Ecuador: Cotopaxi & the Amazon Jungle
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
4397-9669
Start City:
Quito
End City:
Quito
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
8 days
Age Requirement:
18+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
12
Physical Rating:
3 - Explorer
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Jan 11, 2025 | Saturday, Jan 18, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Feb 08, 2025 | Saturday, Feb 15, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Mar 08, 2025 | Saturday, Mar 15, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
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| Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 | Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 | Saturday, Nov 29, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Saturday, Dec 20, 2025 | Saturday, Dec 27, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Sip a traditional warm canelazo drink on arrival to Cotopaxi, Hike in Cotopaxi National Park featuring stunning views and breathtaking altitudes, Soak in the views and see thundering waterfalls in the lush landscapes of Baños, Head out on nature walks and learn about traditional life in the Amazon Jungle
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Day 1
Quito: Welcome to EcuadorRolling mountains and snow-capped volcanoes pop into view as you descend into Quito. As you step off the plane, take in a lungful of fresh mountain air and notice it's a bit thinner than what you may be used to. Home to a spectacular variety of people, geography and biodiversity, Ecuador ignites the senses while beckoning your sense of adventure. We welcome you to Ecuador, and invite you to experience the crossroads of cultures, traditions and landscapes within its borders.
Transport: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Activity: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation: Hotel Hilton Colon (or similar)
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
Cotopaxi: The Middle of the WorldHeading out of Quito you will soon reach the imaginary line that runs around the centre of our planet, both an important geographical marker as well as the name of the country. Scan the scenic landscape and watch as towering volcanoes come in and out of view, or peek out of the clouds as you drive south. You'll be warmly welcomed at our cozy lodgings perched on the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, surrounded by stark and incredibly picturesque scenery.
Activity: Stop at the 'Middle of the Earth' to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named. Visit the tall stone monument with a viewing platform and on-site museum (Intiñan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures, as well as a small planetarium and a craft beer museum.
Activity: Sit down for a delicious lunch at a restaurant located on the edge of the crater of the Pululahua volcano. The interior offers panoramic views of the constantly changing landscape and was handmade using only local materials to create an inviting space that is in harmony with the natural land surrounding it. From empanadas to ceviche, the menu offers many fine dining options.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. There will be some stops along the way to your OMG Stay in the Cotopaxi area.
Activity: Weather permitting, sit around a bonfire to stay warm in the cool mountain air. Eat some tasty fresh s'mores that are toasted on the fire and gaze up at the stars.
Accommodation: Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 3
Cotopaxi: Discover the National ParkImmerse yourself in the volcanic landscape of Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Breathe in the thin mountain air as you hike and explore this stunning area, home also to a small Inca archaeological site. Back in the warmth of the lodge, you'll savour a delicious meal and learn how to make a tasty regional treat.
Activity: Spend a full day immersed in the wilds of Cotopaxi National Park and the high Andean ecosystem. Begin with a visit to Limpiopungo Lake, featuring amazing views of the Cotopaxi volcano. From the parking lot of the lake, the group will embark on a 2-hour hike up to 4800m and back. Then, you'll visit the Pucara de Salitre ruins, which are the remains of an old military fortress strategically built on a hilltop for the 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. A boxed lunch will be included and eaten overlooking some of the best vistas in the park.
Activity: The restaurant at your OMG Stay lodge offers on-site regional cuisine and a local chef who will regale you with delicious homemade meals. During this cooking class you will learn how to make a traditional pastry from Ecuador called Quimbolitos. This pastry contains raisins and is steamed in an achira or plantain leaf to keep the moisture in the dough, and to add flavour. The batter is a mix of cornflour, wheat flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and creamy cheese. After you learn how to prepare this tasty treat, you will enjoy the fruits of your labour over a cup of coffee or glass of milk.
Accommodation: Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 4
Baños: Lush LandscapesImagine plunging waterfalls, lush forests, steep gorges and steaming thermal springs, and you'll have conjured Baños in your mind. This incredible setting sits in the shadow of one of South America's most active volcanoes and begins your time in an adventurer's paradise. Follow the Rio Pastaza to the Pailon del Diablo, a powerful waterfall in the midst of the jungle landscape. From thrilling walks to a demonstration of the best handmade candy in Ecuador, this introduction to Baños will captivate your senses at every turn.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle en route from your OMG Stay in Cotopaxi to Baños. There will be stops along the way to a waterfall, for lunch, and an orientation walk of this quaint mountain town.
