Tour Description

From the heights of Cotopaxi volcano to the dense Amazon forest, this nine-day Premium adventure will take you through the well-travelled and lesser-known icons of Ecuador. Starting in Quito, you’ll learn why this vibrant city is a UNESCO world heritage site and take a trip to the middle of the Earth with a visit to the equator. Then, head to the highest active volcano in the world for a hike through Cotopaxi National Park before relaxing in the lush gardens of your Feature Stay. You’ll get close with the local Indigenous communities with community visits in Banos and the Amazon, while also getting close to the animals that call this diverse part of Ecuador their home.

Priced From:

$ 5325.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2026

Valid To: 31DEC2026

Start Location: Quito

End Location: Quito

Countries: Ecuador,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Visit one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park while you cross off bucket-list scenery along the way in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Stay at a charming farmhouse near Cotopaxi National Park for your Feature Stay in a local hacienda with lush gardens and views of the nearby mountains.

Explore Quito, one of the best-preserved historical centres in the Americas and visit the middle of the Earth with a trip to the equator.

Spend time in the Amazon rainforest wildlife spotting, hiking, learning about medicinal plants, visiting a coffee plantation and sleeping on the edge of the rainforest in a jungle lodge with a pool.

Get to know the locals through an Indigenous community visit in the Amazon and at a family-run barley flour workshop to learn about this important resource in Ecuador.

Itinerary

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. When you arrive at the Quito airport, an included transfer will take you to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe step into the city and get a head start exploring Quito’s Historic Center and its cobblestone streets. You can take a stroll through the basilicas, grand plazas and museums or take a trip to the Otavalo market to start planning out your souvenirs made from locals across Ecuador. After your meeting, head out for dinner with the group where your leader will introduce you to Ecuadorian cuisine.

Start the morning off by exploring historic Quito, one of the best-preserved historical centres in the Americas. Filled with plazas, cathedrals and historical sites, your leader will fill you in on the rich history around every corner and bring you to meet local artisans. After, visit the Agave Museum for a tasting of Ecuadorian mezcal, agave cocktails and traditional Andean food while learning about alcohol production and the 600 years of Andean aboriginal knowledge on the health benefits of Agave sap. After, drive out of Quito to visit the equator! You'll stop by the Middle of the World Monument and Inti Nan Equator Museum for experiments that prove you’re in the centre of the Earth. Then, return to Quito for a free evening.

After breakfast this morning, take a scenic drive to Cotopaxi National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world at 5,897 m (19,347 ft). When you get there, head out on a hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon at the bottom of the volcano and learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. When you’re done spotting wildlife, visit a museum in the park and the Interpretation Centre to learn about Cotopaxi, check out the showrooms and look around the souvenir shop. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and exploring your next stay – a hacienda that’s a charming farmhouse with a garden to unwind in.

Leave the park behind today and head to Banos. Along the way, make a stop to a barley flour workshop. Toasted barley flour in the central Andes is a common product and the traditional machica in Latacunga is used to make caramel cookies, ice cream and beer. You'll visit a family workshop and learn about sowing, roasting barley and tasting products made with the machica. After your workshop, travel to Pinllo to have a special lunch – the iconic Gallina de Pinllo – a dish that’s been around since 1943 and famously served at Casa El Recreo. This place is a legend, started by Adán Villacreses and Ernestina Lagos in 1948, to enjoy juicy chicken, served with potatoes and peanut sauce, based on their recipe passed down through generations. After lunch, head to Banos for a walk around town and stop by an Artisan Candy factory where they make Melcocochas – guava sweets that are very famous in Banos.

Start your day with a walk around Banos as a local guide gives you the inside scoop on the city – surrounded by mountains, hot springs and waterways to waterfalls. Take a short hike to El Pailon del Diablo – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area with a mighty fall of 80 m (262 ft). Here, you can cross the suspension bridge for the full view or descend by stairs to the ‘Devil’s Balcony’ to be up close and personal to the falls. Stop by the Swing at the end of the World for a quick adrenaline pump and photo opportunity, then return to your hotel for a free evening. Maybe relax at El Refugio Spa Garden – an ecological spa – or checkout La Casa de Arbol viewpoint – a paradise for hummingbirds. For those interested in history and culture, maybe go visit the basilica Banos is famous for – the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water.

Good morning – it's time to head to the Amazon! You’ll arrive just in time for lunch, then the afternoon is free to make the most of all the lodge has to offer. It’s a great place to relax with an onsite pool, massages and lots of optional activities available, like a butterfly house, nature walks and a sanctuary for Amazon critters and creatures. The lodge’s naturalist inhouse guides can teach you about the jungle and the incredible – and sometimes tragic – stories of the animals. You can also sit back, relax and watch locals moulding clay from the riverbed and turning it into ceramics. This evening, join back up with the group and head out on a night walk to spot the wildlife that only comes out in the dark.

