Ecuador in a Week
From CAD $1,085
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Head into the lush jungle and discover Ecuador in all its natural glory. Get local with an indigenous community, get up close and personal with a live volcano and make a splash in stunning waterfalls and hot springs. With one foot in each hemisphere, you will discover the true heart of this diverse country.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- Lima: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Baños: What can I expect when travelling in Ecuador? Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Ecuador. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control.
- Should I be worried about altitude sickness? Parts of this trip go above 2800 metres (9200 feet) where it's common for some travellers to experience shortness of breath, nausea or light-headedness. While it's usually not severe in most cases, it’s always best to be prepared. That’s why we recommend that you carry your own medication and read a trusted health advisory for tips on how to combat altitude sickness. Plus, your Trip Managers will give you loads of helpful advice and before and during the trip.
- Which currency should I bring?️ You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).
- Can I get access to an ATM when in Ecuador? It really depends on where you’re travelling to. Ecuador has lots of ATMs (just be wary of those sneaky fees). While in more rural places, you’re better off carrying cash.
- Iguassu Falls: Is it customary to tip? You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill.
- How much luggage can I bring? You can bring 1 hand luggage + 1 suitcase or backpack per person. The maximum suitcase size is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) & weight of 20kg (44lbs). Remember to keep it light as you'll have to carry and lift your own luggage at times and even walk short distances with it.
- South Plaza Island: What should I pack for my trip? The weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's important to pack appropriately. Please bring these items with you: - Comfortable walking shoes with good traction - Teva-style sandals (thongs or flip-flop sandals are not suitable for hikes) - Swimming (bathing) suit & towel - Light to medium fleece jacket - Gore-Tex (or similar) rain jacket - Shorts, T-shirts, Long pants, Long-sleeve shirt, Hat or cap - Sunglasses (preferably polarised) - Socks (athletic style socks for walking & hiking) - First aid & medication - aloe vera gel, sunblock or sunscreen of the highest SPF possible, insect repellent, hand sanitiser or gel, moisturising cream, pain relief (e.g. aspirin etc for headaches or muscle pain) motion sickness medication - Reusable water bottle - Plastic Ziplock bags (to protect valuables from drizzle, rain etc)
- Iguassu Falls: Is tap water safe to drink? Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip.
- What is the weather like in Ecuador? Ecuador’s climate is tropical but varies by altitude and region. Quito has a subtropical highland climate, with daytime temps around 70°F (21°C) and nights dropping to 50°F (10°C). It has a dry season (June - September) and a wet season (October - May). The rainforest stays warm year-round at 84°F (29°C). Coastal areas, influenced by ocean currents, are hot and rainy from January to April.
- South Plaza Island: Will I need vaccinations prior to travelling? Please check the latest travel info from the Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention if you're travelling to Ecuador. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.
- Is there any trip specific information I need to know? A passport is needed to enter Ecuador for all passengers unless they are residents or citizens of Ecuador.
- Iguassu Falls: What is the role of the Trip Manager? Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you'll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant.
- Iguassu Falls: What power adapters do I need? Most places use similar plugs to the US and Europe, but it’s a good idea to bring a circular two-prong adapter just in case. No voltage converter is needed for devices like phones and laptops, but you may need one for high-powered devices (e.g., hairdryers).
Included Experience
- Quito: Stroll around the colourful streets of the old town. See Independence Square, La Basilica de Volo Nacional and all the other highlights.
- Quito: Your inner science nerd will love this museum all about the Equator.
- Quito: Here’s your chance to snap up some brightly coloured ponchos for everyone back home.
- Baños: Live out all your rainforest hiking dreams as you climb past this monumental waterfall.
- Baños: Hungry after all that travelling? Fill up on some mouth-watering BBQ seasoned with the freshest Ecuadorian spices.
- Baños: If you’ve always wanted to learn this Latin dance, this is your moment. We’ve booked you in for a lesson!
- Quito: Take a seat and enjoy your final included dinner in Ecuador. Enjoying a good hearty meal with your crew is one way to lighten the sting from the upcoming goodbyes.
Trip Details
Product Code: 17113
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 181.385A
Starts: Quito, Ecuador
Finishes: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,085 ($155 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Quito! The mood will be sky high as we gather in Ecuador's capital. This modern day city (nicknamed the 'light of America') is built on ancient Incan ruins and boasts one of the best preserved historic centers in America. It was also the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We'll jump straight in to a team tour of the city, skip between two hemispheres at the Equatorial line. Squeezing in a visit to the IInti-Ñan Museum should round off the first day on trip pretty nicely.
Accommodation: Ibis Quito (or similar)
It’s out of the city & into the lush jungle with spectacular views en route. Not a bad way to spend the day. With vibrant hills and tumbling rivers, Tena is a dream for white water rafting - and that's exactly what you'll have the chance to do! After that, we'll settle in for the night, ready for big adventures tomorrow.
Accommodation: Selina Tena (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
Today is yours to roam the city and jungle to your hearts content. Maybe unwind over a few hot sugar cane and cinnamon drinks and a traditional Guayuza, or opt to visit a local indigenous community - a pretty cool way to truly go local and give back on your trip. You'll get the chance to meet a shaman, play soccer with the local kids and really experience what tribe life is all about in this part of the world. Like the sound of this? Maybe consider packing some extra school supplies or tasty treats in your luggage - absolutely not essential but definitely appreciated by the local children. Tonight, we'll feast on delicious meats, sauces and salads, all traditional and sourced locally from the area. YUM.
