Guided Tour of Ecuador and the Amazon Rainforest
This 9-day tour has an active schedule packed with rainforest hikes, canoeing and rafting trips, and early starts. Click here to view the full itinerary, and here to view video from the tour.
The tour includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Miami (MIA) on LAN Airlines
- 2 nights at Hilton Colon Quito
- 1 night at Cabanas del Lago or Hacienda Cusin in Otavalo. March 2 departures will be accommodated at the Hacienda Cusin.
- 1 night at Termas de Papallacta
- 2 nights at Casa del Suizo in the Amazon
- 1 night at Hacienda Manteles in Patate
- Seven breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners
- All transportation and hotel porterage fees
- Sightseeing per itinerary in an air-conditioned motorcoach
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Services of English-speaking guides
Days 1–2: Quito
On your first afternoon in Quito, the country’s capital, you’ll have some free time to explore the city at your own pace. The next day, you’ll join the tour group to visit the cobblestone streets of Quito’s 16th-century colonial district, as well as the Middle of the World Monument.
- Fun fact: The Middle of the World Monument sits right along the equator, so you can stand with one foot in the Northern and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Included meals: breakfast and dinner on Day 2
Day 3: Otavalo
Otavalo has one of the largest open-air markets in South America, where you can purchase local produce, jewelry, and hand-woven clothing and rugs. In the evening, you’ll head to nearby Papallacta; it’s worth it to spend a few hours in the town’s famous hot springs.
- Optional activity: You can book a spa package at your hotel that includes 30 minutes in a thermal pool, 20 minutes in a mineral-infused steam cave, and a 30-minute massage ($45 per person).
- Included meals: breakfast
Days 4–5: Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon harbors 10% of the world’s known species. From your secluded rainforest lodge—which is accessible by canoe—be sure to keep an eye out for colorful macaws. On the morning of Day 5, you’ll take a two-hour hike to the Napo River that culminates in a ride on a traditional balsa-log raft.
- Bird’s-eye view: You’ll take a short zipline ride along the treetops during the Napo River hike.
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner on both days
Day 6: Baños and Patate
Vegetable ivory—jewelry and figurines carved from palm nuts—is a traditional craftwork in Baños; you’ll get to see how the pieces are made before making your way to Patate. Along the way, you’ll take a vigorous hike to a stunning waterfall known as the Devil’s Cauldron.
- Height of the falls: 600 feet
- Included meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Days 7–8: Cotopaxi National Park
One of the most impressive sights in Cotopaxi National Park is the snowcapped Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest-altitude volcanoes in the world. There’s plenty of wildlife and tropical foliage to be found, too, on a one-hour hike around Limpiopungo Lake. A day room at Hotel Quito is included on day 8, and passengers will transfer to the airport in the evening.
- Local wildlife: wild horses, llamas, and rare Andean condors
- Included meals: daily breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
This package is based on pre-confirmed flights via LAN and may only be purchased with these flights.
Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
This package is based on pre-confirmed flights via LAN and may only be purchased with these flights.
How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
The dates available are listed on each option.
What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
You can either choose another date or be refunded by Groupon. We suggest calling Gate 1 Travel to redeem your vouchers ASAP so that you do not run into this problem.
Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
Yes, each person traveling (including children) needs to purchase a voucher. Your child may stay in your room; however, there are limits as to how many people per room. Triples are available on this tour.
