Wild Ecuador
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Surprisingly diverse for a country of its size, Ecuador provides nature enthusiasts with a tantalising mix of ecosystems. From the volcanic altiplano to the luscious Amazonian rainforest and the unparalleled natural wonders of the Galápagos, it is the ideal natural playground for an activity-filled adventure in search of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
After your cultural fix during a city tour and craft class in the colonial capital Quito, you’ll ...
Surprisingly diverse for a country of its size, Ecuador provides nature enthusiasts with a tantalising mix of ecosystems. From the volcanic altiplano to the luscious Amazonian rainforest and the unparalleled natural wonders of the Galápagos, it is the ideal natural playground for an activity-filled adventure in search of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
After your cultural fix during a city tour and craft class in the colonial capital Quito, you’ll swiftly move on to the dizzying heights of Cotopaxi National Park, driving through the spectacular 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' and stopping for a warm-up hike in the Pasochoa Wildlife Reserve. Home to the country's second highest peak, you’ll have a couple of energising days cycling down volcanoes and horse riding across the high plateau with local cowboys from your mountain lodge. Moving on to one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, the Amazon Rainforest, where a trained naturalist will guide you through different corners of the humid jungle exploring the forest by foot, admiring its canopy over a suspension bridge, and surveying its rivers by dugout canoe. Its sheer size is beyond comparison.
A bucket list destination for most wildlife enthusiasts, the adventure is then capped off with a deluxe four-night cruise yachting between the peerless Galapagos Islands. Swimming, snorkelling and hiking beside blue footed boobies, Galápagos giant tortoises, Galápagos penguins and white-tipped reef sharks will undoubtedly be an enduring travel memory.
Meet the Expert
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Quito
On arrival to Quito, you will be met and welcomed by your local guide at the airport. Transferring straight to your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatising to the new heights and surroundings of Ecuador’s capital.
Day 2 Quito: History, Architecture & Culture Class
The day begins with an overview of the city taking one of South America’s highest cable cars up to Cruz Loma hill for a wonderful panorama of Quito. Weather permitting, it is possible to see some of the country’s highest peaks from here. Back down in the town, you’ll then learn about the country’s history via a walking tour through the historic centre’s colonial streets filled with impressive 16th and 17th-century buildings, palaces, cathedrals, churches and monasteries. The tour ends with one-on-one cultural class at a local school that aims to preserve traditional Ecuadorian arts and crafts; choose between wood carving, calligraphy, sculpture or gold leaf.
Day 3 Quito – Pasochoa – Cotopaxi: Volcano Hiking
Departing the capital, you’ll drive through the scenic Avenue of Volcanoes on your way to the second stop of the trip, Cotopaxi. Spend some time hiking at the beautiful Pasachoa Wildlife Refuge, formed on the slopes of the extinct Pasochoa Volcano, for a warm-up to the active itinerary ahead. The refuge is home to over 100 bird species as well as orchids, bromelias and other epiphytic plants which can be spotted along its various walking trails. Later, continue on to your lodge where an open fire and a homecooked dinner await you.
Day 4 Cotopaxi: Horse Riding with Cowboys
Horse riding is a time-honoured tradition in the Andean region and especially in the altiplano (high plateau) of Cotopaxi National Park. After breakfast, head out riding with real chagras (Andean cowboys) into the ruggedly beautiful national park, exploring its stretches of mountainous landscape while mixing in a bit of local flavour and transport. Heading back to the cosy lodge in time for a warm, homemade lunch after your morning out on the high plateau, the afternoon is then set aside to relax at the quaint lodge and perhaps enjoying a soak in the jacuzzi.
*Your morning tour can also be done via mountain bike, foot or vehicle to suit all preferences.
Day 5 Cotopaxi – Quito: Volcano Biking
Drive through paramo landscape this morning to reach the highest point of Cotopaxi National Park where you can enjoy views of the other surrounding eight volcanoes. After time to admire views of some of the world’s highest volcanoes, it’s time to elevate your heart rate cycling down dirt roads through volcanic ash to one of the few Inca ruins in Ecuador, located at 3,700m, the ideal spot to enjoy your packed lunch. Later, the cycling excursion continues through pine forest from Lake Limpipungo to the transfer vehicle waiting at the end of the volcanic bike route, ready to take you back to your hotel in Quito at the end of today’s physically engaging bike ride.
