Amazon Rainforest
Sleep in an immersive jungle lodge in the heart of the wildlife-dense Amazon Rainforest.
The ultimate medley of mainland Ecuador’s most iconic destinations, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Avenue of the Volcanoes, this journey by road, by plane and by canoe has a truly exploratory feeling due to its remarkable wildlife-spotting and interaction with indigenous communities.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
UNESCO Cities
Visit the colonial UNESCO World Heritage cities of Quito and pretty Cuenca.
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Cloud Forest
Spend time in the Cloud Forest at an impeccable lodge or authentic reserve.
Avenue of Volcanoes
Discover the stunning alpine landscapes of Ecuador in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Why Steppes?
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Why we like it
This adventure is comprised of mainland Ecuador’s greatest contrasts – the Amazon, the Cloud Forest & the Highlands. Journey deep into the rainforest, navigating in dugout canoes over black water tributaries where slumbering caimans rest like logs and through jungles saturated with exotic bird calls and chattering monkeys. In contrast to this dense and humid region, visit the magnificent Avenue of the Volcanoes and travel to Cuenca and Riobamba to experience local life and market culture.
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Day 1
Quito
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Day 2
Quito - Coca - Ecuadorian Amazon
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Days 3-4
Ecuadorian Amazon
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Day 5
Ecuadorian Amazon - Coca - Quito - Avenue of the Volcanoes
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Day 6
Avenue of the Volcanoes - Riobamba
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Day 7
Riobamba - Cuenca
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Day 8
Cuenca
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Day 9
Cuenca - Quito
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Day 10
Quito - Cloud Forest
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Day 11
Cloud Forest
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Day 12
Cloud Forest - Quito
Day 1
Quito
Visit the colonial UNESCO World Heritage cities of Quito.
Day 2
Quito - Coca - Ecuadorian Amazon
Days 3-4
Ecuadorian Amazon
Sleep in an immersive jungle lodge in the heart of the wildlife-dense Amazon Rainforest.
Day 5
Ecuadorian Amazon - Coca - Quito - Avenue of the Volcanoes
Discover the stunning alpine landscapes of Ecuador in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Day 6
Avenue of the Volcanoes - Riobamba
Day 7
Riobamba - Cuenca
Day 8
Cuenca
Day 9
Cuenca - Quito
Day 10
Quito - Cloud Forest
Day 11
Cloud Forest
Spend time in the Cloud Forest at an impeccable lodge or authentic reserve.
Day 12
Cloud Forest - Quito
More Details
Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon
Travel atop murky brown rivers in a dugout canoe deep within the Amazon Rainforest, navigating tributaries overhung with spider monkeys and watched by countless disguised species. In the company of an expert naturalist and a local guide, spot wildlife, clamber to the top of a tree tower high above the canopy, and watch as caiman eyes shine white under nighttime torchlight.
Avenue of the Volcanoes
A far cry from the heat and humidity of the jungle, life in the Andes is clear and fresh. Wind your way through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, visiting one of the colourful markets and staying overnight in a traditional hacienda to get a feel for life in the highlands of Ecuador. Cotopaxi National Park, renowned for having the highest active volcano on Earth, is a remarkable spot for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Colonial Quito & Cuenca
Renowned for its colonial buildings, cobbled streets and for being the highest capital in the world, wander the cobbled streets of Quito. Visit its artisan markets and perhaps venturing up Pichincha Volcano by cable car to take in stunning views of the city from 4,100-metres. Spend time in Cuenca, one of the most attractive cities in Ecuador, a title that is contested by Quiteños. Boasting cobbled streets, colonial buildings and domed churches that are offset by art galleries, artisan workshops and iconic Panama hat factories, Cuenca is set in a valley surrounded by the Andean mountains on the grassy banks of the Rio Tomebamba.
Explore the Incapirca Ruins
Head to the historical ruins of Ingapirca (meaning ‘Wall of the Inca’), the pre-eminent Inca archaeological remains in Ecuador that were constructed as an inn for Inca couriers and other travellers but expanded for use as a lodging for the emperor. Our expert local guides can guide you around the ellipse-shaped fortress made of green diorite, illuminating the details of Inca culture and traditions.
