Often overlooked for its more famed South American siblings, Ecuador is itself a remarkable destination that inspires a sense of adventure and discovery. Not only is it a cultural treasure-trove, but with a landscape that ranges from the evolutionary paradise of the Galapagos Islands to the snow-capped peaks and volcanoes of the Andes to the lush rainforests of the Amazon, Ecuador is also one of nature’s greatest canvases.
Destination Overview
The Evolved Traveler invites you to experience the splendors of Ecuador on your exclusive 12-day journey, “Ecuadorian Explorer.” Begin in vibrant Quito, a colorful, colonial city with lively plazas, cobbled-stone boulevards lined with trade shops untouched by time. You will be immersed in Quito’s rich culture from the past present, including a tasting of famous To’ak chocolate, one of the finest chocolates in the world (one chocolate bar can cost more than $300!).
Your “Ecuadorian Explorer” adventure continues south with a visit to Cotopaxi National Park and Volcano, where you might see Andean Condors in flight, before arriving in Riobamba. In what is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip, board the Devil’s Nose train, considered to be one of the greatest feats of railroad engineering, for an unforgettable and breathtaking ride through the Andes. Next, we will immerse you in the sights and wonders of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, said to be the most beautiful town in Ecuador. While Cuenca is the ideal spot to venture further into southern Ecuador, the Gualaceo Valley to the East is another of the country’s hidden gems. In addition to wonderful opportunities for cloud forest hikes, you’ll visit the small towns and villages that dot the landscape, each specializing in their own artistries.
Finally, take in two days at the Masphi Lodge, set deep in the Ecuadorian jungle to experience the flora and fauna of one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The Masphi Lodge is one of the world’s greatest luxury ecolodges.
Trip Highlights
Enjoy a private tasting of some of the finest chocolate in the world
Engage with the local Quito community with a local chef and a musical performance
Taste food cooked by volcanic stones at the Ecuadorian equator in a traditional Pambamesa ceremony
Cross the “Devil’s Nose” while onboard a breathtaking train ride and incredible engineering feat
Explore the historic district of Cuenca, including one of the best flower markets in the world
Learn about local conservation work at the Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve
Dates & Rates
Price from
$6,995 USD per person based on double occupancy
(Intra-tour air travel included)
Departure time
Any day – this tour is fully customizable
Duration
11 days
Group size
Private groups of 2 to 12 people
Your Contribution to Sustainable Tourism
Carbon Offset
The Evolved Traveler is allocating $95 per person* in conjunction with our partners, Offset Alliance, to help offset this journey through verified carbon removal and reversals projects.
The amount is determined by calculating the carbon footprint for this journey considering flights to the destination, intra-tour flights if applicable, hotel stays, and ground transportation. An additional 25% is added to the static factors to offset components we cannot immediately account for, such as food.
The carbon emissions accounted for are calculated by using measurement benchmarks determined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The projects our carbon-offset donations are distributed to can be seen at www.offsetalliance.co/projects.
*The amount shown is an estimation for this journey. The exact will be calculated at the time of booking based on the city of origin for flights to the destination, and the specifications of the itinerary.
(www.offsetalliance.co(opens in a new tab))
