Ecuador highlands and Amazon tour

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital and the starting point of your Ecuador travel experience. Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, meet your driver and transfer comfortably to your accommodation.

Settle in and begin discovering this UNESCO-listed city, framed by dramatic Andean peaks. Wander through historic plazas, browse colorful market stalls, and connect with local traditions through encounters with artisans, hat makers, and healers.

In the evening, explore Quito’s vibrant culinary scene and lively atmosphere, a perfect introduction to the journey ahead.

After breakfast, join your English-speaking guide for a walking tour through Quito’s historic center. Visit Plaza Grande, admire the ornate La Compañía church and the impressive Basílica, then stroll along the cobbled streets of La Ronda, where the city’s heritage and daily life come together.

In the afternoon, continue to Mitad del Mundo, the famous equatorial monument where early scientific expeditions identified the Earth’s central line. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere, explore interactive exhibits, and capture memorable photos at this iconic location.

Spend the morning exploring Otavalo, one of the best places to visit in Ecuador and home to one of South America’s most vibrant traditional markets. Meet local artisans, browse colorful textiles and handcrafted goods, and sample street food favorites such as salted mango and crispy fried chicken with corn.

In the afternoon, continue to Cuicocha crater lagoon for a scenic walk along its rim. As you take in the sweeping views, your guide will share insights into the region’s volcanic history, flora, and fauna. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful boat ride around the lagoon’s two islands. Return to Quito in the evening.

After breakfast in Quito, travel south through the Ecuadorian highlands to Cotopaxi National Park. Explore the scenic surroundings of Lake Limpiopungo, where wide páramo landscapes frame views of Cotopaxi Volcano’s snow-capped cone. Walk along the lakeshore to spot native birdlife and, with some luck, wild horses roaming freely.

If you feel comfortable with the altitude and conditions allow, continue to the José Ribas refuge for panoramic views of the Andes. After your visit, continue to a nearby hacienda or lodge in the Cotopaxi region, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful highland setting.

After breakfast, continue your journey through the Andes toward Baños. If your visit falls on a Thursday, stop in Saquisilí, a traditional highland market town where local life unfolds across vibrant plazas filled with produce, textiles, and handmade goods.

Travel onward via Ambato to Baños de Agua Santa, a lively town set between the Andes and the edge of the Amazon. Upon arrival, explore the town at your own pace, visit its historic sanctuary, or sample local sweets. In the evening, unwind in the town’s thermal baths or simply relax in this scenic setting.

Spend the day exploring the natural highlights around Baños. Follow the scenic route along the Pastaza River canyon, stopping at waterfalls such as Manto de la Novia and the impressive Pailon del Diablo.

Walk along forest trails, take in viewpoints over lush valleys, and, if you wish, cross canyons by cable car or enjoy a more active experience such as biking sections of the route. With a private guide, you can set the pace and focus on the experiences that interest you most.

Return to Baños in the afternoon, with time to relax or continue exploring this gateway to the Amazon.

Travel from Baños back to Quito through the Ecuadorian Highlands, following a scenic route framed by volcanic peaks. Along the way, enjoy views of Chimborazo, Carihuairazo, the Ilinizas, Cotopaxi, and other iconic mountains, as your guide shares stories about the region and its landscapes.

Arrive in Quito in the afternoon and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or enjoy a final evening in the Andes.

Transfer to Quito airport for your flight to Coca, marking the start of your Amazon experience. Upon arrival, continue by motorized canoe along the Napo River to your lodge, surrounded by dense rainforest.

Arrive at Napo Cultural Center and settle into your cabin overlooking the forest. Meet your local hosts from the Kichwa Añangu community and enjoy a welcome drink before your first guided exploration.

In the afternoon, head out along forest trails or riverbanks to spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and river species. You may also choose an optional kayak experience at sunset before returning for dinner and a peaceful evening in the rainforest.

Begin your day with an early morning boat ride to a renowned parrot clay lick, a highlight of any Ecuador itinerary. Watch blue-headed and yellow-crowned parrots gather along the riverbank, with the chance to spot howler monkeys and even tapirs nearby.

Continue to the Kuri Muyu interpretation center, where you will meet Kichwa hosts and learn about their traditional knowledge of Amazonian plants and natural resources. After lunch at the lodge, set out on a forest walk to a canopy observation tower, offering views of toucans, sloths, and the rich life of the rainforest above.

In the late afternoon, unwind on a catamaran ride along the Napo River, where you can enjoy light refreshments and hear local stories as the forest transitions into evening.

Greet your final morning in Yasuni with an early transfer along the Añangu stream, as the rainforest slowly comes to life around you. In the soft morning light, listen to the sounds of the jungle and take in one last peaceful moment immersed in the Amazon.

Continue by motorized canoe back to Coca, watching the landscape gradually open up as your time in the rainforest comes to an end. From here, check in for your flight to Quito, marking the final stage of your journey.

Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the highlands. As your Ecuador trip draws to a close, take time to reflect on the diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences that have shaped your journey from the Andes to the Amazon.