Stay : The adventurers' loop
Over the course of a week, you'll be able to indulge in a range of sports and leisure activities that are always fun: rafting, canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, bungee jumping, canopy (zip line), cycling, horseback riding... Make sure you trust the agency before you embark on your adventure, by checking that the guides are qualified and that the equipment is up to standard.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
11 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Where to stay - Quito ?
The map of your stay - Équateur
Detail of the stay : The adventurers' loop - 11 days
Day 1: On the heights of Quito
Steps: Quito
Start your adventure with an acclimatization trek through altoandine vegetation to Rucu Pichincha: volcano overlooking the city of Quito at 4,735 m). Start by taking the cable car up to 4,100 m, where you can enjoy a superb view of Quito and the Avenue of Volcanoes. Although this is an acclimatization trek, the altitude rises very quickly, so breathe slowly and dress warmly. You'll need four or five hours to climb the volcano before heading back down to the capital, so leave early! If you prefer, you can also take a horseback ride from the top of the ring road to the base of the volcano. This option, which is very popular with children, allows you to discover the paths of the plateau while having fun and admiring the panoramic views. Return to Quito for the night.
TELEFERIQO
Day 2: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Steps: Lago Agrio - Nueva Loja, Reserva De Cuyabeno
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve lies on the border between Ecuador, Colombia and Peru, and covers over 6,000 km² of virgin forest: an immense tropical rainforest with a rich biodiversity. From Quito, take the bus from the Quitumbre terminal south of the city to Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja). Leave early, as the journey takes around 8 hours. For those on a slightly larger budget, fly from Quito to Lago Agrio. Flights leave twice a day, and the journey takes around 40 minutes. To discover the park, take a night walk with a guide. You'll have the chance to spot an incredible variety of animals and insects that hide during the day.
Day 3: Canoe trip
Set off on a canoeing adventure on the Río Aguarico, a white-water river home to the stealthy Amazonian pink dolphin. Before bedtime, don't miss the spectacular sunset over Laguna Grande, a veritable explosion of color.
Day 4: Amazonian rivers from Tena
Steps: Tena
A rafting trip is a great way to discover the great Amazon rivers and rainforest. A high density of rivers around Tena has given the city its reputation as the center for rafting in Ecuador. Among the most popular is the Upper Napo (Jatunyacu), a typical beginners' route, while the Río Misahuallí is suitable for more advanced paddlers. Other options in Tena include el Río Hollín, Río Anzu, and the Río Quijos and its tributaries.
Day 5: On the slopes of the Sumaco volcano
Steps: Tena
Climb Sumaco volcano in Napo-Galeras National Park, 30 min north of Tena. You'll need a guide (from an agency in Tena) as the volcano is surrounded by deep ravines and dense jungle. Along the way, you'll see a wide variety of flora and fauna. The view from the top of the volcano, 3732 meters above the jungle, is unforgettable. Return to Tena for the night.
Day 6: A touch of cholesterol
Steps: Misahuallí
Visit a chocolate factory in Misahuallí, 30 minutes south of Tena. After a short boat ride along the Napo River, and a short walk through the jungle, you'll arrive at the chocolate factory. A great opportunity to see the fermentation, drying, classification and preparation of cocoa beans. As a reward, a hot chocolate, nothing like what you get at home!
Take the time to walk along the beach before heading back to Tena to sleep, as you'll see a lot of friendly capuchin monkeys, but be careful with your belongings - they're real pickpockets!
Day 7: Relax in the thermal waters of Baños
From Tena, take the bus to Baños. For a bit of relaxation at the end of the day and after a long bus journey, a visit to the "Las Salinas" hot springs is highly recommended.
Day 8: Canyoning and cycling along the waterfalls
Steps: Baños
Lovers of thrills will love Baños. Go for a half day of canyoning. In the afternoon, rent VVTs to do the 18 km walk on a superb path along the waterfalls.
Day 9: Get some height
Climb up to the casa del arbol (tree house) for a great view of the Tungurahua volcano and try out the famous "end-of-the-world swing" from which you launch yourself into the void. Head back down the mountain along the footpaths and stop at the mirador de la virgen for a superb view of the city. Stop off at the market in the central hall for a fresh asado or batido.
CASA DEL ARBOL
Day 10: Climbing and bungee jumping
Spend a day at Parque Aventura San Martín, which offers climbing trails for all levels on magnificent cliffs. And if that's not enough for you, there's also puenting or bungee jumping - thrills guaranteed! Will you be tempted? There's one just outside the town, less than 15 minutes' walk from the main square.
Day 11: Return to Quito
This is the end of this high-speed loop, take a bus for Quito.
How to get there - Quito
Book your activity - Quito
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