Day 6 Quito – Amazon Rainforest: Into the Jungle
A short domestic flight this morning brings you to Coca, the entry town to the Amazon, where you’ll board a speedboat to take you deeper into the rainforest to your lodge. Nestle into your beautifully designed cabin tucked away within the thick forest trees and meet your naturalist guide over an exotic lunch, before heading out on the first activity of your stay to explore the rainforest on foot. On hand to provide plenty of useful information, your guide will point out the area’s distinct flora and fauna under the afternoon light that manages to creep between the dense vegetation to the forest floor. Ponder these natural riches over dinner before heading out once more after night fall in search of nocturnal life.
Day 7 Amazon Rainforest: Canoeing Down the Napo River
An early knock on the door wakes you for breakfast in the cool of the morning before heading out down the Napo River, peacefully paddling to the rhythm, sights and sounds of the forest residents gliding, chirping and rustling around. Small dugout canoes allow access to the network of narrower tributaries and waterways that feed the rainforest, their banks often being the best place for wildlife spotting. Making it back for lunch at the lodge, there will also be some downtime to relax in nature’s lush garden and perhaps take a dip in the protected black waters of Pilchicocha Lake, shared by caiman and giant river otters. Later, walk across a 94-foot suspended bridge to capture a truly magical photo of the sun setting over the misty forest canopy and bathing it in warm, orange hues to the call of howler monkeys.
Day 8 Amazon Rainforest: Wildlife Spotting & a Community Project
After breakfast visit the nearest clay lick on the edge of the Yasuní National Park to witness flocks of technicoloured parrots feeding on the side of an exposed part of the riverbank – a spectacular show of sound and colour. Later, you can visit the Shipati Warmi project, an initiative run by and benefitting the women of a local Yasuní community, for a conversation and taste of day-to-day life in these remote reaches of the world. Dinner is followed by a night-time expedition down the river in search of caiman under the starry night sky.
Day 9 Amazon Rainforest – Quito
This morning, transfer to Coca airport via the river in time for your flight back to the capital once again. Arriving in the afternoon, the rest of the day is left at leisure for a bit of independent exploration and shopping.
Day 10 Quito – Galapagos Islands: Santa Cruz Island
A morning’s flight brings you to the world-famous Galapagos Islands, where you’ll be met and taken to the port to settle into a deluxe, family-owned and run yacht and meet the crew. Set out on your first excursion this afternoon to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. A trail leads you around a brackish lagoon where endemic shore birds, including Darwin finches, Galápagos flycatchers and yellow warblers, can be spotted amongst the typical dry zone cacti and vegetation. This is also an important nesting area for land iguanas occupying a lovely spot with views over the anchored boats in the bay and neighbouring islands. Then, head back to the boat for dinner and your first comfy night on board.
Day 11 Galapagos Islands: Santiago Island
After breakfast, this morning’s excursion leads you to Black Turtle Cove, one of the most unique ecosystems in the Galápagos, surrounded by mangrove forest home to green sea turtles and a baby white-tip reef shark nursery. Around these waters, schools of golden rays, spotted eagle rays and marine turtles can be seen as well as countless species of birds such as the iconic blue footed booby. This afternoon cruise over to ‘Chinese Hat’ (Sombrero Chino) off the coast of Santiago Island to visit its fantastic visitor site boasting terrific vistas. The path to the visitor centre begins on an idyllic beach where red Sally lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas and Galápagos sea lions can often be seen lounging on the sand - a great spot to take the zodiacs out and jump off the side for some snorkelling.
