Ecuador Family Adventure Holiday

You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

The day is yours to explore Quito and to adapt to the altitude (2,800m/9,186ft).

Make sure you visit the beautiful Old Town with its many squares and churches – head to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located.

Later on maybe visit the Church of La Compañía (1605), with its amazing gilt altars (considered the finest example of baroque art in America), or see the Monastery of San Francisco (1535) – the oldest Ecuadorian church and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving.

For a spectacular view of Quito take a taxi ride to the highest viewpoint of the city, “El Panecillo” where you can see the only winged virgin in South America.

Travelling north from Quito, today’s adventure takes us to the stunning Cuicocha Volcano. The hike follows the rim of its stunning blue-green crater lake. As we trek through Andean forests, we admire orchids and bromeliads, and keep an eye out for the endangered Andean Condor. The hike offers spectacular views of the lake throughout.

This circular trail is rated moderate. It begins with a steady uphill climb lasting about 1.5 hours, ascending from 3,100m to 3,500m. The next portion features gentle ups and downs along the crater rim for approximately two hours, followed by a gradual descent over the final 1.5 hours, returning to the starting point. (5 hours, 12km). A boxed lunch is provided.

In the afternoon, we visit the charming leathercraft town of Cotacachi, followed by a stop at the vibrant Otavalo handicraft market. Here, indigenous artisans from the region, each with their distinctive dress and customs, showcase a wide range of handmade goods.
Dinner and overnight at Las Palmeras.

This morning, we travel from Imbabura to Papallacta, crossing the continental divide along the way.

Today’s hike takes us through the stunning glacial landscapes of Papallacta, where we pass serene mountain lagoons and wander through elfin forests. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to learn about the unique flora and fauna of this high-altitude region.

The route is an in-and-out trail. It begins with a 20-minute ascent on a dirt road, climbing from 3,700m to 3,850m. We then follow a paramo trail with moderate ups and downs for about an hour, leading to a final climb that reaches the beautiful Laguna de Anteojos at 4,000m. From there, we retrace our steps. Stunning views abound, including a glimpse of the snow-capped Antisana Volcano at the start of the hike. (10km – 4 hours).

A picnic lunch is provided. After the hike, unwind with a soak in the soothing Papallacta Hot Springs, renowned for their natural thermal waters.
Dinner and overnight stay at Guango Lodge.

This morning, we explore the lush cloud forest reserve at Guango, situated at 2,700m. Following tranquil forest trails, we arrive at a secluded waterfall, then continue hiking along the scenic banks of the Papallacta River, enjoying abundant birdlife along the way. (3km – 1.5 hours).

Lunch is included before we embark on a breathtaking road journey descending into the Amazon basin. On arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to refresh with a swim in a pristine local river.

Dinner and overnight stay at Rema Amazon Lodge.

Today’s adventure takes us rafting on the thrilling Jatunyacu River, a Class 3+ big-volume river that offers plenty of excitement while being generally suitable for beginners. The 25km route promises action-packed fun and scenic beauty.

The day begins with a visit to Llanganates National Park for a waterfall exploration and swimming experience. In the afternoon, we add a short jungle trek to complete this unforgettable day. A boxed lunch is provided.

Dinner and overnight stay at Rema Amazon Lodge.

We leave the Amazon rainforest behind and head toward Baños. Along the way, we stop to explore the iconic Pailon del Diablo waterfall. Following a forested trail, we arrive at this majestic waterfall.

Lunch is included before continuing to Baños, where we visit the famous “Swing at the End of the World.” Here, you can soar out over the valley below with breathtaking views, including the dramatic backdrop of smoking Tungurahua Volcano—an ideal spot for photos.

Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda Leito.

This morning, enjoy a scenic bike ride through cloud forests and Andean farmlands, offering stunning views of the smoking Tungurahua Volcano and the dramatic Pastaza Canyon as we descend into Baños.

After lunch in this charming mountain spa town, take some time to explore its picturesque streets and the beautiful basilica.

Dinner and overnight stay at Hacienda Leito.

Today we head to the Cotopaxi region for a memorable horse-riding experience under the shadow of the majestic snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano. You’ll be equipped with chaps, ponchos, and helmets before meeting your horse.

The 2-hour ride takes you through the breathtaking paramo landscapes, climbing to the foothills of the Rumiñahui Volcano. Enjoy panoramic views of Cotopaxi, Pasochoa, and Sincholagua Volcanoes along the way. This activity is suitable for beginners.

