Ecuador Family Journey: Volcanoes and the Amazon

Ecuador Family Journey: Volcanoes and the Amazon

• Trip code: 417X034
• Dauer: 9
• Stil: National Geographic Family Journeys

Delve into the fascinating and diverse environments of Ecuador—from the thriving jungles of the Amazon to its deep indigenous heritage—as you embark on an amazing journey with your family. Set off on wildlife walks through the rainforest, searching for local plants and animals that live beneath the dense canopy during a 3-night stay in a jungle lodge. Discover the history of chocolate and learn about the importance of water to the region on a private tour at the Yaku Museum. With plenty of interactive experiences and adventurous outdoor activities, this 9-day Ecuador Family Journey is the perfect blend of fun and discovery for all ages.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (3 nts), jungle lodge (3 nts), hot springs resort (2 nts)

Checklist

Amazon:
• Knee-length socks
• Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants
• Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts
• Pack liners to waterproof bags

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Group Leader

Two National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 20

Highlights

Visit a local artisanal chocolate shop and learn about cacao and the plants’ significance to the area's indigenous people. Explore the Yaku Water Museum with a local expert and learn about the history of how water is used in the city with interactive exhibits and activities. Set out on wildlife walks and canoe excursions through the rainforest with expert guides during a 3-night stay in the Amazon Jungle

Introduction

Delve into the fascinating and diverse environments of Ecuador—from the thriving jungles of the Amazon to its deep indigenous heritage—as you embark on an amazing journey with your family. Set off on wildlife walks through the rainforest, searching for local plants and animals that live beneath the dense canopy during a 3-night stay in a jungle lodge. Discover the history of chocolate and learn about the importance of water to the region on a private tour at the Yaku Museum. With plenty of interactive experiences and adventurous outdoor activities, this 9-day Ecuador Family Journey is the perfect blend of fun and discovery for all ages

Meals Included

8 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 5 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD155-205 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Papallacta
- Visit to the Papallacta Hot Springs

Start / Finish

von Quito

What's Included

Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Quito
Dein Family-Journeys-Moment: Yaku Water Museum with a Local Expert, Quito
Dein Hands-On-Moment: Mitad del Mundo Stop & Private Visit to the Intiñan museum, Quito
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Kichwa Family Visit, Tena. Complimentary arrival transfer. Historical walking tour of Quito. Mitad del Mundo and the Intiñan Museum visit. Lunch overlooking the crater of Pululahua Volcano. Papallacta thermal pools. Amazon rainforest jungle (3 nt) stay. Guided jungle walk. Local community visit and taste of regional specialties. River tubing. Chocolate house visit. Misicocha Reserve Jungle Trek. Caiman Lagoon visit. Free time in Quito, Papallacta, & the Amazon Jungle. All tips included for activities and meals, except for Expedition Leaders and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Transport

Private van, motorized canoe, walking

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Minimum Age

Please note that on your National Geographic Family Journeys trip the minimum age is 7 years

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Welcome to Quito–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead

Day 2 Quito

Head to the historical centre of Quito for a walking tour of some of the city’s important and historical sites like the main plaza and the beautiful church of La Compañía. Get ready for some sweet treats! Stop at a local artisanal chocolate shop for some samples and to learn about the cacao and chocolate making process. The earliest people known to have used the cacao plant are the ancient Mayo-Chinchipe people of what’s now Ecuador!

Continue to the Yaku water museum for a visit with one of the local experts, who will guide you through the interactive and playful exhibits that encourage reflection on the importance of water to life and to our planet. It’s a great way for the family to learn about environmental conservation in an entertaining and memorable way. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day and evening with free time to explore or to relax

Day 3 Quito/Papallacta

After breakfast, travel north to the Middle of the World where you’ll stop for pictures at the iconic Ciudad Mitad del Mundo monument located at the equator line—a family photo opportunity that you’ll cherish forever. Continue to the Intiñan museum to learn about the significance of our planet's equator with fun experiments like seeing if you can balance an egg on a nail or walking along the equatorial line with your eyes closed. After playing scientist, have a delicious lunch overlooking the crater of Pululahua Volcano then travel to the village of Papallacta, nestled in the mountains. Take the rest of the day to soak in the hotel's restorative thermal springs. The warm, mineral-rich waters are perfect for relaxing and letting the kids splash around at the end of the day

Day 4 Papallacta

Enjoy a full free day in Papallacta to take advantage of the hotel’s hot springs and pools created by the area’s high volcanic activity, and combined with the glacial meltwater, creating the perfect natural spa. The area was discovered by the Incas, and recognized for its fertile volcanic soil, high altitude and cold year-round weather. You can also enjoy other optional activities like going to the spa or hiking nearby trails where it may be possible on clear days to see the imposing Antisana Volcano. Regroup in the evening for a delicious dinner at the hotel

Day 5 Papallacta to The Amazon Jungle

Travel by private vehicle from Papallacta out of the mountains and into the Amazon Jungle. Hop on a motorized canoe for a short ride to your rainforest lodge where you'll fill up on lunch before a visit to a local Kichwa family, and discover how daily life blends traditional indigenous knowledge with modest modern changes. Learn about local cooking, taste freshly prepared chicha, and experience how hunting is taught through blowgun practice—complete with a balsa wood target waiting for your best shot. Return to the lodge for a free evening and delicious dinner of local ingredients and drift to sleep with the sounds of the forest around you.

*There may be activities available at the lodge that are not part of this itinerary

Day 6 The Amazon Jungle

Set off after breakfast at the lodge on an exhilarating tubing adventure on the Arajuno River. Float down the river on an inner tube for a relaxing and peaceful ride, keeping an eye out for resident wildlife like monkeys and birds in the surrounding forest. Return to the lodge for another delicious lunch and some downtime during the hottest hours of the day. After, set off with your local guide on foot into the jungle to learn about the incredibly diverse plant life and its medicinal use–knowledge that has been passed down for generations.

Return to the lodge, visiting the "Chocolate House" and discover the journey of the humble cacao from fruit to artisanal chocolate, in a hands-on experience led by local experts. Watch the transformation unfold as you roast, grind and melt freshly harvested beans into a velvety, bittersweet delight-an intimate celebration of tradition and flavor. The remainder of the evening is free to relax at the lodge.

*There may be activities available at the lodge that are not part of this itinerary

Day 7 The Amazon Jungle

Your day begins with a hike through the jungle to the Misicocha Reserve. Trek along footpaths through secondary forest, keeping an eye out for wildlife like monkeys and tropical birds while learning more about the flora and fauna from the expert local guide. Make stops at areas of higher ground for scenic_panoramic views across the jungle canopy. In the afternoon after lunch and some time to relax, head to the river on a caiman-spotting excursion to hopefully observe smaller juveniles to the full-size adults. The rest of the evening is free to relax at the lodge and to enjoy another hearty dinner of fresh, local ingredients.

*There may be activities available at the lodge that are not part of this itinerary

Day 8 The Amazon Jungle to Quito

Enjoy an early breakfast buffet at the lodge before transferring back to civilization by canoe and private vehicle. Continue to Quito and arrive at your accommodations outside the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to utilize the activities at the hotel like swimming or horseback riding. Tonight, sit down for a final group dinner together and share stories of your once-in-a-lifetime family journey to Ecuador and to the Amazon Jungle, creating unforgettable memories for all

Day 9 Quito

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Day 2 Quito

Day 3 Quito/Papallacta

Day 4 Papallacta

Day 5 Papallacta to The Amazon Jungle

Day 6 The Amazon Jungle

Day 7 The Amazon Jungle

Day 8 The Amazon Jungle to Quito

Day 9 Quito