Adventure Travel
Ecuador
Explore the Best of Ecuador on a Multi-sport Vacation!
Immerse yourself in the wonderfully diverse and breath-taking country of Ecuador.
In this adventure-packed week, you will experience Quito like a local, relish exotic foods and take in natural wonders only Ecuador can offer. Canyons, volcanos, craters and rain forests are yours to explore. In this experience of a lifetime, you will leap off waterfalls, ride through rapids and zip over cloud forests. Each day is carefully planned to provide you the ideal blend of adrenaline, relaxation and natural euphoria. To top it all off, your nights will be spent at a luxury resort so you can rest peacefully.
Event Details
- Day 1 Experience Quito: culture, food & fun
- Day 2 Rainforest Whitewater Rafting
- Day 3 Mindo Cloud Forest
- Day 4 Chiche Canyon
- Day 5 Explore Cotacachi Volcano
- Day 6 Hike Pasochoa
- Day 7 Horseback and Hot Springs
- Day 8 Final Farewells
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Includes
Accommodations
For your adventure-packed week, you will stay at a luxury resort and spa located in the center of the Andean heartland. The grounds and suites have been newly renovated and include all modern conveniences and high-tech appliances. Fine handcrafted contemporary and traditional Ecuadorian art also adorns the Inn. An American breakfast is served every morning complimented by an array of exotic fruit juices. At the colonial style dining room, the chef serves up delicious gourmet Ecuadorian meals. Explore the wooded grounds, relax in front of a cozy fireplace, or watch surround-sound television in the home theater.Package
- All accommodations (double occupancy is standard— single available)
- Outdoor Bound guide
- All meals
- All park fees
- All local transportation
- Quito city tour
- Equatorial Museum
- Whitewater rafting
- Zip line canopy tour
- Cascading waterfall jumping
- Local naturalist guide
- Butterfly & Hummingbird farm
- Horseback riding in Chiche Canyon
- Hiking in Mindo Rain Forest
- Biking in Chiche Canyon
- Shopping in Otavalo
- Boat ride and volcanic crater lake tour
- Hike around Cotocachi Volcano rim
- Cable car tour and hike
- Pasachoa hike, wine and cheese tasting
- Papallacta thermal springs
- Ecuadorian folklore music and dancing
Does not include
- International Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Massages
A Week of Adventure in Ecuador!
Feb 21 > Welcome and Quito Nightlife
Upon your arrival, you are welcomed and guided to your room. Unpack and settle in by relaxing and unwinding by the game room or outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. Meet others from this group by the pool and enjoy corn pastries (humitas), tamales and coffee this evening. The cook will prepare traditional and authentic Ecuadorian meals, giving you a true Ecuadorian experience.
Your adventure vacation menu and excursion itinerary will be discussed with your host. All food served and prepared is 100% organic. Breakfast will consist of eggs, bread, coffee or tea and an exotic tropical juice. Vegetarian meals can also be easily prepared.
Tonight you can enter Quito and discover many local bars or relax at a cafe located downtown. Here you will blend with the Ecuadorian socialites and large European community that is always present.
Feb 22 > Quito Tour or Rainforest Whitewater Rafting
Take your pick of two great ways to spend your first full day in Ecuador.
Farmers Market, Tour Quito and Equatorial Museum
To start your day, a private tour bus will take you to the great farmers market located in Tumbaco where fresh fruits and vegetables are sold. You will see a wonderful array of colorful, edible and exotic items. You will continue to tour Quito, deemed by UNESCO as a “Cultural World Heritage” site in 1979. This bustling city offers rich history and culture replete with golden altars in churches, a multitude of museums and stunning architecture. Enjoy a box lunch that has been prepared. In the afternoon, stand with a foot on each hemisphere and tour the Equatorial Museum. At the museum, you will attempt various tests like: attempting to balance an egg on a nail, viewing and understanding how water flows on the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, observing the noticeable difference of strength at the Equator and trying to walk a straight line on the Equator while gravitational forces pull you off center.
Whitewater Rafting in the Rain Forest
This Rainforest has become famous with kayaking, tubing and rafting fans. The gorgeous rivers are perfect to practice these sports while taking you into the heart of the Amazon. You will arrive in 2-3 hours to conquer class III Rivers. At times the river can offer an excellent four-hour rafting excursion with many challenging rapids. Experience this rafting tour in the beautiful tropical rainforest with a rich flora and fauna. Enjoy a box lunch midway through the ride.
Feb 23 > Mindo Cloud Forest
Mindo is set in 47,444 acres of the nationally protected reserve, Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo. Abundant with over 350 species of birds in breathtaking cloud forests, it is an idyllic setting to take pictures, swim in lagoons and jump into waterfalls over 33 feet high. If you want to enjoy a spectacular thrill ride, you can not miss the twelve zip lines that give you a close look at the cloud forest around you on over 2,000 meters of cable extension. You will also take the Tarabita Skyway Basket, a suspended basket that will provide stunning vistas of the Mindo River Valley. After a box lunch, you will visit the butterfly farm or stop in the Rain Forest restaurant and enjoy the taste of the delicious Mindo coffee while viewing hundreds of hummingbirds in an open area only a few feet away.
Feb 24 > Chiche Canyon Excursion
The Chiche Canyon is a miniature version of the Grand Canyon stretching as far as the eye can see. It has a beautiful flowing river at the base of the canyon and marked trails along the ecological route that are easy to follow. Mountain biking and hiking are your options for exploring this magnificent setting. Afterwards, take a break and enjoy humitas (corn pastries) and quimbolitos (wheat based pastry) with coffee at a local café shop.
