Ecuador: Andes to the Amazon
10 Days & 9 Nights- Hike through Ecuador’s Avenue of The Volcanoes and travel to the depths of the Amazon
- Seek soaring condors by foot or horseback during your stay at the 17th century Hacienda Zuleta
- Explore the Amazon Rainforest at Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve
- Shop for artisanal crafts and textiles at the colorful Otavalo market
- Climb up to a tree observatory, paddle through a lagoon and listen to the sounds of the jungle
What To Expect
Tour Style:
Private Guided | Alone or with your chosen companion(s), benefit from a private guide throughout most of your tour.
Activity:
Multi Center Walking | You will spend multiple nights in one or more of the locations on this walking tour
This trip is suitable for:
Multi-Generational, Mixed Abilities
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Wildlife
- National Parks & Trails
Activity Level & Terrain
This trip is graded moderate and includes daily hikes and some kayaking while exploring the Amazon. To get the most from your trip, you should be in decent physical shape and are able to climb stairs and walk four to six hours every day. The hiking is mostly on dirt trails or local paths. The kayaking is on gentle river waters and consists of one to two persons per boat. No prior experience is necessary, although your ability to swim is a must.
Accommodations
Whether a boutique hotel or a family-run hacienda, we carefully hand-pick every accommodation while in Quito and the Andean Highlands.
While in the Yasuni National Park and jungle, we have carefully selected the Sani Lodge, for a truly unique Amazon experience. We are proud to support this ecolodge, its efforts towards preservation and its support of indigenous communities.
Extra Nights
You can easily request to add extra nights during this trip. For further details, please ask us at the time of booking.
Solo Travelers & Single Rooms
This trip is based on two people sharing a room. If you’d like separate rooms, a single supplement is required.
If you would like to request a twin room (same room with two separate beds), please notify us during booking so we can request this option.
This trip is not available to solo travelers.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning and ranges from buffet-style to a set menu.
All meals within the Amazon are included in this trip, while three lunches and four dinners are included within the Andean Highlands. All other meals are not included, so you can choose to dine at your hotel or from available nearby café’s or restaurants.
- 9 Nights in hand-selected accommodations
- 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners
- Private transfer from Quito International Airport to downtown Quito
- Flights to/from Coca
- English-speaking tours and guides
- Door-to-door luggage drop-offs
- Pre-departure information pack
- Macs Adventure Navigation App with directions
- Route notes
- 24/7 telephone support from our office and our local representative
- International flights
- All other lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Additional nights before, during or after the trip
- Personal equipment
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities and tips
- Extra Nights in Quito, Otavalo, San Pablo del Lago, Zuleta or Sani Lodge
- Room Upgrades (only where applicable)
- Twin Beds
When To Go
Traveling between the months of September to May is recommended to get the most out of these regions.
Availability
This trip is available year-round. As these regions are popular destinations with a large volume of travelers, we may at times have to substitute you with an alternative location due to availability.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalized to ensure availability for specific dates.
Getting to the Start
Quito International Airport, based about an hour from Ecuador’s capital, has flights from international and national destinations and is a hub for exploring this beautiful country.
Travel to/from the Amazon Rainforest
By Air:
Transfers to and from Quito International Airport and a domestic flight to Coca, Francisco de Orellana Airport, are an included part of this itinerary. We typically book flights to Coca using the domestic airlines Tame or Avianca. Due to a long travel day, via many methods of transportation to the Amazon, we typically choose the earliest flight out of Quito to allow plenty of time to get to your Amazon lodge.
Should you have any specific requirements for any flights, please inform our team here at Macs Adventure during booking.
Getting from the End
Quito International Airport, based about an hour from Ecuador’s capital, has flights to international and national destinations.
Luggage Transfer
Baggage transfers are included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person. Please note that we have a luggage limit of 50 lbs. per person.
General Information
While in the Andean Highlands, a private English-speaking guide is provided for the Quito city tour and when hiking from lodge-to-lodge, for in-depth local knowledge of significant sites and Ecuadorian culture. All other hikes within the Highlands are self-guided and supported by the Macs Adventure Navigation App and route notes, so you can enjoy an independent, go-at-your-own-pace.
English-speaking guides and expert naturalists are provided for each day’s activities while exploring the Amazon Rainforest.
A daily guide is available to hike with you at all times while in the Andean Highlands if desired. Please let us know during the time of booking if you prefer this option.
Getting Around
All boat transfers and transportation services related to the itinerary are included in this trip.
For additional transportation services outside the provided itinerary, such as a taxi to a specific restaurant or location, the host at your evening’s accommodation can help assist you in making the necessary arrangements.
Visas
Please check your visa requirements with the foreign office or the embassy in your country of residence before traveling to Ecuador.
For US and UK residents, proof of travel or health insurance and a valid passport for at least six months past the planned date of departure from Ecuador is required. Visas are not required unless you are planning to visit longer than 90 days. You may be asked about your reason for travel and provide evidence of a return or onward flight upon arrival.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard gear such as durable hiking boots, quick-dry clothing, layers, wide-brimmed hats, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, water shoes, rain gear and a day pack.
If you have any questions about what to take, we'd be happy to share our own top tips and advice.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Quito Day 2 Quito City Tour and Transfer Day 3 Hike Cuicocha Crater Lake 8 miles / 12.5 km Day 4 Explore Otavalo and Local Culture 13.5 miles / 22 km Day 5 San Pablo del Lago to Zuleta 5.5 miles / 9 km Day 6 Explore Hacienda Zuleta Day 7 Travel to the Amazon Day 8 Wildlife Hike and Forest Canopy Discovery Day 9 Explore Yasuni National Park and Local Communities Day 10 Onward TravelThe Macs Way
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