Andes & Amazon Multisport
Epic Trails, Rich Culture, and Biodiversity in Motion
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$2.180
Time
6 Days
Small Group
2–10 travelers
Travel Style
Multisport Adventure
Activity Level
Active
Overview
From snow-capped volcanoes to lush Amazon rainforest, this Ecuador multisport adventure reveals the striking contrasts of the Andes and Amazon in a single, deeply intentional journey. Bike down Cotopaxi’s volcanic slopes, raft the wild Jatunyacu River through protected jungle, ride horseback through historic Andean haciendas, and hike the rim of Cuicocha’s volcanic crater lake.
Along the way, connect with Kichwa and Otavalo indigenous communities, soak in the restorative mineral waters of Papallacta, and explore ancestral artisan markets that have served as cultural crossroads for centuries.
This is active adventure travel in Ecuador with heart: powered by movement, meaning, and mindful discovery across five distinct ecosystems.
Trip Highlights
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1
HORSEBACK RIDING & MOUNTAIN BIKING COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
We begin our journey driving south from Quito into the spectacular Andean highlands.
In the morning, we saddle up for a scenic horseback ride into the Río Pita Canyon, following trails through the countryside and along the dramatic canyon landscape.
During the ride, we visit a local archaeological site, where we learn about the people who inhabited this region and discover some of the cultural history hidden within these beautiful surroundings. After our horseback adventure, we enjoy lunch before continuing to Cotopaxi National Park for an afternoon mountain biking experience. We begin our ride at Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, located at the base of Rumiñahui Volcano. This high altitude lake is surrounded by the unique páramo ecosystem and offers spectacular views of Cotopaxi’s massive, glaciated cone when conditions are clear. From Limpiopungo, we set off by mountain bike across the high plains of the national park, following a scenic route through the open páramo landscape.
The ride is predominantly downhill, with a few flatter sections and short, manageable climbs. As we cross the park, we keep an eye out for native highland wildlife while enjoying the dramatic scenery of Cotopaxi and the surrounding volcanoes. Our route continues across the southern side of the park and finishes at the southern control point, where our vehicle will be waiting for us. From the southern entrance, we continue to the hacienda where we will spend the night, arriving with time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. (L, D)
Day 2
PATATE RIVER GORGE MOUNTAIN BIKING 6
After breakfast, we continue our journey south through the spectacular Avenue of the
Volcanoes, one of the most scenic routes in the Ecuadorian Andes. As we drive through the inter-Andean valleys, we enjoy impressive views of Ecuador’s iconic volcanoes and the changing landscapes of the highlands. We make our way directly to the Patate River Valley, where our morning mountain biking adventure begins. We get on our mountain bikes and follow a scenic route through the Patate River Gorge, riding along dirt roads and trails that wind through the valley and its surrounding countryside. The route takes us through small towns, farmland, and traditional rural communities, offering an authentic glimpse into life in the Ecuadorian Andes. As we ride along the gorge, the Patate River accompanies us through much of the route, while steep canyon walls, lush vegetation, and dramatic mountain landscapes create a spectacular backdrop.
The ride combines beautiful scenery with a sense of exploration as we follow quiet roads and trails away from the main routes. After our ride, we enjoy lunch before continuing to our hacienda, located in the beautiful Manteles Valley. We arrive in the afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 3
BIKING TO THE AMAZON & VISIT THE FAMOUS WATERFALL ROUTE
In the morning, we drive to the edge of Llanganates National Park, gaining altitude until we reach an area with one of the best views of Tungurahua Volcano. Here, we set up our mountain bikes for a scenic ride through highland páramo, which gradually melds into mountain cloud forest, and then lowland rainforest. We pass through a dry basaltic gorge that is a great spot to look for wild orchids. After exploring the gorge and taking some time to admire the orchids and surrounding landscape, we switch from two wheels to four and continue our journey by vehicle.
