ecuador
December 27, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Cloud Forests, Amazon Nights & New Year's in the Andes
You're about to walk through misty cloud forests surrounded by hummingbirds, zipline over waterfalls, learn to make chocolate from actual cacao beans, and celebrate New Year's Eve by lighting effigies on fire in the streets. Welcome to Ecuador, where the equator runs straight through the middle and somehow you can experience four completely different ecosystems without ever getting on a plane. This is where you'll stomp through muddy jungle trails looking for monkeys, soak in volcanic hot springs after a week of nonstop adventure, and participate in a shaman blessing ceremony that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about spirituality.
Picture yourself tubing down a river in the morning, watching capuchin monkeys steal snacks at lunch, and walking through the pitch-black Amazon at night with a flashlight, hoping to spot poison dart frogs and tarantulas (in a good way). You'll cook traditional Amazonian dishes with an indigenous family, deliver toys to kids who'll remember you forever, and stand at the literal middle of the world wondering how you got here. Ecuador doesn't just show you nature - it pulls you into it, gets you muddy, feeds you too much, and sends you home different. This isn't resort-style, Instagram-perfect travel. This is the real, messy, transformative kind that sticks with you long after the mud dries.
At A Glance
Locations: Quito, Mindo Valley, Baños de Agua Santa, Amazon Basin, Papallacta
Duration: 8 days
Price: $4,750
Physical Rating: 3/5
Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
Group Size: 12 people
Highlights: Amazon Rainforest, Mindo Cloud Forest, NYE in Baños
We’ll come together as a group of strangers, but leave with friends you’ll have for a lifetime.
This isn't just a trip; it's a deep dive into an under discovered culture that has captivated adventurous travelers for centuries. We’ll visit many the off the beaten path highlights of Ecuador, including Quito, Mindo Valley, Baños de Agua Santa, Amazon Basin, Papallacta.
Itinerary
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Arrival & transfer to hotel
Touch down in Quito and we'll whisk you straight to your hotel. Rest up—the real adventure starts tomorrow.
Dinner included.
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Cloud forest birding
Coffee farm lunch
Mindo Valley
Chocolate factory tour
Hummingbird gardenAfter a late breakfast, we head into the cloud forest—home to over 300 orchid species, spectacled bears, and some of the most stunning birds you'll ever see. We'll stop at Frajares Coffee Farm for lunch and a proper caffeine fix before continuing to Mindo, where two of the world's most biodiverse regions collide.
Once we're settled at the lodge, we're hitting up an artisanal chocolate factory to watch the bean-to-bar magic happen (with plenty of tasting involved). Then we'll visit San Tadeo Birding, a hummingbird and tanager garden that's basically a birder's fever dream. Keep your eyes peeled for the Beryl Spangled Tanager—they're not easy to find anywhere else.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. -
Waterfall hike
River tubingToday we're hiking to some of Mindo's most epic waterfalls. The trail winds through the forest and can get muddy, so wear shoes you don't mind destroying. Keep your eyes open for butterflies, hummingbirds, and maybe even monkeys if you're lucky.
After we've had our fill of cascading water and questionable footing, we're heading to the river for some tubing. Think adrenaline, rapids, and the kind of fun that makes you forget you're technically an adult.
Breakfast, box lunch, and dinner included. -
Equator monument
Agave distillery visitWe're visiting La Mitad del Mundo, the site where French explorer Charles Marie de la Condamine once calculated the equatorial line. The monument's got a viewing platform and a small museum dedicated to local indigenous cultures—it's touristy but also kind of cool.
Then we're heading to a family-run agave distillery that's been making hard liquor the traditional way for generations. There will be tasting involved. Obviously. After that, we'll drive across the Andes back to Puembo.
Breakfast and lunch included. -
El Pailón del Diablo waterfall
Ziplining
New Year's Eve celebrationToday we're exploring Baños and its absolutely insane waterfalls. First stop: El Pailón del Diablo (The Devil's Cauldron), an 80-meter beast of a waterfall that'll make you feel very small and very alive.
