The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest. This program has been designed to show you the best of mainland Ecuador in one action-packed week.
To fully enjoy this adventure, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the information provided. We want to be with you every step of the way in your trip preparations, so please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns.
Ecuador Multi-Sport Photo Gallery
Find out what past participants have said about this trip on the ROAM blog.
Ecuador Multi-Sport Adventure Travel Planner
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Day 0 - ARRIVE QUITO, ECUADOR
Today you will fly to Quito and take a taxi to your hotel. A taxi will cost you less than $10 US including a tip, but be sure to negotiate the price before you get in. Check into your room and plan to rendezvous in the lobby at 7pm for a trip orientation and dinner. If your flights arrive later, we will be meeting in the lobby at 7am the next morning’s departure.
Day 1 - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK – Hiking & Mountian Biking
We drive from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park, one of the most scenic volcanic scenarios of the Ecuadorian highlands. Dirt roads offer us hours of exciting mountain bike riding through glacial lakes, Inca ruins, rivers and plateaus speckled with lava rocks that tell us about the recent eruptions of the highest active volcano in the world (19,460 ft). This ecosystem, called Paramo, is vitally important. Unlike other places in the world that are perpetually covered in snow, Ecuador reveals a whole spectrum of diversity and wonder. The Paramo provides the lower Andean regions with water in the form of rivers and springs, and it is the home of unique plant and animal life. We have spotted Andean condors, highland falcons, Andean gulls, ducks, hummingbirds and a wide range of other animals such as mountain lions, white tail deer, Andean fox, rabbits and rodents, and herds of wild horses that make this park so unique. At the end of the day we will bike down to the valleys to the historical La Cienega, a 16th century baronial mansion or experience the warm hospitality of Hato Verde, a historic family-run hacienda.
Day 2 - TUNGURAHUA & BAÑOS - Horseback Riding and Hiking
After a delicious breakfast, we continue our trip to the Tungurahua province where we explore Baños, a small town nestled on the foothills of Tungurahua Volcano, and within in the Pastaza river valley. Unlimited mountain trails are the scenario for horseback riding or hiking. We will encounter waterfalls and stunning views of the mighty Pastaza river gorge, which is the main gateway to the Amazon Basin. By horse and foot, we discover small villages, farmland, lush mountain scenery and the simple way of life enjoyed by the local people. These exciting and challenging trails along with the fresh trade winds make for an unforgettable day. You will have time to explore the town of Baños in the afternoon. Tonight we will stay in some quaint cabins overlooking the valley.
Day 3 - DOWN TO THE AMAZON - Jungle Trekking
We start our morning with a lovely breakfast, before driving down to the Amazon Basin following the Pastaza river gorge, surrounding ourselves by splendid views of the Valley. We make a couple of stops along the way. The first stop is for those who dare to try the cable car ride on the Bride’s Veil Waterfall, and the second is for a small hike on the hanging bridge over the Devil’s Pail, an impressive waterfall feeding the Pastaza River. As we continue our journey, we feel a change in temperature and humidity which tells us we have arrived to Kichwa territory. This is the main Indian tribe that populates the Arajuno and Napo river valleys. Lunch is served in a rainforest hut. We enjoy our afternoon hiking through the rainforest where an indigenous guide will teach us the tricks of the trade, show us the most important medicinal plants used by the kichwas, as well as an explanation of the exotic ecosystem surrounding us, exotic flowers and lush vegetation. The highlight tonight is the torch lit, Cotococha Amazon Lodge. Our rustic riverside cabanas complete with private showers and balcony are nestled by the the Napo River and will immerse you in the sounds of the jungle.
Day 4 - JATUNYACU RIVER - Jungle River Rafting
We start the day with an easy hike in the Llanganates National Park. This is a mysterious and fascinating region of Ecuador - famous for hiding the secrets of the legendary gold treasure of the last Inca Ruler, Atahualpa. This path leads us to some pristine natural pools where we can enjoy a swim and a natural massage in the stream. The Jatunyacu river is famed for its big waves and calm pools. We have a day filled with class III+ rapids, rainforest, and local Indian tribes. Tonight we will return to the jungle sounds and rhythyms at Cotococha Lodge.
Day 5 - EASTERN ANDES - Hotsprings
The afternoon finds us traveling towards up the Andes to 3,000 m in elevation and our destination at Papallacta Hot Springs. This oasis features beautiful hotsprings and a spa nestled in the middle of fantastic cloudforest. Fine dining and a night of relaxation will rejuvenate and invigorate your tired muscles.
Day 6 - OTAVALO AND THE PROVINCE OF THE LAKES - Mountain Biking
Today we’ll shuttle to Imbabura Province, land of the Imbayas which are some of the proudest Indian tribes of the northern valleys. The Imbayas are known for their music, culture and handicrafts, which are sold in markets around the world. We’ll bike through this cultural area, winding our way through indigenous villages, lakes and volcanos. A brief stop at Peguche holy waterfalls, the town of Peguche known for its weaved handicrafts, Iluman, village of the shamans, and the town of San Antonio where wood carving and handicrafts are the highlights. Dirt roads, old cobblestones and single track lead us through this imposing valley between the volcanoes of Imbabura (father) and Cotacachi (mother). In the afternoon, we will spend time at Otavalo Indian Market. By day’s end, we’ll transfer to our comfortable traditional Hacienda were we can soak our tired muscles in a hot tub.
Day 7 - MOJANDA LAKES - Mountain Biking
Travelling down from 4,000 m. we will experience a variety of unique geological formations. This region has several peaks with lakes between them making for great hiking and mountain bike riding. On a clear day, we can see all the snowcapped volcanoes of the Eastern Cordillera (Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Antisana, Chimborazo) as well as the western cordillera (Pichincha, Atacazo, etc.) This is an excellent site for condors, and other highland birds and animals. From this point we will bike down a dirt road to the valley below, so be prepared for some adrenaline! On our way back to Quito we will stop at Guallabamba valley for a traditional lunch before checking into our hotel in Quito and organizing our farewell dinner.
Day 8 - TRANSFERS TO THE AIRPORT
Catch flights home.
* The itinerary is subject to change as it is dependent on lodge availability, weather and participants’ ability. Our daily distances can fluctuate depending on weather and activities and National Park changes. It doesn’t take long to adjust your clock to these natural cycles.
