6-Day Ecuador Multisport

Day-by-Day Itinerary

• DAY 1 Trekking around the Quilotoa Lake and Andean Hancienda Experience
  

  You start your Ecuador multisport adventure with an unforgettable journey south from the meeting point in Quito along the Pan-American Highway, famously known as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes“, a name bestowed by Alexander von Humboldt in the early 1800s. Our scenic 3.5-hour drive offers breathtaking views of the Andean peaks before we reach the majestic Quilotoa Volcano.

  We’ll hike down into the caldera to the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, a turquoise jewel nestled within the crater. The descent offers incredible photo opportunities of this natural wonder.Once at the bottom, you’ll have the option to kayak on the serene waters of the lagoon. After enjoying this masterpiece of Mother Nature, the challenging ascent back up from the crater, at an elevation of approximately 13,000 feet, is rewarding. There is also the option to hire a mule to take you back up.

  After our trek, we’ll enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll also have time to browse the local artisan market, renowned for its beautiful tapestries and paintings, before driving to our charming Andean hacienda, a working organic farm where you can meet friendly alpacas and llamas, where you will stay overnight.

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Cuello de Luna or similar.
• DAY 2 Cotopaxi Volcano Trek and Baños Hot Springs
  

  After a wholesome breakfast, you will be ready to take on our next challenge: climbing up to the Cotopaxi Volcano. Your day starts with a short 10-minute drive to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. From there, a 45-minute drive will take us to the parking area at nearly 15,000 feet, the starting point for our hike up one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

  Cotopaxi, with its perfect conical shape and snow-capped summit at 19,347 feet, is an iconic symbol of Ecuador. Our hike up a steep volcanic trail takes approximately one hour to reach the base camp. Depending on weather conditions, we may venture higher to enjoy even more spectacular views at 16,000 feet. The park is a haven for Andean flora and fauna; keep an eye out for wild horses, bulls, and occasionally foxes and condors.

  We’ll return to our vehicle and enjoy lunch before heading to the vibrant town of Baños de Agua Santa. After checking into your hotel, you’ll unwind and soak in the therapeutic volcanic hot springs, a perfect way to relax after our high-altitude adventure.

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking. Sightseeing.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:La Floresta Hotel or similar.
• DAY 3 Biking into the Cloud Forest and Baños Beer Tasting
  

  Today, we’ll dive into the lush cloud forest ecosystem surrounding Baños. A 45-minute drive takes us to Llanganates National Park, where our biking adventure begins at 10,000 feet. After a short uphill warm-up, we’ll enjoy a mostly downhill ride to 5,000 feet.

  As we cycle, you’ll be immersed in the incredible biodiversity of the cloud forest, admiring diverse flora and fauna, and passing by local farms growing exotic fruits like tree tomatoes and passion fruit. The ride is primarily on a paved road with light traffic.

  Once we complete our ride, we’ll enjoy a refreshing picnic lunch. Our afternoon includes a visit to the famous “Swing at the End of the World“, a National Geographic award-winning photo spot, and a ride on the thrilling Tarabita cable car across a gorge (with an optional zip-lining experience available). In the evening, we’ll return to our hotel and then head out to experience Baños’ vibrant nightlife, perhaps with a local beer tasting at a brewery.

  • Activity:Exploring. Biking. Sightseeing.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:La Floresta Hotel or similar.
• DAY 4 Kayaking in the Amazon and Shamanic Encounter
  

  Get ready for an early start as we journey into the heart of the Amazon basin! Our first stop is the breathtaking Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, a natural wonder we’ll explore with a one-hour round-trip hike through the forest.

  Afterward, a scenic 2.5-hour drive takes us deeper into the jungle. Upon arrival at the Arajuno River, we’ll enjoy a welcome picnic and a thorough safety briefing on our kayaking equipment and techniques. The Arajuno River is a calm Class I river, perfect for beginners. No prior kayaking experience is necessary as our expert guides will provide all the instruction you need for a smooth and enjoyable paddle. As we glide along the river, you’ll be mesmerized by the Amazon rainforest’s incredible biodiversity and spot many colorful bird species along the shoreline.

  After approximately two hours of paddling, we’ll arrive at our serene riverside glamping site. Enjoy a refreshing drink upon check-in before a delicious traditional dinner is served. In the evening, a local shaman will visit our camp to share insights into the spiritual practices and medicinal traditions of the rainforest, offering a truly unforgettable cultural experience.

  • Activity:Kayaking. Hiking.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Arajuno River Amazon Glamping or similar.
• DAY 5 Wildlife, Culture, Canyoning and Amazonian Cooking Class
  

  Our day begins with an early morning canoe ride to a clay lick, where parrots gather daily to consume vital minerals that help detoxify their diet—an incredible encounter with nature! After this spectacle, we’ll return to camp for breakfast.

  Later, we’ll kayak to a local school and community to learn more about their culture and traditions. You might even participate in games with the local children, including soccer. We’re proud to have established a computer center at this school, empowering children with technology and a stronger voice to protect their territory from mining and deforestation. Your visit directly supports this vital project.

  We’ll continue kayaking down the river for another two hours on calm waters. After our kayaking adventure, we’ll transfer to a Wildlife Sanctuary, where we’ll explore by canoe and on foot to observe monkeys and colorful birds. Our journey continues to Llanganates National Park, where a local family will welcome us with a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on an educational hike to learn about the Amazon’s medicinal plants, and a canyoning adventure where we will be walking along a shallow river and climbing some small waterfalls with ropes. The late afternoon features a hands-on cooking class where we’ll prepare our traditional dinner and even make delicious chocolate fondue!

  • Activity:Kayaking. Hiking. Exploring.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Kichwa Homestay or similar.
• DAY 6 Natural Lagoons Reserve
  

  After breakfast, we’ll visit a Natural Lagoons Reserve, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim and relax in these pristine waters. We’ll enjoy lunch here. For those seeking more adventure, an optional Class III rafting trip is available (at extra cost). In the afternoon, we’ll begin our journey back to Quito, arriving around 6:00 PM. After a short break to freshen up, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner, reminiscing about our incredible Ecuador multisport expedition.

  • Activity:Exploring. Walking.
  • Transport:Bus.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.