Travel to Ecuador from the Andes to the Amazon Rainforest is an amazing adventure. In fact, it offers an incredible 12-day tour allowing you to admire the volcanoes of Ecuador, explore picturesque villages, and traverse the green valleys of the Highlands.
Continue the adventure by descending into the Amazon Rainforest, where you can admire the lush vegetation, navigate its rivers, and observe wild animals in their natural habitat. Your private driver will ensure that this journey remains an unforgettable experience.
DAY 1. Quito-Otavalo
When traveling to Ecuador and starting your journey in the Andes, be sure to explore Otavalo and its renowned market, which is considered the largest in South America. Immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. Take a closer look at the animal market, bustling with activity.
DAY 2. Otavalo and other town crafts
Continue your adventure by visiting the village of Peguche, where a captivating waterfall awaits your discovery. Journey onward to the village of Agato, renowned for its skilled weavers, showcasing the rich tradition of their craft.
Enjoy your experience by heading to Parque Condor, where a captivating demonstration of hawk and eagle flights awaits. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in Otavalo, ensuring a restful break.
The following day, venture to Cotacachi, renowned for its leather shops, and then explore Cuicocha, a stunning Crater Lake. Proceed to San Antonio de Ibarra to witness impressive wood carving skills.
Immerse yourself in the artistry of the local people in Zuleta as they showcase their embroidery skills. Conclude your day with another overnight stay in Otavalo, reflecting on the diverse and rich cultural experiences encountered during your Ecuadorian journey.
DAY 3. Otavalo-Quito Old Town and Mitad del Mundo
During your travels to Ecuador, Quito emerges as the city that should not be overlooked. Consequently, you will have the opportunity to explore its exquisitely preserved Historic Center. The tour commences with visits to La Basilica, the Independence Square, the Government Palace, and The Cathedral. Subsequently, we will explore La Compañia de Jesús, adorned with leaf gold, and conclude the journey at the picturesque San Francisco Square.
DAY 4. Quito-Cotopaxi National Park
Departing from Quito, one can behold the imposing Antisana volcano, with its summit towering at 5620 meters, situated not far from the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, renowned for its near-perfect cone. Similarly, nestled between these two giants lies the remarkable fertile valley of Machachi. Beyond Machachi, travelers traverse picturesque towns such as Pujili and Saquisili, both known for their vibrant handicraft markets.
Continuing the journey, you enter the Cotopaxi National Park. Here, visitors can embark on hikes around the Limpiopungo lagoon, offering spectacular views of the Cotopaxi volcano.
DAY 5. Cotopaxi-Quilotoa Loop-Baños
Departing from Cotopaxi we head towards one of the most incredible lakes in the Andes of Ecuador. Above all, during the tour you can get the best views of the area and the surroundings before reaching the lake. The Quilotoa is an ancient crater of a large volcano. Certainly, it’s still active. This impressive emerald green lake is located in a typical indigenous community. After visiting Quilotoa, we head to Baños. Overnight in Baños.
DAY 6. Baños and the sorrounding areas
Traveling from the Andes to the Amazon Rain Forest in Ecuador is an adventure that will take you through breathtaking landscapes and waterfalls. We will begin with a stop in front of the Agoyan’s Hydroelectric Dam. After, we’ll cross the Pastaza River Canyon on a cable car that rides a 500 meters-long-cable to visit the «Manto de la Novia» waterfall, where you can learn all about the local people’s lifestyle, doing a hike down to the river.
After, we’ll do a stop at the viewpoint of «San Jorge» waterfall. Finally, we’ll arrive at the Rio Verde community to hike down to the well-known Devil’s Cauldron or «Pailón del Diablo» waterfall, where is already possible to see Amazon vegetation.
On the way back to Baños city, ask your private driver to visit La Casa del Arbol (treehouse). it is a long rope swing that stretches out over a sweeping valley. Surprisingly, it has become a huge hit in recent years. Certainly, you will be delighted with the spectacular views of the city of Baños, the Tungurahua Volcano and the green vegetation of the Amazon Rain Forest.
DIA 7. Baños-Misahualli
People that travel to Ecuador from the Andes, usually head to the Amazon. The most common ride starts in Baños to Misahualli. This trip takes about 3 hours. As you descend into the jungle, the vegetation changes little by little until it becomes completely green. Overnight in Misahualli.
Day 8. Misahualli-Napo River
The most attractive of Misahualli is the canoe ride on the Napo River to the wild animal rescue center called “Amazonico“. In fact, it is a charming place where you can see many wild animals such as tapirs, snakes, caimans, parrots, toucans, macaws and monkeys. Then, very close is the caiman lagoon, where you can observe several caimans. Actually, it is a unique experience to walk in the middle of the jungle to get to this place.
Riding on a boat along the Napo River is truly remarkable. Certainly, it offers a blend of immersion in river and wild life. Moreover, it’s a journey filled with the joy of gaze the lush greenery of the forest
DAY 8. Misahualli-Chimborazo Lodge
This is a pretty long drive. The lodge is located at 12.000 feet. However, the scenery is breathtaking. The shortest route to get to Ingapirca is through Penipe, Cotaló and Riobamba. Once you arrive to Cotaló you can see the spectacular valley of Baños and the Pastaza River and in front it is the Tungurahua volcano. Then, you descend through a fertile valley until you reach Peinipe and finally Riobamaba.
DAY 9. Chimborazo lodge-Alausí
On this journey, we will visit the Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve. This reserve protects the endemic vicuñas, which we will be able to see up close. Also, we will visit the Chimborazo Lodge. it is located close to the volcano. In fact, it is the only one around, located inside the Reserve. It has an impressive view of the volcano. Even so, It is a challenge to keep the pass at this altitude, nevertheless, the views and the landscapes are the biggest attraction. Arrive to Alausí. Overnight
DAY 10. Alausí-Ingapirca-Cuenca
Head to Ingapirca. After we arrive to the ruins we will make a tour to the Archeological Complex for about 2 hours. Certainly, this is the best-preserved Inca architectural complex in the country. It is undoubtedly the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador.
DAY 11. Cuenca-Historical center-Museums
During your travel in Ecuador from the Andes to the Amazon Rain Forest, you will be able to admire picturesque towns and cities. Cuenca has an admirable colonial architecture. Furthermore, travelers can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and watch how such a populated city is still able to keep its indigenous traditions and way of life. The “centro historico” is picturesque and pleasant to walk around.
DAY 12. Cuenca-Gualaceo-Sigsig
These villages are located in a rural area of the Andes. Above all, on this trip, you will be able to see the locals dressed in colorful traditional costumes. Gualaceo´s main attractions are its orchids farms. Sigsig is famous for the production of toquilla straw hats. Overnight in Cuenca
DAY 13. Cuenca-Cajas National Park-Guayaquil
Most travelers have taken Guayaquil as their base. From this city it is more convenient to take flights to or from Galapagos. Also, it is more convenient to take flights back to your country.
The main and shortest route to Guayaquil is driving by Molleturo highway. In the same way, this road also leads to the Cajas National Park. So, the Cajas is a perfect stop to admire the landscape and the lagoons found in this area.
Don’t miss this great adventure to travel to Ecuador and enjoy the majestic Andes and the wild Amazon Rain Forest. Most importantly, your private driver will introduce you to the most exquisite places with warmth and safety!
In case you already have your own planned trip, please let me know. Most importantly, this itinerary is flexible, therefore, you can change it according to your needs.
If you want more in-depth information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.