Prices
Is this tour for me?
Get In Touch
Highlights
Hike, bike, raft, and more in the beautiful and diverse landscapes of Ecuador
Dive into the beautiful outdoors while you hike, bike, and kayak in the spectacular mountains and rainforests of Ecuador.
Spend time with local indigenous people and learn about their traditions and culture.
Stay deep in the Amazon and witness the natural beauty and wildlife of this incredible rainforest.
Soak your cares away in the natural volcanic hot springs in Baños.
The 8-Day Andes and Amazon guided tour weaves through Andean peaks, volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, and the edge of the Amazon. Travelers trek into the turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa, bike beneath the snow-capped giant Cotopaxi, and descend through lush highland forests surrounding Baños. Iconic viewpoints, canyon crossings, hot springs, lively nightlife, and cultural encounters enrich each day with a balance of adrenaline, scenery, and authentic local flavor.
The journey then ventures deep into the Amazon basin for gentle kayaking, wildlife viewing, rainforest hikes, and meaningful connections with remote communities. Guests experience a shamanic ceremony, explore a wildlife sanctuary, learn traditional cooking techniques, and relax in natural lagoons. With carefully curated adventures and immersive cultural moments, this guided adventure tour delivers a dynamic blend of exploration, nature, and discovery across Ecuador's most diverse landscapes.
The 8-Day Andes and Amazon guided tour weaves through Andean peaks, volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, and the edge of the Amazon. Travelers trek into the turquoise crater lake of Quilotoa, bike beneath the snow-capped giant Cotopaxi, and descend through lush highland forests surrounding Baños. Iconic viewpoints, canyon crossings, hot springs, lively nightlife, and cultural encounters enrich each day with a balance of adrenaline, scenery, and authentic local flavor.
The journey then ventures deep into the Amazon basin for gentle kayaking, wildlife viewing, rainforest hikes, and meaningful connections with remote communities. Guests experience a shamanic ceremony, explore a wildlife sanctuary, learn traditional cooking techniques, and relax in natural lagoons. With carefully curated adventures and immersive cultural moments, this guided adventure tour delivers a dynamic blend of exploration, nature, and discovery across Ecuador's most diverse landscapes.
Read more
Andes and Amazon Adventure Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Quito & Expedition Briefing
Touch down in the Andean capital, where the team provides a scenic transfer into Quito—gateway to adventure. Settle in, explore vibrant streets and markets, or relax with optional guided excursions available for those eager to dive deeper.
At 6:00 PM, join the welcome briefing to meet the expedition leader and fellow travelers. The group sets intentions for the journey ahead and prepares for the thrilling days to come.
Overnight Location: Swissotel or similar
Distance: Flexible
Meals: None
Day 2 Quilotoa Crater Trek & Andean Hacienda Stay
Journey along the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes toward Quilotoa, where a turquoise lagoon rests inside a towering crater. Trek down into this natural wonder, capture dramatic landscapes, and opt for a peaceful paddle across the lagoon. The ascent back to the crater rim delivers a true Andean reward.
A traditional lunch and a visit to a colorful artisan market follow before continuing to a charming Andean hacienda, home to grazing alpacas, open skies, and mountain serenity.
Overnight Location: Family Working Farm – Andean Hacienda
Distance: 3.5 km, 469 m of ascent, 469 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Cotopaxi Volcano Biking & Baños Hot Springs
Start the day at Cotopaxi National Park, home to a striking, snow-capped volcanic cone. Enjoy coca tea before setting off on a scenic bike ride across high plains frequented by wild horses, foxes, and soaring condors. Ancient ruins enrich the route with stories of ages past.
After lunch, continue to the adventure hub of Baños. Settle in and unwind in steaming volcanic hot springs, a rejuvenating end to a high-altitude ride.
Overnight Location: Family Run – Boutique Hotel
Distance: 27.5 km, 509 m of ascent, 525 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Cloud Forest Descent & Baños Highlights
Travel into Llanganates National Park and begin a thrilling downhill ride from 10,000 to 5,000 feet through lush cloud forest. Coast past fruit farms, waterfalls, and misty mountain views, enjoying smooth, lightly traveled roads.
A picnic lunch fuels an afternoon of memorable experiences, including the iconic Swing at the End of the World and a Tarabita cable car crossing. Optional zip-lining adds extra adrenaline before an evening out in lively Baños.
