Day 01: Arrive Quito
Arrive Quito, meet assist and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Volcano Biking
Begin your Ecuador travel adventure with an exhilarating descent down the slopes of Pichincha Volcano to the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. The tundra grass of the Andean paramo (high altitude grassland) changes before your eyes (and the knobby tires of your bikes) as you roll into the lush cloud forest. Steep gorges and ridges covered by impenetrable jungle provide spectacular views on the 3-4 hour downhill ride. In the afternoon, settle into Bellavista’s cloud forest lodge and begin your first explorations of this unique ecosystem.

Day 03: Bellavista Cloudforest
Bellavista protects 1800 acres of endangered cloudforest on the western slopes of the Andes. Bordering the Choco bio-region, the forest is part of something that scientists refer to as a biodiversity “hotspot” – a place of extreme biodiversity in danger of extinction. Today you’ll explore the miles of trails at Bellavista, passing by waterfalls, steep ravines, and thick gardens of hanging epiphytes in search of some of the 320 bird species recorded here. You’ll learn more about the area’s complex ecology, what Bellavista is doing to protect it, and about the endangered mammals such as the spectacled bear, mountain lion, Andean coati, and others that take refuge here.

Day 04: Whitewater Rafting near Santo Domingo de los Colorados
Time to hit the Class III+ rapids of the best whitewater in the Western Andes! During the winter months, you’ll be on the Rio Blanco and in the summer you’ll paddle the Rio Toachi. On these exhilarating rides, you’ll pass through forested canyons and isolated villages as you descend towards the Pacific lowlands. This afternoon, we return to the highlands to the western flank of the Cotopaxi Volcano for dinner and to rest after an exciting day.

Day 05: Horseback Riding
After breakfast we drive to El Porvenir, a fully-functioning hacienda and our base for the next three nights, set high in the Andean paramo with spectacular views of Cotopaxi. After a brief orientation is given to get acquainted with the horses, we head out on horseback in the spirit of the Chagras (Ecuadorian highland cowboys) to visit the foothills of Rumiñahui Volcano, riding side by side with herds of wild horses and bulls. As we cross the paramo, enjoy the bird and wildlife, and the local guides will share their knowledge of medicinal plants. Afterwards a delicious lunch of local dishes awaits us upon our return to the farmhouse.

The afternoon is free to explore the hacienda grounds, and there are a couple of self-guided paths to the Manto Blanco Waterfall and to lookouts with nice views of the mountains and surrounding landscape.

Day 06: Ecological Reserve and Paramo Hiking
A thirty minute drive takes you to the Hacienda Santa Rita Ecological Reserve and the impressive 270 feet high Condor Machay Waterfall. Continue on foot along a trail that takes us through a very unique native forest of the Andes known has the “paper bark tree forest”. Continue to the village of El Pedregal where we will have the chance to experience the local culture of the area before continuing to El Porvenir. Today’s hike is 11 kilometers (7 miles).

Day 07: Cotopaxi National Park
After enjoying the views of the volcano over the last three days, we drive for 45 minutes into the Cotopaxi National Park. An hour hike takes us to the climbing hut (refugio) and a nearby glacier at 4,800 meters (14,760 ft) above sea level.

Continue by vehicle to visit Laguna de Limpiopungo, a shallow Andean lake with great birdwatching, and from here we start our ten kilometer (7 miles) trek back to El Porvenir. We stop at the Chusig Machai cave for lunch and continue on foot through beautiful mountain valleys before returning to a good dinner and the last night at the hacienda.

Day 08: Morning Adventure and Market Visit
This morning you get your choice of excursions, such as mountain biking or ropes course challenge.

After your adventure, hike to the Pita River waterfall for lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Sangolqui, a village with a traditional market. Browse the market stalls with traditional arts and crafts and sample some of the local produce, particularly the fruits. Return to Quito in the evening.

Day 09: Into the Jungle
A morning flight carries you over the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes and down into the Amazon basin to begin your Amazon tour. A three-hour drive will take you to your put-in on the Shiripuno River and the start of your amazing journey. You’ll meet your Huaorani guide and spend time in a local community were you’ll have the unique experience of learning about the Huaorani people, their traditions, their history and their commitment to preserving the natural treasures of the region. Tonight’s campsite is hosted by a local Huaorani family – enjoy a campfire dinner.

