Volcanoes and jungle From towering volcanoes to the steamy depths of the Amazon, you’ll take a journey which immerses you in the untamed Ecuadorian landscapes. Explore mountain lakes, colourful villages and tall rainforest by horse, bike and canoe and, with the help of friendly locals, see if you can tame this country of extremes and contrasts.
Enriching tailormade journeys – for you This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in Ecuador. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; maybe some extra nights at a very special lodge with a canopy walkway overlooking the rainforest below or a freshly-made Churrasco. We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1896.
Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
Depart the UK for Quito arriving the same day and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Patio Andaluz
Patio Andaluz
Located in the old quarter a short distance from the main square, Patio Andaluz is an attractive guesthouse restored to its original design as a colonial mansion. Most of the well-appointed rooms open on to two beautiful patios. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
Day 2:
To the Amazon jungle
A memorable flight over the Andes transports you to the green expanse of the Amazon basin and jungle town of Coca. Your Yachana indigenous guide escorts you by canoe and on foot up the Napo River, deep into the jungle and your lodge. This evening, take a night walk with a naturalist guide through the rainforest to search for nocturnal animals.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Sacha Jungle Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sacha Jungle Lodge
Designed to fit with its jungle surroundings, Sacha Lodge is built from local materials. Each cabin has its own private shaded terrace, giving you the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife right on your doorstep. The lodge also offers a bar, plus lounge with scenic views of Pilchicocha Lake. A highlight of your stay will be the canopy walkway and observation towers, affording fantastic views of the rainforest animals from high above.
Day 3 to 4:
Amazon Jungle
Spend the next two days learning about the rainforest as you spot the amazingly rich diversity of wildlife. The Amazon is home to hundreds of species of birds, fish and mammals - from dolphins to caimans, monkeys to the elusive jaguar. You'll explore on walking trails, learning about the lives of the native people and their relationship with the forest as you go. Take canoe rides through the home of anacondas, caimans and capybaras, and learn how to fish for piranha. A highlight of your stay will surely be the canopy walkway and three observation towers, allowing you close-up views of the vibrantly-coloured birds and majestic sunsets from the tree-tops. You will truly be immersed in the life of the Amazon.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Sacha Jungle Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sacha Jungle Lodge
Designed to fit with its jungle surroundings, Sacha Lodge is built from local materials. Each cabin has its own private shaded terrace, giving you the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife right on your doorstep. The lodge also offers a bar, plus lounge with scenic views of Pilchicocha Lake. A highlight of your stay will be the canopy walkway and observation towers, affording fantastic views of the rainforest animals from high above.
Day 5:
Return to Quito
Appreciate the vastness of the Amazon rainforest as you travel by canoe to Coca for your flight to Quito.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Patio Andaluz Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Patio Andaluz
Located in the old quarter a short distance from the main square, Patio Andaluz is an attractive guesthouse restored to its original design as a colonial mansion. Most of the well-appointed rooms open on to two beautiful patios. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
Day 6:
Otavalo
You'll depart early from Quito, travelling along the famous Panamerican Highway, and arriving at Otavalo in time to absorb the morning activity of the town's market. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets. Proceed to Peguche, an Indian village that's home to artisans who weave in the comfort of their house. You'll be able to watch them at work. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Hacienda Pinsaqui Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hacienda Pinsaqui
First constructed in 1790, this colonial hacienda is now a hotel with great character and history. There are about 30 rooms in total shared between the original building and more recently built wing. The gardens are peaceful and well kept with a 300 year old adjacent chapel.
Day 7:
Cotachi Cayapas National Park
Visit the Cotacahi Cayapas National Park. Cuicocha Lake is a stunning jewel in the national park, a crater lake literally translated as Guinea Pig Lake as the island in the middle looks like the shape of the small animal. The area is one of scenic beauty and interesting topography, due to its higher altitude.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Hacienda Pinsaqui Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hacienda Pinsaqui
First constructed in 1790, this colonial hacienda is now a hotel with great character and history. There are about 30 rooms in total shared between the original building and more recently built wing. The gardens are peaceful and well kept with a 300 year old adjacent chapel.
Day 8:
Cotopaxi National Park
Take a spectacular road journey down the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’. Travel into Cotopaxi National Park en-route and view the imposing, near-perfect volcanic cone of Cotopaxi.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Hacienda La Cienega Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hacienda La Cienega
This traditional hacienda has a rich history and is conveniently located in beautiful mountainous surrounds on the outskirts of Cotopaxi National Park. The building itself is carved from volcanic rock, and inside those thick walls you'll find lovely rooms and a restaurant offering home-cooked food, carefully prepared by chef Alfredo who's been with the hacienda since it opened its doors in 1982.
Day 9:
To Quito
This morning visit an Indian market, before transferring back to Quito.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Patio Andaluz Included meals: Breakfast
Patio Andaluz
Located in the old quarter a short distance from the main square, Patio Andaluz is an attractive guesthouse restored to its original design as a colonial mansion. Most of the well-appointed rooms open on to two beautiful patios. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.
Day 10:
Depart Quito
Depart on a UK-bound flight, arriving the next day.