DURATION
6 nights
LOCATION
Ecuador
ANNUAL LEAVE
5 days off work
SEASON
Year round
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Dan Carlton Hotel, Quito
ACCOMMODATION
Classic
Hotel · Campsite
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
This adventure is perfect for anyone with basic fitness levels and a love for the natural world
Trek through primary rainforest teeming with wildlife, eyes open for peccary, giant otters, anaconda and jaguar
Float along the Tiputini River and wind your way into the wilderness, looking out for piranha along the way
Camp on the river’s edge in the heart of the Amazon Basin and fall asleep serenaded by the hum of the jungle
Day 1
Touch down in Quito
Welcome to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito! The rest of the day you are free to explore the colonial city and shake off any jet lag. There will be a group meet-up at 18:00 to get to know your guide and fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Welcome to the jungle
Driving
6hrs
Hiking
1-2hrs
Settle into the van for a road trip bound for the city of Coca - the starting point for your Amazon jungle adventure. Then start making your way through the Yasuní National Park heading deeper into the jungle before embarking on a motorised canoe for the final four hours. Cross the Tiputini River, where dense trees blanket the riverbanks and birds flutter overhead, to reach your wild camp. Once settled into camp, stretch your legs with a guided jungle walk, getting to know the local wildlife. Enjoy a delicious dinner before calling it a night.
Day 3
Wild pig trail
Hiking
5-6hrs
After breakfast, you'll jump into your motorised canoe for a quick transfer across the river to the trailhead. Hike deep into virgin forest, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way. Canoe back to camp for lunch and hit the trail again in search of peccary (mountain pigs). You’ll then get to share some time with the native Kichwa people, hearing their stories and legends and learning about their traditions. As dusk falls and the jungle comes alive, you'll set out on a torchlight hike in search of amphibians, reptiles, insects and arachnids.
Day 4
Parrot Clay Lick
Hiking
1-2hrs
Wildlife Watching
2hrs
Fuel up with some breakfast and coffee before boarding your motorised canoe and heading downriver to a parrot clay lick, a spectacle of colours and sounds. You’ll witness various species of parrots and macaws go to town licking the clay off the cliffs. Be on the lookout for predators such as snakes, boas and raptors. In the afternoon take a hike on a new trail near camp known as the Tucán Trail, then spot piranha along the Tiputini River before sitting down to a traditional Ecuadorian dinner.
Day 5
Tapir Trail and Black Water Lagoon
Wildlife Tracking
4-5hrs
As the jungle wakes you'll take to the river and make your way to the Tapir trailhead. From here, set off for a morning hike, keeping a keen eye open for the region's resident monkeys, birds, snakes and even jaguars. In the afternoon you’ll hike to Black Water Lagoon to see a series of endemic aquatic species, giant otters, and with any luck, anacondas. After another full day in the jungle, you’ll enjoy a well-earned meal and then fall asleep, serenaded by the trilling hum of the jungle one last time.
Day 6
Goodbye Amazon, hello hot springs
Driving
5-6hrs
Wave goodbye to the jungle as you take one more canoe ride to connect with the van to make the long journey to Papallacta, a small village in the Andes. In the afternoon you are free to enjoy some well-earned downtime in the hotel's hot springs. You'll share a final evening together with your group, sharing memories, adventure stories and probably the odd photo of a giant otter from your time in the Amazon Basin.
Day 7
Bid farewell to Ecuador
Your adventure ends today as you enjoy a final breakfast in the natural surroundings at your hotel. You're free to head to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Included
Guides
Certified, English speaking guides
Accommodation
2 nights in a hotel and 4 nights camping
Meals
All meals while in the Amazon, and breakfasts in Quito
Transfers
To and from the start and everything in-between
Equipment
All camping equipment, life jacket and rubber boots
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 5
Campsite · Twin tent
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
In Quito and Papallacta, there will be an array of traditional Ecuadorian food to sample. Traditional dishes tend to be meat-heavy, however, seafood ceviche is popular and there are plenty of vegetarian options using potato, plantain and local cheeses. You have one evening in Quito with no dinner included, allowing you to sample the local restaurants nearby.
While camping in the Amazon enjoy delicious, fresh cuisine prepared by a local chef, recognised by the Association of Ecuador Chefs for their work to bring back traditional foods of the Amazon prepared using locally produced, organically grown ingredients.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just request on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Quito
During your time in Quito, you'll stay at the Dan Carlton Hotel. Offering a variety of facilities and services, the property provides all you need for a good night's sleep.
Mandari Panga Community Camp
You’ll spend 4 nights at the community-run Mandari Panga Camp, an initiative created in 2016 with a mission to directly benefit the local indigenous community, improve their quality of life and protect the biodiversity of the Yasuni National Park. To learn more about this important project and its contribution to the conservation of Yasuni, have a read of the FAQ listed below.
You'll camp in spacious safari-style tents along the river shore in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The tents are set up on large sheltered elevated platforms, built with traditional techniques and elements, complete with all bedding, mosquito nets, and a hammock for relaxing during your stay. There are 2 shared bathroom structures, each with 2 showers and 2 ecological dry toilets. Please note that hot water is not available at the camp.
Papallacta
You'll spend your final night at the four-star Termas de Papallacta, a hot springs spa resort nestled in a majestic valley of the high Andes. Decorated with wooden walls and gabled roofs, rooms at Termas de Papallacta are fitted with wooden furnishing. You can relax in the thermal pools or try some of the several beauty treatments that are available at the spa.
If you prefer to relax a little bit longer in Papallacta rather than returning to Quito, you can book extra nights and arrange the airport transfer with your host.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Dan Carlton Hotel, Quito
18:00 on Day 1
Ends
Quito Airport
Morning on Day 7
Transfers
Your adventure begins at 18:00 on Day 1 when your host will meet you in the lobby at Dan Carlton Hotel, Quito. On the final day of the trip, your host will do one group transfer back to the airport in the morning. The airport is around a 45min journey to downtown Quito and a 1 hour journey from Papallacta.
A return group transfer from Papallacta to the airport is included in the trip cost. To make your own way to the Quito accommodation from the airport, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host (please see Optional Extras for prices). You can take a public bus for just $2 USD, however, this isn't overly straightforward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35 USD. You can save some money by taking an 'Aeroservicio' - a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city centre. This costs $8 USD.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Quito from major airports across the UK, Europe and North America.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- All camping equipment
Dry bags
Rubber boots (wellies) Life jacket
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
Daypack (25+ litres)
CLOTHES
Waterproof jacket and trousers (although these may feel sticky in the humidity and you may decide to embrface the wet)
Breathable wicking layers
Fleece jacket or similar
Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
T-shirts
Underwear and socks
Swimwear
Sunglasses
Sunhat
Something cool to sleep in
Walking shoes (worn-in, although please note that rubber wellies are provided which you may find more practical)
Sandals or flip-flops
OTHER
Lightweight travel towel
Universal travel plug adapter
Power bank or solar charger
Passports (and visas)
Travel insurance documents
Insect repellent
Suncream
Headtorch or torch
Reusable water bottle (x1 litre)
Biodegradable wet-wipes
OPTIONAL
- Binoculars
- Earplugs
Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
Alcohol hand-gel
Energy bars and snacks
Water purification tablets/treatment system (filtered water is provided but you may wish to bring your own treatment)
Post-trip accommodation at Termas de Papallacta (Single/ Double) (except Saturday nights and holidays)
Payable Before Departure
Post-trip accommodation at Termas de Papallacta (Single/ Double) (except Saturday nights and holidays)
…
Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Single)
… Per Night
Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/Double)
Payable Before Departure
Pre-trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/Double)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
Amazing trip. The wildlife was insane, the guidance excellent. The transfer days are long so I would mentally prepare for that but honestly it was worth every minute! I would also recommend not “expecting” to see a particular kind of animal/insect - the guides are fantastic at spotting and identifying wildlife but they aren’t magicians! We still saw everything from poison dart frogs to squirrel monkeys to tarantula. Incredible experience and one I won’t be forgetting!
It was a great experience. The trip is a must if you like to experience the Ecuadorian rain forest
This was an experience I had not had before, going into an area that is lived the way it has always been lived. The opportunity to walk in primary forest, see new and beautiful things was exciting and a privilege - I was very aware of my privilege. I cannot fault the setting and the comforts provided. Everything is accessed by river, electricity is limited, which adds to the experience, the forest is valued and everything is clean and litter free.