We drive along the Pastaza River Gorge, one of the principal waterways that feed into the Amazon Basin. This is an especially scenic route, with high rock walls giving way to deep cloud forest canyons. We stop to admire some of the spectacular waterfalls in the area, such as Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride’s Veil). We continue to Puyo, an Amazon frontier town where we learn about the manufacture of products made from balsa wood, bamboo, ceramics, and other local materials. We enjoy lunch in Puyo before setting out along the Amazon highway to reach our Jungle Lodge. Once we settle into our lodge, if time allows, we will visit a Kichwa indigenous community. Here, we learn about their way of life, culture, traditions, and customs of the Amazon. At the end of the day, we settle into our jungle lodge, ready for a peaceful evening surrounded by rainforest sounds. (B, L, D)
Day 4
JUNGLE RAFTING ON THE JATUNYACU RIVER
After enjoying breakfast in our lodge, we drive to Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes down into the Amazon basin and is part of an area declared a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. The water that collects in this area
forms the Jatunyacu River, which is considered Ecuador’s best one-day river run. We begin the day with a walk in the jungle to reach naturally-formed swimming pools. Upon our return and after a safety briefing, our whitewater rafting adventure begins.
A trip down the Jatunyacu River offers spectacular jungle scenery, crystal-clear water, and glimpses into indigenous communities that live along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. The Jatunyacu is also famed for its big waves, fun holes, and high
volume of water (Class III – III+). We’ll spend the rest of the day navigating the Jatunyacu, whose waters carry us through breathtaking landscapes with abundant bird life. In the afternoon, we drive back up into the Andes, climbing from 1,500 to 10,000 feet (500 to 3,000 meters) in altitude and passing through a national park and nature reserve until we reach the Papallacta Hot springs Resort & Spa. In the evening, we relax in the therapeutic alkaline-rich natural thermal waters of Papallacta while nestled
in fantastic cloud forest scenery. Spa services such as massages, aromatherapy, and other optional treatments can also be arranged in advance. Lodgings at Papallacta Resort (B, L, D)
Day 5
PARAMO HIKE, QUITSATO MONUMENT, & OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET
In the early morning, we visit the highland interpretation center and set out on a guided nature hike through a private Andean forest reserve. Along the trail, we explore the unique vegetation of the Andean forest and look for native birds, plants, and other wildlife species that inhabit this highland ecosystem. Afterwards, we drive to the Quitsato Monument, a Middle of the World monument shaped as a star of eight points, representing pre-colonial and Incan indigenous beliefs that 0o latitude was the center of time and measurement. Here we learn about Ecuador’s geographic position and how its location on the equator influences its many cultures, climates, and biological diversity.
After lunch en route, we spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the towns of Otavalo
and Peguche, where Ecuador’s indigenous culture and heritage are visible in their famous markets, filled with colorful textiles, traditional handicrafts, and more. We spend time one-on-one with local weavers who share the secrets of their craft, passed down through generations, and visit a local Andean Music Workshop to hear the traditional instrumental and vocal sounds of the Andes. The evening is spent at a traditional colonial hacienda. (B, L, D)
Day 6
HIKING AROUND CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE
After breakfast, we drive up to Cuicocha Crater Lake, located 10,000 feet (3,068 meters) above sea level within the Cayapas-Cotacachi National Park. Cuicocha Lake is the freshwater-filled caldera of a dormant volcano, located at the foot of a volcano of the same name, and surrounded by stunning cloud forest scenery. We hike around the shore of the Crater Lake, admiring the lava dome islands in the center and keeping an eye out for birds and other interesting wildlife. We enjoy a picnic lunch on the lake
before departing for Quito in the afternoon. Upon our return, we have the evening free to explore the landmarks and night life of Ecuador’s capital city. (B, BL)
Ready to begin your adventure?
Let nature lead. Let purpose guide.
What’s Included
- All accommodations (quality hotels, eco lodges, and historic haciendas)
- Private land transportation
- All meals listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Adventure equipment (mountain bikes, rafting gear, helmets, gloves, etc.)
- Professional bilingual guides for all activities and cultural visits
Not Included
- Hotel and restaurant beverages
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Additional Information
Effort Level
Moderate; some physical activity required, but accessible to most active travelers
Group Size
2–10 travelers
Year-round
Travel Season
500 to 4,800 m (1,600 to 15,700 ft)
Altitude
Layered clothing, hiking shoes, water bottle, sunblock, insect repellent, bathing suit
Suggested Packing List
8 to 35°C (46 to 95°F); varied due to elevation changes
Temperature
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