Day 10: Huaorani Community and Shiripuno Paddling
Following breakfast, visit the nearby Noneno Community where the local Huaorani share more traditions and aspects of daily lifestyle. After our visit we’ll continue kayaking down the Shiripuno – you’ll have nearly 25 km of river kayaking to do– a challenging trip, but along the way you will be treated with the wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This incredible region boasts some of the world’s highest biodiversity and sustains the traditional lifestyle of numerous indigenous groups. On your silent journey downriver you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting monkeys, capybara, toucans, macaws, tapir and maybe even the elusive jaguar. There will be plenty of short stops to stretch and rest your muscles. Expect a late arrival to this evening’s campsite.

Day 11: Kayaking and Hiking
Today you’ll paddle to the remote Shiripuno Jungle lodge; the wooden buildings and thatched roofs blend into the surrounding landscape. In the evening, enjoy a hike into the forest as the wildlife becomes more active, where your naturalist guide teaches you about the complex ecology of the rainforest. Relax and overnight in the rustic jungle lodge.

Day 12: Rainforest Hiking and Lake Exploration
A short trip upriver in motorized canoe will take us to the start of our rainforest hiking adventure. We’ll explore old-growth and flooded (varzea) forest. We’ll hike for 4-5 hours, keeping an eye out for monkeys, white-lipped peccaries, and jaguar tracks. During our walk the expedition guide and Huaorani guide explain their practical, medicinal and spiritual relationship with the Amazon jungle.

Afternoon we will reach a series of small lakes, where we will paddle in wooden canoes. You’ll reach a region of flooded forest and small jungle lakes where you’ll have the chance to spot the prehistoric Hoatzin bird and caimans (a relative of the alligator). There is also great fishing in the area. Tonight, you’ll return to Shiripuno where you can relax in a hammock and share stories about your Amazon adventures.

Day 13: Motorized Canoe to Coca. Overnight
After a short wildlife hike in the morning to see a glorious sunrise — and one more chance to spot some Amazon wildlife — you head back upriver by motorized canoe, and transfer to Coca where you’ll overnight before your flight back to Quito in the morning.

Day 14: Fly Quito.
Transfer to airport for flight back to Ouito. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Return Home
Final departure transfer to airport for fly back to home. End of the tour.

Day 01: Arrive in Quito
Arrive in the Colonial City of Quito on the flight of your choice today. Overnight.

Day 02: Colonial Quito and Middle of the World
Begin your journey with an exploration of the capital city of Quito. Drive north to visit “El mirador de Guápulo” (view point), from where you can admire its church and Quito’s nearby valleys. Go south towards Quito’s colonial center – one of the world’s cultural heritage sites, where you can see many historical buildings including churches, museums, and monuments. From here continue to El Panecillo – the small, rounded hill which dominates the old town. From its summit you can see marvelous views of the whole city stretching out below, as well as magnificent views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Travel towards “La Mitad del Mundo” (the middle of the world) in the village of San Antonio, about 22 Km. north of Quito. Here visit the trapezium stone monument, which is built on the Equator, and the excellent Museo Etnográfico and Inti-Ñan.

Day 03: Cotopaxi National Park
Head south from Quito, along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, viewing the breathtaking high plains surrounding the magnificent snow-capped Cotopaxi – the earth’s highest active volcano (19347ft/5897m). This area provides excellent opportunities to spot the Andean condor.

Afternoon in the Limpiopungo Valley (12540ft/3800m), ascend to El Parqueadero (15180ft/4600m). From this point hike for about an hour to El Refugio, the volcano’s refuge lodge (15840ft/4800m). A short walk from here takes you to the nearest glacier.

Tonight overnight in one of Ecuador’s most famous haciendas, the 400-year-old Hacienda La Cienega. This enchanting hacienda on the slopes of Cotopaxi has hosted many of Ecuador’s former presidents as well as Alexander von Humboldt, founder of modern geography.