Activity: El Pailón del Diablo is located about 30 minutes outside of Baños. The Spanish name translates to "The Devil's Cauldron" in English. These powerful falls are 80m high and pull their strength from Rio Pastaza. The group will take a short walk to the falls before returning to the van. Total distance: 2km (1.3 miles) Total elevation: 148m (485ft)
Activity: Enjoy an orientation walk in Baños with your CEO, followed by a Melcocha demonstration and free time. Baños is a city in Ecuador's Tungurahua province, considered the gateway to the Amazon Basin and known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and active volcano to the south. Walk about the town, pass by The Church of Our Lady of Holy Water, and watch a special kind of Ecuadorian candy be handmade before your eyes— mostly produced in this small highland town. The process requires strength for squeezing the sugar cane and kneading it into the correct shape and consistency.
Free Time: Spend some time on your own in Baños. Opt for a short walk along a nearby trail or visit some of the local artisan shops.
Accommodation: Luna Volcan Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 5
Baños: Your OMG DayBaños is a hub for adventure activities, and today is all about how you want to best experience it with two great options to choose from. Set out on a cycling ride through the landscape on winding trails and roads from the La Suiza area back to the city. Or if you would rather stay on foot, join a guided trek to the Casa del Arbol and Torre Al Cielo, where you will encounter remarkable views of Baños and the Tungurahua Volcano.
Free Time: Spend a free afternoon back at the hotel property in Baños. Opt to visit the spa, book another adventure activity through the hotel, or simply relax while staring at the impressive views of Tungurahua Volcano, Llanganates National Park, and the charming town below. From hot spring soaks to horseback riding there are plenty of options to be as active or leisurely as you wish.
Activity: Option 1: Start the day with a bike tour! Enjoy private transport from your hotel to the La Suiza area where the biking adventure starts. Then pedal through the stunning highland scenery on an exhilarating ride to Baños, travelling a total of 35km. Option 2: Begin the day with a trekking adventure. Board a short transfer to Baños where the hike starts to Torre Al Cielo (Tower to the Sky) and Casa del Árbol (Tree House). Here you'll find the famous 'Swing at the End of the World'. Torre Al Cielo offers great views of the Tungurahua Volcano. Total distance: 7km (4.34 miles) Total elevation: 762m (2,500ft)
Accommodation: Luna Volcan Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 6
The Amazon: Life in the JungleThe Amazon has sparked the imaginations of curious travellers everywhere for centuries, conjuring up images of exotic wildlife and dense green leafy jungle. The biodiversity of plant and animal life is staggeringly varied, and the cultural traditions of those who live here are evident in the day-to-day responsibilities of life along the river, dependent on the changing land. Journey along the river by canoe and experience the true cacophony of sounds, sights, and smells in this abundantly beautiful place.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle as you travel from Baños to Punta Ahuano for the next leg of today's journey into the Amazon.
Transport: From Punta Ahuano paddle your way 30 minutes down the river to your lodge stay in the Amazon in a low-slung, lightweight boat.
Activity: This afternoon, you're going to meet a Kichwa family and see what it's like to live in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Your guide will explain how this family makes chicha, an Amazonian staple that comes from yuca and sweet potato. During this unique cultural experience you will discuss the family's traditions, beliefs and history. Then, hear about what daily life is like for them in such a unique environment with the modern world encroaching on their traditional ways of life.
Free Time: Take advantage of a few hours of free time at the lodge located along the bank of the Arajuno River. From the balcony of your cabaña, you can relax in a hammock or deck chair and observe hummingbirds, or visit the open-air lounge with a pool and full-service bar.
Accommodation: Casa del Suizo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 7
The Amazon: River Tubing and Jungle WalksAwake to the sounds of the forest, and listen for tropical birds and animals going about their daily rituals in the canopy above. Be fully present in this wild landscape while tubing along a river. Everywhere you go, the sights, sounds, and smells of the Amazon will follow creating a true sense of place. From medicinal plant walks to fresh meals at the lodge, your mind and body will be at complete ease in the middle of the jungle.