Then we're ziplining across canyons, rivers, and lush green valleys—because what better way to prepare for New Year's Eve than flying through the air at high speeds?
After lunch, we'll get ready to ring in the new year Ecuadorian-style. That means burning "Año Viejo" effigies (yes, really), fireworks, and celebrating with your new travel family.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. -
Sacred Ceibo tree
Misahuallí Beach
Night jungle walkWe're heading deep into the Amazon Basin today to encounter a sacred Ceibo tree that's over 200 years old. After lunch, we'll explore Misahuallí Beach, where you can watch capuchin monkeys do their thing and witness the meeting of the Misahuallí and Napo rivers.
Once the sun goes down, we're doing a night walk through the jungle—the best time to see frogs, insects, tarantulas, and other creatures that only come out when it's dark. The Amazon at night is a completely different world, and trust me, you don't want to miss it.
Breakfast included. -
Indigenous community visit
Traditional cooking class
Shaman blessing ceremony
Gift delivery to local childrenToday we're spending meaningful time with an indigenous community in the Amazon. We'll start with a hands-on cooking class using fresh, local ingredients and learn about ancestral cooking techniques that have been passed down for generations.
Then we'll participate in a traditional shaman blessing ceremony—a sacred ritual focused on spiritual cleansing, positive energy, and harmony with nature. It's a rare glimpse into the tribe's worldview and ancestral knowledge.
We'll wrap up the day by visiting children from a local Amazon community, delivering toys and small gifts. It's one of those moments that'll stick with you long after you're home.
Breakfast included. -
Papallacta hot springs
Transfer to Quito airportWe're spending our last day soaking in the thermal springs at Papallacta—the perfect way to decompress after a week of nonstop adventure. After we've turned into human raisins, we'll transfer you to Quito's international airport for your late-night flight home.
We recommend booking Delta's late-night flight (or any other late-night departure) to give you enough time to actually enjoy the springs instead of rushing.
Breakfast included.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✓ Airport pick-up and drop-off at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)
✓ All activities, tours, and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
✓ Local ground transportation to all listed activities
✓ 16 meals (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners)
✓ Wine tastings and full pours of wine during several tours and meals
✓ Gratuities for included meals
✓ 4-star boutique accommodations with double occupancy
✓ Local English-speaking guides
✓ Private English-speaking driver
✓ Group trip leader for support before and throughout the trip
✓ WhatsApp chat support for the group three months prior to trip
✓ Pre-trip orientation call and trip guide with packing list and travel tips
✓ Shared album with photos and videos of the entire trip
✓ Professional Liability Insurance
✓ All taxes (including VAT)
NOT INCLUDED
X International flight to and from Quito. Details will be provided after you register.
X Travel insurance (required, see more info in FAQs)
X Meals and beverages not specified above
X Alcoholic beverages not included in tours
X Gratuities for tour guides and drivers
X Optional extra activities during free time
X Any extras not listed above
Accommodations:
This trip is for adventurous souls who want to share a once in a lifetime experience with new friends.
Throughout your journey across Ecuador, you'll experience comfortable accommodations that put you right in the heart of nature without sacrificing comfort. We've carefully selected boutique lodges and eco-friendly properties - from cloud forest retreats in Mindo where you'll fall asleep to jungle sounds, to intimate Amazon rainforest accommodations built with sustainability in mind. Expect stylish rooms with local touches, personalized service, and stunning views of mountains, rivers, or dense rainforest. Many of these properties are locally-owned and operated, allowing you to immerse yourself in Ecuador's natural heritage while supporting the communities that call these incredible landscapes home. And yes, there's a spa hotel in Baños where you can actually recover from all the adventure.
Why Travel to Ecuador With Us:
You can travel with a lot of group trip companies, but it might not be the same experience—especially to a hidden gem like Ecuador. Here’s just a few reasons why we’re different:
You literally just have to show up.
Pack your bags (we'll tell you exactly what to bring) and book that flight (yep, got tips for that too). Everything else? That's our problem now. Your only job is to show up ready for adventure.