Today is a full day of rainforest activities. After breakfast, start off with a hike with a local expert to discover medicinal plants that grow in the rainforest. Listen carefully as they point out how to spot them and what these magical plants are used for. Up next is a visit to a nearby coffee plantation to learn about its production – and get a tasting, of course. This afternoon, spend time with an indigenous community for a special opportunity to connect with the locals and learn about their way of life here in the Amazon. Wrap up your day with dinner back at the lodge and relax for the rest of your evening.

You’ll return to Quito today and along the way, you’ll stop at Papallacta for lunch and to unwind by the hot springs. Surrounded by nature, thermal pools and spas, this is an experience for all the senses and a relaxing way to break up the drive. End the day with a farewell dinner in Quito – your leader will bring your group to a local spot as you reflect on your trip together.

With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

13FEB2026

Return Date :

21FEB2026

5325.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

10APR2026

Return Date :

18APR2026

5540.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

24APR2026

Return Date :

02MAY2026

5540.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

08MAY2026

Return Date :

16MAY2026

5325.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

11SEP2026

Return Date :

19SEP2026

5325.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

09OCT2026

Return Date :

17OCT2026

5325.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

06NOV2026

Return Date :

14NOV2026

5325.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

20NOV2026

Return Date :

28NOV2026

5325.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

18DEC2026

Return Date :

26DEC2026

5540.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

12FEB2027

Return Date :

20FEB2027

5590.00NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Premium Ecuador

Trip code

GGPE

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026

Extended validity

17 Dec 2027

Introduction

Style

Premium

Themes

Explorer

Transport

Private vehicle, boat

Physical Rating

Joining point

Hotel Patio Andaluz

García Moreno N6-52 entre Olmedo y Mejía,

Quito

ECUADOR

Phone: +593 22280830

Joining point instructions

A Complimentary arrival transfer is included from Quito Airport to your hotel on day one or if you have prebooked hotel accommodation with Intrepid. Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us. For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met at Quito Airport International Arrivals by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.

Finish point

Hotel Patio Andaluz

García Moreno N6-52 entre Olmedo y Mejía,

Quito

ECUADOR

Phone: +593 22280830

Finish point instructions

Intrepid offers a pre-arranged departure transfer service at an additional fee. If you require this service, please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. Your tour leader will confirm details of your transfer. If you are doing a combination trip with the Galapagos after this trip, your Tour leader will confirm the pick-up time to take you to other hotel to join the rest of the group.

Important information

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip. [The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability.] Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. In addition to any included activities on your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Our local representative may be able to assist you with available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that our local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field:

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts PERSONAL SAFETY Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.

Communications

WhatsApp is a popular way to communicate in Latin America. We recommended downloading WhatsApp prior to departure to communicate by text with your group leader or local representative and group members during the tour. Once downloaded, please validate your phone number before leaving home as you will not be able to do this once you arrive unless you have international roaming enabled. Connections for making phone calls through WhatsApp are not reliable, so please do not use this app to make calls to our emergency phone line.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements, ECUADOR VISA Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Canadians and British do not currently require a visa for Ecuador. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.

Why we love it

Visit one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world while hiking through Cotopaxi National Park while you cross off bucket-list scenery along the way in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Stay at a charming farmhouse near Cotopaxi National Park for your Feature Stay in a local hacienda with lush gardens and views of the nearby mountains.

Explore Quito, one of the best-preserved historical centres in the Americas and visit the middle of the Earth with a trip to the equator.

Spend time in the Amazon rainforest wildlife spotting, hiking, learning about medicinal plants, visiting a coffee plantation and sleeping on the edge of the rainforest in a jungle lodge with a pool.

Get to know the locals through an Indigenous community visit in the Amazon and at a family-run barley flour workshop to learn about this important resource in Ecuador.

Is this trip right for you

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail., Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothes.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. , ALTITUDE SICKNESS This trip travels to altitudes where there is a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated. AMS can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness or experience. There is a higher risk of AMS for those who have had it before, those who drink alcohol and those who take part in strenuous exercise before correctly acclimatising. As some medical conditions or medications may increase your susceptibility, we strongly advise discussing any pre-existing conditions, your participation in this trip, and preventative medications such as Diamox with your doctor. Our itineraries are carefully designed and risk-assessed in line with our Altitude Safety Policy and current best practice standards for safe acclimatisation. However, AMS can still occur, and it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms. These include nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and headaches. Our experienced leaders are trained in AMS awareness and first aid and will conduct regular checks to help you monitor your health throughout the trip. They have full authority to make decisions regarding your participation based on medical needs or AMS symptoms, including delaying or stopping your ascent if necessary. More information about Altitude Sickness can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/altitude-sickness , MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES: Some regions of Central & South America can experience outbreaks of dengue fever. There is no vaccination against it, but there are preventative measures that you can take such as wearing long clothing, using repellent, and being indoors particularly around dusk and dawn. If you have a fever or feel unwell, please let your group leader or local representative know right away. Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria by taking measures to avoid insect bites., ZIKA VIRUS: There have been reports of transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in this region and we advise all travellers to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, we recommend all women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to consult with their doctors before booking their trip., YELLOW FEVER A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in this region. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat dinner together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts. Generally speaking, in bigger cities/towns vegetarians can expect a reasonable range of vegetarian venues and/or vegetarian options within tourist restaurant menus. However, vegetarianism is not the norm in this part of the world so options can be limited when eating at homestays, small local restaurants, street stalls, markets, etc. More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, coeliac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) can also be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend that, if possible, to bring your own supply of snacks with you. For those on strict Kosher or Halal diets, we understand your dietary requirements are important, however, sometimes due to cultural and language differences these are not always easy to convey when you are travelling. Your guide will do their best to assist you in translating your needs when eating out, but please be aware that these diets are almost unheard of in much of the continent and the best they may be able to accommodate is no pork and shellfish. If this will be a concern for you you may need to consider opting for vegetarian or vegan meals for the included meals in your itinerary. We recommend researching kosher or halal options in your destination country prior to travel to see if you are able to buy snacks once there, otherwise consider bringing some from home.