In the afternoon we go to Ilalo, a wonderful land reserve only 25 minutes from the resort. It has thousands of acres of animal and plant life. While having an adventurous hike, discover the medicinal plants, animals, caves, rivers and great views of this spectacular reserve. To cap off the afternoon, experience a cleansing ritual performed by a Shaman, a high level spiritual priest.
Feb 25 > Otavalo Indian Market and Cuicocha Lake
En route to Otavalo, we will stop in Cumbaya and eat bizcochos, a staple biscuit treat made here. For centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian life by providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing. The colorful local Otavalo Indian Market is renowned for their handcrafts. This centuries-old market is the perfect place to shop for anyone back home.
After eating a box lunch, travel a short distance to Cuicocha Lake. This lake lies within a crater at the foot of the dramatic, yet dormant, Cotacachi Volcano standing 13,251 feet. Two small islands stand in the center of the lake that was formed by eruptions after the collapse of this pre-existing depression. You will take a 40-minute boat ride around the two islands and stop midway to learn about this fantastic natural cavity. Time permitting; you can hike on the edge of the opening to see the panoramic views of the landscape.
Feb 26 > Cable Car Ride, Teleferico and Pasachoa
You will travel to Pasachoa, located 13,780 feet above sea level. The steep slopes and irregular topography of the area make it difficult to develop the land for agriculture and cattle grazing, but excellent for hiking. Pasachoa is actually one of the few remaining stands of original Andean Forest that is being protected and preserved.
After a refreshing hike, return to the San Juan Cheese Factory and see how delicious organic cheeses are created. You will visit caves filled with Italian, Swiss and French type cheeses but that are made in Ecuador. Of course we will sample an assortment of cheeses, fruits, vegetables, fresh honey, bread, wine and enjoy every bite!
You then commute to the Teleferico Cable Car Tour. The cable car will take you on a ride from 9,514 feet to 13,451 feet. You can begin a wonderful hike at the top and see volcanoes on the left and a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Quito on the right. This is a perfect place for pictures and hiking.
Feb 27 > Horseback Riding and Natural Hot Springs
Horses will pick you up from the resort in the morning to take you on a stupendous ride through the Chiche Canyon to enjoy the fresh air and the astounding views of the landscape.
After a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at the resort, a private tour bus will take you near the entrance of the Amazon Jungle. Bathe in the natural thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures in Papallacta. This soothing volcanic natural thermal spring water contains sulfites and heat that produce a very therapeutic feeling of rejuvenation and wellness. After a relaxing afternoon, you will return to the resort with plenty of time to pack and eat a fabulous farewell dinner. An Ecuadorian Folklore Group will perform to send you off in a true Ecuadorian fashion.
Feb 28 > Final Farewells
After a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast, say your final farewells and depart for the airport.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 2 - 3.
Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels
We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.
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Activity
How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.
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Distances
You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.
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Surfaces
What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.
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Elevation Change
The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
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Altitude
The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.
Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful
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Activity
1 – 3 hours
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Distances
Walk or hike less than 3 miles
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Surfaces
Flat terrain
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Elevation Change
Little or none
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Altitude
Less than 3,000 feet
Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers
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Activity
2 – 5 hours
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Distances
Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days
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Surfaces
Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible
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Elevation Change
Up to 1,500 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 6,000 feet
Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above
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Activity
4 – 6 hours most days
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Distances
Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days
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Surfaces
Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps
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Elevation Change
Up to 2,000 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 10,000 feet
Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills
Experience required.
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Activity
5 – 8 hours most days
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Distances
Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days
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Surfaces
Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
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Elevation Change
3,000 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 14,000 feet
Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers
Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).
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Activity
10 plus hours per day
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Distances
Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days
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Surfaces
Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features
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Elevation Change
Up to 4,000+ feet per day
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Altitude
May well exceed 14,000 feet
Preparing for your Adventure in Ecuador
Packing
If you are unsure of what to bring, give us a call or send us an email! Our staff is happy to help ensure you are comfortably outfitted for your trip.
To prepare yourself for the activities, join Outdoor Bound on any of our local day trips. Our trained guides will coach you and offer helpful tips in preparing for your big adventure.
Weather
Ecuador is a diverse country in every sense of the word. The parts of Ecuador we will be discovering will have an average temperature in February from the 60’s to 80’s during the day. Of course if you climbed into the mountains, the temperatures are noticeably cooler especially at night.
Culture
Always ask permission to take photos of the local people. A tip is often requested. It is a legal requirement to carry identification at all times. Dress is more conservative and modest in the highlands compared to the coast and jungle. Politeness and good manners are essential for communication.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually added to good quality restaurant bills, but often the server does not receive this fee, so it is discretionary to add another 5-10%. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.
Travel
You will fly into Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) located three miles from Quito. A guide will be at the airport to transport you to your resort.
Medical Issues
All medical costs are the sole responsibility of the individual. Outdoor Bound highly recommends purchasing international travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Do not forget to pack items like ibuprofen, pepto bismol and motion sickness pills.
Clothing and Essentials
Dress in layers daily because you will sometimes go through transitions of hot and chilly weather. Bring the following: fleece or light jacket, jeans, hiking boots, hiking pants, hat, sunglasses, sun block lotion and of course your camera.
General Information
Please read our terms and conditions and call us with any questions you may have about the trip before booking. A gear and departure check-list will be sent to you upon booking confirmation. Make sure you have a passport and it does not expire within the next six months. People traveling with US passports do not need visas. If you will not be traveling with a US passport, check with your consulate if you need a visa to enter into Ecuador.
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Other Trips in This Category
Bringing a Friend or Two?
Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.
Reminder about Winter Trip Conditions
We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.
Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.
