Leaving Quito, we travel south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the breath-taking Cotopaxi National Park, set against the backdrop of the iconic Cotopaxi volcano. We’ll hike around Limpiopungo Lake for about 45 minutes, soaking in the spectacular views. Keep an eye out for the endangered Andean Condor and interesting geological formations left by past volcanic eruptions. A picnic lunch is included.
Afterward, we continue to Hacienda Porvenir, a charming working farm with horses, llamas, and sheep, set in a beautiful location. The afternoon is yours to relax—take a walk, go horseback riding (extra cost), feed the llamas, rent a bike (extra cost), or enjoy the cozy common areas and games room. The hacienda also offers a high-ropes course and a spa (extra costs apply).
In the evening, be sure to visit the viewpoint for some stargazing in the Andes before unwinding by the fireplace.
Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Porvenir or similar.
This morning, we continue south along the scenic Avenue of the Volcanoes, with its snow-capped peaks and vibrant patchwork fields. We arrive in Baños by lunchtime (meal not included).
In the afternoon, we explore the Route of the Waterfalls, including a visit to the impressive Pailon del Diablo, or Devil’s Bowl.
On our way back to Baños, you may want to visit the hot springs that give the town its name (extra cost).
Overnight at Hostal Floresta or similar.
We depart Baños for a 40-minute drive to the rafting start point along the Lower Pastaza River. Once geared up, our certified guides provide a 30-minute safety briefing. As we set out on the river, enjoy the thrill of the rapids and the pristine scenery for approximately 1.5 hours.
Afterward, our shared van will take us to a nearby restaurant for a freshly prepared group lunch.
If rafting feels too adventurous for younger travelers, we’re happy to arrange alternative activities.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your own pace in Baños. Don’t miss the chance to try some local sweets, often displayed in doorways and market stalls.
Overnight at Hostal Floresta or similar.
Before heading back to Quito, we take an exhilarating zip-lining tour through the treetops, experiencing the forest from a thrilling new perspective. Safety is a top priority, and all participants are securely harnessed to enjoy the views from above.
Afterward, we return to Quito, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel.
The trip starts in Quito but does not include accommodation there. We can book any Quito hotel for you, many with child-friendly rooming arrangements such as family or inter-connecting rooms.
In Baños we use a small, friendly hotel near the mountains, with private bathrooms (upgrades available at extra cost).
We can also book extra nights in a Hacienda in Cotopaxi, if you wish to spend longer exploring.
Your trip is a private trip, making it a very flexible trip for you and your family.
The itinerary can be adapted to suit your preferences and needs and our guides are flexible and used to guiding families with children, so they know that sometimes plans for the day might change depending on the little ones.
Baños has no real altitude issues at 1,820m/5,971ft. Cotopaxi is higher at 3,600m/11,811ft.
Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please ask us for more information.
Breakfasts at hotels will feature teas, coffees and juices to drink, plus cereals, fruit, eggs, toast and jams etc.
While out on tours and where lunch is provided, we either supply a packed lunch of sandwiches, snacks, soup, fruit etc, or we eat at a local restaurant/hacienda. These are often buffet style with soups, rice, pasta, potatoes and then puddings/fruit.
Our accommodation will provide evening meals. In general, it’s a soup for starters followed by an Ecuador inspired main dish – some international meals may be available at certain lodges.
You’ll be shown around by bilingual Ecuadorian guides with many years’ experience.
Our local drivers and support staff have worked with us for many years.
Staff employed at the lodges are generally from the local communities.
Six months exploring five South American countries, with incredible experiences, expert local guides, carefully chosen accommodation and every detail seamlessly organised by Andean Trails.
An unforgettable Ecuador and Galapagos family adventure blending rafting, biking, and incredible wildlife encounters.
On our Southern loop you travel along the magnificent Avenue of the Volcanos and soak up the atmosphere of the bustling town of Baños, with its hot springs and idyllic surroundings.
Explore waterfalls and volcanoes, get on your bikes or raft some gentle river rapids and treat yourselves to the famous home-made sweets of Baños.
Our Ecuador family adventure holidays allow you to experience and enjoy the way of life in this diverse Andean country.
Round your trip off by a stay at a rural Hacienda and visit the impressive Cotopaxi National Park.
From: $3372 per person
Duration
13 days
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
We provide all technical equipment on activities.
During the day hopefully it will be generally sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It can and will get cold in the highland areas, especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Quito.
In the cloud and rainforest we recommend you wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid the strong tropical sun and persistent sand flies.
We carry a first aid kit on all trips, but this is generally for emergencies only.
Landscapes vary from the drier south to the more humid north.
The Highlands, or sierra, encompass two Andean Cordilleras (the Central and Western), which run north to south through the country. Ecuador’s largest volcano is Chimborazo (6,310m) whose summit, because of its proximity to the equator, is the closest point on earth to the sun. Several of Ecuador’s volcanoes are still active, and it’s a great area for trekking.
Descending the steep, east-facing slopes of the eastern Cordillera, one passes through a transition zone comprising dense cloud forest and humid high jungle, before entering the Amazon lowlands.
This mainly primary rainforest covers a third of the country, accounts for 5% of the population and stretches across Ecuador, from its Colombian to its Peruvian borders.
The Galapagos Islands are simply unique. Lying 600 miles off the mainland, the archipelago comprises the summits of gigantic equatorial volcanoes.
The flora and fauna of the Galapagos, long separated from their continental cousins, have evolved differently. Charles Darwin used his observations there to develop his theory of Evolution.
Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.
It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.
Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.
Six months exploring five South American countries, with incredible experiences, expert local guides, carefully chosen accommodation and every detail seamlessly organised by Andean Trails.
An unforgettable Ecuador and Galapagos family adventure blending rafting, biking, and incredible wildlife encounters.
