Ecuador Family Adventure
Embark on an adventurous 21-day journey across Ecuador exploring the Andes, the Amazon, and Pacific coast. Perfect for families with teenage kids.
21 day
Starting at $3,110 per person
Perfect for families
Choose your own dates
Explore mountains, jungles, and beaches in mainland Ecuador
This tour takes you from the high Andes with its snow-capped peaks to the lush Amazon rainforest, and finally to the serene beaches of the Pacific coast. Each day offers a mix of exploration and adventure, from hiking and biking to rafting and snorkeling, making it a perfect family-friendly experience. Ecuador’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop to introduce your children to nature, history, and indigenous culture. Whether discovering hummingbirds in the cloud forest or spotting humpback whales off the coast, this journey will create unforgettable memories for you and your children.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador and settle in
Day 2: Explore Quito’s gold churches and botanical garden
Day 3: Stand on the equator and marvel at colorful hummingbirds
Day 4: Explore the cloud forest in Mindo
Day 5: Hike along a volcanic crater and stay with a Kichwa family
Day 6: Bike into the subtropical Intag Valley
Day 7: Bargain at the Otavalo market and soak in hot thermal baths
Day 8: Explore the Amazon lowlands and swing like Tarzan on a liana
Day 9: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting
Day 10: Discover hidden secrets in the rainforest
Day 11: Journey along the road of the waterfalls to Baños
Day 12: Choose your own adventure in Baños
Day 13: Hike Chimborazo, the point closest to the sun
Day 14: Learn about life in the Andes
Day 15: Discover ancient Inca architecture at Ingapirca
Day 16: Explore the charming city of Cuenca
Day 17: Journey from the highlands to the Pacific coast
Day 18: Visit fishing villages and relax on Pacific beaches
Day 19: Explore Isla de la Plata and spot humpback whales
Day 20: History and beaches at Machalilla National Park
Day 21: Return to Guayaquil and head back home
Day 1: Arrive in Ecuador and settle in Begin your adventure by arriving in Quito, at an elevation of 2,896 meters (9,500 feet). Our driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the vibrant new town area where you can relax and settle in.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Meals included: none
Overnight stay: Hotel Ikala
Day 2: Explore Quito’s gold churches and botanical garden
Dive into the rich history of Quito with a guided tour of its colonial old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the stunning La Compañía de Jesús church, known for its gold- covered interior, and stroll through the historic Plaza de la Independencia. Later, explore
Quito’s botanical garden and vivarium, where your family can discover the diverse plant and animal life of Ecuador.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hotel Ikala
Day 3: Stand on the equator and marvel at colorful hummingbirds
Start your day at the Intiñan Museum, where interactive exhibits make learning about the equator fun for the whole family. You’ll participate in demonstrations that reveal the unique effects of being at the middle of the world. Then, travel to the Alambí Reserve, a birdwatcher’s paradise, to observe a variety of colorful hummingbirds, tanagers, and toucans. Afterward, continue your journey to Mindo, a lush cloud forest region that is part of the Chocó bioregion, offering endless opportunities for nature exploration.
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Sisakuna Lodge
Day 4: Explore the cloud forest in Mindo
Enjoy a full day of activities in Mindo, tailored to your family’s interests. You might start with a visit to the butterfly house to learn about the lifecycle of these colorful creatures, followed by a hike through the cloud forest to hidden waterfalls. For thrill-seekers, tubing down the Mindo River offers an exciting adventure. In the evening, experience the unique frog concert, where you’ll take a guided night walk to discover the nocturnal creatures of the forest.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Sisakuna Lodge
Day 5: Hike along a volcanic crater and stay with a Kichwa family
Travel to the Imbabura province, where you’ll embark on a scenic hike along the rim of Cuicocha Crater Lagoon, a stunning volcanic lake with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. After the hike, head to a local Kichwa community for a homestay experience. You’ll spend the evening with a Kichwa family, participating in their daily activities and learning about their traditions and way of life.
Travel time: 4 hours
Hike duration: 1-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight stay: Homestay La Calera Kichwa community
Day 6: Bike into the subtropical Intag Valley Today’s adventure takes you on a downhill bike tour into the lush Intag Valley. Starting at high altitudes, you’ll descend through varying ecosystems, from Andean forests to subtropical zones, passing through beautiful landscapes and local communities. After the ride, relax in the soothing hot springs of Nangulvi before returning to your host family for the night.
Travel time: 2 hours
Bike duration: 40km (25 miles), 2-3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Homestay La Calera Kichwa community
Day 7: Bargain at the Otavalo market and soak in hot thermal baths
Spend the morning exploring the famous Otavalo market, where you can find a variety of local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Afterward, visit nearby villages to see traditional weaving and Andean instrument-making demonstrations. In the afternoon, head to the hot springs of Papallacta, nestled in the Andes, for a relaxing soak in the thermal pools.
Travel time: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Termas de Papallacta in family cabin
Day 8: Explore the Amazon lowlands and swing like Tarzan on a liana
After a morning in the hot springs, descend into the Amazon lowlands. Upon arrival at your lodge, take a guided walk through the rainforest to a nearby waterfall. Along the way, learn about the region’s medicinal plants and try your hand at swinging on a liana like Tarzan. End the day with a chocolate-making workshop, where you’ll learn about the process from bean to bar.
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Hike duration: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Huasquila Lodge
Day 9: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting
Today, embark on an exciting whitewater rafting adventure on the Jatunyaku River. After a safety briefing and receiving your equipment, you’ll navigate through class III to IV rapids, surrounded by the lush rainforest. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a sandy beach before heading back to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Travel time: 2 hours
Rafting duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Huasquila Lodge
Day 10: Discover hidden secrets in the rainforest
Explore the depths of the Amazon rainforest on a hike to the Grand Canyon, also known as the Secret Lake. This magical spot is surrounded by waterfalls, trees, and caves. After a swim in the waterfall pool and a packed lunch, return to the lodge. In the evening, take a night walk to discover the rainforest’s nocturnal inhabitants.