Amble the Cloud Forest
Visit the Cloud Forest, an area of thick forest that is shrouded in mist, and discover the exotic ferns, bromeliads, orchids, monkeys and hummingbirds that call this place home. From the base of a stylish cocoon-like hideaway or a cosy lodge, head out on daily explorations of the primeval moss and vine-draped bird-rich landscape, travelling by sky bike over the canopy or joining exhilarating night trail walks.
Suggestion: Galapagos Islands Extension
To truly experience all that Ecuador has to offer, fly out to the remote and remarkable Galapagos Islands – the gem of Ecuador and a treasure of the world. The pristine archipelago, which is reachable in as little as two hours from the mainland, can be explored during eye-opening sailing voyages or through carefully planned island-hopping trips. For up close and personal encounters with fearless sea lions, penguins, tortoises, sharks, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas (to name very few), these islands are unmissable.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $4,528 Per person
When to travel
Ecuador in January
January to May is a good time to visit the coast of Ecuador, with warmer weather ideal for relaxing on the beach. Short tropical showers can occur in the afternoon, but mornings tend to be bright and sunny. The rainy season is not such a good time for hiking in the highlands though, and the Amazon is drenched with roads often becoming impassable at this time.
Ecuador in February
January to May is a good time to visit the coast of Ecuador, with warmer weather ideal for relaxing on the beach. Short tropical showers can occur in the afternoon, but the mornings tend to be bright and sunny. The rainy season is not such a good time for hiking in the highlands though, and the Amazon is drenched with roads often becoming impassable at this time.
Ecuador in March
January to May is a good time to visit the coast of Ecuador, with warmer weather ideal for relaxing on the beach. Short tropical showers can occur in the afternoon, but the mornings tend to be bright and sunny. The rainy season is not such a good time for hiking in the highlands though, and the Amazon is drenched with roads often becoming impassable at this time.
Ecuador in April
January to May is a good time to visit the coast of Ecuador, with warmer weather ideal for relaxing on the beach. Short tropical showers can occur in the afternoon, but the mornings tend to be bright and sunny. The rainy season is not such a good time for hiking in the highlands though, and the Amazon is drenched with roads often becoming impassable at this time.
Ecuador in May
January to May is a good time to visit the coast of Ecuador, with warmer weather ideal for relaxing on the beach. Short tropical showers can occur in the afternoon, but the mornings tend to be bright and sunny. The rainy season is not such a good time for hiking in the highlands though, and the Amazon is drenched with roads often becoming impassable at this time.
Ecuador in June
June to September are typically the driest and clearest months across the country, with peak visitor numbers generally in July and August. It is worth booking in advance if you wish to travel at the time to secure the best accommodation.
Ecuador in July
June to September are typically the driest and clearest months across the country, with peak visitor numbers generally in July and August. It is worth booking in advance if you wish to travel at the time to secure the best accommodation.
Ecuador in August
June to September are typically the driest and clearest months across the country, with peak visitor numbers generally in July and August. It is worth booking in advance if you wish to travel at the time to secure the best accommodation.
Ecuador in September
June to September are typically the driest and clearest months across the country, with peak visitor numbers generally in July and August. It is worth booking in advance if you wish to travel at the time to secure the best accommodation.
Ecuador in October
October to December generally sees the fine weather continue across much of the country, although showers can occur at any time of year. It is a quieter time of year to travel, until the end of the year where accommodation should be booked well in advance.
Ecuador in November
October to December generally sees the fine weather continue across much of the country, although showers can occur at any time of year. It is a quieter time of year to travel, until the end of the year where accommodation should be booked well in advance.
Ecuador in December
October to December generally sees the fine weather continue across much of the country, although showers can occur at any time of year. It is a quieter time of year to travel, until the end of the year where accommodation should be booked well in advance.
Holiday Inspiration
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Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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