Ecuador: From the Andes to the Amazon (With Galapagos Add On)
At a Glance
Starting At
$4,999
Deposit: $500
Trip Description
Experience the Marvels of Ecuador
Here’s the thing about Ecuador. This tiny country—about the size of Arizona— is blessed with a stunning diversity in topography, micro-climates, and indigenous cultures. Plus, the Galapagos Islands. THE Galapagos Islands. There’s a reason the Galapagos is at the top of the bucket list for so many travelers. There’s no other place like it in the world.
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Ecuador is one of NextTribe Founder Jeannie Ralston’s favorite countries. Because “you can see so much by traveling such a short distance,” The Andes—with its clear, eternal Spring climate and colorfully dressed indigenous women who live and work much as they have for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.The Amazon—where you can feel so close to nature,exotic birds and abundant wildlife, all from the comfort of a gorgeous lodge. The city—Quito, the capital, known as the second most important city in the Inca Empire and the best preserved Spanish colonial historic center in Latin America.
Members receive a $100 discount on all our trips. Join here.
What trip to Ecuador would be complete without a visit to the Galapagos? Sign on for the extension that takes you through these jaw-dropping islands on our own private 115-foot boat and with our own naturalist. See our brochure with more details by clicking here.
Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Accommodations and activities may change but we will always replace them with something of equal or better value.
5 Reasons We Love This Trip
- Nature. In the rainforest of the Amazon, you’ll get to see sloths, howler monkeys (or at least hear them), an incredible assortment of birds and reptiles (yes, that could be an anaconda under that lily pad!)
- Indigenous Cultures. In Otavalo, we will meet the indigenous people of the same name. These are proud, elegant people who dress in their traditional clothes, not for the benefit of tourists but to honor their centuries-long way of life.
- Hacienda Cusin. This hotel in Otavalo is one that will forever live in Founder Jeannie Ralston’s fantasies. Old Spanish architecture from the 16th Century meets lush English gardens, plus fires in your room at night. Sigh.
- Hands-on Experiences. We’ll learn how to cook Ecuadorian cuisine, to embroider from an Otavalo artisan, and we’ll hear all about the plants and herbs from an indigenous tribe in the Amazon. And hands-on also means: having them on the reins of a horse as you ride through the Andes and on a paddle as we kayak through rainforest lagoons.
- The Galapagos Option. Coming at the end of our land tour, we’ll be primed for the easy transition to one of the wonders of the world, and one of the last unspoiled places on earth!!
Meet Your Trip Leader: Jeannie Ralston
Jeannie Ralston has been to Ecuador three times—once on her honeymoon, another time to take her children on the exact adventure we’ll be following here–and it has a special place in her heart. Particularly Hacienda Cusin in Otavalo. Particularly llamas (above). But on none of those visits did she get to the Galapagos Islands, which weighs heavy on her travel soul (though her suitcase recently made a trip there, but that’s a different story). She’s happy this omission will soon be rectified and that she’ll be surrounded by friends old and new when it is.
Add On: Explore the Galapagos on a Private Yacht
March 9-12. Following the end of our 9-day Exploration of Ecuador, we’ll fly to the Galapagos Islands to begin a true bucket-list adventure. We’ll spend 4 days
meeting giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and the like; we’ll snorkel with seals; learn the unique history and legacy of these international treasures; hike to lagoons and volcanic calderas; and at theend of the day soak in a jacuzzi on our 115-foot yacht.
For more details, click here for the Galapagos Brochure
Note: This is an add-on experience. You can add it when you book or you may add it later. There are only double (shared) rooms available for this leg of the trip.
Photos
Map
Sample Itinerary
SUNDAY, March 1st: Welcome to Ecuador
Today you arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, it sits at an elevation of 9,186 feet. The city has the best preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America.
You will be met at the airport by a professional English speaking driver and transported to your hotel. Please try to arrive at the hotel by 3:00 pm so you will have time to unwind before we enjoy our first dinner together as a group.