We've done the homework so you don't have to.
That means preparing you every step of the way and providing information on everything from purchasing flights, visas, currency, weather and safety, to the more exciting things like what to wear and fun things to do in your free time. Because we scout every trip first, you get to skip the tourist traps and rookie mistakes we've already made for you.
No more waiting on flaky friends.
We've all been there - that group chat that starts with "Let's plan a trip!" and ends in radio silence. Not here. The dates are set, the itinerary is locked in, and your adventure squad is ready to go.
Small group = Big experiences.
Forget those massive tour buses. We keep it intimate (10-15 people max) because you can't exactly have a heart-to-heart conversation with 40 strangers or get invited into someone's home for tea when you roll up with a small army.
Make an actual difference (not just Instagram stories about it).
This isn't about drive-by tourism or performative do-gooding. We're talking real connections with local communities, authentic cultural exchanges, and meaningful ways to give back that actually help rather than hurt.
Finally get photos you won’t hate in 5 years.
Let's be honest - we all want at least a few shots that make our friends jealous. We’ve got you covered with photos that capture the real you having the time of your life (not just awkward poses in front of landmarks). Check out some photos of past adventurers.
testimonial
“A Laura Ericson Group Trip is ALWAYS a good idea! Ecuador was the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and a relaxing nature escape. I had NO IDEA Ecuador had so much to offer!! All of our accommodations were amazing…even in the middle of the Amazon rainforest! Every detail was immaculate from meals, experiences, and immersing ourselves into the culture and history of the land. I found myself learning the rich history of the Amazon tribes one day and dancing the night away in Banos the next! I'm not sure how Laura managed to make this trip feel like we uncovered every stone AND got to be relaxed and present with nature but SHE DID!!”
-Krista P.
Ready to reserve your spot?
INVESTMENT:
$4,750 for double occupancy
+$600 for single occupancy
DEPOSIT DUE AT BOOKING:
$750
We offer a free payment plan, so you can spread the payment across several months, with a $750 deposit due at time of booking.
Get $250 off for paying in full using code PAYINFULL at checkout (valid until January 15).
Additional payment due dates are January 15 ($1,000), March 15 ($1,000), May 15 ($1,000), and July 15 (remaining balance). All payments are non-refundable.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need a different payment arrangement. We look forward to sharing this adventure with you!
FAQs
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This entirely depends on your spending habits, but you won't need a lot due to the all-inclusive nature of this particular trip.
I would budget $25 a day for spending money, unless you plan to do a lot of shopping.
You’ll also want to set aside money for tips for our guide and driver. -
This trip requires a moderate level of physical activity, with most of it being walking. There's a mixture of fast-paced activities and additional time for free time and rest. There will also be several days that we will travel by van for an hour or more.
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Absolutely not! Most people come on group trips alone, and it’s the best way to meet people!
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While most of my trips tend to be people in the 30-50 age range, all ages 18+ are welcome.
We usually have some people who are 50+ on our trips, so if that's you, don't worry! Age is truly just a number, and it’s more important that the trip sounds like a good fit for you than your actual age. -
While this trip is very on the go (we’ve got a lot of ground to cover), most days have free time built in so you have time to wander, shop, and explore the cities we are in.
In addition, all planned activities are optional, so you are free to opt out at any time if you choose.
All that being said, this trip is designed to show you the best of the best of Ecuador and all activities have been personally vetted by our team to ensure you’re only seeing things worth seeing. If something isn’t generally liked by the entire group, I don’t include it in the itinerary and leave it for free time.
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You bet! I realize this is a large investment, so I try to make my trips as affordable as possible by offering payment plans.
There is an up front deposit at the time of booking. The remaining portion will be split into smaller payments.
You are responsible for making payments on time, or you will forfeit your spot without refund. All payments are due by August 1, 2026.
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Wait until you get the green light from me to purchase your flights—I typically recommend 3-6 months prior to the trip, or as soon as I’ve finalized our group and arrival details.
