounds of the forest. It is here you will experience life in the jungle firsthand and connect with the local indigenous culture. It's the perfect way to fall in love with the Amazon you have been learning about since you were younger.
3

Day 3: Tena

Put the pedal to the metal on a cycling excursion to the Indigenous Shandia community. This rural village is surrounded by rivers and the fertile Amazon landscape. Take in the beauty as you ride through the jungle. And take pride in being able to help support the preservation of the community's indigenous culture. Afterwards, spend free time at the lodge and choose to enjoy some of the activities available to visitors. Choose to walk to the nearby beach along the river and try to spot wildlife in the jungle. Later go on an included walk to the Pimpilala Waterfalls and perhaps there will be time for a quick dip into the natural pool formed at the base of the falls. Group selfie, anyone?
4

Day 4: Tena/Baños

Experience a slice of local life on a public bus ride between Tena and Baños. Download those road trip playlists and stare at the passing scenery. Arrive in the afternoon and get settled. The town is surrounded by lush cloud forest and has an abundance of outdoor optional activities for travellers to indulge in. Maybe soak in the nearby hot springs to relax after bumping along on the bus. But rest up because you're in the adventure capital of Ecuador and tomorrow there's no time to waste.
5

Day 5: Baños

Discover your adventurous spirit on this full free day to enjoy the epic outdoor adventure activities in Baños. Nestled at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano, this town is a gorgeous place to hangout for the day. From ziplining to canyoning and visiting the famous Casa del Arbol, you won't have time to worry about what to do next. And maybe end the day with a group dance party to see if you can make the next viral Tik Tok.
Opt to pre-book the "Baños Canyoning Adventure" or "Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include one of these optionals on your tour.
6

Day 6: Baños/Quilotoa

Leave Baños behind to travel to Quilotoa and its stunning caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption. It's a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Along the route the group will stop for a visit to an art workshop and gallery that celebrates the indigenous art of the region, showcasing the breathtaking works of Julio Toaquiza, a pioneer in Tigua's artistic community.Here, you can meet local artisans, learn about their techniques, and even participate in workshops to create your own piece of art. Upon arrival to the town of Quilotoa the group will hike down to the lake in the centre of the crater to enjoy the dramatic surrounding landscape and turquoise coloured water. Check-in to your eco-friendly accommodations in the evening located high in the Ecuadoran Andes at over 10,400 feet in elevation (3200 meters above sea level) with views that will make you fall in love. Who wants to move here and stay forever?
7

Day 7: Quilotoa

Feel the warmth and impact of community connection today on a visit to the Guayama Community project nearby. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the area's indigenous peoples while supporting the sustainable development of this project. Enjoy time at the bee farm where you will learn about the honey extraction process, and discover the ceramic art and culture project led by the local population. Lunch will be had on your own at the on site restaurant. You'll be welcomed into their indigenous community with open arms and leave with a deeper love of this region and its people. Later, relax back at your accommodations in Quilotoa, play some cards, swap travel stories, and laugh together as a group.
8

Day 8: Quilotoa/Quito

After breakfast, travel back to Quito swapping stories with your travel crew on the ride back. Take some time to grab lunch on your own, maybe find some potato soup, or fried cheese empanadas, or fresh ceviche. Then, come back together with everyone for an orientation walk at La Carolina Park with its natural oasis within the city. The night belongs to you and it's time to let loose. Find somewhere to dance your heart out and let the beat move your soul.
9

Day 9: Quito

Depart at any time. Or maybe stay longer to explore more of Quito on your own.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,399
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Some trips just hit different — and this one’s got the perfect mix of wild nature, bucket list thrills, and real local connection.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 08 Mar 2026

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990