Sustainable Ecuador: 12 Days of Culture, Nature & Community

Day 1: Arrival in Quito – Hotel and Debriefing

Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival at Quito’s airport, your local guide will be there to greet you with a warm smile and help you settle into the rhythm of the Andes. From the airport, it's about a one-hour scenic drive to your charming hotel nestled in the capital's historic area or just on its peaceful outskirts.

Day 2: Into the Cloud Forest – Discover Off-Grid Living

We begin our journey heading north from Quito into the misty cloud forests of Santa Lucía. A short but invigorating one-hour hike brings us to this hidden gem—an isolated, self-sustaining community that lives without electricity. Surrounded by lush greenery, this reserve is home to organic gardens, medicinal plants, and an astonishing variety of rare birds. It's a true immersion into sustainable living, where nature and people exist in harmony.

Day 3: On the Middle of the World – From Latitude Zero to Historic Quito

We leave Santa Lucía and head south with a symbolic stop at the Equator Monument and the Intiñan Solar Museum. Here, you’ll stand on both hemispheres at once and explore interactive exhibits about Ecuador’s unique geography and ancestral knowledge. In the afternoon, we return to Quito and explore its breathtaking colonial heart—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through cobbled streets lined with centuries-old churches and vibrant plazas before settling in for the night.

Day 4: Volcano Trails & Hot Springs – Biking in Cotopaxi

Today is all about adrenaline and altitude. We travel to Cotopaxi National Park, where we hop on mountain bikes and ride past wild horses, volcanic rocks, and sweeping paramo landscapes. This is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and the views are simply unforgettable. After the ride, we unwind in the thermal waters of Papallacta—natural hot springs nestled in the mountains, perfect for relaxing tired muscles.

Day 5: Amazon Awakening – Waterfalls, Chocolate & Culture

We descend into the Amazon basin and begin with an adventurous hike to a mystical canyon. Here, a cave hides a jungle waterfall where you can swim in crystalline waters. After this refreshing dip, we visit a Kichwa community that preserves ancient chocolate-making techniques. Learn how cacao was once currency and how it’s still crafted by hand. The day ends with music, dancing, and a traditional dinner at a local community where we stay overnight.

Day 6: Forest Remedies & River Magic – Amazon Healing Traditions

In the morning, we join a group of indigenous midwives who guide us through the forest in search of healing plants. They explain each one’s purpose, from childbirth remedies to energy cleanses. Here they will perform a traditional millennial ritual of cleaning the bad spirits. In the afternoon, we visit another community where a cable car takes us over a river into a spectacular canyon. A scenic hike along the river reveals natural pools, hidden waterfalls, and stories passed down through generations.

Day 7: Canoe Through Biodiversity – Wildlife & Waterfalls

We start early and glide in a wooden canoe through a quiet rainforest lagoon. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys swinging in the trees, colorful birds flying overhead, and paiche—the Amazon’s legendary giant fish—swimming below. After lunch, we journey into the Andes again, stopping at Pailón del Diablo, a thunderous waterfall you can walk behind. We finish the day in Baños, a charming town known for adventure sports, hot springs, and vibrant nightlife.

Day 8: Andes Traditions & Chimborazo Views – Women of the Highlands

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Baños before heading into the highlands to meet a resilient indigenous community where women run the lodge and lead the way. Their lives revolve around livestock, agriculture, and preserving age-old customs. We’ll hike nearby trails that lead to jaw-dropping views of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s tallest volcano, often snow-capped and surrounded by wild vicuñas. It's a moving encounter with a different pace of life.

Day 9: Down the Devil’s Nose – History on the Rails

We continue south to Alausí and board the historic Devil’s Nose train. This engineering wonder zigzags dramatically down steep cliffs—a thrilling ride through breathtaking landscapes. Afterward, we explore Inca traditions at a community near Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca ruins. Dinner is farm-to-table and packed with ancestral flavors, made from ingredients grown in community gardens. We stay in rustic comfort and share stories by the fire.

Day 10: Cuenca Charms – Panama Hats & Colonial Splendor

We head to Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and colonial architecture. Visit a traditional Panama hat workshop—yes, they’re actually from Ecuador—and see artisans weaving these iconic pieces by hand. Enjoy free time to walk the flower markets, riverside paths, and art-filled alleys. Cuenca’s relaxed vibe makes it a favorite among travelers and locals alike.

Day 11: Highland Lakes to Coastal Life – Crossing Ecuador’s Regions

Our final day begins in the high-altitude lakes of El Cajas National Park. This hauntingly beautiful landscape is rich in biodiversity and crucial to Ecuador’s water supply. After a short hike, we make our way down to Guayaquil on the Pacific coast. We end the trip with a farewell dinner along the Guayas River, celebrating our journey through Ecuador’s three major regions: Amazon, Andes, and Coast.

Day 12: Departure – Galápagos, Quito, or Home

Today we part ways. Whether you're flying to the Galápagos for more adventure, returning to Quito, or heading home, you'll carry unforgettable memories of Ecuador’s culture, nature, and the people who welcomed you like family.