Travel by bike, and horseback while exploring four of Ecuador's ecosystems: high-altitude Andean forest, paramo (grassland), cloud forest, and glaciers on Cotopaxi Volcano. Jump right into the action with a fast-paced mountain bike descent down Pichincha Volcano to begin your Ecuador travel. Then settle into your lodge perched above the cloud forest canopy, and begin exploring the miles of trails that wind through waterfalls and steep ravines. Head to Mindo’s cloud forests for a thrilling zipline adventure through the lush greenery and visit a cacao farm. Enjoy horseback riding at Hacienda El Porvenir, experience local culture, and discover medicinal plants. Challenge yourself with a high ropes course, biking through the Andean woods, and hike to Cotopaxi National Park’s stunning landscapes. Visit ancient lava flows, and learn about local flora and fauna. Explore the high Andes near the Cotopaxi Volcano on foot and horseback.
Highlights
Bike down the slopes of Pichincha Volcano to Bellavista Cloud Forest
Explore miles of trails in Bellavista Cloud Forest & search for wildlife
Horseback ride across the páramo next to wild horses and bulls
Zipline and hike in Mindo, enjoying adventurous activities in the Cloud Forest
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.
Discover the charm of Mindo, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the lush Cloud Forest. Start your day with an exhilarating zipline adventure, soaring across 3,500 meters of cables that reveal breathtaking views of the vibrant greenery below. Hike between platforms surrounded by nature, combining adrenaline with the serenity of the forest. Enhance your visit with a hands-on cacao experience, following the journey from bean to bar, or wander through a butterfly sanctuary in this peaceful paradise. Mindo perfectly blends adventure, cultural encounters, and natural beauty for an unforgettable day.
In the afternoon, head to the upper rim of an inhabited volcanic crater, where you’ll settle into your accommodation for the night.
Start your Ecuador adventure with an exciting descent down Pichincha Volcano, heading towards the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. As you ride, the Andean paramo grassland transforms into a vibrant cloud forest, with steep gorges and jungle-covered ridges offering stunning views during the 3–4-hour ride. In the afternoon, arrive at Bellavista's cloud forest lodge and begin exploring this unique ecosystem.
Discover the charm of Mindo, a charming town nestled in the heart of the lush Cloud Forest. Start your day with an exhilarating zipline adventure, soaring across 3,500 meters of cables that reveal breathtaking views of the vibrant greenery below. Hike between platforms surrounded by nature, combining adrenaline with the serenity of the forest. Enhance your visit with a hands-on cacao experience, following the journey from bean to bar, or wander through a butterfly sanctuary in this peaceful paradise. Mindo perfectly blends adventure, cultural encounters, and natural beauty for an unforgettable day.
In the afternoon, head to the upper rim of an inhabited volcanic crater, where you’ll settle into your accommodation for the night.
Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Equator line, where you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time. From here, travel south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, surrounded by towering peaks, until you arrive at the breathtaking 270-foot Condor Machay Waterfall.
Set out on a trail through a distinctive Andean forest, home to the unique "paper bark" trees, offering a glimpse into the region's rich natural heritage. Continue to the village of El Pedregal, where you'll immerse yourself in local culture and traditions. End the day at El Porvenir after a rewarding 8-kilometer (5-mile) hike through this captivating landscape.
After breakfast, join a brief orientation to get acquainted with the horses before riding out in true Chagra (Ecuadorian highland cowboy) style to explore the foothills of Rumiñahui Volcano. Ride alongside wild horses and bulls as you cross the paramo, observing local wildlife and birds. Along the way, local guides will share their knowledge of medicinal plants. Return to the farmhouse for a delicious lunch of local dishes.
In the afternoon, take part in the Cooking in the Clouds lesson. Start by preparing the famous cheese empanadas, then move on to making aji, a key element of Ecuadorian cuisine. At Hacienda El Porvenir, learn the traditional method of preparing aji using a stone mortar and a blend of herbs and spices. Next, discover how to make canelazo, a warm drink enjoyed during celebrations in the Highlands of Ecuador. After the class, enjoy your creations by a crackling fireplace before sitting down for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: High Ropes Course & Biking through the Andean Woods
Start your day with breakfast before gearing up for an exciting high rope course adventure. This activity offers a thrilling challenge with minimal environmental impact, perfect for those with little or no climbing experience. Navigate ladders, nets, tightropes, swinging logs, wobbly bridges, and other surprises, all while suspended 20 feet (6 meters) above the ground. In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious lunch before testing out your bike. After a quick briefing on bike handling, take off on the 7 km single-track trail that winds through native woods, planted to restore and conserve the habitat. As you ride, tackle a series of uphill sections with a gradient between 5 and 8 degrees. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, depart from the Hacienda and drive toward Cotopaxi National Park, passing through ancient lava flows formed by past eruptions of Cotopaxi. This drive offers a glimpse into the region’s Andean geology. Arrive at the parking area below Cotopaxi’s Refuge and begin a short hike to Refugio José Rivas, located at 4,864 meters (15,958 feet). As you climb, take in the awe-inspiring views of the towering volcano. After the hike, hop back in the vehicle and head toward Limpiopungo Lake, where you'll enjoy a hearty box lunch. This peaceful spot is perfect for learning about the local flora, fauna, and the park’s environmental conservation efforts. Next, visit Pucará del Salitre, an important historical site. Return to Quito for a farewell dinner to recap with your guide your lifetime memories in Ecuador.
Day 9: Return home
1 Breakfast
Return home, or with more time, extend your trip to Ecuador's mainland or travel to the Galapagos or Peru!
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for Mar 25, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for Mar 25, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,292
Notes
$180 Single Supplement Provides a combination of private and shared accommodations throughout this itinerary. Contact us for complete rooming details.
Initial deposit is $400 + Internal Flight Cost, 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 use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.