I will be in contact with you regularly with reminders and assistance on purchasing fights, visas, insurance, packing, and more.
In the meantime, feel free to set up a flight alert on Google Flights to start monitoring prices. You will be flying in and out of Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito.
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Yes, you will need a passport valid beyond July 3, 2027, as passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the last day of the trip.
If you do not have a passport, I recommend you start the process right away, as it can take several months to receive it. If you need assistance with this, feel free to reach out!
VISAS
Come 2025, Americans and Brits will be required to apply for European Travel Information and Authorization System authorization and pay a small fee to visit Europe.
That being said, Ecuador is not currently one of the listed countries that will require a visa.
Read more about the new ETIAS program here.
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Yes, travel insurance is required for all of my trips starting in 2025, with a minimum of post-departure/travel medical coverage (typically about $50). There are options to upgrade to trip cancellation coverage + cancel for any reason coverage as well.
I always recommend getting travel insurance for large investments such as a trip like this. It's well worth the peace of mind knowing you will have travel and health coverage should something go wrong before or during your trip (and I have had several people have to use it—they were SO glad they had it).I always tell people to ask themselves, “am I willing to lose thousands of dollars should I not be able to go on this trip?” If the answer is no, consider getting trip cancellation coverage.
If you want to learn more about travel insurance and are looking for a recommendation, you can learn more about my travel insurance partner, Wanderwell, here.
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I sure hope that’s not the case, but I also realize that life can be unpredictable, and things happen.
All trip payments are non-refundable.
Filling trip spots is incredibly time-consuming. I am a small boutique travel company, and I unfortunately do not have the ability to refund people if their plans change. Your deposits go directly to my local partners, and they are non-refundable to me as well.
Travel insurance is required (see previous FAQ for more details), and will potentially cover most of your trip costs should you need to cancel for a covered reason if you elect a trip cancellation benefit.
Fun Facts
Quito is the world's second-highest capital city (after La Paz, Bolivia).
In December and January, Ecuador experiences warm, humid weather on the coast, sunny mornings with afternoon showers in the Andes (Quito), and high heat/rain in the Amazon.
The currency of Ecuador is the United States dollar (USD).
Ecuador boasts the highest biodiversity per square kilometer with 10% of the planet's plant species and 8% of its animal species packed into a small area.
Ecuador is a leading global exporter of both highly sought-after roses and bananas.
Do you have additional questions about traveling with us?
Read our FAQs or contact me!
After leading over 300 people through 10 countries, I've learned that while group trips are absolutely life-changing for most people, they're not everyone's cup of tea (or shot of tequila). Before you dive in, let's make sure we're a match:
Vibe Check
You'll thrive with us if:
You can roll with the punches when things go sideways (because they will - it's travel, not a scripted TV show)
You're cool with scheduled adventures (we've got amazing stuff planned, but if you're the "wake up at 2pm on vacation" type, you’ll be missing out)
You understand the whole "strength in numbers" thing means sometimes doing what works for the group vs. your sudden craving for street food at midnight
You can vibe with different personalities (spoiler: you won't click with everyone, and that's totally fine)
You get excited about culture shock instead of freaking out when things aren't exactly like home (that's kind of the whole point)
Think of it like joining the coolest adventure club you never knew you needed. If you're nodding along to these points, chances are you're gonna fit right in. If you're breaking out in hives just reading this... maybe stick to solo travel for now.
Remember: Travel isn't about being perfect - it's about being open to whatever awesome weirdness comes our way. Because trust me, it will.
Still have questions?
Want to scope out flight prices?
You will be flying in and out of Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).
Laura Ericson Group Trips is not responsible for any costs related to flights. You can use this tool to gauge flight prices, but please wait until you get an email from us approximately 6 months prior to your trip to book your flights to ensure you have all of the information needed for booking. We recommend always booking with the airline directly and not from an online travel agency (OTA) like Kayak, etc.
“Travel is about the
gorgeous feeling of
teetering in the
unknown.”
— Anthony Bourdain
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