Activity: Float down the river near the lodge gazing at the sky and tree-lined banks. A guide will accompany you on a motorized canoe and pick you up at the end of the float.
Activity: Take a walk through the rainforest with locals and learn how to identify and prepare different medicinal uses of plants and insects found in the jungle.
Activity: Expand your knowledge of local food production and learn everything there is to know about cacao. If it's in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants while learning about the history of the pods in Ecuador. The plant remains a key export and fundamental in supporting local communities across the country. Roast and de-shell the beans, then re-heat the beans with milk and cinnamon into a fondue to be eaten with local fruits. Then, enjoy a fire-side, traditional jungle snack!
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
QuitoSoothe your body and mind in some natural hot springs fed by a nearby volcano as you head back towards Quito. Your adventure comes to an end upon arrival to the airport.
Transport: From the lodge, paddle 30 minutes along the river to Misahualli Port in a low-slung, lightweight boat.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Activity: Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. After an hour in the mineral springs, the group will have lunch together at the nearby restaurant featuring regional cuisine specialities.
Transport: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle as the group transfers from Papallacta to the airport in Quito.
Activity: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
Motorized Canoe, Private Vehicle, Walking.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class at the Lodge, Cotopaxi Your OMG Day: Bike Tour From La Suiza to Baños or Hiking Between Torre al Cielo and Casa del Arbol, Baños Your Local Living Moment: Visit a Local Family in the Amazon, Tena Your Foodie Moment: Chocolate Culinary Experience, Tena Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta. Complimentary arrival transfer. Welcome dinner. Mitad del Mundo & Intiñan Museum Visit. Full-Day exploration of Cotopaxi National Park. Cooking class at the Cotopaxi lodge. Pailon del Diablo Waterfall Visit. Baños Orientation Walk & Melcocha Demonstration. Visit with a Local Family in the Amazon. River Tubing in the Amazon. Medicinal Plant Jungle Walk. Chocolate Culinary Experience. Free time in Baños and the Amazon. Visit Papallacta hot springs. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Health and Safety Protocols for G Adventures Tours
Travel with Confidence
Your safety, as well as the safety of employees and partners, has always been G Adventures top priority, which is why new physical distancing and cleaning measures have been put in place on all of the tours. New Travel with Confidence policy features new health and safety procedures from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, without taking away from having the time of your life. The policy will evolve as time goes on and as G Adventures continues to monitor local public health recommendations, but what won't change is the commitment to keeping you safe as you explore big, beautiful world.
Before you join us
Global Connection Officers
GCOs (the people who answer when you call us) are available 24/7 to help with any questions you have prior to your trip, so you can feel confident and safe before leaving. No matter what time of day, they're there to respond to you — even at 3AM. They'll be up to date on local regulations and restrictions and can guide you through your travel process as smoothly as possible. And if you don't feel well before travelling, there's the Book with Confidence policy that helps you reschedule your trip for when you do, which they can help you with too (terms & conditions apply). If you book flights with us and there are any changes, rest assured that the team will support you by making new arrangements on your behalf.
Smaller groupsGroups have always been small. This offers security, access, camaraderie, and a connection with your destination you won't get by travelling on bus tours or on your own. The average group size is 12, ensuring travellers can engage with each other without being squeezed together like sardines — and that was before physical distancing became a reality. Plus, if you have 8 or more friends you'd like to adventure with, you can reserve the entire trip!
My own roomIf you're joining one of the small group tours on your own, good on ya! If you are a solo traveller sharing a room with someone, G Adventures will do their best to ensure they will be your roommate for the entire journey to support distancing efforts. G Adventures has 'My Own Rooms' available as an extra option for tours (pending availability), and they'll be offering more of these at more affordable prices to make it even easier to have a bit more space.