After lunch at the hacienda, we start our journey back to Quito.

Overnight stay at Hotel Vieja Cuba.

Today your tour ends and we’ll transfer you back to the airport, or continue your travels.

Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.

It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.

Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.

Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.

The Sierra 

In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season as temperature depends largely on altitude.

In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower basins between mountains, it gets significantly warmer.

Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June-Sept is the dry period and Oct-May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).

The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June-Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct-May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.

To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and Mar-Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.

The Coast

On the Pacific coast, rainfall becomes less from north to south. The coast can be enjoyed year-round, although from June-Sept mornings are often grey with the garua mists.

Jan-May is the hottest and rainiest time of year.

The Amazon

In Ecuador’s Amazonian region, rain can fall at any time, but Dec-March is usually the driest season and Mar-Sept is usually the wettest period.

The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos can be visited at any time of year.

The warm season is Jan-Jun, bringing calm, warm waters (around 70°F) and sunny days (72-9°F or 22-32°C), February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.

The islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, occasional heavy bursts in the afternoon. Great for snorkelling and you can spend a lot of time in the water without wetsuits, with great, clear waters.

The dry ‘garua’ season is Jun-Dec an it’s a great time for marine life. August and September are the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy and temperature drops around 15-24ºC on average.

There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.

Sea temperatures may drop to 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C) during this time and snorkellers will want a wet suit for prolonged periods in the sea.

Official name: Republic of Ecuador

Country population: 15,000,000

Capital city: Quito (2.51 million)

Largest cities: Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Machala

Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua

Latitude/Longitude: 2º S, 77º 30 W

Official currency: US dollar

Major industries: bananas, shrimp, oil, gold, roses

Time zone: GMT-5 (Galapagos GMT-6)

Being at altitude, especially in the tropics, is usually a pleasure as it isn’t so hot, there are few insects and the air is clear.

However, when gaining altitude, air pressure drops and the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs is reduced. Although we build plenty of acclimatisation time into our itineraries, certain ill-effects are possible. Nevertheless, all of these can be minimised or prevented if care is taken.

On reaching heights above 2,500m (approx. 8,200 ft), especially when ascent has been straight from sea level, heart pounding, mild headache and shortness of breath are normal, especially on exertion.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndrome known locally as soroche, whose symptoms can include of bad headache, dizziness and nausea).

To avoid AMS, you should:

• Rest for a few hours on arrival at altitude and take it easy for the first couple of days. Note: you may feel fine on arrival and tempted to exert yourself as normal. Don’t be fooled: you might be benefiting from oxygen brought in your blood from sea level.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (altitude is a diuretic). Coca tea (mate de coca) helps alleviate symptoms.
• Eat light meals, with high carbohydrate and low fat and protein content. Dine early, allowing digestion time pre-sleep.
• Avoid over-exposure to the strong highland sun (UV rays are very powerful) – especially in the early stages – making sure you wear a broad brimmed sunhat. Apply lip-salve to prevent chapped lips.
• Avoid or minimise consumption of cigarettes and alcohol. Avoid sleeping pills.
• If you do get AMS: Rest, take non-aspirin painkillers (for headache) and coca tea. Symptoms should subside after a day or two.
• Pregnant women, people with a history of heart, lung, kidney or blood disease or blood pressure problems, should consult their doctor before traveling to high altitude.

Andean Trails believes in Responsible Travel and actively supports several community projects.

Please see Our Advice and Our Ethos for more, and learn about the Projects We Support.

We operate the Inca Trail, our treks and tours with local firms.

We make sure that on our tours and Inca Trail we employ local staff, who are paid fair wages.

With the Inca Trail, We provide free life insurance to all of our porters. Tented accommodation and meals are provided for all trekking staff as well as foam mats, sleeping bags and rain ponchos. We have also provided the staff with trekking shoes. We ensure our porters carry a maximum of only 20kg. We offer them backpacks and they generally use back supports.

Clean burning fuel is used to cook the meals on the Inca Trail and porters carry gas stoves and butane bottles. We use biodegradable detergents when washing the cooking and eating utensils. If any part of our tour or trek is operated by another company, we try to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Our additional support helps the Huchuy Yachaq project which supports children and families in one of the poorest communities in the district of Cusco.