Day 12 Galapagos Islands: Genovesa Island
A dry landing on Genovesa Island this morning, a particularly special place for birders, provides an opportunity to climb up the natural stairway to the top of the island, passing by colonies of Nazca and red-footed boobies along the way. At the end of the trail is a wedge-rumped storm petrel nest positioned on one of the lava fields of this volcanic archipelago. There’ll then be the chance to kayak in the company of marine iguanas, Galápagos seals and sea lions before heading back to the yacht for lunch. This afternoon you’ll also experience a wet landing to reach the coral sandy beach at Darwin Bay. Navigating past sea lions and swallow-tailed gulls, you’ll find a flat trail through mangrove forests and salt bushes leading you to one of the best places to look for red-footed booby nesting sites. Low tide here also produces the best chance of seeing one of the world’s rarest gulls, the lava gull, of which there are approximately 900 in the entire archipelago. Enjoy some more snorkelling before reboarding the cruise and getting ready for dinner this evening.
Day 13 Galapagos Islands: Santiago Island
Having navigated to Bartolome, you’ll summit the island to admire one of the Galápagos’ most famous views overlooking Pinnacle Rock and Santiago Island below. During the trail across the lunar-like landscape of this volcanic island you’ll observe spatter cones, lava tubes and a few hardy plants. The island also has a small colony of penguins, the only species to live in the tropics. This morning’s snorkel welcomes a good chance of meeting some Galápagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks and playful sea lions. Cruising back towards Santiago Island, this afternoon you’ll explore Sullivan Bay on its south-eastern shore. Here the geological formations are the perfect place to learn about the volcanic activity and different coloured lava flows that have created and shaped the islands.
Day 14 Galapagos Islands – Depart Quito
After a final breakfast on board, you’ll disembark at Santa Cruz Island to visit its highlands where the Galápagos giant tortoise reserve is located. After your visit to see these iconic land dwellers, you’ll transfer to the airport and fly back to Ecuador where your active wildlife adventure ends.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Sacha Lodge, Ecuadorian Amazon
A remote yet incredibly comfortable lodge in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, accessed by a speedboat journey over a mesmerising black lagoon. A unique feature is the protected lake pool, shared by giant river otters and caiman alike, with lagoon-side decking and loungers perfect for relaxing when you are not out exploring the rainforest. Exploration of the area is undertaken by dugout canoe or on foot twice daily with the lodge's trained guides. The 26 rooms have been renovated over the years to produce beautifully designed, spacious, modern cabins they have today, complete with mod-cons such as fans and even air conditioning. The alfresco restaurant overlooking the lake serves a mix of local and international dishes, using regional produce.
Sea Star Galápagos, Galapagos Islands (Cruise)
With spacious suites and carefully designed social areas, the Sea Star Galápagos offers the highest level of comfort and one of the most exclusive small cruise options in the archipelago. Special detail and care has been given to each of the eight ensuite cabin which are all fitted with panoramic windows and hotel-level mod cons including air conditioning and television. Facilities on board include a solarium, two Jacuzzis and sun loungers on the deck. There is also an elegant lounge and two libraries. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary snorkels and kayaks in addition to the glass-bottom zodiac which are all aimed at enhancing the wildlife experience during your time in these incredibly biodiverse islands.
Chilcabamba Lodge, Cotopaxi National Park
Chilcabamba is a charming Andean mountain lodge around six kilometres from the Cotopaxi National Park, surrounded by Ecuadorianpáramo. A stay here is authentically warm and inviting, just what is needed after retiring back after an outing at these cool altitudes. The lodge has been updated, providing all the creature comforts one could need at 3,480 metres above sea level including cosy, heated rooms and a homely restaurant serving hearty meals, all whilst maintaining its local, rustic feel. The grounds are beautiful with a constant backdrop of snow-covered volcanic peaks, just inviting guests to get out and explore; birdwatching, mountain biking, horse-riding and the hiking from the nearby trailheads are all popular ways to spend the time at Chilcabamba.
Casa Aliso Hotel, Quito
The lovely Casa Aliso is a boutique hotel located in La Floresta, a traditional area in Quito's northern sector, once considered to be the city's most elegant neighbourhood. It's location is close to the new town and the main shopping areas and around five minutes from the city's beating heart, the colonial centre. Delightfully secluded and discreet, this charming hotel has a lot of character and only 10 beautifully appointed rooms. Staff are freindly and there is a small restaurant on site, making for a homely yet sophisticated stay.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
OTHER ITINERARIES IN ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
Check out our group tours in Ecuador & Galapagos
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Ecuador & Galapagos. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Ecuador & Galapagos