Day 04: Quilotoa Lagoon | Riobamba
After breakfast this morning head south to Latacunga along the magnificent Central Valley, which is sheltered by two parallel mountain ranges. Visit Quilotoa, a beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by several snow-capped volcanoes. After lunch, meet the famous Tigua painters. Their sheepskin paintings of traditional Andean village life have been highly regarded since before Incan times. This evening continue on to the town of Riobamba.

Day 05: Devil’s Nose Train and Ingapirca
After breakfast, enjoy an early morning drive to the Indian Village of Alausí, from where embark on a thrilling train ride over the Naríz del Diablo (Devil´s Nose) to Sibambe, back to Alausí then on to Guamote.

Next, head to Ecuador’s most famous Inca ruin, Ingapirca. Take some time to explore the ancient citadel and the surrounding area of Cañar.

Continue your journey south, following old dirt roads into the countryside. Pass a checkerboard of small farms growing corn, beans, potatoes, and other Andean staples as you make your way to Cuenca. Considered the most colonial city in all the Americas, red clay rooftops stretch throughout the city and baroque churches seem to stand on every corner. Settle in to your hotel for the evening.

Day 06: Explore Cuenca
Enjoy a full day of exploring colonial Cuenca with your guide. Choose the areas that interest you most. You may choose to depart early this morning and head to the markets at 10 de Agosto and San Francisco. From there, continue on to San Sebastion, the historical center and visit the Museum of Modern Art. Stop by the Parque de las Flores and visit Parque Calderón the city’s largest plaza and home to both the new and old cathedral. Choose from great museum options or visit a Panama Hat factory. You may choose to visit the famous Barranco along Calle Largo. Stop by Mirador de Turi for a great view of the city and finish up by visiting the Gallery of Eduardo Vega, whose ceramics have achieved international fame.

Day 07: Cajas National Park and Manglares Churute
Your journey today takes you all the way to the coast. Along the way, stop to visit Cajas National Park. Over 200 gorgeous lakes are scattered amongst the jagged rocks and craggy valleys that make up the breathtaking landscape of this often wet and foggy park.

As you get closer to the coast, enjoy a visit of Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve. Nearly 50,000 hectares in size, this reserve is one of the most important reserves in Ecuador and in all of South America. Here find four related ecosystems: mangroves, estuary, dry tropical forest, and wet tropical forest.

Finally, arrive in the coastal city of Guayaquil and head to your hotel.

Day 08: Depart Guayaquil
Head to the airport for your international flight home.

Day: 01: Travel Quito to Cotopaxi, Biking and Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park
This morning you will be met by your guide at the airport before departing Quito to head off to begin your adventure! Driving through the Andes, you’ll pass a number of small towns on the way towards Cotopaxi National Park.

Cotopaxi volcano is one of Ecuador’s most spectacular mountains in the heart of the Valley of the Volcanoes. Cotopaxi is an impressive snow-capped peak, towering almost 5900m / 20,000ft high. As we enter the park we will join up with our bicycle guides to prepare for a downhill biking adventure at Cotopaxi!

The ride starts at a parking area along the lone roadway up the mountain. Following the gravel / rocky road down to Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3800m. Numerous viewpoints along the side of the road provide spots to stop for photos of the volcanoes and landscape. As you enter the valley closer to the lagoon expect to see many wild horses, anotehr interesting feature of Cotopaxi National Park.

After biking, a hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon provides fantastic photo opportunities of Cotopaxi volcano on clear days, while an abundance of birds are also found at the lagoon, including native species such as the Andean gull, Andean coot, Andean condor, Andean lapwing and Andean teal. Smaller animals such as the forest rabbit are commonly spotted during the hike around the lagoon.

The night is spent nearby at a Hacienda on the edge of Cotopaxi National Park.

Day 02: Horseback Riding in Cotopaxi, Travel to Banos
Our Hacienda on the outskirts of Cotopaxi National Park is the ideal spot for a horseback ride. Riding “chagra” style with chaps and ponchos, we’ll be warm and comfy as we head out into the mountains. With impressive views of numerous volcanoes, our well-trained horses will take us to places that offer stunning views where the paramo vegetation gives way to snowy mountains. For those who are keen, there will be opportunities to let loose and gallop across the valley!

