Astride the Equator

Astride the Equator

Duration
14 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £2545
Region
Latin America
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Overview

Take an exciting journey astride the equator through the rugged landscapes of the Andes Mountains and the lush rainforest. 

Observe the diversity of cultures from the Otavaleños and Afro-Ecuadorians in the north, to the Quichua and Shuar in the rainforest, and finally to the Kichwa in the central Andes at the foothills of the mighty volcano Chimborazo.

On our journey visit vibrant markets, marvel at the impressive highland scenery on leisurely walks and enjoy the flora and fauna of the jungle.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader – combined driver/guide for 3 pax or less
Meals as listed, B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 3/5
Culture: 4/5
History: 3/5
Wildlife: 3/5
Tour-pace: 4/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, and explore its stunning colonial old town. Journey north to Cotacachi, hike around Cuicocha Lagoon, and visit Otavalo Market and sacred Peguche waterfall. Relax in Papallacta’s hot springs before heading into the Amazon for wildlife hikes, a visit to an animal rescue centre, and cultural experiences with the Quichua and Shuar peoples. Cross back into the Andes to visit historic Riobamba, the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve, and picturesque Tigua. Continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, stopping at Quilotoa Crater Lagoon and Cotopaxi National Park for breathtaking views and gentle hikes. End the adventure in Quito with a transfer for your onward flight.

Itinerary Highlights
Explore Quito’s Colonial Old Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with grand churches, plazas, and panoramic views from El Panecillo.

Amazon Jungle Experience

Stay in a rainforest lodge, hike with native guides, visit the AmaZoonico animal refuge, and learn from local Quichua families.

Hike Around Cuicocha Crater Lagoon

Enjoy stunning views and Andean highland flora on this scenic volcanic hike (or take a boat ride option)

Visit Indigenous Markets and Communities

Discover Otavalo’s famous artisan market and take part in cultural rituals with the Shuar people at their sacred waterfall

Avenue of the Volcanoes & Quilotoa Lagoon

Marvel at dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the turquoise Quilotoa crater lake and the towering Cotopaxi.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Ecuador – Astride the Equator

ECR/080725 Jul 08, 2025

Tuesday
Jul 21, 2025

Monday
Guaranteed £2,545.00

Single Room Supplement: £420.00
Contact Us
Ecuador – Astride the Equator

ECR/111125 Nov 11, 2025

Tuesday
Nov 24, 2025

Monday
Guaranteed £2,545.00

Single Room Supplement: £420.00
Book Now
Ecuador – Astride the Equator

ECR/270126 Jan 27, 2026

Tuesday
Feb 09, 2026

Monday
Guaranteed £2,545.00

Single Room Supplement: £420.00
Book Now
Ecuador – Astride the Equator

ECR/070726 Jul 07, 2026

Tuesday
Jul 20, 2026

Monday
Guaranteed £2,545.00

Single Room Supplement: £420.00
Book Now
Ecuador – Astride the Equator

ECR/101126 Nov 10, 2026

Tuesday
Nov 23, 2026

Monday
Guaranteed £2,545.00

Single Room Supplement: £420.00
Book Now

Interested in knowing more?

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Feedback from our Travellers

Essential Info

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Ecuador that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a tourist visit to Ecuador. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals – www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals – travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals – www.smartraveller.gov.au

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of Latin America, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.

Altitude

Please note that your tour involves some walking/trekking at altitude. Some travel insurance policies may exclude walking and trekking above a certain altitude. Please ensure that your travel insurance is valid for walking at altitude and if you have any doubts please contact your insurance provider.

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

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