9-Day Tour of Ecuador and The Amazon Rainforest

You’ll see the cultural landmarks of Ecuador’s capital city of Quito as well as raft, hike, and zipline through the Amazon Rainforest on this 9-day trip from Gate 1 Travel. All trips include:

• Round-trip airfare from Miami (MIA)
• Day room for early morning arrival on day 2
• 2 nights of standard accommodations in Quito
• 1 night of standard accommodations in Otavalo
• 1 night of standard accommodations in Papallacta
• 2 nights of standard accommodations in Punta Ahuano (Amazon)
• 1 night of standard accommodations in Baños
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers
• 17 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motorcoach
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Services of English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees per itinerary

Days 1–3: Quito

The trip begins in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, which is one of the first cities to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On an introductory city tour, you’ll see the impressive Presidential Palace, check out the city’s 16th-century colonial neighborhood, and explore notable churches such as the La Compañia Church or the Church of San Francisco. The latter is one of the city’s most historically significant monasteries.

• Independence Plaza was Quito’s main square in the 16th century, acting as a central market as well as a bullfighting arena.
• Straddle two worlds at the Middle of the World Monument, atop the equator; you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern.

Day 4: Otavalo, Cotacachi, Peguche, and Papallacta

The group heads about 60 miles northeast of the city to the small town of Otavalo for shopping and scenic exploration. After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll spend the night in the Andes.

• Shop at the Otavaleno Market in Otavalo, where locals sell handwoven rugs, jewelry, and fresh food; you’ll also visit the town of Cotacachi, known for its feather handicrafts
• See a picturesque 60-foot waterfall in Peguche
• Soak in the hot springs of Papallacta, in the Andes Mountains
• Optional add-on: a Papallacta spa package that includes a 20- to 30-minute session in hot and cold pools, a mineral-infused steam session in a thermal steam cave, and a 30-minute back-and-neck massage ($50/person; add when booking)

Days 5–6: The Amazon Rainforest

Your trip into the Amazon begins with a canoe ride down the Napo River to the lodge, your home base for the next two nights. The Amazon Rainforest is called the “Lungs of the Earth,” and for good reason—the densely forested river basin covers 40% of South America and supplies the earth’s atmosphere with a substantial amount of oxygen.

• Zipline through the forest canopy during a two-hour hike, where you’ll likely catch a glimpse of resident wildlife and tropical flora; you’ll cross suspended bridges, too
• Raft down the river on a traditional balsa log raft, post-hike

Days 7–9: Baños and Quito

En route to Quito, you’ll stop off at the town of Baños, and take in its mountainous scenery. The next day, you’ll visit the historic Hacienda La Cienega and tour a rose plantation before heading back to Quito for your return flight home.

• Watch a craft demonstration as locals turn vegetable ivory into jewelry and animal carvings
• Hike to El Pailon del Diablo—which translates to”The Devil’s Cauldron”—to see a scenic waterfall
• Tour Hacienda La Cienega, a 17th-century hacienda that offers views of Cotopaxi National Park and its resident volcano

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? The dates available are listed on each option.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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