Trip Overview

Into the Heart of the Amazon—Rainforest Trails, River Journeys, and Indigenous Wisdom

Venture deep into the Amazon Jungle, a place of astonishing biodiversity and home to communities who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries. This unforgettable journey begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, perched high in the Andean foothills at 9,325 feet. From there, we descend into the lush lowlands, traveling by bus to Tena, taking in spectacular mountain views along the way.

Our Amazon adventure begins with a scenic drive from Quito into the upper Amazon Basin, descending from the Andes through ever-changing landscapes to reach Suchipakari Lodge along the Arujano River. With a local guide, you’ll explore rainforest trails, learn about medicinal plants and traditional uses from the nearby community, and experience the jungle up close — from towering ceibo trees to a relaxing river tubing adventure to round out the day.

And while you don’t have to be a birdwatcher to start, the sight of colorful toucans, rangers, or even a macaw soaring above the canopy might just convert you.

Maximum group size: 10

Whether as a standalone adventure or as an extension of our Galapagos trip, this journey offers an intimate, eye-opening experience of one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.

Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure
Picture of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle Adventure

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the amazing biodiversity of the Amazon Jungle
  • Stay deep in the jungle, awaking to exotic bird calls
  • Learn about the customs and culture of the people who have lived here for centuries
  • Watch for birds, learn the medicinal uses of plants, and fish for piranha

Inclusions

  • A local guide and an AGC guide based on group size
  • Double occupancy lodging
  • All activities and meals as described on the itinerary
  • Gratuities for lodge staff and Amazon guides

Not included: Travel to and from Quito, alcoholic beverages, gratuities for the AGC guide, meals not noted on itinerary, optional activities not on the itinerary, and Travel Insurance (NOTE: Travel Insurance is REQUIRED for this trip).

Trip Info


Ecuador's Amazon Jungle trip is appropriate for women in good physical condition who want to spend 3 to 6 hours every day actively exploring the Amazon Jungle. None of the days are strenuous; however, the days are full, and some will involve early mornings. Please note, as in all international travel, flexibility is an absolute must and the ability to set aside our western expectations and enjoy the culture and country will make for a wonderfully enjoyable trip.

Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5

Curious about how we rate our trips and how to prepare for yours? Explore our AGC Fitness Guide for more details.


Our trip to the Amazon Jungle combines short hikes, cultural learning, and wildlife watching. All activities are at a moderate level.

Wondering what kind of gear works well for our trips? Our AGC Gear Guide highlights some of our go-to favorites.


We will spend one night at the Hotel San Jose de Puembo in Quito with an airport shuttle included to get you there with ease. In the Amazon we'll spend two nights at Suchipakari Lodge, an ecolodge accessed via the Arujano River in the Amazon Rain Forest and Papallacta Spa Hotel. The rooms are double occupancy with ensuite bathrooms unless you have chosen a single supplement.

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Itinerary

Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

DAY 1
Arrive in Quito and enjoy a smooth transfer from Quito International Airport to the charming San José de Puembo Hotel. Settle into this historic, colonial-style retreat just minutes from the airport, where timeless elegance meets modern comfort. Relax after your journey or take in the peaceful surroundings as you begin your Ecuadorian adventure in style.

Accommodations: Hotel San Jose de Puembo (or similar)

DAY 2
Your Napo Adventure starts today. After lunch, you will wear your rubber boots and go hiking with your native guide. He will share traditional knowledge of local medicinal plants such as dragon blood, ginger, guayusa, and straw used for instruments, costumes, and construction for the development of the community. You can swing on vines like Tarzan and take a photograph at The Great Ceibo, the giant Amazonian tree. You will then return to the lodge to grab your bathing suits, towels, and lifejackets, and enjoy the inner tubes for the late afternoon tubing in the river. You will have dinner at the lodge and the guide will explain the next day's activities.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:Suchipakari Lodge or similar
Daily Activities: Short hiking and river tubing
DAY 3
This day is open for enjoying one or more of the lodge’s optional tours. Nature lovers may want to start before breakfast with a daybreak birdwatching tour. Along the way you will learn about medicinal plants, taste edible fruits and insects, and discover how to weave traditional palm-fiber bags. Hikers have several options to choose from: The Rayucocha Waterfall, which combines a demanding hike on an ancient trail and a hidden waterfall hike. Umbuni Waterfall with rainforest hike, which combines a cultural visit to the Kichwa Community and monkey's beach. You will go to Misahualli where you can see monkeys playing in the forest next to the beach, perfect for witnessing an Amazonian river sunset. Visit the Indigenous Community where a group of Kichwa women will speak of their customs, cuisine, and everyday life. They have created the center in order to showcase their culture, and it is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products, and souvenirs.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Suchipakari Lodge or similar
Daily Activities: Walking, Cultural Exploration
DAY 4
After breakfast you will learn how to harvest cacao and then learn how to create some of the world’s highest quality chocolate in the world of our Kichwa Kitchen. After making the best chocolate you’ve probably ever tasted, you will check out of the lodge. You will be provided with a private transfer from Itamandi Lodge to return to Quito. On the way back you will stop at the Archidona "Mercado Municipal Gastronomico" where you can taste all kinds of local flavors native to the area. Afterward, continuing back into the Andes, you'll stop at a site only known to locals, where you will experience the caves of "Elefante". You'll be accompanied by your guide, plus a native guide who knows the caves like the back of their hand. You'll learn about their importance while feeling like you're on an exploration with National Geographic! Finally, you'll stop at Papallacta Hot Springs to spend the night to freshen up and relax in the thermal springs.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Papallacta Spa Hotel (or similar)
Daily Activities: Cave exploration and hot springs
DAY 5
We'll conclude our trip on this day if you've joined us for our short exploration of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle, after breakfast, we'll transfer out to the Quito Airport. Best to have a flight that leaves anytime after 8:30 pm. If you've decided to join us for Exploring the Galapagos Islands by Land, this is when your trip will begin!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Reviews

This trip is brand new — be among the very first to experience it with AGC!

Dates & Prices

Year Departure Date Availability Price

2026

November 09 to November 13

Available

$2250.00

Year

2026



Departure Date

November 09 to November 13, 2026



Availability


Available



Price

$2250.00




Make It Your Adventure

Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.

Common Questions


In Quito and Papallacta, you’ll dine at your hotels, enjoying a mix of Ecuadorian cuisine and international favorites. While in the Amazon, all meals are included at Suchipakari Lodge, where dishes are prepared with local products and inspired by regional traditions. You’ll also have special culinary experiences along the way, including a visit to the Archidona Municipal Gastronomic Market.

If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.

You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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