9-Nights Quito & the Ecuadorian Amazon from $5,501

This 10-day Ecuadorian vacation showcases Quito and its surroundings before taking you on a cruise along the Amazon. It features first-class accommodations and private tours.

Your journey begins in Quito, the nation’s capital and one of the former centres of the Inca Empire. Head just north of the city to the Mitad del Mundo, “the middle of the world,” where the Equator bisects the planet. You’ll learn about the equinox ceremonies that were held at the Equator for thousands of years before returning to Quito to explore the colonial city centre and see the Governmental Palace and San Fransisco Monastery. Cap off your city tour with a journey into the history of chocolate-making.

Connect to the forest town of Coca in the country’s east and board a motorized canoe to ride up the Amazon River. There, you’ll connect to the M/V Manatee, your river home for the next four nights. This 4-star cruising vessel offers luxurious accommodations for up to 30 passengers as well as ample lounge space and wildlife viewing on deck. Aboard the M/V Manatee, you’ll journey through the Ecuadorian Amazon. Go for a forest walk that first evening to spot nocturnal animals hunting in the forest. Head into Yasuni National Park to see the legendary pink river dolphins as well as anacondas and river turtles in the waters. Visit a Secoya Indigenous community and learn about life deep in the forest. Meet a local Kichwa Indigenous family on the banks of the Napo and go kayaking along the river itself. Hike to an observation tower to see incredible views of the Amazon Basin over the jungle canopy and hike through the forest to spot some of the world’s most colourful birds. At the end of your Amazon journey, you’ll ride back to Coca and fly to Quito.

Based back in the capital, you’ll explore the surrounding mountainside. Explore the grasslands and pristine lakes of the Cayambe-Coca Reserve, located only 50km from Quito, and enjoy the hot springs of Papallacta in between hikes to mountain waterfalls. Another day, you’ll learn about the pre-Columbian cultures near Cayambe Volcano and visit Otavalo, home to one of the best craft markets in South America. Enjoy the bright colours of the market as you barter for textiles and join master weave, Miguel Andrango, to learn about how Incan crafting traditions are kept alive today. Cap off your journey through the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, where you’ll skirt the deep-blue crater lake of Cotacachi Volcano and visit the mountain town known for its leather making.

After a final night in Quito, you’ll head to the airport for onward travels.