Ecuador Multisport Adventure: 8-Day Hiking, Biking, Rafting & Amazon Exploration

Experience the ultimate adventure in Ecuador on this 8-day multisport tour, designed for travelers who love diverse outdoor activities. From hiking in the Andes to rafting in the Amazon, this tour combines the best of Ecuador’s stunning landscapes and rich culture. Explore Quilotoa Crater Lake, trek to the glaciers of Cotopaxi, bike through Llanganates National Park, and discover the culture of the Amazon while canyoning in the tropical rainforest. Paddle the rapids of the Jatunyacu River and visit indigenous communities, all while supporting sustainable tourism.

Perfect for adventure seekers, this tour offers a mix of hiking, biking, rafting, and cultural exploration in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. Whether you’re exploring volcanoes, experiencing the thrill of canyoning, or hiking through the lush Amazon, the Active Ecuador Multisport Adventure provides unforgettable experiences for all nature enthusiasts.

Highlights include:

Hiking to Quilotoa Crater Lake and Cotopaxi Volcano
Rafting the Jatunyacu River and canyoning in the rainforest
Road biking in Llanganates National Park
Immersing in Amazonian culture and learning about traditional practices
Exploring waterfalls, including Pailon del Diablo
Staying in charming eco-lodges and haciendas

Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime Ecuador adventure, where every day brings a new challenge and discovery. Perfect for those seeking an active, nature-filled getaway!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day

Welcome to Ecuador — a land where Andean peaks meet Amazonian rainforests!
Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), you’ll be greeted by our local team and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Quito — a scenic 45-minute drive through the highlands.

Once checked in, take the afternoon to unwind or explore the city at your own pace. Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a vibrant blend of colonial charm and Andean culture, filled with cobblestone streets, colorful plazas, and artisan markets. Prefer a deeper introduction? We can arrange an optional guided city tour with one of our expert local guides (additional cost).

In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome briefing at 6:00 PM in the hotel lobby. This is your chance to get acquainted, review the adventure ahead, and ask any last-minute questions before the journey begins.

Overnight: Swissotel Quito (or similar)
Meals: None

Day 2: Quilotoa Volcano Trek & Andean Hacienda Experience

This morning, journey south from Quito along the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes, a route named by explorer Alexander von Humboldt in the 1800s for its chain of towering Andean peaks. During the 3.5-hour scenic drive, soak in sweeping views of fertile valleys and snow-capped volcanoes before arriving at one of Ecuador’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders — Quilotoa Volcano.

Our adventure begins with a hike down into the crater to the shimmering Quilotoa Lagoon, a turquoise lake formed within the volcano’s caldera. The descent reveals stunning panoramas and plenty of photo opportunities. At the bottom, you can opt to paddle a kayak across the tranquil waters, surrounded by dramatic crater walls. The return ascent is challenging but deeply rewarding, reaching elevations around 13,000 ft (3,960 m).

Afterward, we’ll refuel with a hearty traditional Andean lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the nearby artisan market, where you’ll find colorful tapestries, hand-woven textiles, and vibrant folk art. Later in the afternoon, travel to your charming Andean hacienda, a family-run organic farm where alpacas and llamas roam freely — the perfect place to relax and soak in authentic mountain life.

Overnight: Family Working Farm – Andean Hacienda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Cotopaxi Volcano Biking & Baños Hot Springs

After a wholesome breakfast, we’ll head out for a short drive to the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, home to Ecuador’s most iconic peak — Cotopaxi Volcano. Rising to 19,347 ft (5,897 m), this snow-capped giant dominates the Andean skyline with its near-perfect cone shape. Upon arrival, enjoy a cup of coca tea, a traditional Andean remedy to help acclimate to the altitude, as you take in panoramic views of the park’s rugged beauty.

We’ll then set off on a scenic mountain biking adventure through Cotopaxi’s high-altitude plains. The route follows dirt and grass tracks shaped by past volcanic eruptions, winding through open páramo landscapes dotted with wildflowers and grazing animals. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife such as wild horses, foxes, and — if you’re lucky — the soaring Andean condor. This mostly gentle ride is accessible for a range of skill levels and passes by ancient Incan ruins, where your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s cultural and geological history.

After the ride, enjoy a picnic-style lunch before continuing to the adventure town of Baños de Agua Santa — known as Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon. After checking into your boutique hotel, unwind in the town’s famous thermal hot springs, naturally heated by nearby volcanic activity — the perfect way to relax after an exhilarating day in the Andes.

Overnight: Family-Run Boutique Hotel, Baños
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Biking into the Cloud Forest & Baños Delights

This morning, venture deep into the lush cloud forest that surrounds Baños — one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse and scenic regions. After breakfast, a 45-minute drive takes us to Llanganates National Park, a legendary area shrouded in mist and myth (rumored to conceal lost Incan gold).

Our biking adventure begins at an elevation of 10,000 ft (3,050 m) with a gentle uphill warm-up before an exhilarating downhill ride to 5,000 ft (1,500 m). Along the way, you’ll pass through shifting ecosystems — from high-altitude Andean forest to tropical greenery bursting with life. Spot colorful birds, lush ferns, and fruit farms growing tree tomatoes, passion fruit, and guava. The ride follows a quiet paved road with light traffic, ideal for enjoying the sweeping views and fresh mountain air.

At the end of the ride, we’ll refuel with a scenic picnic lunch before continuing to some of Baños’ most iconic attractions. Swing out over the edge of the Andes at the “Swing at the End of the World” — a National Geographic award-winning photo spot — and ride the Tarabita cable car across a deep gorge (with the option to add a thrilling zip-lining experience).

