EcoExplora Ecuador - Impact Roundtrip in cooperation with travel-to-nature

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Ecuador.

During our new Impact roundtrip you will explore Ecuador's breathtaking nature and vibrant culture. Hike and kayak through the Amazon, learn about local conservation initiatives, and connect with local communities.

Join us on this exciting trip, where every step fosters responsible tourism and contributes to the preservation of Ecuador's natural beauty.

This trip is made possible by socialbnb and Travel-to-nature, both focusing on sustainable tourism experiences. Proceeds from the trip support local social and ecological projects.

• 18-days round trip
• Small group of 6-8 photography enthusiasts
• Includes all transfers, activities, meals and accommodations
• 3050€ pp. (payment plans available)

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

After your arrival at Quito airport, our driver will be waiting for you at the exit and will take you to your hotel in the middle of the lively capital city of Quito. Start your trip at your leisure and relax from the long flight in your hotel or explore the lively old town on a short walk.

Day 2-3: Join the Yunguilla community reserve

After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the village of Yunguilla. The community is located in a stunning natural setting, surrounded by lush vegetation, mountain landscapes and clear rivers. The community actively works to support the conservation of natural resources and local culture by promoting ecological practices and actively integrates the local population into the sustainable tourism sector. Today and the next day you can discover the range of community activities, from the cheese dairy, tree nursery and greenhouses to reforestation and the protection of the cloud forest such as local dinners with your host family.

Day 4-5: Back to the capital

After breakfast, say goodbye to your new-found family and make your way to Quito, where you will once again check into your centrally located hotel. In Quito, you have the next day at your leisure and the opportunity to explore the old town for yourself.

Day 6: Into the Amazon

Today will be adventurous! Your journey begins in the morning when a minibus picks you up directly from your hotel in Quito to travel to Shell. This journey offers you a great opportunity to admire snow-capped volcanoes and breathtaking landscapes.

At this point, you will transfer to a small plane that will take you to the Achuar community in approximately 50 minutes. Upon arrival, your nature guide will be waiting to welcome you before you take another 20-minute boat ride along the river to Kapawi Lodge.

Then you arrive at your home for the next 4 days in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.

Day 7-10: Discovery tour through the Amazon rainforest

At Kapawi you can individually design your daily program directly on site in consultation with your nature guide and your group. This allows you to tailor your experience precisely to your personal interests. The choice of activities is varied, from exciting rainforest hikes and relaxing canoe trips to fascinating birdwatching such as the white-eared shining bird, cocoi heron, South American cormorant, great egret and many more.

You'll also have the time to connect with members of the indigenous Achuar communities to exchange and learn and to learn more about the special approach on how the Kapawi tourism project preserves the rainforest and the indigenous culture.

On the hikes and canoe trips you will have plenty of time to observe nature and search for wildlife.

Day 10-11: Back from the Amazon - Baños de Agua Santa

Early in the morning, your nature guides will accompany you to various locations around the lodge to observe various bird species again. After this activity, breakfast awaits you while you prepare for your departure. You will be taken to your hotel in Baños by transport. After your arrival, you will check into your small hotel in Baños and have the rest of the day and tomorrow at leisure.

Day 12-13: Riobamba

Today you will be collected from your hotel after breakfast and transferred to Riobamba, where you can take a tour of the colonial city center. Today and the next day will be at your leisure.

Those who prefer more adventures can also book an optional excursion to Ecuador's highest volcano, the Chimborazo (6263 m) (For an extra charge). On the way to the nature reserve of the same name, you can also observe wild herds of vicuña.

Day 14-15: Cañar and Turismo Rural

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the bus station in Riobamba to travel to Cañar. Here, a host family will be waiting to welcome you. The next day you will visit the herb garden of the community where the local herbalists will explain the different plant varieties and offer a medicinal drink. You will then visit Dolores Espinoza's modern textile workshop, where the production of Cañar women's clothing and the use of technology for cultural purposes will be demonstrated. Then it's off to the alpaca herd in Sangay National Park to learn more about the care of Andean camels and environmental protection.

Day 16: Bus ride to Cuenca

After breakfast, you will be taken to the bus station by the municipality. As soon as you arrive in Cuenca, take a cab to your centrally located hotel. Here you can enjoy the special atmosphere of this wonderful city, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sights worth seeing include Calderon Park, the old and new cathedrals, the flower park, the Museum of Modern Art, the Cañari culture, the Tomebamba River and the Mirador de Turi (viewpoint).

Day 17: Departure or onward journey along the coast of Ecuador

The last day of the trip is at your leisure. At the agreed time, your driver will pick you up at the hotel for the private transfer to Guayaquil airport or Quito airport. We wish you a safe flight home!

Extension: If you wish you could travel on to Puerto Lopez from here. Near the Machalilla National Park there are beautiful white beaches, you can also participate in activities such as snorkeling, excursions to the island of de la Plata and whale watching. Or you extend your trip to the magnificent islands of the Galapagos archipel and use your new gained skills for your wildlife photography.

Booking details

Bookings are made via the tour operator travel-to-nature. After a personal consultation, you will receive an offer with all the information and the exact costs. The booking can be made conveniently by e-mail. A deposit of 20% is payable to complete the booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.

Cancellation policy

According to time of cancellation, a portion of the total trip price must be paid.

• up to the 30th day before departure 20%
• 4 weeks before departure - 30%
• 3 weeks before departure - 50%
• 2 weeks before departure - 70%
• 1 week before departue - 90%
• day of departure or no-show - 95%