Overnight Location: Family Run – Boutique Hotel
Distance: 30 km, 1,454 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Amazon Kayaking & Evening with a Shaman
Begin with a visit to the thunderous Pailon del Diablo Waterfall before descending deeper into the Amazon. After a riverside picnic and safety briefing, paddle gentle Class I currents along the Arajuno River, surrounded by rainforest sounds and vibrant wildlife.
Arrive at a tranquil riverside glamping site for drinks and a sumptuous dinner. A local shaman then shares ancestral knowledge and spiritual traditions, creating an unforgettable night in the jungle.
Overnight Location: Arajuno River Amazon Glamping
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Wildlife Encounters, Community Visit & Canyoning
Start with a sunrise canoe excursion to a parrot clay lick, where vivid wings color the morning sky. After breakfast, kayak to a nearby community and school to connect with residents and observe impactful conservation initiatives.
Continue downstream before exploring a Wildlife Sanctuary rich with monkeys and tropical birds. A traditional lunch with a local family precedes a medicinal plant hike and a fun canyoning adventure along shallow rivers and small waterfalls. Cap the day with a hands-on cooking class and chocolate fondue.
Overnight Location: Amazon Homestay
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Natural Lagoons & Farewell Feast
Relax in pristine natural lagoons, perfect for swimming, sunning, and unwinding. For added excitement, an optional Class III rafting trip awaits thrill-seekers.
Return to Quito by early evening for a celebratory farewell dinner, sharing stories, laughter, and memories forged across mountains, forests, and rivers.
Overnight Location: Swissotel or similar
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Departure Day
The journey concludes with a smooth airport transfer arranged according to each traveler’s departing flight. Safe travels until the next adventure calls.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2026 Pricing for Andes and Amazon Adventure The departures are available starting daily, from January 1 to Dec 31, 2026.
The starting price for two people sharing a double or twin room is USD2055 per person.
Accommodation on the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon Adventure
This tour is based in 3-star hotels, B&Bs, and ecolodges. The hotels offer comfortable rooms with great locations. The lodges in the Amazon are more rustic. Rooms are double occupancy and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel (please contact us to find out the pricing).
What’s Included in the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon Adventure?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners are included as well as water and snacks.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Quito are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage is included as outlined in the itinerary including airport transfers on arrival and departure.
Also Included
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Bike (quality hybrid bikes), certified helmets and gloves
- Hiking poles
- Quality kayaking gear, Amazon: Expedition-grade inflatable kayaks, lifejackets and paddles
- Canyoneering equipment, harnesses, helmets, ropes, and rubber boots
- Fees to National Parks and reserves
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights to or from Ecuador
- Lunches and dinners not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Visas if required
- Optional activities
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as ‘included’
- Gratuities for tour guides and drivers
- How hard is the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon Adventure?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Ecuador?
- Are meals included on the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon Adventure?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Quito to start this tour?
- Is the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon Adventure guided?
- Where does the Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon Adventure tour end?
- Are equipment rentals included?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ecuador?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Ecuador?
- What time of the year is the best time to travel to Ecuador for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour has a moderate difficulty rating because it includes two hikes at high elevations in addition to other physical activities. No experience is required for rafting or canyoneering, but travellers should be adventurous and fairly fit to get the most out of this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 3 dinners are included as well as water and snacks.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities included. Get your Travel Insurance.
The best way to reach Quito is to fly to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).
Yes, you will have an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour.
The tour ends in Quito where you will transfer to the airport.
Your bike, helmet, and gloves are included for the cycling portion. Hiking poles will be provided for hikes, and all rafting equipment including helmets are also provided. The tour includes the harnesses, ropes, and helmets you’ll require for canyoneering as well. Please bring any other personal equipment desired.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Ecuador for this tour is June through September when the weather tends to be dry and sunny.
Customer Ratings
The creation of Activexpedition is to inspire adventure travelers to explore our world from a different perspective. At Activexpedition they prioritize eco-friendly activities in every destination they go, as well as support local people and traditions through sustainability efforts.
Activexpedition’s mission is to deliver educational experiences of a lifetime with stellar service and provide human powered holidays that go beyond typical adventure travel.
