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  ecuador 

December 26, 2026 - January 2, 2027

Cloud Forests, Amazon Nights & New Years in the Andes

This isn't resort-style, Instagram-perfect travel. This is the real, messy, life-changing kind that sticks with you long after the mud dries and 2027 begins.

Welcome to Ecuador, where you'll experience four completely different ecosystems without ever getting on a plane - from muddy Amazon jungle trails to misty cloud forests to volcanic hot springs to the literal middle of the world. This is where you'll hand-feed hummingbirds at sunset backed up against the Andes, zipline over waterfalls, learn ancestral cooking techniques with an indigenous family, participate in a shaman blessing ceremony, and celebrate New Year's Eve by lighting effigies on fire in the streets of Baños before dancing with drag queens until sunrise. Ecuador doesn't politely show you nature from a distance - it pulls you in, gets you filthy, feeds you until you can't move, transforms you in ways you didn't see coming, and sends you home completely different.

Purple and blue hydrangea flowers frame a mountain view at sunset, with dramatic golden clouds rolling over green peaks in the background

At A Glance

Locations: Quito, Mindo Valley, Baños de Agua Santa, Amazon Basin, Papallacta

Duration: 8 days

Price: $4,750

Physical Rating: 3/5

Trip category: Premium

Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Group Size: 10-14 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.

Two hummingbirds drinking from red cap feeders held in an outstretched hand at sunset, with misty mountain silhouette in the background

Itinerary

Aerial view of Pailon del Diablo waterfall cascading through moss-covered rock canyon with wooden walkways and stairs visible along the cliff face

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, 6 lunches, 4 dinners)
NYE celebration with drinks and dinner
Gratuities for included meals
4-5 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.

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 Baños 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
+$1050 for single occupancy

DEPOSIT DUE AT BOOKING:
$1,000

We offer a free payment plan, so you can spread the payment across several months, with a $1,000 deposit due at time of booking.
Get $250 off for paying in full using code PAYINFULL at checkout (valid until May 15).

Additional payment due dates are May 15 ($1,500), and July 15 ($1500), and September 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

Fun Facts

A silhouette of the country of Ecuador in black.
Sun vector art in black.
Currency vector art in black.
Mountain vector art in black.
A clip art black rose.

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 reach out!

A group of travelers sitting on a sand dune in the desert at sunset. The group of about 9 people are dressed casually and appear to be enjoying the golden hour view across rolling sand dunes.

After leading over 350 people through 10 countries, we'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.

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“Travel is about the

gorgeous feeling of

teetering in the

unknown.”

— Anthony Bourdain

Woman holding a baby goat close to her chest wearing a hat.

Contact Us

Contact Us