Overview & Highlights
This adventurous holiday visits colonial Quito, the thermal springs at Papallacta, the Amazon jungle and the Otavalo region in the Andes.
Ecuador packs an astonishing array of landscapes, flora, fauna and human cultures into an area the size of Britain. This short holiday exposes this agreeable little country’s diversity, from snow-smothered Andean volcanic peaks to luscious Amazon rainforests. You’ll discover where to spot an abundance of wildlife, interact with indigenous communities and discover a traditional Andean way of life.
Few experiences have as much awe-inducing power as being surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Ecuador’s share of the Amazon basin is the most accessible — you can get there easily by road. But before plunging down from historic Quito’s lofty Andean setting, you’ll spend a night surrounded by succulent cloudforest at Papallacta’s thermal spa.
The winding road starts its lonely descent, delivering you to your jungle Sacha Lodge in an ecological reserve on the banks of the Napo river, an Amazon tributary. Wildlife-spotting opportunities from a variety of viewpoints abound, local residents include toucans to alligators, spider monkeys to macaws. It’s a trip by river and air back to the Andean highlands where you head north to a colonial hacienda, Piman, set in wild prairies and cool forests, the home of endangered spectacled bears. From there, a train ride or visit to a traditional market enriches your experience.
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to your hotel in historic Quito.
Day 2
Guided walking tour of Spanish colonial Quito.
Day 3
By road to Papallacta thermal spa.
Day 4
Drive on down to Coca in the Amazon basin.
Days 5,6
Exploring the Ecuadorian jungle from Sacha Lodge.
Day 7
Travel to Hacienda Pimán in the high Andes.
Day 8
Guided adventure to seek out the Andean spectacled bear.
Day 9
Highland train ride or explore artisan markets. Transfer to airport for international flight or Galápagos extension.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation . Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you’ll relax in utter comfort.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Very efficient with the booking process and very helpful with his service throughout. Adam was always prompt and helpful in answering all our questions prior to departure.
IR, London
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.

Carrie Gallagher - Travel Consultant
A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Escorted Groups team.
Inspired by this trip
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Papagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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