Cloud Forests, Amazon Nights & New Years in the Andes

Yes! This trip welcomes all genders, and the group is always a mix of solo travelers, friend duos, and a few couples.

But let us be clear: this isn't a couples trip where you'll feel like the odd one out if you're flying solo. Most of our travelers come alone or with one friend, and the whole point is to build community with the group. Everyone mingles, and relationship status is irrelevant.

Absolutely not! Most people come on group trips alone, and it’s the best way to meet people!

This is a moderate activity level trip - think soft adventure, not Olympic training. You'll be hiking to waterfalls, walking through the Amazon at night, ziplining, and tubing down rivers. Some days are more active than others, and there's always time built in for rest (hello, thermal springs and spa treatments). You don't need to be a hardcore athlete, but you should be comfortable being on your feet, navigating some uneven terrain, and getting a little muddy. If something feels like too much, there are always modifications or the option to sit activities out. This isn't a lazy beach vacation, but it's not a death march either. If you can handle a few hours of walking and have a sense of adventure, you'll be fine.

While most of our trips tend to be people in the 30-50 age range, all ages 21+ 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.

This entirely depends on your spending habits, but you won't need a lot outside of money for drinks, shopping, and meals that aren’t included.

Budget $50 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.

You bet! We realize this is a large investment, so we try to make our 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 September 15, 2026.

Wait until you get the green light from us to purchase your flights—we typically recommend 3-6 months prior to the trip, or as soon as we’ve finalized our group and arrival details.

We will be in contact with you regularly with reminders and assistance on purchasing fights, 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.

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

No visa is required for Americans to visit Ecuador.

Yes, travel insurance is required for all of our trips, 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.

We 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.

If you want to learn more about travel insurance and are looking for a recommendation, you can learn more about our travel insurance partner, Wanderwell, here.

We sure hope that’s not the case, but we also realize that life can be unpredictable, and things happen.

All trip payments are non-refundable.

Filling trip spots is incredibly time-consuming. We are a small boutique travel company, and we unfortunately do not have the ability to refund people if their plans change. Your deposits go directly to our 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.