Join us as we adventure to the Equator, visiting Quito—Ecuador’s capital city, hiking Cotopaxi, and exploring the diverse nature of the Ecuadorian Amazon and Galápagos Islands. Immerse yourself in the local culture, wildlife, and landscapes. You won’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity to create lifetime memories in a beautiful part of the world.

Dates & Prices:

Trip Price $3800

Single Room Supplement + $300 (please note that this will be added to your booking if traveling without a companion traveler in your same accommodation)

4-Day Amazon Extension + $1600

Single Room Supplements and Extension add-ons become available after you select Book Now and hit continue. *Extensions are not eligible for discounts or promotions.

All inclusive package including boutique accommodation for all nights, all in-country transport by private van, lecture and instruction materials from our expert guides, 2 meals per day, and all activities as listed on the itinerary.  *International Airfare and Visa Fees are not included

4-Day Ecuador Trip

This Acanela Expedition © is the perfect fusion between comfort & adventure. Embark on this small group exploration and have hands-on encounters with local peoples and cultures, while experiencing all the historical & culinary highlights along the way.

Contact Us: 1-323-657-3496

Call to speak with one of our agents about this trip, or email us at: expeditions@acanela.com

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Trip Highlights:

• Hike (or view) the Cotopaxi Volcano

• Visit the vibrant, bustling markets of Quito and Otavalo

• Soak in relaxing hot springs in Banos

• Take a hands-on cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional recipes

• Canopy walk deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon

Itinerary | 7 Days

Arrival Airport: Quito International Airport (UIO)

Day 1 Quito:  Welcome to Ecuador! We’ll meet in Quito, with everyone arriving at different times of day. We’ll take a day tour of Cotopaxi, an active volcano in the Andes Mountains.  For those early birds who would like to hike the mountain, please inquire about arriving one day early to add this to your itinerary. We’ll finish off the day with a relaxing welcome dinner as we brace ourselves for the adventures ahead! Accommodation: Casa Joaquin (D)

Day 2 Quito: After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning touring the Old Town. We’ll visit the magnificent Iglesia de San Francisco, Compañía de Jesús, and Plaza de la Independencia. In the afternoon, we’ll hike up to El Panecillo, with its unparalleled, sweeping view of the city below. The rest of the evening will include visits to other iconic locations, such as Fundación Guayasamín and Plaza Foch, before ending at Zazu—the hippest dining spot in Quito. Accommodation: Casa Joaquin (B, L)

Day 3 Otavalo: Today we’ll drive deep into the highlands of the Northern Sierra. We’ll stop along the way at the Andean village of San Clemente to meet the community and enjoy a local lunch. We’ll also visit Mitad del Mundo, where we’ll have our photos taken with one foot in the Northern hemisphere and the other in the Southern hemisphere. Afterwards, we’ll continue on to the indigenous town of Otavalo. After a jam-packed day, get some shut-eye at a historical hacienda. Accommodation: Casa Sol (B, L)

 Day 4 Otavalo: This morning, we’ll explore Otavalo’s renowned artisan market—South America’s largest outdoormarket. With colorful, handmade goods at every turn, it’s the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs. We’ll visit Peguche Waterfall, Cuicocha Lake, and take photos in front of Imbabura Volcano—the stunning backdrop of Otavalo. Accommodation: Casa Sol (B, L)

Day 5 Baños: Travel onwards to Baños, stopping in route to view the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano. Today we’ll visit local artisans and learn about the art of weaving. We’ll also learn about traditional Ecuadorian culinary practices and immerse ourselves in a hands-on cooking class. In the late afternoon, we’ll continue on to the hot springs for a hiking excursions followed by a relaxing soak. We’ll enjoy leisure time to unwind, truly feel present in the moment and bask in the endless mountain views.  Accommodation: Sangay Hotel (B, L)

Day 6 Baños: Avenue of the Volcanoes is one of the most stunning vistas in all of Ecuador. A stretch of endless valleys, the land is home to seven peaks—all over 17,000 feet high. Today is a free day, with the option of several adventures. Challenge yourself with a rewarding hike, take in the scenic views on horseback, tour the mountains by bike, or relax in the hot springs. Accommodation: Sangay Hotel (B, D)

 Day 7 Quito: Drive from Banos to Quito. After an unforgettable Ecuadorian adventure, it must come to an end. This morning, we’ll travel to Guayaquil for our flights home. Or if you choose, extend your trip with our 6 day extension to the Galápagos Islands or 3 day extension to the Ecuadorian Amazon. (B)

Departure Airport: Quito International Airport (UIO)

Optional 4-Day Amazon Rainforest Extension: Rise bright and early for a morning flight to Coca, the gateway to the Amazon. Once we arrive, we’ll continue by motorized canoe to our comfortable lodge before exploring the rainforest with a local guide. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, climbing a canopy tower, and canoeing through the lush greenery. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and drinks by candlelight, with the sounds of nature surrounding us. Each morning enjoy a breathtaking sunrise from your terrace, with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, as you watch birds and other species flit among nearby trees and get ready for a day in nature. We’ll head out on a bird-watching walk with a guide who’ll help us spot some of the 400 species who call the forest their home. We’ll also hike past moss-covered trees, orchids, and coiling vines to the picturesque Copal Waterfall. In the afternoons enjoy a picnic overlooking a verdant garden of medicinal plants, while looking for howler monkeys and a variety of brightly colored birds. Take a guided night walk through the surrounding jungle, treading amidst bioluminescent fungi and keeping our eyes and ears open for the forest’s nocturnal residents, including frogs, owls, and kinkajous. Accommodation: Sani Ecolodge

6-Day Extension to the Galápagos Islands

Arrival Airport: Baltra Islands Seymour Airport (GPS) 

Galápagos Islands: After arriving to the Galápagos Islands, you will be met at the airport by your private transfer.  Check-in to your boutique hotel, and enjoy a free afternoon ( we suggest visiting the nearby Charles Darwin Station), before settling down for a delicious welcome drink and dinner at the hotel. The Galápagos consists of 13 major island and 6 smaller ones, and you will explore many of them over the course of your Galapagos Expedition.  More Information Here

Departrure Airport: Baltra Islands Seymour Airport (GPS)