Accommodation is provided at charming eco-lodges and hotels
Biking off-the-beaten-path in the Amazon region
The Swing of the End of the World
Hike to Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
Share time with the local indigenous people, including the Shuar and Kichwa
Road biking to waterfalls and rescue centers
Wine tasting
Take a dip in mineral-rich volcanic hot springs in Baños
Stay at unique places in every location
Be led by top Activexpedition experienced guides every step of the way
Support sustainable travel that preserves culture and nature
Biking
Hiking
Culture
Wildlife
You are a couch potato.
You cannot ride for more than half an hour on flat terrain at a time, and the thought of climbing on a bike is daunting.
You exercise less than 1 hour per week.
FITNESS LEVEL 2
You live a fairly inactive life with little physical activity other than walking.
You can handle a 1-hour bike ride on flat terrain at a relaxed pace.
Small, short hills are challenging to climb, but are sometimes manageable.
You exercise on average 1 hour per week (including riding a mountain bike).
FITNESS LEVEL 3
You are capable of 2 hours of pedal time in a day at a relaxed pace, as long as there are several breaks.
You can handle one or two easy climbs of up to 330 vertical feet (150 m) total.
You exercise on average 2 hours per week (including riding a mountain bike).
FITNESS LEVEL 4
You are capable of climbing up to 650 vertical feet (200 m) in a day.
You exercise on average 3 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 5
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 2-3 hours of pedal time each day.
You are confident climbing up to a total of 1,000 vertical feet (300 m) in a day.
You exercise on average 4 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 6
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.
You can handle moderately steep climbs of up to a total of 1,650 vertical feet (500 m) in a day.
You exercise on average 5 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 7
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.
You can handle moderate climbs up to 2,450 vertical feet (750 m) total in a day.
You exercise on average 6 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 8
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.
You have little trouble climbing 3,280 vertical feet (1,000 m) in a day on moderate to steep terrain..
You exercise on average 6-10 hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
FITNESS LEVEL 9
You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.
You can handle steep, sustained climbs of up to 4,920 vertical feet (1,500 m) in a day.
You exercise over 10-hours per week.
Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.
Day 2.- Biking Llangatantes
Day 3.- Entrance to the Amazon
Day 4.- Animals and Ancestors
Year around
12 years old
Full Itinerary
To new Heights—Soar above Baños
Overnight: Standard: La Floresta Hotel or similar.
High End: Samari or similar.
Meals included: none.
Biking in Llanganates National Park
Overnight: Standard: La Floresta Hotel or similar.
High End: Samari or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Entrance to the Amazon
After our educational experience at the fishery we will continue to the Hola Vida waterfall. A 30-minute jaunt through the woods takes us to this spectacular single-drop falls. Gently crashing into a cool jade-green pool will be able to enjoy some time swimming and relaxing before mounting our bikes again to carry onwards to our next stop!
Our exploration takes us to a reserve run by a local family where we will enjoy a freshly made lunch of delicious regional cuisine. After lunch we will go up to the local mirador or lookout. This spot is perfect for enjoying a rest in one of its many hammocks or to bask in the view of the Pastaza River with its flowing veins bringing life into the region. In the afternoon we will visit the Shuar indigenous community; one of fourteen distinct indigenous groups in Ecuador. Here we will learn about their culture and traditions, which have been richly preserved despite the developments of the country over the last decade.
In the late afternoon we will drive to the banks of the Napo River where we will stay overnight.
Overnight: Standard: Selina Lodge or similar.
High End: El Jardin de Misahualli or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Animals and Ancestors
After a morning spent learning about rescue, rehabilitation, and release of animals from the region we will head to visit a local family from another indigenous group here in Ecuador: the Kichwa. Here they will teach us about their culture and customs for an afternoon filled with captivating stories of their people before heading back to the lodge.
Overnight: Standard: Selina Lodge or similar.