When you arrive
Chief Experience Officers
CEOs are responsible for ensuring you have the time of your life while keeping you as safe as possible. Here's how they're ready to do that:
- They're trained in First Aid, CPR, and other safety protocols
- They're supported 24/7 by the field staff in offices around the world who are well-equipped to handle emergencies
- They can help you find local clinics if you're feeling sick
- They'll receive new training to ensure they are up to date on all health and safety policies during these evolving times
- They have extensive local knowledge to proactively help you navigate wherever you're travelling
- Their local knowledge allows for greater flexibility when it comes to knowing the best time to visit certain highlights to avoid crowds whenever possible and suggesting the restaurants with the strictest hygiene practices or those where you can reserve your own table or room in advance
- They'll wear face masks when necessary based on local guidelines and recommendations
Travellers' safety and wellbeing is G Adventures biggest concern. If you're not feeling well before your departure, G Adventures has a Book with Confidence policy that provides you with flexibility and freedom to delay leaving until you're back to 100% healthy (terms & conditions apply). If you have a fever or any other symptoms on tour, you may be required to have a doctor clear you before rejoining us. All travellers are requested to bring face coverings, whether they're buffs, face masks or bandanas (extra style points encouraged). G Adventures makes every effort to have hand sanitizer available, but recommend bringing your own.
While on tour
Planes, trains, automobiles and more
Small private transport vehicles
- Every surface in G Adventures well-kept fleet of private vehicles will get at least one daily deep cleaning
- Each traveller will have a daily assigned seat
- Hand-sanitizer will be required every time you board the vehicle
- Facial coverings will be recommended while on-board
- Every surface will get at least one daily deep cleaning
- High-traffic areas will receive more frequent cleaning
- Hand-sanitizer or hand washing will be required every time you board the boat, as well as before and after meals
- To support physical distancing, meals may have assigned seating and there will be assigned slots for activities and rooming
- Facial coverings will be recommended and welcomed on-board
- Your crew is trained in health and safety measures (including food handling) and all cooking staff will follow up-to-date advice from health authorities
- Use of local transportation will be limited wherever possible. Please reference the Trip Details for each individual tour for specifics
- If local transportation is used, precautions will be followed in adherence to local health and safety regulations to keep travellers safe and sound.
G Adventures has always carefully selected accommodation partners for high standards and local roots. Travelling in small groups means that the stay is in smaller hotels too, with fewer guests — which means less daily contact with others outside your group in public spaces. Now G Adventures is working with accommodation partners to optimize their health, safety and cleanliness procedures, as well as creating additional measures for physical distancing. Here are some of the things G Adventures is working on to help keep you safe:
- Daily deep cleaning and disinfecting of all surface areas inside your room with extra cleaning on light switches, door handles, TV remotes, and thermostats
- No hotel staff will enter your room after it has been cleaned
- Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of all public restrooms and all surfaces in public areas. This might include the closure of public spaces such as gyms, bars, restaurants, and meeting rooms for periods throughout the day
- Wherever possible, groups will stay on the lower floors to limit elevator use
- Hotels will implement social distancing protocols in line with local regulations
G Adventures has always carefully selected food service partners and worked closely with them to ensure they are meeting health, safety, and cleanliness standards with their facilities, staff training, and food preparation and delivery. Wherever possible, G Adventures will reserve separate tables or private rooms at the restaurants visited on the trip, opt for more "al fresco" opportunities when it is possible (gotta love that fresh air!), and ensure breakfasts can be "grab and go" boxes, while avoiding family style or self-serve buffets for meals. G Adventures wants you to feel comfortable and safe as you savour every last bite.
ActivitiesYou've always had freedom and flexibility to do your own thing on tours with optional activities and experiences. Now, you'll still have those options with added measures to keep you healthy and safe. All equipment for activities on tour, including hiking poles, camping supplies, life jackets, snorkels, etc., will be cleaned thoroughly at least once a day and disinfected between use. When travellers are responsible for putting up their own tents on camping itineraries, you will be given the supplies required to disinfect your gear. G Adventures will also do their best to make activities and highlights stops happen during non-peak hours, so you can have fun and feel safe no matter what you're doing.
Before you leave
A healthy goodbye
If you're not feeling well at the end of your tour for any reason, let your CEO know and they can help get you access to medical care and support. Because we want you to head home after a life-changing experience feeling just as good (let's be honest, way better) than when you left.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
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Operator: GlobusStarts
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Operator: GlobusStarts
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