Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes
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From AUD $2999
Small Group
Light
Rating
(11 reviews)
Journeys: Ecuador’s Amazon and Volcanoes
Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply
9 days
Small Group
Moderate
Light
English
Experience Overview
Ecuador is a small country that packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty, biodiversity, and indigenous heritage. Discover this South American jewel on a memorable adventure, travelling from the emerald-clad Andes to the Amazon’s thriving jungles.
Includes
Activities
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Otavalo Weaving Lesson, Otavalo Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Amazon Home Experience, Tena Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit the Orchids Botanical Garden, Puyo Your G for Good Moment: Kawsaymi Community Lunch, Otavalo Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
- Arrival transfer
- Overnight in an historic hacienda
- Explore the Otavalo handicraft market
- Cloud forest reserve visit
- Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle excursions
- Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels – 4 nts, historic hacienda – 1 nt, jungle lodge – 2 nts, hot springs resort – 1 nt.
- 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
- Private van, motorized canoe, walking.
Group Leader
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides.
Highlights
- Visit the Otavalo Weaving studio and get a lesson from local weaver
- Explore villages and learn about traditional handicrafts and folk art from locals
- Traverse the Amazon jungle with a local naturalist guide
- Learn about the relationship between cultures and the plants around them at the Jardín Botánico Las Orquídeas
- Be surrounded by towering volcanoes
Trip Details
9 days
Private van, motorized canoe, walking.
English
Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador
Moderate
National Geographic Journey, Budget
Light
Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.Accommodation - NH Collection Royal Quito
Day 2: Quito/Otavalo
Spend a night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just worn for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo’s famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Try to arrive early for the best bargains (it starts at dawn), and try your hand at haggling – it’s expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price.Activity - Visit Kawsaymi Restaurant, a social initiative that is dedicated to preserving authentic culinary traditions such as Otavaleno cuisine, by using fresh, local ingredients. More than just a place to eat, Kawsaymi is an engine for local empowerment, focused on creating sustainable growth and job opportunities for youth in the community, ensuring that every meal supports its economic future. Become immersed in the authentic flavors and traditions of the Andes. Discover local products, herbs, and grains that form the foundation of Andean cuisine and learn how they are cultivated sustainably. Gain a glimpse into the past with a visit to a traditional, old style kitchen, seeing where ancestral recipes have been perfected and passed down through generations. And then sit down for a delicious, home cooked Andean lunch. Prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the garden you just explored, this farm-to-table meal is a true celebration of the local community's cultural heritage.Accommodation - Hotel Pinsaqui
Day 3: Otavalo/Papallacta
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the home and studio of the Anrango Family as they work to keep their culture’s traditions alive. For thousands of years the indigenous people of the Otavalo region have used the backstrap loom to create their woven goods, however new technologies have slowly been pushing out the tradition. Learn how the Anrango Family are working to help revive this ancient art as they demonstrates every step of the process, from cleaning the wool, to naturally dyeing it, to backstrap weaving.Activity - Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. After an hour in the mineral springs, the group will have lunch together at the nearby restaurant featuring regional cuisine specialities.Free_time - Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, as you relax and soak in the natural hot springs. Accommodation - Hotel Termas Papallacta
Day 4: Papallacta/Tena
The lodge is located along the bank of the Arajuno River approx. 40min. from Tena. We stay in comfortable cabañas next to the river, which have private bathroom with hot water in the rainfall-shower, electricity and a balcony. From your balcony, you can relax in a hammock or deck chair and observe hummingbirds, shore river birds and butterflies. In the evening, listen to the night music of the multitude of frogs and other nocturnal creatures. The Lodge also has an open-air lounge with pool and full service bar, all connected by a raised and roofed boardwalk to guests rooms.
