Venture from the historic streets of Quito to the deep, pulsing green of the Amazon rainforest before ascending into the dramatic Andean highlands. Encounter ancestral embroidery traditions, marvel at volcanic peaks, and unlock the secrets of the Equator alongside dedicated experts. Immerse yourself in the authentic soul of Ecuador.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Quito
Signature Moment: Otavalo Market and Workshop Visit with the Head of the Zuleta Weaving Association, Otavalo. Arrival transfer. Welcome Dinner. Historic Quito walking tour. Marzipan workshop with a local artisan collective. Internal flights. 2 days of wildlife-spotting activities from the Amazon lodge. Local community visit in the Amazon. Guided tour of Hacienda Zuleta and cheese-tasting with one of the family members of the estate. Visit the Hacienda La Compañía Rose Plantation. Farewell Dinner. Departure transfer. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Explore the Intiñan Museum after hours with a private tour and equatorial experiments, Paint traditional figures with a local artisan collective inside a historic building, Search for rainforest wildlife alongside expert naturalist guides in the canopy, Spend two nights at an active, historic estate and working farm in the highlands, Explore Otavalo's famous market and an embroidery workshop with a local association leader
What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?
Max. 16, Avg. 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, plane, motorized boat, canoe, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (2 nts), Amazon Lodge (2 nts), Historic Hacienda (2 nts)
Quito
Welcome to Ecuador. Your expedition begins in Quito, a high-altitude capital nestled amid towering, cloud-shrouded Andean peaks. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in. This evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers for an engaging welcome that sets the stage for your upcoming exploration. Follow this with a celebratory welcome dinner at your hotel.
Quito
Awake to the morning light illuminating the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre. Navigate the iconic Plaza Grande, a square flanked by the Presidential Palace where the city's political pulse beats strongest amidst the fragrance of roasted coffee. Wander the historic San Francisco Church and Convent before stepping into the Antiguo Circulo Militar. Here, join a local artisan collective specializing in masapán. Paint traditional hummingbird figures alongside local women, directly supporting their community livelihood. As night falls, travel to the Intiñan Solar Museum for a private, after-hours tour. Try your hand at interactive experiments right on the Equator line, standing precisely between two hemispheres.
Quito to the Amazon Jungle
Leave the highlands behind and catch a flight inland to the sprawling Amazon Jungle. Board a motorized boat to glide along the wide Napo River, watching the vegetation thicken into an impenetrable wall of deep green as you enter the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve. Arrive at your lodge on the pristine shores of Lake Garzacocha. Later, step into the rainforest with a naturalist guide under the soft light filtering through the high canopy. Marvel at ancient mahogany trees towering over four centuries old and listen to the jungle as it shifts from day to night. Return to the lodge for dinner, relaxing to a symphony of wild, nocturnal sounds.
Amazon Jungle
Rise early and travel along the river to a vibrant parrot clay lick. Witness a mesmerizing display as hundreds of colourful parrots and parakeets gather to feed on mineral-rich soil. Continue to the indigenous community of Pilche to learn about their daily life, traditional dress, and culinary customs sourced from the forest. In the afternoon, ascend a spectacular 120-foot observation tower, climbing above the treetops to spot canopy birds and primates through a telescope. Watch a breathtaking sunset paint the sky before venturing onto the Tucaneta Trail for an evening walk. Your guides reveal the secret world of amphibians, insects, and mammals that emerge only when darkness falls over the rainforest.
Amazon Jungle to the Andean Highlands
Travel by motorized boat out of the rainforest to catch your flight back to Quito. From there, drive north along the dramatic Avenue of the Volcanoes, stopping for a traditional lunch amidst the mountain scenery. Arrive at an historic estate situated within a vast, 4,000-acre working farm. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and cloud forests, this hacienda offers total immersion into its rural heritage. Settle in before taking a private tour of the property with a member of the family that has owned the grounds for generations. Conclude the afternoon with a tasting of artisanal local cheeses typical to the region. Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients before relaxing by the fireside.
Andean Highlands
Immerse your senses in the vibrant colours and sounds of the Otavalo Market, renowned for its handmade textiles, intricate ceramics, and wooden musical instruments. Gain insights into the market from the President of the Zuleta Embroidery Association and visit a local artisan workshop for a private cultural exchange. Discover the rich history and storytelling woven into every traditional design, and participate in a hands-on demonstration of this delicate cultural heritage. Return to the historic hacienda to enjoy a peaceful afternoon at your own pace, perhaps strolling the green pastures. In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a grand farewell dinner, celebrating the rich traditions and unforgettable encounters of your Ecuadorian experience.
Angochagua/Quito
After breakfast, drive to the historic Hacienda La Compañia, a beautifully preserved private home held by the same family for five generations. Begin your visit at their rose farm, Rosadex, to see where the estate's spectacular blooms originate. Wander a vibrant showroom displaying dozens of exquisite rose varieties before enjoying a traditional snack in the old hacienda building. After lunch on the property, continue your drive back toward the capital to check into a comfortable hotel located near the airport, where the tour ends. Take advantage of the convenient day-use rooms to relax and prepare for your evening departure flight.
What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.
When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
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