Ecuador: A Journey Across Worlds

We have a slow start in Baños, where the climate is spring-like year-round. We take the road towards the Amazon, known as the “waterfall route” – given the sheer number of falls – with Pastaza River below, which flows into the great Amazon River. The place is perfect for getting a good dose of adrenaline with a zip line over the waterfalls. We can also get up close and personal with the impressive waterfall, “Pailon del Diablo”, the devil’s pot. We continue our descent making the most of magnificent views over the Amazonian basin. With a little luck, we will be able to admire the active snow-capped volcano Sangay Volcano en route before arriving in the quiet town of Macas, with a rich heritage thanks to the traditions of the surrounding Shuar tribes. Take some time to relax next to the hotel’s swimming pool.

We leave Macas to cross the Amazon in the cool of the morning in search of the best beaches. Riding through the Amazon Rainforest, we enjoy the views of flowing rivers and small neighbouring communities before climbing in altitude towards the Andes. We spot waterfalls cascading through lush, green valleys. We take a short break in a village where we get the chance to meet some locals before heading back on the road towards Cuenca, a colonial city known as the gem of the Andes. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in the town centre.

We leave the colonial centre of Cuenca at dawn to prepare for a long, easy day in terms of terrain. We take advantage of this early start to benefit from the best possible climate in the Cajas National Park. A fantastic climb across the high altitude lakes to get above 4150m. We stop off at the edge of the Torrreadora lagoon, the largest in the national park, to learn more about the flora and fauna of the region. You won't want to miss out on the descent to the coast and the passage through the clouds on endless curves. Once we reach sea level, we cross the Guayas region, specialising in the production of bananas, cocoa and other exotic fruits (pineapple, maracuya). We pass along the Churubute mangrove ecological reserve before finally crossing the metropolis of Guayaquil, the country's largest city and an industrial and commercial centre. After this obligatory passage, we get back on the main roads to reach our long-awaited destination as quickly as possible: the Pacific. What a pleasure to taste a fresh coconut or an ice cream. We arrive in the Santa Elena region, with its lush coastline. An unusual place awaits us in Ballenita, lulled by the breeze and the waves below. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Relaxing day after the long day of bonding yesterday. What's better to enjoy the seaside and start the day with a dip in the ocean or the hotel's infinity pool? Enough to recharge the batteries to continue on a half-day drive along the coast. Beaches, fishing villages and surf spots line our landscape with stops to taste the delicious Costena gastronomy, rich in freshly caught fish and seafood. So much variety of ingredients and flavor combinations, always accompanied by its famous fresh coconut. We stop in Valdivia to learn more about this ancient, pre-Inca culture, which gives its roots and heritage to the region, before continuing our exploration of the Ruta del Spondylus, a typical shell of the Ecuadorian coast which served as currency exchange previously. Along the way, we pass the famous Montanita beach, a festive village known internationally for its nightlife and art, to finally arrive at our destination: Puerto Lopez. Small fishing town but also rich in its tourist interest. It is in fact the starting point for discovering the Isla de la Plata (Little Galapagos), visiting the neighboring Machalilla Maritime National Park, but also seeing humpback whales up close, depending on the migration season. A relaxing day awaits us in this place mixing nightlife and the tranquility of the authenticity of the place. Night in a comfortable hotel.

This well-deserved rest day is perfect for exploring the village and its lively fishing port. There are also other options, like excursions, visits or just relaxing. For those who like boat trips, we recommend exploring Plata Island, similar to the Galapagos Islands and home to many animal species. For those who prefer, we can organise a turtle-spotting snorkelling session. You can also make the most of the protected idyllic beaches of Machalilla National Park, which will tempt you to relax or go for a stroll. Or why not visit Agua Blanca? It’s a pre-Inca community and museum full of archaeological remains with a sulphur lagoon and mud baths. And there’s nothing like ending the day with a platter of freshly caught seafood with the sun setting as your backdrop. We spend the evening in the town. Overnight stay at the hotel.

We follow the Pacific Ocean a little further north along the famous Ruta de Spondylus, which takes us through small fishing villages and past paradise beaches. We then take the road through rice paddies and exotic fruit plantations. Let the sweet smell of pineapple and dragon fruit captivate you. You may even be able to ride on the beach between San Clemente and Bahia de Caraquez, depending on the tide and the group’s preference. At the end of the day, we reach Canoa, a small fishing village turn popular surfing spot. An iced coconut or a cocktail watching the sunset will make you want to stay forever. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel.

We start the day riding along the coast, weaving between exotic fruit plantations and panoramic views over the Manabi beaches. At a village crossroads, we venture onto trails that meander through prawn farms. We take a break en route at Pedernales beach, where we cross the equator’s invisible line for the first time. We sample some local sweets made of coconut, peanut and sugar cane. We leave the coast behind us and gradually find ourselves surrounded by more greenery, forests and humidity as we cross the Manabi “savannah” between hills and typical Montubio towns – the people from Ecuador's coastal countryside region. We continue our ascent and reach the cloud forest region at 1100 m altitude. Overnight stay in an hotel.

The adventure is not over. The cloud forest and Mindo National Reserve are full of surprises and it’s a real treat to explore their long, winding roads. The region is rich in biodiversity with a huge variety of hummingbirds, but it is also the cradle of excellent artisan coffee and chocolate factories. On crossing the equator as we head to to the capital, we'll find a monument marking the location of the line and an interactive museum that we take the time to visit. The only thing left to do now is to get back Quito city centre.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to spend a few hours in Quito. You’re transferred to the international airport.