7-Day The Best of Ecuador

5.00(10)

Discover the secrets of the Ecuadorian Andes and cloud forest regions with a full-immersion in the cultural and natural wonders that make Ecuador one of the countries with the biggest biodiversity in the world. Enjoy waterfalls, butterflies, bird watching and chocolate making in the tropical paradise of Mindo, then take a spectacular drive through the cloud forest to reach the coffee valley of Intag, where you will visit a coffee plantation. Back to the highlands, visit Cuicocha crater-lake, the world-famous indigenous market of Otavalo and then live an unique experience sharing an organic lunch prepared side by side with local people in the very heart of the Andes. "Unique Experiences:" Organic cooking lesson with traditional fresh ingredients, side by side with local people in the heart of the Andes Take a scenic drive in the valley of Intag and taste the organic fair-trade coffee produced in the area

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
IMPORTANT DETAILS
It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
2 – 3 hours driving a day.
From 3 to 4 hours a day. Please check the maps and full biking information in the full itinerary.
All year
Pichincha, Imbabura, Napo, Cotopaxi
Highlands and tropical rainforest in Ecuador.
From 1510 meters (4,950 ft.) to 4000 meters (12,631 ft.
Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF
Easy. This program will run from the high Andean Mountains to the cloud forest, involving some short hikes.
High quality MTB (Disk brakes and front suspension), Shimano Deore parts, gloves, helmets. For canyoning: harnesses, waterhelmets, ropes, wetsuits, watershoes and carabiners.
All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
Travelling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips.
In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service. In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.
Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.

Transportation: Private and comfortable land transportation.
Accommodation based in double occupancy: First class hotel in Quito, cloud forest lodge in Mindo, hacienda in Otavalo, luxury spa resort in Papallacta.
Lunch
Activities: Equator Line museum tour, Hiking to waterfalls in the cloud forest, Visit Butterfly farm and chocolate factory, Organic fair-trade coffee tasting in Intag Valley, Visit Otavalo indigenous market, Organic lunch cooking with local people, Hike and boat ride at Cuicocha crater lake, Volcanic hot springs, Visit Cotopaxi National Park
Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure trip leader and local guides
Out-door gear: Hiking sticks