The lodge is dedicated to protecting the pristine jungle environment and has a dedicated recycling program, energy conservation program and offer biodegradable amenities including shampoo and shower gel in the bathrooms.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy an excursion to El Quetzal Protected Forest. Set off on a guided walk with a seasoned expert naturalist through this forest focused on the protection and conservation of native species. The El Quetzal nature reserve is a true testament of the commitment, love, and dedication that this family-run establishment has for preserving Ecuador’s cloud forest. Once partially used for sugarcane cultivation, this family’s passion for conservation has transformed the land around them into a thriving ecosystem for diverse bird, insect, and plant species. Begin the experience with a welcome briefing and snacks before walking directly to the hummingbird feeders. Explanations of the surrounding land and mission of the property will be discussed as you walk between viewpoints. The sounds and colours alone of these beautiful creatures are sure to amaze you as the group wanders deeper into the forest.Activity - Embark on a night walk with a local naturalist guide to learn about nocturnal creatures of the Amazon. A flashlight and camera are the most important tools on this excursion, which allows us to hear the nocturnal sounds of the forest and to search out bats, owls, a variety of insects, tarantulas, toads and frogs, and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we might have the chance to do some stargazing. Accommodation - Itamandi Lodge
Day 5: Tena
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit a parrot clay lick (Saladero) with a naturalist guide. This unique site is where parrots and parakeets gather to eat mineral-rich clay that will help them digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to the clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals. Activity - Take a guided tour of amaZOOnico, a rescue and rehabilitation centre that rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for animals who are victims of illegal trafficking. See large cats and reptiles up close, and learn all about the important work of this sanctuary.Activity - Enjoy a truly unforgettable cultural experience with local Ecuadorian families who’ll welcome and host us for the afternoon at their homes in the jungle. Discuss their traditions, beliefs, and history and hear about what daily life is like for them in such a unique environment. Watch and listen as they prepare local snacks and share insight about their deep connection to nature, as well as their thoughts on the encroachment of the modern world on their traditional way of life here. A marvelous afternoon you’ll talk about for years to come.Accommodation - Itamandi Lodge
Day 6: Tena/Baños
Baños is one of the most popular spots in the country. Many Ecuadorian families vacation here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Baños means “baths” and this is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “Throat of Fire” in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it's definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit the Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas, where the group will discover ethnobotany – the study of the relationship between cultures, and the plants around them. Local flora has long been, and still is, integral to the lives of Amazonian indigenous groups who use the plants for shelter, nourishment, medicine, and in spiritual practices. This Amazonian Flora Rescue Centre was founded in 1980 with the hope of protecting 7 hectares of land in this environmentally diverse region of Ecuador—the goal being to create a space for the convergence of scientific, environmental, and cultural exploration—while also being a space for people to come and enjoy the beauty of a flourishing ecosystem. Spend a few hours with a guide who will teach you about the various benefits of the nearby plants while you walk through and breathe in the fresh air.Free_time - Opt to take a walk through town and visit some shops.Accommodation - Hotel Sangay Spa
Day 7: Baños
The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, and rafting on the River Patate.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Relax at leisure or opt to take part in some active pursuits.Accommodation - Hotel Sangay Spa
Day 8: Baños/Quito
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to Cotopaxi Volcano, which stands at 5,897m (19,342 ft). The beautiful cone-shaped, snow-covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. Keep an eye out for park wildlife, including condors, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and more. For those who want to hike, there are options available (weather permitting). Please ensure you have proper hiking shoes or boots, a waterproof/windproof jacket and warm hats and gloves. Hike is approximately 1.5 hours.Accommodation - NH Collection Royal Quito
Day 9: Quito
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
- 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.
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 will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
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.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
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.
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.
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.
Duration: 9 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Light
Ecuador is a small country that packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty, biodiversity, and indigenous heritage. Discover this South American jewel on a memorable adventure, travelling from the emerald-clad Andes to the Amazon’s thriving jungles.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 Jul 2026
Customer Reviews
03/19/2023
This is a relaxed yet full itinery, a great introduction to Equador , accommodation , guides, varied landscapes, with insights culture , surperb trip by Gadventured.
02/19/2024
This tour exceeded my expectations. We were shown some truly amazing locations in Ecuador. Our guide (Franklin Vinansaca ) was informative and always generous with his time. He had a genuine affection for this country that infected everyone on this tour. So many "WOW" moments in such a
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
03/19/2023
This is a relaxed yet full itinery, a great introduction to Equador , accommodation , guides, varied landscapes, with insights culture , surperb trip by Gadventured.
02/19/2024
This tour exceeded my expectations. We were shown some truly amazing locations in Ecuador. Our guide (Franklin Vinansaca ) was informative and always generous with his time. He had a genuine affection for this country that infected everyone on this tour. So many "WOW" moments in such a
12/04/2023
Very nice tour, well organized
03/16/2020
This was a wonderful trip, everyone was so gracious and informative and professional. Thank you
03/01/2020
Travelling with Gaventures is for sure a guaranteed successful vacation. Touradar was very professional with my booking and all my questions. I really recommended touradar
02/20/2020
This was an amazing trip. The tour director was highly knowledgeable and accommodated the needs of every tour group member. The itinerary provided an opportunity to fully explore Ecuador, and its culture.
08/20/2018
It was great! We had a lot of fun and saw so much. Everything was arranged very efficiently and was very well organized!
06/01/2017
It's been awhile but went on small group tour to Ecuador. Had never been. Two thumbs up. Went where couldn't have gone on own~~stayed with indigenous community in the jungle. Hiked the jungle with the indigenous host. Rafted. Soaked in Banos and drove BEHIND the volcano for a kick ash good time. Days in Cuenca, dancing. Hacienda with a fireplace in each room. Went to one of the equator spots. Who knows which is really it? Lastly we were in Otavalo for animal market. What a truly fabulous trip.
01/16/2020
It was a very interesting trip visiting diverse and vibrant places. Otavalo with its colorful market and the Hotel Hacienda Pinsaqui, very beautiful and historical place. Papallacta and the hot spring pools provided us with relaxing moments in a hypnotic setting. Two nights in Tena, in the Amazon rainforest, unique experience. The visit to Baños, perhaps the most exciting place with many radical opportunities and the unforgettable "Caldrón del Diablo" waterfalls. Finally, as Ecuador is the land of volcanoes (84), we could not fail to visit Cotopaxi National Park. Good hotels, reasonable transportation (with great driver) and exceptional guide (CEO), Maria.
12/03/2019
This was a great tour. We had an excellent group, great leader and a superb driver. We saw most of the Ecuador highlights in an efficient but well paced way. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
09/05/2019
Franklin is the best. He handled everything in detail. His professionalism is above and beyond. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
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