OVERVIEW:
A once-in-a-lifetime journey across Ecuador’s most iconic landscapes.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the heart of the Amazon Rainforest and the legendary Galápagos Islands, this 17-day expedition is designed for travelers who seek more than just a vacation — they seek transformation through nature, culture, and discovery.
Wander through cobbled colonial streets in Quito, hike beneath the shadow of Cotopaxi Volcano, paddle through pristine jungle rivers with pink dolphins, and walk among blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises in the islands that inspired Darwin.
Every step of this journey invites you to connect — with local communities, with wild ecosystems, and with your own adventurous spirit. With seamless logistics, expert local guides, and handpicked accommodations, this all-in-one program offers comfort, authenticity, and wonder from beginning to end.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in Quito
Your Ecuadorian adventure begins with your arrival in Quito, one of the highest capital cities in the world. A private driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in the city’s historic highlands. Settle in, breathe the fresh Andean air, and prepare for the unforgettable days ahead.
Max Altitude
2,850 m
Meals
-
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Distance
40 km
Duration
1 hour
Day 2 – Quito Old Town & Equator Monument
Start your journey with a guided tour of Quito’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning colonial architecture, gold-covered churches, and vibrant plazas. After lunch, head north to the Mitad del Mundo, where you’ll stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Optional: short hike around Cuicocha Lagoon.
Max Altitude
2,800 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Distance
40 km
Duration
6–7 hours
Day 3 – Journey to the Amazon Rainforest
Descend from the Andes into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. You’ll travel east by private vehicle and then board a motorized canoe to enter the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Along the river, you’ll start spotting monkeys, birds, and the rich biodiversity of the jungle. Arrival at your eco-lodge in the late afternoon.
Max Altitude
250 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Amazon Lodge – Cuyabeno
Distance
250 km + 2-hour boat
Duration
Full day
Day 4 – Aguarico River & Secoya Indigenous Community
Travel deeper along the Aguarico River to visit a Secoya Indigenous village. Spend the day learning about their traditions, medicinal plants, and relationship with the rainforest. You’ll share a traditional meal and stay overnight in the community—a powerful cultural exchange and unique experience.
Max Altitude
250 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Secoya Community Lodge
Distance
10 km (river)
Duration
Full day
Day 5 – Pink River Dolphins & Wildlife Canoeing
This morning you’ll paddle along the Lagartococha River, one of the Amazon’s most remote and pristine tributaries. Keep your eyes open for pink river dolphins, sloths, macaws, and caimans. This is one of the best regions in Ecuador for wildlife observation. Return to your jungle lodge for a relaxing evening.
Max Altitude
250 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Amazon Lodge – Cuyabeno
Distance
15 km (river)
Duration
Full day
Day 6 – Cofan Community & Cultural Immersion
Today you’ll meet the Cofan Indigenous people, known for their deep knowledge of the rainforest and traditional healing. Learn about their way of life, spiritual worldview, and ancient use of medicinal plants. It’s a meaningful day of intercultural learning and connection.
Max Altitude
250 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accomodation
Amazon Lodge – Cuyabeno
Distance
10 km
Duration
6 hours
Day 7 – Return to Quito
After an early breakfast, begin your return journey by boat and road back to the highlands. By afternoon, you’ll arrive back in Quito, where your hotel room awaits for a well-deserved rest after your jungle immersion.
Max Altitude
2850 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Distance
250 km
Duration
6 hours
Day 8 – Free Day in Quito
Take it easy and enjoy Quito at your own pace. Stroll through artisan markets, ride the Teleférico cable car to 4,000 m for a stunning view of the Andes, or explore a museum. This day is ideal to recharge before heading south into the Avenue of Volcanoes.
Max Altitude
2,850 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Distance
Flexible
Duration
Flexible
Day 9 – Cotopaxi National Park & Highland Hike
Drive into Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador’s most iconic destinations. Hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon, admire wild horses, and gaze at the towering volcano. A short visit to the park museum and interpretation center rounds out the day.
Max Altitude
3,800 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation
Cotopaxi Lodge
Distance
120 km
Duration
5 to 6 hours
Day 10 – Cotopaxi Refuge Hike & Transfer to Baños
Today’s adventure takes you up to the José Rivas Refuge (4,864 m), a dramatic lookout just below Cotopaxi’s glacier. After lunch at the refuge or lodge, you’ll head to Baños, a colorful town nestled between waterfalls and mountains.
Max Altitude
4,864 m
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Distance
160 km
Duration
6 hours
Day 11 – Baños Waterfalls, Zipline & Swing
Feel the adrenaline and energy of Baños de Agua Santa. Start with a visit to the powerful Pailón del Diablo waterfall, then enjoy ziplining (optional) or take in views from the famous Swing at the End of the World. Evening free to enjoy thermal baths or local cuisine.
Max Altitude
1,800 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Baños
Distance
Flexible
Duration
Flexible
Day 12 – Quilotoa Lagoon (Optional) & Return to Quito
On the return north to Quito, you’ll have the option to stop and explore the stunning Quilotoa Crater Lagoon. Hike down to its emerald waters or enjoy the panoramic view from the rim. Arrive in Quito by evening.