Money matters

LATIN AMERICA The recommended amounts are listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however the local currency is needed in the countries you are visiting. CONTINGENCY FUNDS: We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access to the equivalent of an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result there may be some extra costs involved. MEALS NOT INCLUDED: For this trip we recommend between USD25 to USD50 per day. Breakfast - If breakfast is not included, you can expect to pay USD5 to USD10 at a local café. Lunch - If you are happy with a quick snack on the go, you may get away with as little as USD5 to USD10 for a set menu at a local eatery or a sandwich and a drink at a café. On the other hand, lunch at a tourist restaurant can cost USD10 to USD15. Dinner - At dinner time, your group leader or local representative will normally recommend restaurants where you can safely try the local specialties of the region. Expect meals to cost USD12 to USD25 for a main. These are indicative prices only. If you are on a tight budget and happy to eat local food you can eat cheaper than this. If you want to try the finest food at the finest restaurants, then you can expect meals to cost as much as in Western countries. CREDIT CARDS & ATMs: ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities across Latin America. Credit cards can generally be used in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only., TIPPING Tips are included on all Intrepid Premium trips, covering hotel staff, local guides and the people who will take care of you during your travels. This amount does not include a tip for your leader, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your leader for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, USD 8 - 10 per person per day (in a currency relevant for your destination), can be used., YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline 4-7 USD or EUR per person (in a currency relevant to your destination), per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

What to take

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You'll also need a day pack/bag for activities and day trips. In terms of weight, airlines generally allow a maximum of 20kg for check in luggage. Other than the items and clothing you always need on a trip, below we have listed packing suggestions specific for this trip: AMAZON PACKING LIST We recommend bringing the following items if visiting the Amazon Jungle: - Long, light coloured, tight-weave cotton pants - Long, light coloured, tight-weave cotton shirts - Comfortable shoes or sandles for wearing on boardwalks or around the lodge - Long, thick socks to wear with the rubber boots provided by the lodge - Rain jacket or poncho - Tropical strength insect repellant - Small denomination bills for incidental purchases (eg drinks) - Head torch or flashlight (optional, smartphone torch sufficient) - Binoculars (optional)

ESSENTIAL: - Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through cities as well as bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings - Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

RECOMMENDED: - Soft and/or hard copies of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the hard copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a copy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary - Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments - Electrical adapter plug - Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids. - Insect repellent - Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both OPTIONAL: - Ear plugs to guard against a potential snoring room-mate - Phrase book VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. LAUNDRY Laundry is available at many hotels and towns during this trip, although you might need to wait for a two-night stop in order to make sure you get it back in time. While laundry at hotels is usually charged by the item, laundromats usually charge by the kilo, which is generally inexpensive (about USD 2 per kilo)

AMAZON JUNGLE PACKING LIST - Long, light-coloured, tight-weave cotton shirts and pants - Comfortable shoes or sandals for wearing on boardwalks or around the lodge - Long, thick socks to wear with the rubber boots provided by the lodge - Rain jacket or poncho - Tropical strength insect repellant - Small-denomination bills for incidental purchases (eg drinks) - Head torch or flashlight (optional, smartphone torch sufficient) - Binoculars (optional)

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN ECUADOR Being located on the equator, Ecuador is a year round destination. In Quito temperatures do not fluctuate that much throughout the year with average temperatures around 19°C to 24°C during the day with lows of 9-10°C in the evening. There are two 'seasons', the wet and dry. The dry season runs from June to September and the wet season is from October through to May. The surprisingly thing with Quito is its altitude and proximity to the equator means that the sun has a little more kick to it so it can feel like it's warmer than it actually is. Even on cooler days, if the sun comes out make sure you use sunscreen.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers., http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us, While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time., For missed transfers or general inquiries once in Ecuador you can reach our local office on the number below: Available for phone call on +593 994014877 , In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: , Available for phone call on +593 981840761

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel, Latin Americans can be very conscious of appearance so try to be casual but conservative in your dress. Outside of beach areas halter tops and very short shorts should not be worn. When visiting churches or religious sites shoulders and knees should be covered.

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: , Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the trip until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by our local representative. If you have credit card insurance our local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services, The Ecuadorian government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Ecuador. Proof of insurance may be requested at upon entering the country by immigration officials.

Your fellow travellers

SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you., As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

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