Ecuador in a Week
Ecuador in a Week
Ecuador in a Week
7 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Tena, Baños
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ECLL20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Ecuador in just one week, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Quito. Explore the historic streets of Quito's old town, marvel at the Equator's wonders, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Venture into the lush jungles of Tena, where you'll learn about indigenous traditions, try your hand at chocolate making, and experience the thrill of white-water rafting. In Baños, the adventure capital, embrace your inner thrill-seeker with ziplining, canyoneering, and salsa dancing lessons. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious local meals throughout your trip, with expert guides leading the way. This cultural and adventurous tour offers a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and excitement, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a taste of Ecuador's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Ibis Quito (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Quito! The mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador's capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the 'light of America') is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centers in America. It was also the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We'll jump straight in to a team tour of the city, skip between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Squeezing in a visit to the IInti-Ñan Museum should round off the first day on trip pretty nicely.
Day 2: Quito To Tena
Location: Tena
Accommodation Name: Selina Tena (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. Not a bad way to spend the day. This stunning landscape is composed of vibrant hills and tumbling rivers that make it a white water rafting dream! If that's not your scene, we'll head to a humming bird sanctuary, and try and catch these beautiful birds as they buzz by. Then we'll settle in for the night, ready for big adventures tomorrow.
Day 3: Tena
Location: Tena
Accommodation Name: Selina Tena (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional Guayuza, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip. You'll get the chance to meet a shaman, play soccer with the local kids and really experience what tribe life is all about in this part of the world. Like the sound of this? Maybe consider packing some extra school supplies or tasty treats in your luggage - absolutely not essential but definitely appreciated by the local children. Tonight, we'll feast on delicious meats, sauces and salads, all traditional and sourced locally from the area. YUM.
Day 4: Tena To Baños
Location: Baños
Accommodation Name: Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we're off to the adrenaline capital of Baños, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits... Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Baños is a big deal on the natural beauty front. If "Thrill Seeker" is your middle name, you'll love to opt for today's Zip Line and Canyoneering experiences. Afterwards, we'll feast on DELISH spread of perfectly seasoned barbecue meats, before we burn away all those calories with salsa - with our friendly local teacher, Edith. Now, that's night well spent!
Day 5: Baños
Location: Baños
Accommodation Name: Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn’t just any regular old zipline – we’re talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – pretty much the ultimate aerial adventure. Don’t have such a head for heights? Horsey fun and canyoneering expeditions will keep you on your toes. Oh what a tough day this will be in Banos – deciding how best to embrace your inner adventurer.
Day 6: Baños To Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Ibis Quito (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You've got another chance to explore this beautiful city - lucky you! At night, we'll dine on a traditional Ecuadorian meal as our time in this wonderful country comes to an end.
Day 7: End Quito
Location: Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your trip ends after breakfast today when it's time to say adios to your new bffs. Why not continue the adventure on head onto our Galapagos Island Hopper or Peru Uncovered trip?
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Special Stay is included.
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Fully Guided
Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, and Local Guides are included.
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Meals
6 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners are included.
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Transport
Private mini-coach is included.
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Included Experience
Stroll around the colorful streets of Quito's old town, see Independence Square, La Basilica de Volo Nacional, and visit the museum about the Equator.
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Dance Lesson
A Latin dance lesson is included in Baños.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International airfare to and from Ecuador is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required but not included.
Please arrange your own. -
Some Meals
Not all meals are covered.
Some lunches and dinners will be at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to explore local cuisine. -
Optional Activities
Some activities mentioned may be optional and incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.
Active
Baños: If you’ve always wanted to learn this Latin dance, this is your moment. We’ve booked you in for a lesson!
Dining Summary
4 Dinner (D)6 Breakfast (B)
Culture
Quito: Your inner science nerd will love this museum all about the Equator.Quito: Here’s your chance to snap up some brightly coloured ponchos for everyone back home.
Foodie
Quito: Take a seat and enjoy your final included dinner in Ecuador. Enjoying a good hearty meal with your crew is one way to lighten the sting from the upcoming goodbyes.
Included Experience
Quito: Stroll around the colourful streets of the old town. See Independence Square, La Basilica de Volo Nacional and all the other highlights.Quito: Your inner science nerd will love this museum all about the Equator.Quito: Here’s your chance to snap up some brightly coloured ponchos for everyone back home.Baños: Live out all your rainforest hiking dreams as you climb past this monumental waterfall.Baños: Hungry after all that travelling? Fill up on some mouth-watering BBQ seasoned with the freshest Ecuadorian spices.Baños: If you’ve always wanted to learn this Latin dance, this is your moment. We’ve booked you in for a lesson!Quito: Take a seat and enjoy your final included dinner in Ecuador. Enjoying a good hearty meal with your crew is one way to lighten the sting from the upcoming goodbyes.
Nature
Baños: Live out all your rainforest hiking dreams as you climb past this monumental waterfall.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a private mini-coach, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey as you explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Ecuador.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights in comfortable hotels and 2 nights in a special stay, providing a blend of modern amenities and unique local experiences throughout your journey in Ecuador.
FAQs
Lima: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on this tour?
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the colorful streets of Quito's old town, visit the Equator museum, and learn about the Tena Community's traditional methods of sourcing food and medicine. You will also have a chance to meet a shaman and experience local tribe life.
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Are there any adventure activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several adventure activities such as white water rafting in Tena, zip lining, and canyoneering in Baños. You can also opt for horseback riding and experience aerial adventures like rock climbing and zip lining Superman style.
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Will there be opportunities to interact with local communities?
Yes, you will have the chance to visit a local indigenous community in Tena, where you can meet a shaman, play soccer with local kids, and learn about tribe life. Bringing extra school supplies or treats for the children is appreciated but not required.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners. Some meals are not covered, allowing you the flexibility to explore local cuisine on your own.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation includes 4 nights in hotels and 2 nights in special stays. Specific accommodations mentioned are Ibis Quito, Selina Tena, and Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños or similar.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions