Ecuador Trip Extensions

CLOUD FOREST & WESTERN RAINFOREST
3 days/2 nights from Quito, offered year-round
This extension uses Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge, Sachatamia Lodge or Arashá Rainforest Resort as a base. Each lodge is located within the pre-montane cloud forest of the western Andean slopes and the lowland rainforest and each is about a 2-hour drive from Quito. Guests have opportunities for wildlife viewing, butterfly observation and birdwatching, exploring nature trails to secluded cascades, pools and waterfalls, biking the rolling hills, or simply relaxing in the serenity of nature at its finest. Arashá features a full service spa.

PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
3 days/2 nights from Quito, offered year-round
At the Termas de Papallacta Lodge & Spa relax among the clear natural hot spring pools and gardens. Nearby you can enjoy an optional 4-5 hour scenic day hike towards Laguna Volcan, approaching 12,350' with views of the 18,715' snowcapped summit of Antisana Volcano.

LAKE DISTRICT HACIENDAS
3 days/2 nights from Quito, offered year-round
A 2-hour drive north from Quito through the Guayabamba River canyons lie the fertile valleys of the Lake District and Lake San Pablo. Here we find the charming and historic Haciendas Cusin or Pinsaqui. Choose from a variety of activities offered at these guest ranches including hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birding, meeting local residents of nearby market villages or relaxing among the gardens in the pleasant spring-like climate.

INGAPIRCA/CUENCA
4 days/3 nights from Quito, offered year-round
Focusing on the lovely countryside of Ecuador's southern highlands, this extension includes a guided tour of Ecuador's finest remaining Inca site, Ingapirca, and a half day excursion to Cajas National Park. Guests also visit the bustling artisans' centers in Gualaceo and Chordeleg. All excursions are based from a charming hotel in Cuenca, Ecuador's handicrafts and cultural center.

AMAZON JUNGLE/SACHA LODGE
4 or 5 days from Quito, offered year-round
A haven for nature lovers, Sacha is located within a private reserve on Pilchicocha Lake. Providing very comfortable accommodations, the lodge is native-style in construction (thatched roofs and raised buildings). All rooms are screened with private baths, hot showers, and a small porch with a hammock. Highlights include: guided nature hikes; the largest butterfly farm in Ecuador; a 135-foot observation tower; a 940-foot long canopy walkway with expansive views over the forest; canoe trips to a nearby clay lick to watch macaws and parrots; swimming; and fishing for piranhas. Extension operates on Mondays and Fridays (other days available, except Sundays, at additional cost).

AMAZON JUNGLE/NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (NWC)
4 or 5 days from Quito
This eco-lodge benefits from its isolated and privileged location inside Yasuni National Park. The approach to NWC is a 2 hour comfortable motorized canoe ride down the Napo River, then a 45’ dugout canoe journey up a pristine blackwater creek opening on a surreal rainforest lake. Guests have spotted both Green and Black anaconda, several of the 11 local monkey species, parrots, macaws, hoatzin, blue Morpho butterflies and more just along the creek itself. From your lunch table you might spot the Golden Mantled tamarin monkey endemic to the Yasuni National Park. Jungle excursions are with experienced naturalist guides plus an indigenous guide who also joins some of your meals, adding to your authentic Amazon experience. Thatch roof bungalows have electricity, private baths, hot showers and a hammock. An emphasis here is on sustainable ecotourism, the lodge is 100% owned and managed by the local community which oversees 53,000 acres of rainforest including two parrot clay licks. Birders will enjoy access to a clay lick observation blind as well as a tree tower platform.

Contact us with questions or to check on availability or call 800.377.9463

Download Ecuador Trip Extensions Summary and Land Costs (.pdf)