A traditional Ecuadorian lunch at the Hacienda will be ready when we return and pack up for the ride to Banos. The town of Banos is an adventure destination. This is where bike riding, bunjee jumping, zip lines, white-water rafting and more can be found. While our time is pretty packed here full of activities, if there is something you definitely want to try, let the guide know ahead of time so they can plan it out for you!

Nestled in the shadow of Tungurahua volcano in the Rio Pastaza Valley, the actual town in Banos has many restaurants, ice cream shops, and places to get a massage if you want to relax and unwind in between your adventures.

Day 03: Tour around Baños, Including Waterfall Hike and Treehouse Swing, Free time
Baños, nestled between the Rio Pastaza canyon and Tungurahua volcano, is a playground for adventure activities. Sweets and treats are also common in town with many shops stretching and kneading melocha, a special kind of toffee. Ice cream and baked goods are bountiful as well.

With so much to choose from, it can be quite over whelming. So, unelss you have your heart set on a certain activity, your guide will take you on a grand tour today, packing in a wide variety of sites that you might not otherwise find. Head out of town to visit some waterfalls, iking right up to the edge of some! You’ll also visit the famous treehouse swing, which wings high over the cliffs above Banos. Some small zip lines are nearby too. Sampel some local fruits and maybe take a cable car or ball swing ride too.

A hike from atop a lookout above the town, back to your hotel will signal the end of the days activities. Arriving back in the afternoon you’re free to explore town until meeting for dinner. Other options are to grab a massage or enjoy some local craft beers!

Day 04: Waterfall Climbing, Amazon Rainforest Hike, Jungle Lodge
Today we’ll head east out of Baños, down the Rio Pastaza Valley. The high cloud forest gives way to lush rainforest, sweeping all the way down the canyon walls into the river below as we descend into Ecuador’s Amazon jungle lowlands.

On the edge of the Amazon, in a place called Tena, we will enjoy a lunch break before venturing into the jungle. You will want a sturdy pair of waterproof shoes today, otherwise we’ll stop to size everyone up for rubber boots. Why? Becaues after a bit of jungle hiking, we are going to climb up some waterfalls!

As you may suspect, climbing waterfalls means you are going ot get wet. No…you are going to get soaked! It’s a refreshing soak, since we’re otherwise in the humid and steamy jungle. Take care to only bring waterproof cameras today or make the use of a drybag, as you’ll be climbing ropes and swimming around in jungle canyons. It’s a real highlight of every trip, and your guide, along with a local guide will ensure everything is done with your safety as a top priority.

After the soaking, we’re back on the road (with time to change clothes). Our goal is to head deeper into the Amazon to a jungle lodge for the night. For the curious eater, today is a day when you might be able to try some Amazon delicacies such as lemon ants or palm weevil larvae. Delicious!

Finishing the day, we’ll take a dugout canoe across the Napo River, to our Amazon lodge for the night. Fall asleep under your mosquitos nets, listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Day 05: Dugout Canoe Ride, Indigenous Village Visit, Animal Rescue Center, Drive to Papallacta
Today we explore the Amazon! By traditional dugout canoe you’ll head up river to visit a nearby indigenous community. Simple wooden structures for houses, often on stilts, are common in the Amazon. In the community you’ll see how they’ve traditionally made textiles and pottery from natural plants and ingredients from the jungle.

Onwards from there, we head down river to a special animal rescue center run by volunteers. Animals from nearby villages and further away are brought here to be treated and released back into the wild whenever possible. Some are orphaned animals, others are animals that have been kept as pets and some are being rehabilitated from their injuries. A range of monkeys, toucans and parrots are here. They also have caiman, tapir, peccary and ocelots. For many visitors to Ecuador this may be the only opportunity to see most of these creatures.

Afternoon we’ll hit the road and travel out of the Amazon through the cloud forest and on to Papallacta. Arriving in late afternoon, you’re free to explore the natural ther,al pools which are directly outside your hotel rooms. There are also nearby publich hot springs you can visit. A supremely relaxing experience!

Day 06: Hummingbird Visit, Hiking, Return to Quito
An early pre-breakfast start today takes us to a nearby lodge that attracts a large variety of hummingbirds.