Back in town, unwind at your hotel before heading out to explore Baños’ lively nightlife scene — perhaps with a local craft beer at a mountain-view brewery.

Overnight: Family-Run Boutique Hotel, Baños
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Amazon Kayak Adventure & Shamanic Encounter

Today begins with an early departure as we trade the Andes for the lush, untamed Amazon Basin — one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. En route, we’ll stop to visit the spectacular Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, a roaring cascade tucked deep within the rainforest. A short, one-hour round-trip hike leads us through misty jungle trails to multiple viewpoints where you can feel the waterfall’s incredible power.

From here, we continue our scenic 2.5-hour drive deeper into the jungle, descending into warmer, denser forest until we reach the Arajuno River. After a welcome picnic on the riverbank, our expert guides will lead a thorough kayaking orientation and safety briefing. The Arajuno is a calm Class I river, ideal for beginners, so no prior experience is required — just curiosity and a sense of adventure.

As we paddle through pristine rainforest, surrounded by the symphony of tropical birds and rustling leaves, keep an eye out for toucans, herons, and perhaps even playful monkeys along the shoreline. After roughly two hours on the water, we’ll arrive at our riverside glamping site, nestled amid the jungle canopy.

Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and unwind before a delicious traditional Amazonian dinner is served. Later that evening, a local shaman will join us around the fire to share stories of ancestral healing traditions and spiritual practices — a rare and deeply meaningful encounter that connects you to the soul of the rainforest.

Overnight: Arajuno River Amazon Glamping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Wildlife, Culture, Canyoning & Amazonian Delights

Rise early for one of the Amazon’s most mesmerizing natural rituals — a canoe ride to a clay lick, where vibrant flocks of parrots and parakeets gather each morning to consume mineral-rich clay that helps detoxify their rainforest diet. Witnessing this colorful chaos of wings and sound is an unforgettable start to the day. Afterward, return to camp for a hearty breakfast before continuing your Amazon adventure.

We’ll then kayak to a nearby Kichwa community, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by local families and visit a school supported by our sustainable tourism initiatives. You might join in a spirited soccer game with the children or learn about their traditional way of life. FlashpackerConnect proudly contributes to this community’s computer center, helping empower young students with access to technology and a stronger voice in protecting their land from mining and deforestation — your visit directly supports this effort.

After a gentle two-hour paddle down the Arajuno River, we’ll transfer to a Wildlife Sanctuary, exploring by canoe and on foot to spot playful monkeys, colorful macaws, and other native species. From here, we make our way toward Llanganates National Park, where a local family invites us into their home for a traditional Andean-Amazonian lunch.

In the afternoon, take part in an educational jungle walk to learn about the region’s remarkable medicinal plants, followed by a fun and refreshing canyoning experience — walking through a shallow river and climbing small waterfalls with ropes under the guidance of expert instructors. As evening falls, enjoy a hands-on cooking class, preparing your own traditional dinner and finishing with homemade chocolate fondue — a sweet finale to an incredible day in the heart of the Amazon.

Overnight: Amazon Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Natural Lagoons & Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to a stunning Natural Lagoons Reserve, a hidden gem surrounded by lush jungle and crystal-clear waters. Here, you can swim, relax, and soak in the serenity of this peaceful haven — a perfect way to unwind after days of adventure. We’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch by the water’s edge, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest one last time.

For those craving a final adrenaline rush, there’s an optional Class III whitewater rafting excursion available (additional cost) — an exhilarating way to cap off your journey through Ecuador’s wild landscapes.

In the afternoon, we’ll begin our scenic drive back to Quito, arriving in the early evening. After checking into your hotel and taking some time to freshen up, we’ll reunite for a special farewell dinner, celebrating new friendships and unforgettable memories from our epic Ecuadorian adventure — from the Andes to the Amazon.

Overnight: Swissotel Quito (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Departure Day

Your adventure through Ecuador’s Andes and Amazon comes to a close today. After breakfast, take some time to relax at the hotel or enjoy a final stroll through Quito’s charming streets before your flight.

We’ll coordinate your airport transfer according to your departure schedule to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey home. For international flights, we recommend arranging your pick-up at least three hours prior to your departure time.

As you head to the airport, take with you memories of volcanoes, rainforests, and vibrant culture — the essence of Ecuador’s wild beauty.

Meals: Breakfast

Additional Trip Info

Airport transfers for arrival and departure
‍Expert English-speaking guides, certified and highly experienced in adventure and cultural travel
‍All ground and water transportation as outlined in the itinerary
‍Seven nights of comfortable accommodations, including boutique hotels, haciendas, and Amazon glamping
‍Meals as specified in the daily itinerary‍
Drinking water and snacks provided throughout the trip‍
Entrance fees to all National Parks, reserves, and cultural sites listed in the itinerary

‍Premium adventure equipment, including:
- Quality mountain biking gear (helmet, gloves, and bike)
- Expedition-grade inflatable kayaks, lifejackets, and paddles (Amazon section)
- Canyoning equipment, including Black Diamond harnesses, helmets, ropes, and rubber boots
- Trekking poles for hiking days
‍

International or Domestic Flights: Flights to and within Ecuador are not included.
Airport Transfers: Not included for international flights.
Meals Not Mentioned: Any meals outside of the itinerary.
Tips: Gratuities for guides and drivers.
Travel Insurance - We recommend Insuremytrip, or Global Rescue
Optional Activities: Any activities not listed in the itinerary.