The Ultimate Andes to Amazon Adventure

Yes. The host for this trip has advised Much Better Adventures (in May 2025) that a statement was received by them from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health saying that it is a requirement for all travellers to the Amazon region to present certification showing that they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. This is regardless of your nationality or previous travel itinerary. If you have any questions about this requirement then please raise these with your host if you have already booked.

The Travel Health Pro lists the Amazon provinces of Ecuador as destinations where a yellow fever vaccination is recommended.

Yasuní National Park is widely recognized by world scientists as the most biologically diverse place on the planet and is recognized by UNESCO as an important biosphere reserve. The reserve is located inside the Amazon basin, at the base of the Andes mountain range, and very close to the equator line. It is the convergence of these three distinct ecosystems which gives it such astonishing local-scale biodiversity. In addition to the flora and fauna it protects, Yasuní is also special because it's the territory of the Huaorani (or Waorani) people, an indigenous hunter-gatherer community who depend on primary forests for their existence. Although many Amazonian sub-tribes are now in touch with the modern world, some tribes remain in total isolation, deep in the forest. During this trip you'll have the chance to meet some members of the community who are open to sharing their customs and culture with visitors, usually involving traditional music, dance, ceremony, and food.

To this day, over 99% of Yasuní thankfully remains untouched by humans. Yet, as with other regions of the Amazon, the forest is under increasing threat – with the principal risks being oil drilling, deforestation, illegal logging and unsustainable hunting. In 2023, Ecuador held an important referendum regarding the future of oil exploitation within the borders of Yasuní National Park. Backed by years of environmentalists' campaigning, almost 60% of Ecuadorians voted to stop oil operations within Yasuní. But the fight is by no means over, and the forest does remain under threat.

The Yasuní rainforest is one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots, containing 1,300 tree species, around 600 bird species, about 400 fish species, and at least 170 species of mammals, including lowland tapirs, white-lipped peccaries, jaguars, bush dogs, short-eared dogs, and 13 species of primates. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, with a bit of luck you're fairly likely to see some of the following: monkeys, squirrels, deer, capybaras, agoutis, caiman, lizards, snakes, and a wide array of birdlife. The following birds are all present, and while you won't see all of them, you're sure to see some of these beauties: toucans, parrots, macaws, eagles, kites, hawks, falcons, hoatzin, cuckoos, troupials, honeycreepers, woodpeckers, thrushes, owls, nighthawks, nightjars, tanagers, weavers, orioles, oropendolas, caciques, herons, egrets, kingfishers, plovers, sandpipers, cormorants, aningas... to name just a few!

Yes! The Galapagos archipelago is an incredible place to visit: the rare and wonderful plants and animals that abound on the islands are truly spectacular. Supplementing this adventure in mainland Ecuador with a few days in the Galapagos before or after the trip will allow you to explore the best of Ecuador in one go. Time and budget dependent, you can either choose to add on our bestselling Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos before this trip (dates are scheduled to match back-to-back) or if you prefer, you can explore the Galapagos independently for a few days after this tour. You can contact your host for this option – they offer a great variety of extensions and tours on the islands.

Should external factors (such as severe weather conditions or unsuitable water levels in the rivers and canyons) cause changes to what is possible, then the ordering of the above itinerary and/or the duration of the activities in each location may have to change. The local host will endeavor to ensure that any replacement activities are of a similar style.

A certified, English-speaking main guide will be with the group throughout the trip and will join all activities. In addition, you'll have a local naturalist guide in the Amazon and specialist activity guides for rafting and canyoneering.

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamed of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 60 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

The tap water in mainland Ecuador may not always be easy on the stomach for those who haven't been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.

This trip visits locations at or above 8,000ft, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatize can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

This trip takes place in environments where wild animals are present in their natural habitat, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some species may be dangerous, venomous, or unpredictable. Sightings are a privilege – but safety is key. Always follow your guide’s instructions and any posted signage.

We recommend considering your comfort around wildlife and discussing any concerns with your host before travel, particularly if you have allergies, phobias, or related health conditions.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.

Before traveling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns –especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.