Highlights
- Follow an ancient Inca trail through Quito's historic center
- Swim at the base of the Ushpayacu Waterfall in the Ecuadorian Amazon
- Learn to make traditional Amazonian dishes
- Go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal rainforest creatures
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Quito, Colonial City Tour | Quito |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Archidona, Rainforest Hike & Visit Kuyana Island | Archidona |
| Day 3 | Hike to Ushpayacu Waterfall, Cooking Class, Night Walk & Campfire | Archidona |
| Day 4 | Tree Planting in Archidona, Transfer to Quito via Papallacta Hot Springs | Quito |
| Day 5 | Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano, Depart Quito |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Colonial City Tour
Welcome to Ecuador! A private driver will be waiting to greet you when you touch down in Quito. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," this high-altitude capital sits at a lofty 9,350 feet (2,850 m) in elevation. Drop your bags at your accommodation and hit the ground running, exploring the city's UNESCO-listed historic center right away with a local guide.
Start with the towering cathedrals of La Compañía, its interior covered in shining gold leaf, and La Basílica del Voto Nacional. You'll also take a stroll down La Ronda, the oldest street in the city and once part of an ancient Inca trail. The grand finale of your Quito city tour is heading to the summit of El Panecillo for views of the entire city and an up-close view of the Virgin de El Panecillo monument. If you've worked up an appetite during the tour, ask your guide for their dining recommendations back in town. Bolon de verde (fried plantains and cheese or meat) is a local specialty you won't want to miss!
Day 2: Transfer to Archidona, Rainforest Hike & Visit Kuyana Island
Your second day in Ecuador kicks off with a transfer through striking landscapes of snowcapped volcanoes and lagoons, descending in altitude to reach the lush outskirts of the Amazon rainforest. After 3.5 hours, you'll arrive in the pastel village of Archidona for a stay at the Kuyana Lodge. This family-run ecolodge tucked in the rainforest is the perfect base for your adventures in the Amazon. Drop your bags and sit down for a traditional lunch made with local ingredients like fresh fish.
After a well-deserved break, pop on your hiking boots, because your first activity is getting familiar with your surroundings alongside a local guide. You'll head out on the Guitarracocha Trail, named for the sound of guitars that are said to emanate from the natural water features found nearby. Your three-hour hike culminates with a swim in the Río Hollín, a pristine tributary of the larger Río Napo. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for shocks of color against the verdant jungle in the form of butterflies and birds.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Hike to Ushpayacu Waterfall, Cooking Class, Night Walk & Campfire
Kick off another full day of exploring the Amazon with a delicious breakfast at the lodge—you'll need the fuel for your first activity. Head back into the jungle with a guide, this time on a hike to the Ushpayacu Waterfall. The waterfall is a part of the Ushpayacu Estuary, made up of a series of natural springs that are perfect for taking a dip. Once again, watch out for rainbow-hued insects and rare avian species along the way. Back at the lodge, roll your sleeves up and get to work with a hands-on cooking class, learning how to make traditional dishes and chocolate from local ingredients.
Your creations will be your dinner this evening, alongside a local delicacy of maito (local river fish wrapped in banana leaves), fried plantains, and organic chocolate and fruit for dessert. On last adventure awaits after dinner, as you set off into the rainforest to explore after nightfall. A symphony of creatures come to life in the darkness, giving a whole new meaning to the word nocturnal. A local guide will help you discover these species, from tree frogs to the rare giant silk moths. End the evening gathered around the glow of a campfire.
Day 4: Tree Planting in Archidona, Transfer to Quito via Papallacta Hot Springs
It's your last morning in the Amazon, and what better way to sign off on your trip than by planting a tree? The lodge will organize your meetup with the Río Hollín Restoration Project, and you'll get the chance to make a small but meaningful contribution to their reforestation efforts. Wave goodbye to your tiny sapling and start heading back to the capital with a special stop along the way. As you near Quito, pull off at the Papallacta Hot Springs, situated in the Andean highlands, for a soak in geothermal waters.
Tucked away in the tiny village of Papallacta, make your way inside the resort to discover several heated pools known for their healing properties and sweeping views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. You'll also have the opportunity for a massage to soothe your aching muscles after your rainforest hikes. Pull back into Quito in the late afternoon with a little time to spare for a last Ecuadorian dinner or a search for souvenirs.
Day 5: Ride the Cable Car to Pichincha Volcano, Depart Quito
It's your last day in Ecuador, but the fun's not quite over. End your trip in dramatic fashion with a ride on cable car ride up to the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, located on the western side of Quito. This stratovolcano is one of the most active in the entire country. Epic views of the city and the highest peaks of Pichincha, Guagua Pichincha, and Rucu Pichincha are your reward for making it to the top.
For the adventurous (and depending on how much time you have after snapping pictures), trek along the Rucu Pichincha trail, surrounded by páramo high-altitude grasslands. This eventually leads to the tip top of Rucu Pichincha, but you can walk as long as you like and turn around to make your way back down to Quito. Once you've made it back down the volcano, a driver will ensure you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Whether you're headed for another South American destination or home, safe travels!
More Great Ecuador Itineraries
Map