Hike duration: 4-5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Huasquila Lodge
Day 11: Journey along the road of the waterfalls to Baños Return to the Andes and journey along the “Road of the Waterfalls” to Baños. Along the way, explore the Pailon del Diablo waterfall and ride a tarabita (cable car) over the Pastaza River. Arrive in Baños, a town known for its natural beauty and adventure activities, where you can spend the evening exploring or relaxing.
Travel time: 3.5 hours
Hike duration: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hotel Isla de Baños
Day 12: Choose your own adventure in Baños
Enjoy a free day in Baños to design your own adventure. You can choose to hike to viewpoints like Bellavista or Runtún, try canyoning at nearby waterfalls, go on a challenging downhill bike ride, or even try rock climbing on volcanic lava rocks. The day is yours to explore this adventure-packed town.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hotel Isla de Baños
Day 13: Hike Chimborazo, the point closest to the sun
Today, travel to Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak and a dormant volcano. Hike to the Edward Whymper hut at 5,200m (17,060 ft), where you can enjoy breathtaking views and encounter herds of vicuñas, alpacas, and llamas. The hike offers an incredible opportunity to experience the high-altitude landscapes of the Andes.
Travel time: 4 hours
Hike duration: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight stay: Inti Sisa Art Guesthouse
Day 14: Learn about life in the Andes
Visit the educational center in Guamote, where you’ll see a kindergarten, sewing workshop, and computer classes for adults. Afterward, learn about traditional Andean life and culture with visits to a local weaver and an Andean home. In the afternoon, enjoy a downhill bike ride from the community of Rayo Chacaza back to Guamote.
Travel time: 4 hours
Bike duration: 2.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Overnight stay: Inti Sisa Art Guesthouse
Day 15: Discover ancient Inca architecture at Ingapirca
Travel south through picturesque mountain landscapes to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest and best-preserved Inca site. Here, marvel at the intricate stonework of the Temple of the Sun and learn about the history and culture of the Inca and Cañari peoples. Later in the day, continue to the colonial city of Cuenca.
Travel time: 4.5 hours
Hike duration: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hotel Casa de la Merced
Day 16: Explore the charming city of Cuenca
Take a guided tour of Cuenca, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and rich cultural heritage. Visit the New Cathedral with its iconic blue domes, explore the bustling flower market, and learn about the history of the Panama hat at a local factory. In the afternoon, participate in a cooking class to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay: Hotel Casa de la Merced
Day 17: Journey from the highlands to the Pacific coast
Cross the breathtaking landscapes of Cajas National Park as you journey from the high Andes to the tropical lowlands of the Pacific coast. Along the way, visit an organic farm to learn about the cultivation of cocoa and bananas. Upon arriving in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, take some time to explore the lively Malecon and Parque de las Iguanas.
Travel time: 4 hours
Hike duration: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Grand Hotel Guayaquil
Day 18: Visit fishing villages and relax on Pacific beaches
Drive along the scenic Pacific coast, passing through small fishing villages and lush coastal rainforests. Arrive in Puerto López, a laid-back beach town, where you can spend the afternoon swimming in the ocean, strolling along the beach, or simply relaxing at your seaside hotel.
Travel time: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hostería Mandala
Day 19: Explore Isla de la Plata and spot humpback whales
Take a day trip to Isla de la Plata, often referred to as the “poor man’s Galapagos.” This uninhabited island is home to a variety of wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea turtles. During the cooler months (June to October), you might also spot humpback whales migrating through the area. Enjoy hiking and snorkeling on the island before returning to Puerto López.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hostería Mandala
Day 20: History and beaches at Machalilla National Park
Visit the village of Agua Blanca, where you’ll learn about the ancient cultures that once inhabited this region. Afterward, spend the day at Playa Los Frailes, a pristine beach within Machalilla National Park. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring this unspoiled coastal paradise.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay: Hostería Mandala
Day 21: Return to Guayaquil and head back home
On your final day, visit the small harbor in Puerto López to see fishermen bringing in their morning catch, while frigatebirds swoop in for a meal. Then, travel back to Guayaquil for your international flight home, ending your unforgettable family adventure in Ecuador.
Travel time: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
2024 Pricing per person
| Number of passengers | Price per person (USD) |
| 3 Passengers / triple room | $ 3640 |
| 4 Passengers / 1 Quadruple room | $ 3110 |
Package details
Included in the price
- Private transport during the trip
- English-speaking certified tour guide: Days 1 – 21
- Overnight stay in standard accommodation in double or triple room as indicated or *similar
- Meals as per program
- Entrance fees to the national parks
- Entrance fee for the mentioned visits
- Bike and Rafting equipment with specialized guide
- Contact person on site with 24-hour emergency number
Not included in the price
- International flights
- Surcharge for superior hotels
- Not mentioned meals and all drinks with meals
- Services not mentioned in the program or described as optional (Baños day 12)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
What other adventurous travelers say about us
Over 33 years of experience and proven professionalism support our well-known reputation in the market.
★★★★★
“Each excursion was
different and very interesting and always with passionate guides. Thank you for scheduling this first week in your country for me.”
G.M. from France, 2024
★★★★★
“We would like to thank you once again for the perfect organization of our trip in
advance, the wonderful, eventful and varied journey, as well as the excellent
support during our trip.”
T.+F.S. from Germany
★★★★★
“We arrived at the Huasquila Lodge and have already made our first jungle excursion. It’s unbelievable to go from the high Andes to the jungle in
such a short time.
R.N. from Switzerland, 2023
