Solo-ish Ecuador

G Adventures · 7 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Solo-ish Ecuador
Solo-ish Ecuador
Solo-ish Ecuador
7 Days
From AUD $1479
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating

Solo-ish Ecuador

Solo-ish Ecuador

G Adventures · 7 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Dreaming of an adventure through Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes and the heart of the Amazon but don’t want to go it alone?.

Includes

Activities

  • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience, Shandia Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Dinner Party: Flavours of Ecuador Cooking Experience, Quito We Day: Minca Community Chocolate Tasting, Quito G Day: The Wild Landscapes of Cotopaxi & Baños, Cotopaxi National Park Me Day: Baños Me Day, Baños Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
  • Complimentary arrival transfer
  • Shandia Community Walk, Cacao Plantation Visit, & Chicha Tasting
  • Amazon Jungle Walk & Pimpilala Waterfalls Visit
  • Free time in Baños and the Amazon
  • Papallacta hot springs visit and soak
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotels (4 nts) on a twinshare basis and Amazon Jungle Lodge (2 nts). If you are interested in purchasing your own room, please see below for the My Own Room option.
  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicle, motorboat, bicycle, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Highlights

  • Enjoy an immersive dinner party in Quito with your fellow travellers featuring traditional Ecuadorian cuisine
  • Visit the Intiñan Museum on the equator and try out some of the cool science experiments there
  • Walk to new heights in Cotopaxi National Park and see the Limpiopungo Lagoon
  • Partake in the G for Good Shandia Biking experience as the group travels into the Amazon
Solo-ish Ecuador

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, motorboat, bicycle, walking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Quito, Ecuador

Finishes

Quito, Ecuador

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Adventure, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Dinner Party: Quito

Enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Quito where you will attend a welcome briefing with your newest travel companions. Then, head out on foot through the city streets to your hands-on cooking experience with the entire group. Listen to instructions from a talented local chef and enjoy stories throughout the lesson about the various ingredients and dishes you are working on creating. Witness the joy of sharing a meal prepared together and come away with new knowledge of Ecuador's culinary tastes and traditions.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers in an immersive cooking class led by an expert resident chef in Quito. Upon arrival to the class space there will be a brief explanation of what’s to come and then the group will rotate between three different prep stations. Signature dishes made will depend on the ingredients available, but some options might include shrimp ceviche, tamales, soups, and incorporate fresh local fruits throughout. Learn about the local history and preparation of these delicious foods, and sit down for a family-style meal of your tasty creations. You’ll leave with full stomachs and heads abuzz with new culinary knowledge to bring back home.Accommodation - Hotel Eugenia
2

Day 2: We Day: Quito

Today is all about the landscapes and communities of Ecuador. Start the day with a city tour of Quito and walk past important sites like the golden Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito. Then dive deeper into the meaning of community with an intriguing chocolate tasting experience through a locally-owned establishment that prioritizes the values of Minka, a tradition of collective labour that supports many social and infrastructure projects. Enjoy an included lunch afterwards featuring many traditional local dishes and continue to the Intiñan museum to explore the scientific riches only found on our planet's equatorial line. Enjoy a free evening back in Quito.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a tour of Quito to learn more about this beautiful city and its local culture. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the golden Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Activity - With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. After your Quito city tour, the group will dive into the community concept of Minca at a family-operated gourmet chocolate establishment working to benefit locals with social and infrastructure initiatives. The chocolate here is among the richest and most flavourful in the world. The group will gain an understanding of the manufacturing process and taste cacao as it goes through various stages to reach the chocolate most are familiar with. Learn the history of Ecuadoran chocolate and how it is steeped in tradition. Minka focuses on honest and committed work allowing you to witness the community spirit that embodies this very enchanting region.Transport - Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Quito and the Intiñan Museum. It will take about an hour each way.Activity - Visit the Intiñan Museum (Intiñan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures. There is also a chance to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named.Free_time - Spend a free evening in Quito. Find a local spot to grab dinner on your own, or choose to relax and unwind at the hotel.Accommodation - Hotel Eugenia
3

Day 3: G Day: Cotopaxi & Baños

Prepare to experience what G Adventures does best and enjoy an epic adventurous day in Cotopaxi National Park with a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. Depart from Quito in the morning and enjoy a day immersed in the wilds of this high Andean ecosystem. Highlights include a visit to Limpiopungo Lake featuring picturesque views of the Cotopaxi volcano. If feeling up for it, travellers can hike up to the refuge at 4800m to get closer to the volcano, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings at the lagoon. On the way out, visit an old military fortress built on a hilltop and offering 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. From here travel to Baños for an orientation walk through the abundantly green surroundings, and be on the lookout, for an unexpected surprise to cap off G Day.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Prepare to fall in love with the untamed landscape of Cotopaxi National Park. If weather allows, enjoy a clear reflection of the volcano from Limpiopungo Lagoon. Travellers feeling extra adventurous can hike to the refuge at 4800m. Then it's time to jet off to the sights and sounds of Baños' subtropical highland climate at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. Keep a lookout for wildlife and your surprise G twist along the way.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way for travellers to enjoy an included lunch between Cotopaxi National Park and Baños.Activity - Enjoy an orientation walk in Baños with your CEO. Baños is a city in Ecuador's Tungurahua province, considered the gateway to the Amazon Basin and known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and active volcano to the south. Walk about the town, pass by The Church of Our Lady of Holy Water, and get the lay of the land.
4

