The Spirit of Ecuador Tour

Discover the spirit of Ecuador on a 12-day journey that weaves together culture, nature, and authentic community experiences.

From misty cloud forests and snow-capped volcanoes to the rich biodiversity of the Amazon and the colonial elegance of Cuenca, this itinerary offers a deeper connection to the land and its people. Each day blends meaningful encounters, outdoor adventures, and quiet moments of reflection.

Whether you're paddling through jungle lagoons, biking beneath Cotopaxi, or sharing stories with locals by the fire, this trip invites you to slow down, explore with purpose, and return home with more than just memories.

Topics and activities of the Spirit of Ecuador Tour

This 12-day journey through Ecuador is designed for travellers seeking an authentic connection with nature, with local communities, and with themselves. The focus is on sustainability, cultural exchange, and immersive experiences across Ecuador’s three iconic regions: the Andes, Amazon, and Pacific Coast. Along the way, you'll visit off-grid eco-lodges, take part in age-old traditions, and discover the stories behind the landscapes.

Highlights include biking past wild horses in Cotopaxi National Park, learning ancestral chocolate-making with the Kichwa, and experiencing a traditional Amazonian energy cleanse performed by indigenous midwives. You’ll canoe through rainforest lagoons, hike near the majestic Chimborazo volcano, and end the journey in Cuenca, exploring colonial streets and artisan workshops.

Whether it’s sharing meals with locals, soaking in mountain hot springs, or walking behind a roaring jungle waterfall, each day offers a meaningful encounter with Ecuador’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.

Begin your Ecuador journey!

Arrival and orientation in Ecuador

From the moment you arrive in Quito, you’ll be in good hands. The team will be waiting to welcome you at the airport and drive you to your hotel, where you’ll have time to settle in, relax, and refresh after your journey.

That same day, you will get a full debriefing session to walk you through the upcoming adventure. You’ll receive a folder with a detailed day-by-day itinerary, a map of the route, and a clear overview of activities and highlights. It’s an opportunity to ask questions, meet your guide, and feel fully prepared for what’s ahead.

Before your departure, the team will also send you a comprehensive information package with tips on what to pack, including a recommended list of clothes and gear suited to Ecuador’s diverse climates—from the Amazon to the Andes. To ensure your comfort throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied every day by a bilingual guide who speaks your language, ready to assist, explain, and enrich your experience at every step.

Accommodation and board during the tour

Your stay will begin in a truly sustainable lodge in the cloud forest, where you’ll experience the beauty of living without electricity, surrounded by nature.

From there, the journey continues with stays in modest hotels and indigenous communities, offering you a chance to experience their food, traditions, and way of life up close. Dutchman Adventures has personally visited every accommodation to ensure cleanliness, comfort, and quality. Rest assured, each location has been carefully selected for its warm hospitality and authenticity, with the people eager to welcome you into their homes.

The accommodations within indigenous communities have been certified with the German Tour Cert approval, a mark of sustainable tourism practices that ensure responsible management, environmental awareness, and respect for local cultures.

This certification guarantees a meaningful and respectful cultural exchange, with an emphasis on preserving both the environment and the community’s way of life.

Leisure time

While this trip is packed with unforgettable activities, there will also be plenty of opportunities for relaxation and personal exploration.

During your leisure time, you can unwind at your accommodation, whether it’s by soaking in the natural hot springs of Papallacta or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the Amazon. In places like Cuenca, you’ll have the chance to stroll through the cobbled streets, visit local markets, or relax at a café while soaking in the city’s colonial charm.

Leisure time is built into the itinerary, allowing you to enjoy the pace of the trip without feeling rushed. You’ll also have space for optional activities, such as shopping for handmade crafts, hiking on your own in designated areas, or engaging in quiet reflection in some of Ecuador’s most serene landscapes.

Your guides will be available to offer suggestions for extra experiences during free time, ensuring you make the most of every moment, whether you choose to explore further or simply relax and take in your surroundings.

Start planning your 12-day tour!

The region of the Spirit of Ecuador Tour

This journey takes you through three of the country’s most iconic and contrasting regions: the Andes, the Amazon, and the Southern Highlands—each with its own landscapes, cultures, and rhythms of life.

You’ll begin in the cloud forests of the Andean foothills, where mist weaves through thick vegetation and birdcalls echo through the trees. From there, you’ll ascend into the highlands, passing snow-capped volcanoes, glacial rivers, and wide-open páramo. Cotopaxi and Chimborazo provide dramatic backdrops for adventure, while mountain villages offer glimpses into traditional life in the Andes.

Your route then descends into the Amazon Basin, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Here, you’ll trade altitude for humidity, surrounded by towering ceiba trees, winding rivers, and the vibrant cultures of Indigenous communities like the Kichwa. The journey ends in Cuenca, in the Southern Highlands, where colonial architecture, artisan markets, and Andean hospitality create the perfect closing chapter to your Ecuador experience.

You can find detailed information about this trip here.