High End: El Jardin de Misahualli or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Hot Springs & Departure
As you depart we thank you and wish you safe travels to wherever your final destination may be! If you wish to continue exploring more of Ecuador we can help you organize an extension trip to places you did not see during this trip. We thank you for choosing Activexpedition and hope to see you soon!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Let's design your adventure
Experienced & Certified English-Speaking Guide
Private Transport
Accommodation for 4 nights
Meals as listed in the Itinerary
Water and snacks
Reusable water bottle
Biking gear: Trek X-caliber, certified helmets and gloves
All fees to reserves and museums
International or domestic flights
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel Insurance – mandatory
Airport Transfers
Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or for safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned in the itinerary are guaranteed.
Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your date of travel.
Accommodation: We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service.
Single Supplement Costs: Generally this fee is not incurred as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room, but if you prefer not to share and have your own room, there will be an associated fee
Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
Gear: At Activexpediton we always make sure our guests have top of the line gear from well-known and reputable international brands as we understand that the best gear gives extra confidence to our riders. For biking we use Trek Xcaliber, Trek Top Fuel, and for protection we use Bontrager and Fox.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 3 out of 5, meaning you do not need to have much experience, however your guides will teach you how to ride on the varying terrain throughout the trip! The whole excursion will be mostly on paved roads and very short sections of gravel. Every ride is about 20 miles, and the elevation gain averages 500 feet a day. For those seeking larger elevation gain or a more challenging experience our guides will happily oblige to longer rides. There will always be transport support in the case that someone wants to take a break or just wants to avoid the uphill. Our drivers will be happy to show you the landscapes from the car.
Weather and Elevation: The year-round temperature averages 82°F (28°C), however nights can be cooler. Since Ecuador is located right on the equator, the country does not experience extreme weather changes aside from a slightly rainier and wetter season. During a visit to the Amazon region, in 4 or 5-day visit, you will often see more or less the same amount of rain and sunshine. The rainy season in the Amazon runs from December to June, with temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F) with frequent showers throughout April and May. The rainy season has its pros because many plants will have blossomed or grown fruit, which often attracts birds and primates, granting visitors the chance to observe them more frequently. The dry season in the Amazon lasts from July to November, with temperatures from 26°C (78°F) to 40°C (104°F), with less rain, though showers are still possible. The dry season also offers its own set of benefits; during this time the water gets lower and attracts animals that you won’t often see during the rainy season. This is prime season for hitting the beach or river shore as well as bird nesting.
Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University, this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
Heath Advisory: No vaccinations needed for this trip
We do recommend travelling light for this expedition. A duffel bag of 50 liters for your luggage and a backpack of 20 liters for daily activities should be sufficient. In Ecuador, the weather can change drastically especially when you are moving from the Andes into the tropical forest therefor it is best to pack for a variety of climates.
Passport
Credit card
Two pairs of lightweight hiking pants
One pair of cold weather hiking pants
Two pairs of shorts
Three pairs of biking shorts
One bathing suits
Four synthetic material T-shirts
One cotton T-shirt
One bathing top or cover-up
One winter warm jacket
One fleece
One rain jacket
One pair of rain pants
Two buffs
One pair of hiking shoes
One pair of sneakers
One pair of water sandals or similar
Optional – biking shoes
One- or two-night outfits
One cap or hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Head lamp
Optional binoculars
NOTE: Laundry is available almost at every location and is very economic. We recommend taking advantage of these offered services as it aids in travelling light.
REGULAR SEASON PRICE BASED ON NUMBER OF GUESTS FOR SHARED DEPARTURES:
DEALS - EARLY BIRD 2024
$1629/per person
All premium features
Solo travelers are welcome on sharing room basis otherwise single supplement applies
Departures: September to December
2 - 3 guests
$1810/per person
All premium features
Daily departures
4 or more guests
$1170/per person
All premium features
Daily departures
Go private
We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.