Day 4: Me Day: Baños

It's time for a day that belongs to you! The choice really is all yours. From spending the day doing an array of optional activities available like hiking to the Pailon del Diablo or soaking in the local hot springs. You'll also have the option of joining your CEO for a visit to the famous Casa del Arbol perched on a hilltop overlooking epic views of the Tungurahua volcano on a clear day. Dinner will be on your own this evening amid the lush scenery of Baños.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for a local activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.
5

Day 5: Baños/Tena

Travel away from the misty green foliage of Baños to the lush Amazon Jungle and your community lodge stay in the rainforest. Here, you'll enjoy the hospitality of the local indigenous people of Shandia and experience life in the jungle firsthand. Once you arrive the group will cycle through the community and discover the beauty of the area with a local member as your guide. Your lodge stay is operated by the people of Shandia, who are committed to providing guests with a sustainable and authentic experience. After the bike ride and delicious lunch, the group will embark on a village walk and tour the cacao plantation here. Learn more about the cultivation process and the traditional chicha drink, which you can try a taste of. This is followed by an included dinner at the lodge.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Cycle to the Indigenous Shandia community, a rural village surrounded by rivers and lush Amazonian landscapes. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive experiences led by the village’s youth. Spend an hour and 45 minutes cycling from Pimpilala village to Shandia stopping along the way to take in the beauty of the Amazon. These cultural tours are seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. This provides an economic opportunity for youth who traditionally would have left the community to find work. Your time spent here is creating opportunities for a new generation in the community and contributing to the preservation of their culture.Activity - Enjoy a walk through the community Shandia and a visit to the cacao plantation here further connecting travellers to the local indigenous people and surrounding nature. While here you'll learn about the fermented drink known as chicha. This beverage is an important social drink throughout the Amazon Basin and is consumed in many parts of South America. It's often served at festivals or parties, and is also used in religious ceremonies. Try a taste after your walk through the area.Activity - Stay overnight at the Shandia Indigenous lodge located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive tours led by the village’s youth. The community lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Learn about their cultivation of cacao and traditional agriculture practices. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by women who were provided with culinary training through the project. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.Accommodation - Shandia Lodge
6

Day 6: Tena

Enter into the rainforest today during a jungle walk led by a member of the lodge's community. Learn more about the plants and animals found in this region and how the indigenous people have been using them across generations. Finish the walk with a visit to the Pimpilala Waterfalls where you can choose to take a quick dip into the natural pool at the base if time allows. Travel back to the lodge for an included lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore the property on your own. You can also choose to participate in any number of the other activities offered onsite. Come back together for a group dinner and celebrate your final night in the mighty Amazon.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Take advantage of a free afternoon to relax in the jungle or choose to try some of the other community activities available through the lodge. Choose to walk to the nearby beach area along the river for local culture displaces like, the Yachak Ritual.Activity - Stay overnight at the Shandia Indigenous lodge located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive tours led by the village’s youth. The community lodge is seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. Watch a chocolate making demonstration and learn about their cultivation of cacao and their traditional agriculture practices. Meals of local ingredients grown in the village are prepared by women who were provided with culinary training through the project. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a whole new generation of people in this community to improve their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren.Activity - Head into the jungle today where you will see a variety of plants (medicinal, timber, and fruit), and animals including birds, monkeys, and insects. As you walk learn more about the uses and relationships between these plants and the indigenous people in the area. The group will also visit the Pimpilala Waterfalls and perhaps there will be time for a quick dip into the natural pool formed at the base of the falls. Return to the lodge just in time for an included lunch.Accommodation - Shandia Lodge
7

Day 7: Tena/Quito

Enjoy one final breakfast at the Amazon lodge before transferring to Papallacta. Here, take some time to relax in the natural mineral hot pools with volcanic views before travelling back to Quito. The tour ends upon arrival at the airport. Please book onward travel from 8pm onwards.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.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.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Exclusions
  • 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.
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 will do 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.

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 $1,479
(Tour only)
Per Person Standard

Duration: 7 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Dreaming of an adventure through Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes and the heart of the Amazon but don’t want to go it alone?.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 Jan 2027

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