Original
Explorer
Ecuador Highlands
9 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
41 reviews
9 days
Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Trip Code
GGSH
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 16
Physical Rating
Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)
From £867(9 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in eco lodge-style accommodation on the banks of the Arajuno River and enjoy a special evening walk through the jungle under the night sky.
Walk in the rainforest with an Indigenous guide by your side to lead the way, point out local birds and teach you about the plant life that thrives here.
Hike to Pailon del Diablo – an 80-m-high waterfall so fierce that you’ll need to carry a poncho to keep dry from its wrath!
Marvel at the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano – one of the largest and highest active volcanos in the world – while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park.
Learn from a local Indigenous community during your homestay in the La Calera Community. Take part in the Pachamanca food ceremony, which has been a part of South American culture for centuries.
Is this trip right for you?
This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs, with warmer layers for the evening.
This trip includes jungle hikes, which can be strenuous due to the humidity. A decent level of fitness is required to feel comfortable when exploring the jungle.
While accommodation in the Amazon is clean, comfortable and ideally located, it can seem basic. Please remember that this is a very remote part of the world.
Itinerary
Be moved by the natural beauty of Ecuador, from the Andes to the Amazon
From the heights of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon Jungle, this nine-day trip will take you through diverse Ecuador. Walk through the Amazon Jungle with an Indigenous guide leading the way, hike in Cotopaxi National Park – home to one of the world’s largest active volcanos – and canoe to your river-side eco-lodge accommodation on the edge of the rainforest. Get a glimpse into everyday life during a homestay with a local family, where you’ll connect with them and participate in a Pachamanca food ceremony, perhaps also brushing up on your Espanol. There’s so much to see, do and learn in this South American paradise and you’ll take it all on with a local leader and likeminded travellers.
Inclusions
Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights), Jungle Eco Lodge (2 nights), Homestay (1 night)
Included activities
Amazon Rainforest - Night Walk
Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre
Banos - Walking tour
Banos - El Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
Cotopaxi - National Park walk
Cotopaxi - Flower plantation visit
Cotopaxi- Tour of historical hacienda
Cotacachi- Pachamanca and village experience
Cuicocha - Lagoon viewpoint
Otavalo - Market Visit
Optional activities
Quilotoa - Quilotoa Lagoon (Full day) - minimum 2 people - USD150
Quito - Urban Adventures: Legends and Culture Tour - USD50
Quito - Papallacta Hot Springs (Full day) - USD70
Banos - Bellavista Viewpoint - Free
Banos - Hot springs - USD5
Banos - Swing at the End of the World - USD2
Banos - Route of the waterfalls - USD2
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Reviews (42)
5 stars
39
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
Lucy
May 17, 2025
If you love experiencing a culture and country, it’s definitely worth including the highlands and Amazon as well as a visit to the Galapagos. Loved this trip, full of contrasts, awesome landscapes and warm, friendly local hosts :)
Minta
Apr 24, 2025
Our trip to Ecuador wouldn’t have been the same without Johanna! From day one, she felt more like a friend than just a guide. Her warmth, patience, and sense of humor made every part of the journey feel personal and meaningful. She was incredibly knowledgeable—not just about the history and culture of Ecuador, but also about the local wildlife, hidden gems, and how to make the most of each day. If you're lucky enough to have Johanna as your trip leader, you're in for an unforgettable experience. Thank you for everything, Johanna!
Minta
Apr 21, 2025
The trip was amazing! We had Johanna as our guide and if she is your guide you are so lucky!!! The trip covered a lot of ground from the Amazon Jungle, mountains and urban stays. I would recommend this trip to friends and family.
ANNA
Apr 14, 2025
Ecuador what an amazing Country the food the people the scenery the Amazon Jungle the Andys the volcanos the lakes the waterfalls the hummingbirds just beautiful
Adrien
Mar 22, 2025
I had a wonderful experience in Ecuador and would highly recommend this trip. Johanna was an amazing guide with lots of knowledge and enthusiasm.
Gillian
Feb 16, 2025
Our trip was so well organised and when they say that they use local guides they really do. Each of our guides were so knowledgable and this clearly wasn't just from a text book its. because they lived or grew up there . The groups were small and friendly too . You didn't feel like part of a herd! Definitely recommend.
Janice
Feb 15, 2025
We had some spectacular adventures on this trip through Ecuador. The beautiful mountains, the dense jungles along the river, the magnificent waterfalls. The friendly & warm people, the vibrant and colorful culture. I'm so pleased that we added this trip to our cruise in the Galapagos. I have a much better understanding of Ecuador.
Kerryn
Jan 21, 2025
Ecuador Highlands gives a little insight into some of Ecuador's diverse ecosystems- the Amazon Rainforest, the Cloud Forest, Kichwa communities and the incredible volacanos and mountains that flank the country. Johanna was an insightful, fun and knowledgable leader whose enthusiasm enhanced the trip. The jungle lodge and homestay were highlights!
Ned
Dec 31, 2024
This was my first visit to Ecuador and Intrepid made it wonderfully memorable. I normally travel independently. Using Intrepid meant that we easily accessed some interesting places, and learnt a lot. This was largely down to our excellent guide, Joanna
Jessica
Dec 28, 2024
Intrepid provided an amazing guide to lead an amazing trip. I’m hoping to travel with them again soon.
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