This holiday to Ecuador allows families to look for unique species in unchartered areas of the jungle, ride horses with Andean cowboys, view the highest active volcano in the world and straddle both hemispheres at the same time at the Middle of the World.
- Incredible wildlife viewing in the Amazon rainforest
- Visit the famed ‘Swing at the End of the World’
- Canyon along rivers & waterfalls
- Experience the chagras lifestyle & ride horses
- Hike Cotopaxi National Park
- Taste traditional Ecuadorian treats
This itinerary begins in the colonial city of Quito before travelling to the Mindo Cloud Forest with a visit en route to The Middle of the World, where we can have fun testing the unique forces at work in the equatorial region. Get your taste buds at the ready for some experimental chocolate products at the El Quetzal fine chocolate factory before a refreshing dip in a waterfall after a short hike.
We can then enjoy a visit to Papallacta Hot Springs before venturing into the Amazon rainforest for a few days of incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Adventurous travellers will enjoy the thrill of mountain biking, ziplining and canyoning plus a visit to the famed Tree House near Baños, home of ‘The Swing at the End of the World’.
Staying overnight at a traditional Hacienda, we can spend time with chagras or local Andean cowboys on their working ranch and accompany them on a horse ride, which gives us an excellent insight into their life. We end the trip with panoramic views of Quito while enjoying delicious Ecuadorian treats.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK to Quito, upon arrival you're transferred to your hotel and have the evening at leisure. -
Day 2: Middle of the World
Straddle two hemispheres at the same time and test out the unique forces at work in the equatorial region with some fun activities at the Inti Ñan Solar Museum. Then journey north-west to the Mindo Cloud Forest. -
Day 3: Mindo Cloud Forest
Visit the Mariposario butterfly garden, home to over 1,200 butterflies across 25 species, taste experimental chocolate products at the El Quetzal fine chocolate factory and then ride a cable-car over a canyon where a short hike to a waterfall offers the opportunity for a refreshing dip. -
Day 4: Papallacta Hot Springs
Enjoy the health benefits of the thermal waters of the area and short walks around the Termas Papallacta Private Reserve. -
Days 5-7 : Amazon Rainforest
Spend the next few days fully immersed in the jungle and surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna, where there are plenty of opportunities to view capybara, tapir, monkeys, reptiles, over 1,000 bird species, river otters and maybe even the elusive jaguar. Journey the waterways by motorised canoe, visit the home of a native Kichwa family and join a nocturnal exploration of the jungle. -
Day 8: Mountain Biking Tour
This morning, head out for a mountain bike tour to Waterfall Avenue between Sangay and the Llanganates mountains, offering stunning scenery and great photo opportunities along the route. -
Day 9: Canyoning or Ziplining Excursion
Today, you can either choose from one or two thrilling activities. Explore rivers, waterfalls and canyons in a new way, learning rope handling, balance and jumping in a canyoning activity. Or choose to start your activity 20 metres above the Pucayaco River, ziplining your way across a canyon divided by six sections, finishing 160 metres above the Ulba River canyon. Talk to your travel consultant if you'd like to include both of these adrenaline-filled activities. -
Day 10: Cotopaxi National Park & Lasso Lesson with the Chagras
Travel to Cotopaxi National Park to view one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and have the opportunity to view Andean gulls, black-chested eagles and the endangered condor.
Complete the day with a lasso lesson with local Andean cowboys. Stay overnight at a home-style hacienda.
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Day 11: Quito Bakery Visit & Panecillo Hill
Finishing the tour back in Quito, visit a bakery for traditional Ecuadorian treats that can be enjoyed at Panecillo hill, which offers panoramic views over Quito and the surrounding landscape. -
Day 12: Fly back to UK
After breakfast, you're taken back to Quito International Airport for your overnight return flight to the UK. -
Day 13: Arrive UK
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Days 14-18 : OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS: Amazon or the Galapagos Islands
Extend your trip with a stay in the Lower Amazon or fly across to the Galapagos for swimming, snorkelling and spectacular wildlife. Speak to our travel consultants for more information.
Please note: There are some winding roads during this trip that can cause travel sickness and although the journey will be broken up with stops, we recommend being prepared and taking some anti-sickness medication with you as a precaution.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 10+
- Itinerary Type: Small Group Holiday Tailor-made can be arranged
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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Summer
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Xmas
What’s Included
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Activities
- Canyoning
- Chocolate tour
- City tour
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Nature walk
- Ziplining
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Accommodation
Hotels x 7 nights, ecolodges x 2 nights & home-style hacienda x 1 night -
Meals
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 4 dinners
Tailored for You
A private departure or tailor-made holiday can also be arranged to suit your requirements. Contact our experts today.
Next Steps
Departures
Choose your preferred departure date from the 5 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
Our small group holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate. Most of our holidays are also available on a private basis or can be tailored to meet your requirements.
| Itinerary Dates
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
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| Year | Starts | Ends | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Holiday Status | Options |
| 2026 | 25 Jul | 5 Aug | 12 days | £2,195 | £2,095 | 13 days | £3,645 | £3,245 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 19 Dec | 30 Dec | 12 days | £2,295 | £2,195 | 13 days | £3,895 | £3,295 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 27 Mar | 7 Apr | 12 days | £2,395 | £2,295 | 13 days | £3,675 | £3,245 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 31 Jul | 11 Aug | 12 days | £2,395 | £2,295 | 13 days | £3,675 | £3,245 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 18 Dec | 29 Dec | 12 days | £2,495 | £2,395 | 13 days | £3,995 | £3,495 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| * Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and has reached a minimum number of participants, so is guaranteed to run. ** On Request: we may be able to offer places on this holiday, please contact us for further information. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details. | ||||||||||
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.
