8-day Ecuador tour: Volcanoes, jungle, canyoning & hot springs

Hike volcanoes and jungle, paddle rivers, canyon waterfalls, bike mountain passes, and soak in thermal springs: all in one week

An 8-day active tour of Ecuador combining Andean volcanoes, Amazon jungle and thermal hot springs near Baños with hiking, biking, canyoning, kayaking and cultural activities. Professional guides lead every activity. Accommodation at eco-lodges and colonial haciendas, most meals, transport and all gear are included. Departures run every Sunday year-round.

The experience

You arrive in Ecuador and spend the first day getting oriented with your group and guides. From there, the itinerary moves through distinct landscapes: a trek around Quilotoa Crater Lake in the highlands, a volcano hike at Cotopaxi National Park followed by soaking in Baños's volcanic hot springs, a road bike ride through Llanganates National Park, and then into the Amazon. The pacing alternates between intense activity days and cultural immersion. You'll learn to use a blowgun with indigenous people, make organic chocolate fondue by hand, paddle the Arajuno River, and hike the jungle searching for medicinal plants. Every activity is equipped and guided by experienced professionals, so you're not figuring out logistics or safety on your own.

The accommodation shifts with the landscape: you stay at charming eco-lodges in the jungle and colonial haciendas in the highlands, not in standard hotels. Most meals are included and sourced from local farms. You eat what the region produces. Transport between locations, entry fees to reserves and museums, and all specialized gear, from canyoning harnesses to kayak paddles, come with the tour. The guides speak English and stay with your group throughout, handling navigation, safety briefings and cultural context at each stop. Children from age 8 are welcome, though the itinerary requires at least moderate fitness: you'll be hiking, biking and paddling most days.

Departures happen every Sunday, so you can join the next available group. The tour ends on day eight with a departure day, giving you time to arrange onward travel. Tips for guides and drivers are not included in the price, so budget for that separately if you wish to tip.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guides at every step.
• accommodation at eco-lodges and colonial haciendas.
• most meals sourced from local farms.
• transport between all locations.
• entry fees to reserves and museums.
• all specialized activity gear including canyoning harnesses, kayak paddles and biking equipment.
• cultural activities like learning to use a blowgun and making organic chocolate fondue by hand.

Before you book

Days and timesSundayDeparts at 18:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Activexpedition

Is this one for you?You do every activity yourself (hiking, biking, canyoning, paddling) rather than watching from the sidelines, and professional guides handle the technical setup and safety so you can focus on the experience. This suits travelers who want hands-on adventure and cultural immersion over a week, with the structure and expertise of a guided group removing the planning burden.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is the Swing of the End of the World and when do we use it?

The Swing of the End of the World is a famous swing in Baños suspended over a cliff edge. You swing out over a valley as part of the Baños city exploration on day four. It's a brief, exhilarating moment rather than a full activity, included in the day's itinerary.

How difficult is the Quilotoa Crater Lake trek on day two?

The Quilotoa trek is a moderate hike around the crater rim at high altitude in the Andes. The tour requires at least moderate physical fitness, and this day is one of the more demanding ones. Altitude can affect some travelers, so acclimatization on day one helps.

Do we really paddle and hike in the Amazon, or is it more of a guided walk?

You actively paddle the Arajuno River on day five and hike into the jungle on day six searching for medicinal plants with guides who know the forest. These are hands-on activities, not observation tours. Guides handle safety and navigation while you do the paddling and walking.

What happens on the departure day, and do I need to arrange my own flight?

Day eight is a departure day for you to arrange onward travel or return to Quito. Flights and airport transfers are not included in the tour price, so you'll need to book those separately.