Highlights of Explore Ecuador and the Amazon Trip

Explore the jungles and cloud forests. Visit the volcanoes.

Quito: A beautiful city nestled into the foothills of the Andes at 9184 ft. A fascinating, high paced and culturally interesting start.

Otavalo: We'll visit this market village north of Quito, which is known for its textile goods and open air markets. This will be a good acclimatization day also, with a short hike near Mojanda Lakes, formed in the crater of an old volcano, just outside of town.

Cuicoche Lake trek: At the base of Cotocachi volcano, we trek around the rim of an ancient volcano rater with a beautiful blue lake in the bottom. More acclimatization, up to 12,000 ft.

Limpiopungo Valley and Ruminahui Volcano: We'll travel south to the Limpiopungo Valley in Cotopaxi national Park where we'll see lots of wild horses and llamas. We'll spend a day and night camping and acclimatizing before going up to the Cotopaxi hut. Ruminahui volcano (15,500 ft) has great hiking and climbing with spectacular views of…

Cotopaxi Volcano: We visit Cotopaxi National Park across from the Ruminahui Volcano. We can hike up to the hut where climbers go for the summit from. We do have the option to climb Cotopaxi on private trips, but this cuts down on time in the jungle and other places. Call if this is something you would like to do.

Banos: Our stop on the way to the Amazon Basin. More markets, great hot springs, also the start for a high altitude trek up…

Tungurahua: A 16,452 ft. volcano, we can spend 2 days climbing this, non-technical volcano. This is also optional depending on our time…

The Amazon Basin: From Banos we go off to explore the jungle, a remarkable contrast with the high mountains. Then a drive down to Puyo and onto Puerto Misahualli for a short boat ride on the Rio Napo, staying in Misahualli, right on the edge of the jungle for the night. We can stay longer if we like.

Papallacta Hot Springs: On the drive back to Quito, we go through Baeza, then stop for a great soak in the hot springs, all set in idyllic lush mountain surroundings.

Pasochoa Reserve: We'll explore the cloud forests of this nature preserve close to Quito. Hiking in a fantastic bamboo forest part way up Pasochoa Volcano.

Quito: Return to Quito, then home or onto the Galapagos Islands or the Ecuadorian beaches! Lots of great options if you want to plan extra time. We can help you with ideas and suggestions.

Included: Transfers, hotels (except Quito) local transportation, park and hut fees, food on the hikes, group climbing/camping equipment, and American guide.

Not Included: Airfare to/from Quito, food in restaurants, bottled water, soda, alcohol, gifts.

Length: 12 days Quito to Quito.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult trekking at altitude with moderate snow climbing if we choose to go for the volcanoes.

Altitude: During the trek we will maintain a safe rate of ascent, the most important factor at altitude.

Trip Price: Please see schedule for current prices and departure dates.

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