The Ecuador Experience
18 days, Quito to Quito
Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "The Ecuador Experience" (REE),but here are some similar trips.
This itinerary is valid for departures until April 12, 2018 (and the June 7th departure). To view the itinerary from May 2018 onwards click here.
If you want to sample the region’s highlights without sacrificing some of its lesser-known gems, there’s no better way to experience Ecuador's dramatic scenery and colourful people. Visit the Amazon and a shaman apprentice for an incredible introduction to indigenous culture of the jungle. Staying in simple hotels and homestays and using public transport will keep you grounded in the local customs and culture. We'll travel from the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to relaxing Pacific beaches and mountain hot springs. This adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Rating: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
18 days
Quito to Quito
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
More from The Ecuador Experience
Itinerary
Day 2Quito/Tena
Head down winding roads to the Amazon Basin and spend the night in Tena.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Tena
Enjoy a free day in Tena, opt to visit an animal rescue centre or go whitewater rafting. Later, head to a local Quichua community in a small Amazonian village to spend two nights in rustic jungle huts. Enjoy nature walks and visits with the local shaman.
Meals included:
Lunch | DinnerDay 4Tena
Spend the day exploring the area around the Quichua community and learn more about local life in the jungle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Tena/Baños
Travel to Baños and enjoy the numerous outdoor optional activities available. Opt to go hiking, ziplining, or soak in the hot springs.
Day 6Baños
Enjoy free time to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.
Day 7Baños/Alausí
Travel to Alausí via Riobamba and take in the architecture of this local town.
Day 8Alausí/Guayaquil
Board the train for an included excursion bound for the Devil's Nose. After, continue by bus to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador.
Day 9Guayaquil/Puerto López
Head to the beach town Puerto Lopez and Machalilla National Park. There are tons of activities in the area to take part in over the next few days.
Days 10–11Puerto López
Enjoy free time to explore. Optional activities include a day trip to Isla de la Plata, hiking in Machalilla National Park, snorkelling or relaxing on the beach. Opt to go whale watching (when in season).
Day 12Puerto López/Quito
Spend another full day in Puerto López before an overnight bus to Quito.
Day 13Quito
Arrive in the morning and enjoy a free day in Quito. Opt to take a city tour, ride the cable car up the nearby volcano or relax in one of the city's many cafés and restaurants.
Day 14Quito/San Clemente
Travel to the indigenous community of San Clemente. Interact with the locals and learn about their traditional ways during a homestay. Opt to enjoy a cultural evening and show with typical food.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 15San Clemente
Spend a full day here with optional hikes to learn about the area's medicinal plants or trek up the Imbabura Mountain. Interact with the locals and learn about their traditions.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 16San Clemente/Otavalo
Head to Otavalo, famous for its market. Opt to visit the Peguche Waterfall and Cotacachi leather market or hike around Cuicocha Lake.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Otavalo/Quito
Explore some more before travelling back to Quito in the afternoon for one final night out in the capital city.
Day 18Quito
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience, Tena
- Your Discover Moment: Baños
- Your Local Living Moment: Indigenous Community Homestay, San Clemente
- Train excursion to Devil's Nose
- Machalilla NP stay
- Otavalo Market visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Simple hotels (12 nts), Amazon community stay (2 nts), overnight bus (1 nt), indigenous community homestay (2 nts, multi-share).
Meals
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Allow USD340-445 for meals not included.
Transportation
Public bus, truck, train.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.