Ecuador Multisport Adventure

Itinerary

• Day 1: Welcome to Quito!

  Welcome to Quito! The largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Often considered the Cultural Capital of South America and the second most important city of the old Inca Empire, Quito offers much to explore. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day discovering the historic old town and surrounding areas—Adventure Journeys can help organize a day trip if you’d like. In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing, with plenty of time to go over details and answer any questions about the adventure. Our first day is designed for information and acclimatization.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar

  
• Day 2: Trek in Cotopaxi National Park

  After breakfast, we head south from Quito along the stunning Avenue of Volcanoes, passing through colorful Andean fields and reaching elevations of up to 12,000 feet (3,657 meters). Upon arriving at Cotopaxi National Park, we’ll hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon at the foothills of the Rumiñahui Volcano, where we’ll enjoy some of the best views of Cotopaxi—the highest active volcano in the world. In the afternoon, we continue our journey toward Llanganates National Park, also known as the sacred mountain, before arriving in the town of Baños, located at the gateway to the Amazon. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife with cocktails and dancing.

  In case the weather and physical conditions are good, you may trek to the Basecamp and the maximum elevation would then be 16,000 ft (4,880 m).

  Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  Hiking: 4 miles (6.4 km), 3 hours
  Elevation gain: 1,200 feet (366 meters)
  Minimum elevation: 12,700 feet (3,870 meters)
  Maximum elevation: 13,850 feet (4,222 meters)
  Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar
  Trekking activity level: Moderate, the trail is on dirt surrounded by bushes and grass, at high elevation (make sure you drink a lot of water or coca tea)

  
• Day 3: Biking in the cloud forest in Baños

  This morning, we’ll cross from Llanganates National Park to the Pastaza River Canyon by mountain bike, taking in the beauty of the cloud forest’s unique climate. The route leads us through Andean farms and a dramatic canyon filled with waterfalls. As we descend into the jungle, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Baños, a town famously nestled at the base of the Tungurahua Volcano, which has remained active since 1999 and is the region’s main attraction. In the afternoon, we’ll have time to explore the town and visit the Swing at the End of the World—the site of the winning photo from National Geographic’s 2014 photo contest.

  In case you want to avoid the uphill, there will always be the support of our transportation, and our driver will be happy to give you a ride until you decide to join the biking group.

  Meals: Breakfast
  Biking: 20 miles (32.18 km), 3 hours
  Elevation gain: 500 feet (152 meters)
  Minimum elevation while biking: 5,500 feet (1,676 meters)
  Maximum elevation while biking: 10,450 feet (3,185 meters)
  Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar
  Biking activity level: Moderate, the first 45 minutes uphill, the rest downhill, on cobblestone, dirt roads, and asphalt

  
• Day 4: Canyoning in the Amazon

  This morning, we’ll head out on the Route of the Waterfalls. Our first stop is the Bride’s Veil waterfall, where we’ll cross the Pastaza River by tarabita (cable car), then hike down to Pailón del Diablo—the second highest waterfall in Ecuador. Afterward, we’ll journey deeper into the jungle within Llanganates National Park. “Llanganates” means “beautiful mountain” in the local indigenous language. Legend has it that 600 years ago, the Incas hid their golden treasures here, and many explorers have searched—some even vanishing in the dense, untouched jungle. As we hike through the tropical rainforest and climb several waterfall canyons, a local native guide will share insight into the incredible flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem. We’ll spend the night at a basic jungle lodge run by a Kichwa indigenous family.

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  Accommodation: Amazon Homestay

  
• Day 5: Rafting & relaxing in hot springs

  We start the day by getting our gear ready for an exciting paddle on the wild waves of the Jatunyacu River, just a five-minute drive from the homestead. The beauty of this river, nestled in the Amazon rainforest, will both inspire and amaze you. After a thorough safety briefing from our rafting guides, we’ll begin our Class III rafting adventure, known for its crystal-clear waters and thrilling rapids. Along the way, we’ll enjoy fun games and explore one of the canyons. Our journey ends with a riverside picnic prepared by our guides. We then drive back up into the Andes to Papallacta, where we’ll spend the night and unwind in the soothing volcanic hot springs, surrounded by cool mountain air.

  Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  Accommodation: Termas Papallacta

  
• Day 6: Otavalo market — Sacha Warmi local community project

  In the morning, we will visit the vibrant Otavalo Market, where the Otavalo Indigenous people, dressed in their traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair, showcase their rich culture. You will have the opportunity to learn about their daily activities, traditional cuisine, and native language while exploring their renowned handicraft market. This market offers a stunning array of goods, including beautiful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing, native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries, and more—all at bargain prices. 

  For lunch, we will visit Pijal, a small village nestled in the heart of the Andes, to explore one of AJ’s sustainable projects, Sacha WarmiKuna (“Women of the Mountain”). This remarkable initiative, developed by AJ in collaboration with local women, aims to support their families and empower women in the community by providing them with an alternative source of income beyond housekeeping. During your visit, you’ll experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the traditions and skills of South American women. You’ll participate in preparing “Aji,” a signature spicy salsa that is a cornerstone of their identity, and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch featuring fresh ingredients harvested that day from nearby organic fields. Additionally, you’ll learn about their intricate weaving process and have the chance to give back by purchasing handmade scarves directly from the artisans.

  Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  Accommodation: Las Palmeras Inn

  
• Day 7: Cuicocha Crater Lake Trek

  Today, after a healthy breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, home to the stunning Cuicocha Crater Lake. Our adventure begins with a trek around this still-active volcano, where your guide will point out many beautiful flowers along the trail. After the hike, we’ll enjoy a boat ride to the center of the crater, providing a unique opportunity to observe volcanic activity and witness bubbles rising from the heart of the caldera.

  Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
  Hiking: 9.3 miles (4.82 km), 4.5 hours
  Elevation gain: 1,300 feet (457.2 meters)
  Minimum elevation: 10,400 feet (3169.92 meters)
  Maximum elevation: 1,550 feet (472.4 meters)
  Accommodation: Sheraton or similar
  Hiking activity level: Moderate, on a lovely trail around Cuicocha Crate lake by a cloud forest, the trail can be a bit muddy

  
• Day 8: Departure

  It’s time to say goodbye after breakfast! Buen viaje!

  Meals: Breakfast