Flitting and fluttering right past you, these busy birds will keep you clicking the shutter on yoru camera. With patience, you’ll catch some staying still as they look for some sweet nectar in a nearby flower or feeder.

Back to the hotel for breakfast and to pack for our trip to Quito. Dependin on preferences you’ll have the option to do a shorter hike near the hotel, or a longer hike in the Cayambe-Coco National Park. Each of them offer some unique vegetation, plants and flowers so you can’t lose! It all depends how early you want to arrive back in Quito.

Once you’re back in the big city, you’ll have some time to relax and get together one last time for a final dinner with your fellow adventurers!

Day 07: Quito, depart for home
The end of your travels, we’re happy to help you with arranging transportation to the airport.

Day 01: Arrive in Quito
Arrive in Quito, capital of Ecuador, founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city; transfer to your hotel. The Quito airport is approximately an hour drive from the city. Balance of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with this lively city’s priceless historical treasures of art and architecture. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Ecuadorian food at one of the city’s world-class restaurants and cafes
Overnight: Quito

Day 02: Quito City Tour & Visit to the Middle of the World
The morning’s tour begins with a visit to the colonial section of Quito to walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and feel the charm of 16th-century Quito. See the Independence Plaza, the Cathedral, Presidential Palace, and the Archbishop’s Palace before visiting La Compañia de Jesus Church, with its beautiful gilded interior or the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World with its impressive facade and atrium. Afterward, visit the Middle of the World Monument, located at a latitude of 0º, and stand with one foot in the Northern and one in the Southern Hemisphere. This afternoon, transfer by bus to Otavalo. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Otavalo

Day 03: Otavalo Market, Transfer to Papallacta
This morning visit Peguche, known for its beautiful waterfall. Then, take a tour of the market in Otavalo, one of the largest in South America run by the local Otavaleños. Here, enjoy the lively market atmosphere and browse the various stalls for traditional goods such as handwoven cloth and rugs, jewelry and more. This afternoon, transfer to Papallacta located in the Andes Mountains. The remainder of the day is at leisure or join the optional tour to Papallacta’s spas and hot springs, for which it is famous.
Overnight: Papallacta

Day 04: Transfer to Amazon Resort
After breakfast, transfer by bus to La Punta Ahuano on the Napo River where you will board a canoe that will take you to your Amazon lodge*. Enjoy the serene tranquility that the lodge has to offer and prepare to be amazed by both the wildlife and the culture inherent to the Amazon. In the afternoon, visit Ahuano and a local Quechua community interpretation center to learn about their way of life first hand before returning to the hotel *Upon arrival the lodge is approximately a 5-10 minute walk uphill from where passengers will exit the canoe. Passengers are required to transport their own carry on luggage.
Overnight: Amazon

Day 05: Hike in a Private Nature Reserve
This morning, after a canoe ride you can hike in the Misicocha Private Nature Reserve for approximately two hours while viewing the beautiful flora and fauna up-close. The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest ecosystem, so be sure to keep an eye out for the innumerable species of tropical plants and insects. Enjoy the views as you cross suspended bridges and fly through the jungle on a short zip line basket ride. At the end of the hike, take a rafting trip on a traditional balsa log raft*. Balance of the day is at leisure or, choose to participate in one of the optional tours, including the Butterfly Farm & Balsa Wood Carving Demonstration, Cacao Farm & AmaZOOnico Rescue Center or Canopy Adventure Park*This is an active hike and sections of the path include steps. Also, those who participate in the rafting trip will need to step through the water to reach the raft and will get wet during the ride
Overnight: Amazon

Optional (Not Included): Butterfly Farm & Balsa Wood Demonstration
Optional (Not Included): Cacao Farm & AmaZOOnico Rescue
Optional (Not Included): Canopy Adventure Park

Day 06: El Pailon del Diablo & Banos
This morning, board a canoe for the short trip to La Punta Ahuano, continuing by coach to Patate. Stop along the way to visit the powerful El Pailon del Diablo or “The Devil’s Cauldron”*, one of Ecuador’s most beautiful waterfalls. Drive to Baños, an idyllic little town known for its hot thermal baths and the sometimes steamy Tungurahua Volcano. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, watch a demonstration on vegetable ivory, a traditional craft that utilizes palm nuts to make jewelry and animal carvings. In the late afternoon, check into your hotel in the Valley of Patate. Balance of the day is at leisure *This is an active hike to and from El Pailon del Diablo waterfall
Overnight: Patate

