Discover the journey
Follow Ecuador from Quito into the rainforest foothills, through Banos and the Cotopaxi corridor, then north toward Cotacachi and Otavalo. Nine days create a varied circuit with two nights near Tena for guided rainforest interests and a separate pause around Banos. A proposed community stay near Cotacachi offers a different experience from a conventional hotel, with host arrangements and facilities to be discussed in advance. Quito connects the stages and provides the final overnight. Choose walking and outdoor activities to match the different environments, keeping Cotopaxi access and specialist activities conditional on suitable local conditions.
Journey highlights
- A two-night Tena rainforest chapter
- Banos and the Cotopaxi corridor
- Cotacachi and Otavalo before returning to Quito
Your route
- Quito
- Tena rainforest area
- Banos
- Cotopaxi corridor
- Quito
- Cotacachi area
- Otavalo
- Quito
9 days, with the route and daily pace shaped around your travel plans.
Day-by-day itinerary
This is a proposed itinerary. Daily plans and overnight areas can be adjusted before booking; your written proposal will confirm the final arrangements.
Day 1Begin in Quito
Arrive in Quito and keep the day flexible, with a modest neighborhood introduction if timing permits. Prepare for the change of environment before the following journey toward the rainforest.
Overnight area: Quito.
Day 2Toward Tena and the Amazon
Travel toward the Tena area and the rainforest base. Allow time for arrival and orientation before considering an evening walk or other locally arranged activity.
Overnight area: Tena rainforest area.
Day 3Rainforest exploration day
Give the rainforest setting a full day for suitable guided exploration. Choose the walking distance and any hosted activity carefully, allowing local conditions to shape the sequence.
Overnight area: Tena rainforest area.
Day 4Continue to Banos
Leave the rainforest foothills for Banos and settle into the new base. A gentle local walk can introduce the town without turning the transfer into an overfilled activity day.
Overnight area: Banos.
Day 5A day around Banos
Use another day around Banos for a selected landscape or waterfall interest. Keep more demanding walks and specialist activities as separate choices with clearly described access and conditions.
Overnight area: Banos.
Day 6Cotopaxi corridor and Quito
Travel through the Cotopaxi corridor toward Quito, considering a suitable park-area stop if access permits. The day's road and walking balance should reflect the actual conditions.
Overnight area: Quito.
Day 7Toward a Cotacachi stay
Continue north toward the Cotacachi area for a possible community stay. Choose the host arrangement and facilities in advance, with an alternative overnight if a community stay does not suit you.
Overnight area: Cotacachi area.
Day 8Otavalo and the return
Consider a visit around Otavalo before returning toward Quito. Market time should fit local arrangements and the road journey, with independent browsing kept respectful and unhurried.
Overnight area: Quito.
Day 9Finish in Quito
Finish the circuit in Quito. Arrange a departure transfer or additional night to fit your onward journey.
What's Included
Your personalized quote will set out the selected accommodations, transport, transfers, meals, guiding and activities. The itinerary describes places and experiences to consider; the written proposal defines the services included in your trip.
Accommodation and transport
Share your preferred room arrangements and level of comfort. Your proposal will identify the chosen stays, travel connections and arrival and departure points, including any internal flights, rail or boat journeys.
Meals and experiences
Discuss meal preferences, dietary needs and the visits that matter most to you. Included meals, admissions, guiding and any optional experiences will be listed individually so you can compare the full plan.
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from the journey.
- Travel insurance, visas, personal expenses and optional activities, unless expressly listed in the final quote.
Permits, domestic transport, transfers and other services are included only when specified in your written proposal.
Planning this journey
- Rainforest and highland walking have different demands. Discuss preparation, conditions and the distance of selected activities.
- Agree the hosts, rooms, bathrooms and meals for the Tena stay and any Cotacachi community overnight.
- Cotopaxi-area access is conditional; a particular trail or summit activity is not assumed.
- Boat travel, road transfers and guided activities will be identified individually in the quote.
Questions about this journey
Is the community stay confirmed?
A Cotacachi community overnight is a possibility to discuss with an appropriate host. Facilities, meals and the nature of the visit need agreement, with an alternative stay if the option does not suit you.
Can I request Group or Private travel?
You can indicate either preference in your inquiry. Your travel specialist will review the format, party size, preferred dates and available arrangements before preparing a quote.
What happens after I request a quote?
Your inquiry starts a discussion of your dates and preferences. You will review the itinerary, services and price before deciding whether to book; the inquiry itself does not reserve travel.