MONDAY, March 2nd: Middle of the World and Historic Downtown Quito
After a delicious breakfast, get ready for a fun adventure at Mitad del Mundo! Just an hour from Quito Downtown, you’ll stand on the actual Equator—one foot in each hemisphere! Test the coriolis effect and gravity with some fun experiments, and dive into Ecuador’s fascinating history and culture. Science, history, and fun all in one place!
Next, we’ll discover Quito’s Historic Downtown for a delicious lunch. Declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, Quito is the best-preserved, least-altered historic center in Latin America! We will explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by well-preserved churches, museums, and government buildings. A walk through Quito’s historic center encapsulates the essence of Ecuador, blending history, architecture, and local life into an unforgettable experience. We will then have dinner and enjoy a good night’s sleep in Quito.
TUESDAY, March 3rd: The Amazon!
Today starts our 4-day Amazon adventure! Kickoff is early, starting with a transfer to the Airport where you will meet a team member from Sacha Lodge who will guide you from Quito to a 2-hour motorized canoe ride down the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon. Then we’ll take a short hike and a paddle in dugout canoes to our lodge–the adventure starts before getting to your final destination.
Once in the lodge, you will be introduced to your private tour guide to agree on a wake-up time, and the excursions will be planned accordingly.
WEDNESDAY, March 4th: Exploring the Rainforest
The Amazon is the ideal model of the universe: Perfection created by chaos. Our adventures here will vary according to the weather, the location and behavior of the wildlife, and the flow of the river, making sure we get the best of the Amazon each day!
A day in the Amazon Basin usually begins at sunrise (or earlier) to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest’s wildlife is most active. This exciting adventure may involve paddling dugout canoes, hiking across the forest, embarking on motorized canoes to cross a part of the river, taking a dip in the river, exploring and observing the wilderness nightlife during a night hike or canoe ride..
THURSDAY, March 5th: Indigenous Communities
During our stay in rainforest, we’ll get a chance to visit Indigenous communities to learn from their cosmo, vision and lifestyle. The locals may share their knowledge of herbs and plants; we may be instructed on how to play their games. It’s a wonderful glimpse into another world.
FRIDAY, March 6th: Otavalo, Roses, Bakeries and Artisans
Rise and shine, it is time to go back to the Andes! Departure is early today, and after speeding back up the Napo River to Coca. We’ll fly to Quito, arriving around noon, where our guide will welcome you to take you to your next destination, the land of culture and artisans.
We’ll stay at the sumptuous Hacienda Cusin–which is truly something to see. Spanish Colonial architecture from the 17th century surrounded by lush English gardens. Fires are made in your room every evening. Just delish!
Depending on the arrival time, we can visit a rose plantation to discover why Ecuador is one of the world’s leading rose exporters. If our flight arrives late, we can visit a bizcocho bakery to taste this delicious, traditionally made biscuit from the north.
SATURDAY, March 7th: Horseback Ride and Cooking Class
Horseback riding around the Hacienda is a tradition that has been going on for centuries. The romance and drama of the scenery invite you to connect with your horse and enjoy this one-hour ride.
In the afternoon, we will be immersed in history and tradition on a journey through the Andean flavours, learning to prepare the traditional dishes with one of our local chefs.
SUNDAY, March 8th: Los Ponchos Market and Embroidery Class
It is time to shop and support local artisans in our visit to one of the most famous indigenous handicrafts markets in the World: Mercado de los Ponchos, The ponchos, handmade table cloths, and beautiful jewelry make a contrast of colours and textures that is something very unique to see. We will then continue to visit a local artisan who will teach us how to embroider, sharing their local secrets to create the most beautiful pieces.
We will then continue to our hotel near Quito Airport for a farewell dinner and a good night sleep.
MONDAY, March 9th: Adios Ecuador OR Galapagos Adventure Begins
It is time to say goodbye to Ecuador and hello to your new vision. We believe you’ll return home changed, refreshed, inspired, and with memories and friends that will last forever.
A transfer will take you to the airport, where you’ll bid farewell to this unforgettable adventure. OR it will continue on…
Our 115-Foot Private Yacht in the Galapagos
If you opted in to the Galapagos adventure, today you will fly to San Cristobal where you will be met by a guide and transferred to your private yacht where you will have time to settle in before lunch. After lunch you will be taken on a guided hike to El Junco, in the caldera of an extinct volcano. Dinner will be on the Yacht.
TUESDAY, March 10th: Galapagos Add-On, Floreana Island
You will land on a beach and head to a spot where 18th century whalers placed a wooden barrel used as an unofficial mail box. The custom continues to this day with Galapagos visitors. So, don’t forget your postcards, and don’t be surprised if the post card arrives to its destination before you even get home!
We will then start our hike to the Baroness Viewing Point. Once inhabited by an indulgent baroness and her three lovers, the history of this island is intriguing. There are easy trails in this area for exploring the flora and fauna of Floreana. In the afternoon, we will have the chance to snorkel and kayak at Comorant Point.
WEDNESDAY, March 11th: Galapagos Add-On, Espanola Island
Time to visit one of the adventurer’s top Islands in the World! Española, here we will have the chance to hike, snorkel, and kayak.
Discovering blue footed boobies, sea lions, albatrosses and Nazca boobies in their natural state.
THURSDAY, March 12th: Galapagos Add-On, Santa Cruz and Twin Craters
Let’s make the best out of this last day in the Enchanted Islands. You will visit the Twin Craters located opposite to each other on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. The view is breathtaking.
After this final visit, you will be transferred to the Baltra airport in time for your flight back to the mainland. Once back in Quito, you can either schedule a late day departure to the States or stay another night in Quito and catch an early morning flight the next day. (Extra hotel night not included.)
Logistics
Arrive in Quito: Sunday, March 1st
Please try to arrive by 3:00 PM so you can settle into the hotel and relax before dinner.
You will be met at the airport by a professional, English speaking driver.
Depart Quito: Monday, March 9th
You can depart any time on this day and will be transported back to the airport.
For Galapagos Add-On Depart on Thursday, March 12th
You will be flying from the Galapagos back to Quito on this day. You can book a late flight back to the States (or final destination) or you will need to spend another night in Quito. If you choose to spend an extra night in Quito, it is not included in the cost of the trip and you will need to book it yourself.
Note: If you wish to arrive early or extend your trip, you are responsible for your own hotel bookings. We will do our best to keep you in the same room.
No visa is required for US citizens. Please ensure that your passport is valid for 90 days after your trip.
Vaccine Requirements Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travel to Ecuador. As well as being up to date for routine childhood vaccines such as tetanus, measles and hepatitis B, the following vaccines are also often recommended –influenza, hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies.
We will schedule a Zoom meet and greet a few weeks before the trip and will also create a whatsapp messaging group for the group to use for communication.
You will be receiving periodic communications from us leading up to departure with other important details such as packing list etc. If you have any questions, you can contact our travel manager, Marcy, at travel@nexttribe.com
Arrival
- Fly Into Quito (UIO)
Departure
- Fly Out of Quito (UIO)
What's Included
- 8 Nights Lodging
- 8 Dinners
- 7 Lunches
- 8 Breakfasts
- Ground Transportation
- Airport transfers, both ways
- All activities noted in the itinerary
- Domestic Flight to and from Coca
What's Not Included
- Roundtrip International Airfare
- Meals, transportations and activities not listed in the inclusions
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities to local guides, housekeepers, drivers, hotel staff etc.
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff, travel insurance, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, personal items such as phone calls, laundry, baggage fees and items not expressly listed as included.
Additional Add-Ons
3 Night/4 Day Galapagos on a Private Yacht
Dates: March 9-12, 2026
Following the end of our 9-day Exploration of Ecuador, we’ll fly to the Galapagos Islands to begin a true bucket-list adventure. We’ll spend 4 days meeting giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and the like;
we’ll snorkel with seals; learn the unique history and legacy of these
international treasures; hike to lagoons and volcanic calderas; and at the end of the day soak in a jacuzzi on our 115-foot yacht.
Galapagos Logistics
Cost: $4,999 (Doubles only)
This add-on can only be booked along with the main trip. You can add it when you make the original booking or later if you want to think about it. The cost includes all domestic flights, 3 nights/4 days on the yacht, all meals on the yacht, English speaking naturalist, all excursions, airport transfers.
Hotels
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