Enjoy a 6-day multi-sport adventure through Ecuador! Begin your journey by hiking in El Cajas National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the Andean fox, white-tailed deer, and spectacled bear that roam these grasslands. Rock climb then head to the top of a mountain to explore ancient Incan ruins. Raft the Class II rapids of Tomebamba River and horseback ride through cattle fields and Andean moorlands. Each day in Ecuador is filled with new adventures!
Highlights
Hike El Cajas National Park through grasslands and glacial lakes
Rock climb to a 360 degree view of the city of Cuenca
Raft the Class III rapids of Tomebamba River
Horseback ride through cattle fields and Andean moorlands
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
This morning set out for a short drive north of Guayaquil to nearby Manglares-Churute Mangrove Reserve, an ecological gem spanning 123,550 acres including tropcial dry forest and mangrove. Characterized by natural salt flats and vast mangroves along the River Guayas, the reserve is home to many species of birds and rich plant-life. After a picnic in the reserve, drive up the Andes Cordillera to the Tushipungo Valley for a scenic hike through cattle farms. Arrive at El Cajas National Park, a vast stretch of protected rolling grasslands and glacial lakes. Set out on a hike here and keep your eyes peeled for the Andean fox, white-tailed deer, and spectacled bear that make this home.
Continue on the Paute Valley this evening where you overnight in a local hosteria. Enjoy a nice relaxing dip in the pool and Ecuadorian dinner.
This morning set out towards a climbing rock, offering a 360 degree view of the city along with 100 routes from easy to challenging from which you can choose. After a safety briefing with the guide, set out to climb a route based on your comfort level and experience. You can opt to top rope or climb with a guide's assistance. After scaling the rock, head on to the top of the mountain and explore Cañari Inca Ruins, offering a breathtaking view of the valley below. Take bikes back to Cuenca along a paved road this afternoon. Enjoy dinner in one of the charming restaurants in town.
Early this morning set out for a 30-minute rafting tour of the city of Cuenca via the Tomebamba River (Class II). If water levels do not allow for the rafting, explore the city instead before breakfast with a leisurely biking stroll. Observe the church doors open and the flower market getting into full swing as you and meander this beautiful colonial town with its old architecture and recent modern influence.
Considered the most colonial city in all the Americas, red-clay rooftops stretch throughout the city and baroque churches seem to stand on every corner. Also considered the adventurer's capital in Ecuador, the city is a great base for exploring the outdoors in the area! This afternoon you get to know Cuenca more in depth, meet a local artist, and enjoy a cup of coffee in a cozy cafe in the heart of the city.
Travel together to one of the world's most fertile and green valleys for your horseback riding adventure. Arrive to the equestrian center and choose your horses. Enjoy a safety briefing by the guide before mounting up for your 3-hour-long easy-paced excursion. Set out for the nearby hills and ride through cattle fields and Andean moorlands ecosystem. Chat with the locals as you encounter them on the ride and enjoy the scenery. Return to Cuenca this afternoon.
Day 6: Return to Quito
1 Breakfast
This morning return to the Cuenca airport for your flight back to Quito. Connect with your international flight home, or extend your stay to visit the Amazon or Galapagos!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
We have told everyone we know about Adventure Life. What a great company to work with and no detail is missed. Call them for your next adventure!!
Paul Rupert
4 months ago
Clara was great to work with. She presented lots of options and always responded promptly. And she found excellent options within our price range.
Colorado Traveler
7 months ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
7 months ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.