Max Altitude
3,914 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Quito
Distance
200 km
Duration
6 hours
Day 13 – Flight to Galápagos & Santa Cruz Island
Fly to the Galápagos Islands, landing on Baltra Island. Cross to Santa Cruz, where you’ll visit lava tunnels and spot giant tortoises in the wild. This is where Charles Darwin found inspiration for his theory of evolution
Max Altitude
Sea level to 400 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Puerto Ayora
Distance
80 km
Duration
Half day
Day 14 – Bartolomé Island Excursion
Take a full-day boat tour to Bartolomé Island, famous for its lunar landscapes and Pinnacle Rock. Climb to the viewpoint for a postcard-perfect photo, then snorkel in clear waters with penguins, rays, and tropical fish.
Max Altitude
Sea level
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation
Hotel in Puerto Ayora
Distance
100 km (by boat)
Duration
Full day
Day 15 – North Seymour Island Exploration
Sail to North Seymour, home to one of the best wildlife displays in the Galápagos. Walk among blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine iguanas, and sea lions. A paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Max Altitude
Sea level
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation
Hotel in Puerto Ayor
Distance
90 km (by boat)
Duration
Full day
Day 16 – Free Day on Santa Cruz Island
Relax at Tortuga Bay, kayak through mangroves, snorkel in Las Grietas, or simply enjoy the coastal vibes of Puerto Ayora. This free day lets you enjoy Galápagos your way.
Max Altitude
Sea level
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Puerto Ayora
Distance
Flexible
Duration
Flexible
Day 17 – Return to Quito & International Departure
Say goodbye to the enchanted islands and take your return flight to Quito. Connect with your international departure the same day.
Max Altitude
2,850 m
Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
-el
Distance
Flight + airport transfer
Duration
Half day
SERVICES
Include
⦁ All airport transfers and private land transportation
⦁ 16 nights of accommodation in hotels, eco-lodges, and community stays
⦁ Meals as listed in the itinerary
⦁ All excursions and activities mentioned
⦁ Professional naturalist and cultural guides
⦁ All Park and community entrance fees (Cotopaxi, Amazon, Galápagos)
⦁ Canoe transport in Cuyabeno Reserve
⦁ Snorkeling gear for Galápagos
⦁ 24/7 assistance throughout the trip
Not include
⦁ International airfare to/from Ecuador
⦁ Domestic flights (Quito–Coca & Quito–Galápagos)
⦁ Galápagos Transit Control Card ($20)
⦁ Galápagos Park Fee ($100)
⦁ Travel insurance (mandatory)
⦁ Alcohol, snacks, and personal expenses
⦁ Tips for guides and drivers
⦁ Optional activities not listed
PRICES AND DATES
IMPORTANT DETAILS
In Ecuador you can Climb all year, but these are the seasons
High Season: June to August / December to January
Low season: February to May / September to November
Ecuador is a fantastic destination that offers plenty of options for travel lovers. In addition to the Andes, Galápagos and Amazon Jungle are also part of this amazing land.
About this tour
Difficulty: Demanding
Places: ✅ *Available
Trip-code: Number 🔺Ec +593
Duration: 5 days
Participants: Minimum: 2 Maximum: 12
Mountain Guide: Fernando Iza
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
Legend Booking-information
EZZ – Single room supplement
- On this trip, places are still available.
- On this trip, only a few places left.
- This trip is sold out / closed.
MAPS
EQUIPMENT
- Warm hat/ Wool Cap
- Sunglasses
- Buff
- Base layers
- Daypack (25–35L)
- Gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking Poles
- Trekking Pants
- Trekking boots or Shoes
- Trekking Sicks
- Fleece jacket or down jacket.
- Quick-dry shirts
- Sun hat or cap
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Headlamp
- First aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time of year to climb in Ecuador?
Our tours typically include certified guides, transportation, accommodation, meals, and any necessary equipment for your activities. Specific inclusions vary depending on the tour, so be sure to check the detailed itinerary.
2. Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Not necessarily.
- For Cotopaxi: Beginners with good fitness can join a summit program if they complete acclimatization hikes and receive basic glacier training.
- For Chimborazo and Cayambe: Prior glacier experience is highly recommended due to higher altitudes and longer summit pushes.
3. How important is acclimatization?
Acclimatization is critical. To prevent altitude sickness and improve summit chances, we recommend spending 3 to 5 days hiking at altitudes above 3,000 meters before attempting any summit over 5,000 m. Our acclimatization programs are designed to help your body adjust progressively.
4. Is a certified guide required
Yes. For safety and legal reasons, glaciated peaks like Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Antisana require an ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified mountain guide. All our guides meet this standard and have extensive experience in the Andes.
5. What gear do I need?
For glacier climbs, you need:
- Double insulated mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Helmet
- Headlamp
- Warm base layers, down jacket, and waterproof outer layers
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses, backpack
We offer rental equipment if you don’t
6.What is the weather like during this trip?
Expect a mix of cool mountain weather (5–15°C / 41–59°F) in Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, and mild to warm weather (15–25°C / 59–77°F) in Baños. Rain is possible year-round, especially in the afternoons, so bring waterproof layers.
7.Can I customize or extend the itinerary?
Absolutely! You can add an extra day in Quito, continue to the Amazon or Galápagos, or upgrade accommodations. Contact us directly to customize your experience.
8. Is this tour family-friendly or suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, families with older children (12+), and small groups. You’ll meet like-minded adventurers and be accompanied by local experts every step of the way.
9.How do I book this trip and what’s the cancellation policy?
You can book directly through our website or by contacting us via email at info@cotopaxi-travel.com or WhatsApp +593 981 333 483.
Our cancellation policy offers flexibility — free cancellation up to 15 days before departure. For full terms, visit our booking conditions.
