fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Ecuador Highlands

Sale!

Ecuador Highlands

Was From $ 1,690 AUD
Now From $ 1,436 AUDSale!

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
, ,

Description

From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle, this nine-day trip will take you through diverse Ecuador. Walk through the Amazon Jungle with an Indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest. Get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family, where you’ll connect with them and participate in a Pachamanca food ceremony, perhaps also brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise and you’ll take it all on with a local leader and likeminded travellers.

Trip Name
Ecuador Highlands
Last Updated
2024-08-14
Days
9
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in eco lodge-style accommodation on the banks of the Arajuno River and enjoy a special evening walk through the jungle under the night sky.
  • Walk in the rainforest with an Indigenous guide by your side to lead the way, point out local birds and teach you about the plant life that thrives here.
  • Hike to Pailon del Diablo – an 80-m-high waterfall so fierce that you’ll need to carry a poncho to keep dry from its wrath!
  • Marvel at the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano – one of the largest and highest active volcanos in the world – while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park.
  • Learn from a local Indigenous community during your homestay in the Caldera Community. Take part in the Pachamanca food ceremony, which has been a part of South American culture for centuries.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Quito
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital of Quito, high in the Andes. You’ll notice a mix of modern and traditional houses dotted halfway up the surrounding mountain peaks that frame the city and an Old Town with architectural jewels just waiting to be explored. Your trip officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the cobblestoned streets, checking out the market stalls or joining an Urban Adventure tour through the city’s historic centre – check out the Quito Legends and Culture Tour at urbanadventures.com.
Day 2 - Tena - Amazon
After breakfast this morning, wave goodbye to the country’s capital and switch up the pace as you make your way to the Amazon on a local bus bound for Tena. Your lodge-style accommodation in Tena, on the banks of the Arajuno River, is only accessible by canoe so you can expect a little bit of adventure for the last leg of today’s trip! You'll have a free afternoon to explore the eco-lodge – built with all-natural materials, this lodge belongs to the Selvaviva Foundation that works with the Indigenous community in the area. Tonight, have dinner at the eco-lodge, listening to the singing sounds of jungle insects and the flicker of the fireplace. Then, wander the area under the twinkling night sky on a night walk with your leader guiding the way.
Day 3 - Tena- Amazon
Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. You’ll be surrounded by one of the most magnificent landscapes on Earth, teeming with wildlife, so make sure you take a moment to breathe it all in. After lunch, visit an animal rescue centre to learn more about the local wildlife (and how we can help to protect them).
Day 4 - Banos
Take the opportunity to mingle with the locals and maybe brush up on your Spanish on a public bus headed for Banos. Surrounded by mountains, hot springs and waterways that lead to waterfalls, this is a perfect next step after the rainforest! When you arrive, stretch your legs on a leader-led walking tour of the city and get the inside scoop on the best places to grab a bite to eat. This afternoon, visit Pailon del Diablo – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. The 80-m-high falls have a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path (so make sure you bring a waterproof jacket). There are a lot of stairs, but they will be worth it when you reach the view of Pailon del Diablo.
Day 5 - Banos
Today, you have a free day to explore Banos and take on all the optional activities you like! Your leader will always be on hand to help arrange anything you’d like to do – maybe head for the ‘Swing at the End of the World’ and get your heart racing or hike to the Bellavista Viewpoint. You could also opt to soak away your worries in the hot springs or visit the local waterfalls.
Day 6 - Cotopaxi National Park- Quito
Rise bright and early this morning and drive along the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’ to the Cotopaxi National Park, which sits at 3800 m above sea level. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for a gorgeous view of the Cotopaxi volcano – Ecuador’s second-highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world! Keep an eye out for the park’s wildlife, including condors, deer and spectacled bears. Have lunch at La Cienega – sitting at the bottom of the volcano, this is one of the oldest haciendas in Ecuador and famously housed Charles-Marie de la Condamine, a French scientist who led the Geodesic Mission. After lunch, explore the on-site architecture, gardens and chapel. On the way back to Quito, you’ll also visit a flower farm for a guided tour where you’ll learn about all stages of production here. Connect with the plants by cutting and touching the flowers around you, becoming a part of the final phase of production, and learn about their green initiatives and environment mission.
Day 7 - Caldera Community Stay
Make your way to the north to the Caldera Community today, where Indigenous families will be waiting for you for tonight’s homestay. When you arrive, you’ll participate in the ‘Pachamanca’ food ceremony, where the pot is heated with volcanic stones to cook the local, Andean vegetables. Pachamanca has been a part of South American culture for centuries, dating back to pre-historic times. The name comes from the Quechua language ‘Pacha’ (meaning earth) and ‘Manca’ (meaning cooking pot or earth oven). Widely used in times of the Incas, this ritual is a celebration of fertility and life. While lunch is cooking, visit some of the women's entrepreneurship programs and learn more about the community here. After, spend some more time getting to know the local families and depending on the season, maybe feed the animals, take milk from the cows or harvest some vegetables.
Day 8 - Otavalo-Quito
This morning after a home-cooked breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and board the bus to the Cuicocha Lagoon. This lagoon sits in a collapsed volcanic crater and features two mounded islands that look like the backs of two guinea pigs (Cuicocha means ‘guinea pig lake!’). When you arrive, take one of the paths to the several viewpoints and appreciate the vast scenery. Then, head to the local Indigenous market of Otavalo – one of the best places to haggle for souvenirs. Browse the many stalls that sell hats, tapestries, ceramics, textiles and more. Later, head back to Quito and maybe rally your travel companions for one final dinner before your trip comes to an end – your leader will be ready with all the best bars and street eats!
Day 9 - Quito
With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-12-202414-12-2024AUD $ 1,436-
21-12-202428-12-2024AUD $ 1,521-
10-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 1,640-
07-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 1,624-
14-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 1,683-
11-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 1,683-
09-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 1,640-
23-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 1,624-
13-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 1,560-
04-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 1,560-
25-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 1,560-
15-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 1,560-
22-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 1,560-
12-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 1,560-
19-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 1,624-
10-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 1,624-
14-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 1,683-
05-12-202513-12-2025AUD $ 1,683-
19-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 1,980-
09-01-202617-01-2026AUD $ 2,005-
06-02-202614-02-2026AUD $ 2,005-
27-02-202607-03-2026AUD $ 2,005-
13-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 2,080-
10-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 2,080-
08-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 2,005-
12-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 1,925-
03-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 1,925-
24-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 1,925-
14-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 1,925-
11-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 1,925-
09-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 2,005-
13-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 2,080-
04-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 2,080-
18-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 2,080-

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights),Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights),Homestay (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Public bus

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Ecuador Intrepid On Sale