Slow Travel: Ecuador in-depth
23 days from £6400 pp
Discover Ecuador in-depth on this three week privately guided adventure, from the Amazon to the Andes and out to the Galapagos Islands. Immerse in local cultures, admire beautiful colonial architecture, and be spoilt by some of the best wildlife on earth in The Amazon and Galapagos archipelago. The best slow travel holiday to Ecuador and The Galapagos.
Trip Highlights
- Delicious food and warm Ecuadorian hospitality at Chilcabamba Lodge
- Wild swim in crystal-clear waterfalls
- Immerse yourself in indigenous Amazon communities
- Walk alongside Giant Tortoises and snorkel with sealions
Our Expert Tip
”With so much to see and do, try and also make time for some quiet moments. Listening to birdsong in the Amazon, watching sealions play or taking a quiet stroll through Quito”
Sam, Founder
Detailed Ecuador Itinerary
Day 1-2: Quito
Begin your slow travel Ecuador in-depth holiday. After a private transfer to your stylish boutique hotel in the historic centre of Quito, choose from a selection of guided local activities. From a classic walking tour, to chocolate tasting and gastronomic experiences, or visits to the workshops of expert artisans. Welcome to Ecuador!
Accommodation: 2 nights at Casona De La Ronda
Day 3-4: Otavalo
Head north to Otavalo, a fascinating town with a proud Kichwa indigenous culture. After exploring the famous craft market, visit the workshop of internationally renowned ‘master weaver’ Miguel Andrango, to learn about his intricate and traditional craftwork. You can also take lakeside hikes, join a cooking class, try some horse-riding, or simply relax in the peaceful mountain air.
Accommodation: 2 nights at Las Palmeras Inn
Day 5-6: Cloud forest
Journey into a new and fascinating ecosystem; the misty high-altitude Mindo Cloud Forest. Regarded as one the finest bird-watching spots in the world, Mindo is also a place for adventure. Swim beneath waterfalls, feel the thrill of river tubing or ziplining, hike the lush forest trails, or simply sit back in your hammock and soak up the sounds of pristine nature.
Accommodation: 2 nights at El Monte Ecolodge
Day 7-9: Cotopaxi
After waving goodbye to the cloud forest, return to the high Andes and one of Ecuador’s most spectacular national parks, Cotopaxi National Park. This amazing National Park is named after the iconic snow-capped volcano that dominates the landscape. The region is a mecca for outdoor adventures, with hiking, horse-riding, and mountain biking all available right from your mountain lodge. Continue your slow travel Ecuador in-depth holiday.
Accommodation: 3 nights at Chilcabamba Lodge
Day 10-12: Amazon
It’s time to go off-the-beaten track now, as you venture into the Amazon basin. Choose to fly into the heart of the rainforest and stay at a remote wilderness lodge, or take a unique road trip to witness how frontier towns give way to more traditional cultures deeper into the wild. However you arrive, a host of fascinating Amazonian flora and fauna awaits. From monkeys and macaws to caiman and tapir, experience an unforgettable encounter in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.
Day 13-17: Banos & Cuenca
Leaving the Amazon, take a road trip along the southern section of the Avenue of Volcanoes, including the adventure playground of Banos, the famous Devils Nose Train (carved into a 500-meter cliff face), and the Inca complex of Ingaprica. Afterwards, spend a couple of days in Cuenca, the most beautiful city in Ecuador before finishing your road trip at the port city of Guayaquil.
Day 18-22: – Galapagos Islands
Flying out over the Pacific Ocean to reach one the world’s most unique and fascinating wildlife wonderlands; the Galapagos Islands. Choose from a boutique cruise, an island-hopping land-based adventure, or settle into a lodge-based stay with daily excursions. There are so many ways to experience this unique archipelago, so speak to one of our experts who will design the perfect version of a Galapagos holiday for you.
Speak to our team about when best to book our best slow travel holiday to Ecuador and The Galapagos.
Day 23: Depart
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
- We only work with trusted, hand-picked partners
- Every holiday is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a positive impact
- Our tours & experiences are unique, memorable & immersive
- We work with certified & respected local guides & drivers
- Judge us by the company we keep. Read more here
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