Day 07: Visit to a Rose Plantation, Lunch at Hacienda La Cienega
Today, enjoy a tour of a beautiful rose plantation. Although roses are not native to Ecuador, the country has a perfect environment for rose cultivation and is presently one of the world’s major producers. On the plantation, you’ll learn more about the farming process, from planting to exporting. Continue to Hacienda La Cienega for lunch, one of the oldest and most historic haciendas in Ecuador, belonging to the descendants of Marques of Maenza dating back to the 17th century, with a spectacular view of the Cotopaxi volcano, in the background. After lunch, time to wonder around the grounds of the Hacienda. Continue to the hotel in Quito for this evening’s “Farewell to Ecuador” Dinner with your group
Overnight: Quito

Day 08: Depart Quito
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Day 01: Quito (arrival)
View of the Plaza and Church of San Francisco in the city of Quito
This is a day for rest, a little sightseeing, and, most importantly, a good chance to get accustomed to the lung-busting altitude of 9350 feet. Don’t be surprised if you are really tired while walking around Quito, but do try to get out for a few walks and to take in some sun (a sure cure for jet lag). The highlight is a simple cruise through the old town area, where cobblestone streets, historic squares and gilded churches bring the colonial age to light. If you still have some energy, travel 26km north of town to check out the volcanic crater at Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua (Pululahua Geo-Botanic Reserve).

Day 02: Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Andean landscape scene at Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
The natural wonders of Ecuador reveal themselves as you head south from Quito. If the day is clear, you can see the symmetrical cone of the Cotopaxi summit (5897m) looming large over Parque Nacional Cotopaxi (Cotopaxi National Park), an area largely comprised of high-alpine grasslands, with a few forests sitting on lower elevations.

Either by private taxi or rent a car, you’ll make your way on dusty roads up to the rooftop shelf of the park’s interior, passing llama, wild horses and maybe even a few fox and deer along the way. If your lungs are feeling good, challenge yourself with a five-hour hike to the top of Volcán Runiñahui. Alternately, opt instead for the 2.6-km trail that circles the Laguna Limpiopungo for good bird-watching, stopping for a leisurely lunch at the Tambopaxi lodge in the park’s center. Come nighttime, you have the choice to adventure down to Latacunga south of here, or stay near the park in historic haciendas and basic lodges.

Day 03-05 – Quilotoa Loop
Laguna Quilotoa in Ecuador seen from the viewing deck
The Quilotoa Loop is an offbeat adventure that takes you to a gorgeous volcanic crater (Laguna Quilotoa), through artisan villages, traditional markets, patchwork fields and small Andean villages. Most people start their trip from Latacunga, working their way clockwise around the route. While parts can be driven, it’s best to hike the loop.

After checking out the naïve-style paintings found in the art galleries of Tigua, you continue along the route to the village of Quilotoa. From here, you can hike down to the crater lake at the bottom (it will take you about an hour-and-a-half), or you can walk along the crater rim trail – a serious hike that will take six to eight hours. If you want to through-hike, you could continue from the crater trail all the way to Chugchilán.

On your second and third days on the loop, you can hike out into the cloud forest outside Chugchilán and continue over to Insiliví for more trekking. It’s best to time this trip around local market days – Zumbahua (Saturday), Guantualo (Monday), Saquisilí (the highlight of the three is held on Thursdays). These markets provide a unique insight into the people and culture of Highlands Ecuador. Most have good selections of artisan goods, but it’s the fruit stalls, food stalls, and other local goods that make these loud, chaotic marketplaces something to remember.

Accommodation on the loop is basic. Some of the towns have nicer country-style lodges, while much of it is back-to-basics style accommodation in little Andean villages.

Day 06-07: Banos
Aerial view of touristic small town Banos
Aerial view of Baños, known for its hot springs and jungle treks
Right when you were starting to get acclimated, it’s time to descend into the tropics with a side trip down to the emerald tropical village of Baños. The first night, take a dip in one of the town’s signature hot springs. The geothermal springs in town are pretty run down, so consider heading 2 km outside of town to the El Salado Springs, which sit in a quiet canyon and are extremely serene and relaxing. With an extra day or two, consider mounting a three-day jungle trek from here, where you can slog through rainforest thick with bugs, birds and other wild fauna, and really get deep into one of Planet Earth’s remaining virgin habitats.

If you just have the two days, rent a mountain bike for the day and head down the Ruta de las Cascadas (Route of the Waterfalls) to the Amazon outpost of Puyo. Along the way, you can stop for excellent hikes to jaw-dropping waterfalls at the Devil’s Cauldron and other unique stops along the way. The second day, take it easy with a long day hike around town to Bellavista, a lookout point above the city.

Day 08: Cuenca
View of the city of Cuenca
View of the city of Cuenca, with it’s many churches and rooftops
It will take some time to get down to Cuenca by bus. If you have your own wheels, consider adding on a side trip to the nature reserve around the 6310-meter Volcán Chimborazo (a good option to break up the journey). There are a few great hikes here where you can spot vicuña and other native species. Cuenca is a colonial masterpiece, with cobblestone streets, well-preserved historic sites, friendly markets and a fun dining and nightlife scene. Settle down in a historic hotel in the town center, taking a few leisurely strolls.

Day 09: Cuenca
Just past mid-way through the trip, use Day 9 as a rest day, quietly exploring Cuenca and sampling its excellent restaurants.

Day 10: Parque Nacional Cajas
Alpaca sightings are possible in Cajas national Park
Located just 30 km north of Cuenca, Parque Nacional Cajas (Cajas National Park) largely protects the unique páramo (Andean grasslands) and a number of small lakes. To up your adrenaline offer, consider a canyoneering trip in the park (arranged through guides in Cuenca), or simply head up to Laguna Llaviucu for good birdwatching. Longer treks in the park require a guide. You can camp here, but most people opt to return to the creature comforts of Cuenca.

Day 11-13: Camino del Inca
Stone walls at Ingapirca Inca ruins, part of the 40 kilometer Camino del Inca trek
Located on the royal road that connected Cuzco with Quito, the Camino del Inca is a remarkable three-day, 40-kilometer trek worthy of your bucket list. Start the hike in Achupallas, climbing past rivers and lakes to an ancient Inca town, where you can camp out. The next day you will pass an old Inca bridge, before continuing on to the crumbling archaeological site of Paredones. Finish it off in Ecuador’s best preserved archaeological site at Ingapirca, a site originally developed by the Cañari people, and later taken over by the Inca. The route is only for experienced hikers and we recommend bringing a guide. The hike can also be done in reverse (downhill).

On the last day, if you still have daylight, make the long bus ride or drive (five to six hours) down to the low-altitude village of Vilcabamba. Accommodation on the trek is limited to camping.

Day 14-15: Parque Nacional Podocarpus
While most travelers end up skipping the far south because of the long drive time, it’s well worth the extra effort, rewarding you with offbeat adventures and lot of wild open space just waiting to be explored. Start your morning with a massage in the new-age village of Vilcabamba. The best thing about Vilcabamba is just walking through town, stopping and chatting with the friendly locals, and connecting with a groovy international travelers scene. Outside of town, a maze of trails provides endless adventures on horseback, foot and mountain bike.

At just 1500 meters, the fresh warm air will feel great, as you head up from town on the Cascada del Palto Trail in Parque Nacional Podocarbus (Podocarbus National Park). The eight hour round-trip takes you to a beautiful waterfall. The next day grab a private taxi or drive up (about two hours) to the park’s center, taking a 5km hike through cloud forest and páramo on the Miradores Loop Trail. There are hotels, lodges and youth-forward guesthouses in Vilcabamba.

Day 16: Quito
Sangay National Park
A high altitude area of Parque Nacional Sangay, a possible side trip from Cuenca
It’s a long-haul back to Quito from Vilcabamba by road (12-15 hours) so consider hopping back to Cuenca and taking a flight. Alternately, try to take a night bus.