Accommodation: Selina Tena (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Good morning, Amazonian roamers! Today we're off to the adrenaline capital of Baños, so time to shimmy our way out of the rainforest - our next adventure awaits... Sitting amidst tumbling valleys, waterfalls, and the still active Volcán Tungurahua, Baños is a big deal on the natural beauty front. If "Thrill Seeker" is your middle name, you'll love to opt for today's Zip Line and Canyoneering experiences. Afterwards, we'll feast on a DELISH spread of perfectly seasoned barbecue meats, before we burn away all those calories with salsa - with our friendly local teacher, Edith. Now, that's a night well spent!
Accommodation: Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The adventure opportunities are endless today, with horseback riding, canyoneering and ziplining all on the menu. And trust us, this isn’t just any regular old zipline – we’re talking aerial bridges, rock climbing and speeding through the skies, Superman style – pretty much the ultimate aerial adventure. Don’t have such a head for heights? Horsey fun and canyoneering expeditions will keep you on your toes. Oh what a tough day this will be in Banos – deciding how best to embrace your inner adventurer.
Accommodation: Hotel Napolitano Apart Baños (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
You've got another chance to explore this beautiful city - lucky you! At night, we'll dine on a traditional Ecuadorian meal as our time in this wonderful country comes to an end.
Accommodation: Ibis Quito (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your trip ends after breakfast today when it's time to say adios to your new bffs. Why not continue the adventure on head onto our Galapagos Island Hopper or Peru Uncovered trip?
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Carmen - Traveled, June 2024
My first contiki trip was amazing. Our tour guide/manager was involved with us 24/7 and made our lives easy. Great add ons as well! Easy to book and all the questions I had contiki’s customer service was able to answer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2024
Adam - Traveled, July 2024
The trip was truly wonderful and the tour manager was excellent. They had an extensive knowledge of every location on the trip and were always looking out for us. Every add-on was 100% worth it, just make sure you bring enough cash for them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
Victoria - Traveled, July 2024
This trip exceeded every expectation I had. It was nonstop fun! So many adventure activities like horseback riding, caving, canyoning, zip lining, extreme swings and more! Was a fantastic TM. Felt safer than I expected in Ecuador as well. Would highly recommend to anyone! As always, booking is seamless with contiki.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2024
Amy - Traveled, February 2024
Great trip and value for your money. Absolutely incredible and made the trip seamless for everyone! Every local guide was so knowledgeable and friendly as well. The additional activities were incredible and I created memories that will last a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Lindsay - Traveled, September 2024
I’d do this trip again in a heartbeat! It was such an incredible experience to explore a new country and push myself outside of my comfort zone with all the adventurous activities. Our tour manager was fantastic, super knowledgeable and genuinely went above and beyond to make the trip unforgettable. Visiting the Equator and the Intiñan Museum was a really unique experience! It would’ve been great if photos were taken of all groups during the white water rafting activity, since you’re advised not to bring any belongings. The night of salsa dancing and the BBQ was an absolute blast, even after a jam-packed day. The only real letdown was the "Wildlife Safari on Water," which ended up being more of a bird-watching outing than I expected. Things to Note: - This trip moves fast, and since it's short, you're required to sign up and pay for all add ons on the first day. Bring all your cash and plan ahead! Also, plan to rest when you can so you don’t miss out on activities you’ve committed to. - Photos from the canyoning and adventure zip line add ons cost an extra $10 USD each, but they’re 100% worth it. - There are only three included dinners, not four as listed... Something to keep in mind when budgeting (tour manager is aware). I really like the Contiki live chat function. I am hopeful this never changes to a chat bot.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2024
Gursheen - Traveled, August 2024
I really enjoyed the trip overall. I did not appreciate the fact that we had to pay for all the excursions up front. It felt like a bit of a cash grab. The wildlife safari should only really be called a bird safari and the extreme zip line should only be called extreme climb as there were only 2 ziplines but an 1hr of climbing. Moving forward there shouldn't be an extreme zipline and another zipline experience, that can be substituted with something else. Our tour guide was amazing! I would like to mention a lot of us got food poisoning the last couple of days so it'd be nice to give travellers a heads up to bring additional medication. The trip was easy to book. I used a $150 off coupon for booking for the first time. I think incentives like this are nice and would want to back to rebook.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2024
Jessica - Traveled, July 2024
Loved the excursions. Our guide was the best, cannot recommend this strip enough. Great way to see Ecuador!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2024
MacKenzie - Traveled, April 2024
I absolutely loved Ecuador in a week. While I only had a short time to vacation, I would absolutely return to Ecuador. Between the culture, adventure and friendships I made; I am never going to forget these memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
Was a fun adventurous trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2024
Kerry - Traveled, March 2024
I loved every minute of this trip! We packed in so many incredible activities and were still able to see a lot of sights and learn a lot of history. Everything ran smoothly and I was very impressed overall. It was so easy to book, I would not change anything about the process!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Share a personalized trip brochure!