The food was great and made with what is provided locally. You wake to the river and the calls of birds. Animals live within the fabric of your life there. I cannot recommend this enough as an experience that is worth the effort, when you open your eyes you see so much. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the place and the opportunities to see animals and birds that I have never seen before.
Not everything can be controlled. Firstly, the weather -it rains and it will sometimes rain at an inconvenient time. I had been looking forward to the journey to the parrot clay lick as a highlight, but unfortunately it was a no show because of the weather, but that is not to say that the boat trip and walk were not worthwhile.
Secondly, you cannot control who is in your group. If you have someone who is loud, it will impact on your chances of seeing wildlife. A good guide will help to maximise the experiences of the entire group.
I cannot understand why everyone does not go to Ecuador and see what it has to offer, it is a truly beautiful and diverse place with so much to offer!
Trekking, kayaking and camping in the Amazon Jungle has got to be one of THE BEST experiences in my life!
We saw: capybara, river dolphins, parrots, toucan, catfish, snakes, tarantula, toads, poison dart frogs, golden monkeys, humming birds and butterfly’s
Every part of this trip was so unexpectedly incredible, it exceeded all expectations - it’s so hard to put into words the many reasons why. The entire group made the experience wonderful and the guides were fantastic. The incredible food, beautiful accommodation - actual beds not camp beds etc (obviously excluding drop toilets hahah), the beautiful people, breathtaking views, amazing wildlife (even though you take your chances on what you will see, that doesn’t spoil it if you see little - I had no idea it was weather dependent - hot and dry you are more likely to see the anaconda but wet you are more likely to see the pigs and parakeet etc), you felt 100% safe all the time - what could have been a scary adventure (even as an experienced traveller / solo) really wasn’t because you were in such safe hands.
This place left every one of us feeling like we had experienced something magical. To be disconnected from the modern world and so very connected to the natural one. The sounds of the Amazon at night (so loud you think there is no way you will sleep) made us all sleep a deep and restful sleep every night (well almost).
Loads of bits on the kit list we didn’t need, like water purification tablets as they have unlimited filter water. Waterproofs - you are going to get soaked so just get on board with it and don’t worry as it’s so warm - none of us wore them. Hiking boots - we all used the wellies provided which were more practical (check for leaks tho BEFORE you head off!).
If like me you like to pack light my advice is try to have one outfit for the transfers in total. One outfit for evenings (one in total I mean) and two for the treks in total. However, some people took a big suitcase and rucksack which was no problem. Plenty of clean pants & socks (showers are cold water and lovely as you are always warm!). Only something cool to sleep in as there are full mosquito nets over the beds.
So much more I would love to write! Oh actually just a little fyi, transfers in/out of the Amazon at more like 11-12 hours in total. Not a problem at all but good to know that in advance. The roads are bad so it’s a bumpy ride but views are good - especially once you are on the boat.
The hot springs at the end are incredible - I would suggest staying an extra night here as the hikes there are beautiful, the hotel stunning and the hot springs rejuvenating!
Lastly the two guides - Jorge who was the translator and just took care of everything and Marco the local indigenous guide worked so tirelessly to ensure the trip was one of the best I have ever been on. The fact it’s an ethical trip made this the perfect trip for me. Thanks to Much Better Adventures for promoting it!!!
The trip was simply incredible ! The guides fantastic, good accommodation, an excellent itinerary with lots of interesting and varied activities. I'd strongly recommend this trip to anyone with an adventurous spirit who is on a tight timetable ! For suggested improvements, the marketing perhaps suggests there will be greater hope of seeing wildlife than is possible - the guide made it clear it is a matter of luck - and that might be better explained. I'd suggest emphasising more the trekking and kayaking etc. The kit list also needs to be refined - for example, it would be helpful to know you are likely to need 2 sets of clothes a day and 3-4 trousers and shorts, as they soon get muddy and wet with little chance to dry in the humidity. Dark / khaki colours also recommended.
We had a great trip into the jungle.
The host and guides were brilliant - friendly, and knowledgable and the camp that we stayed in was clean, comfortable with great food!
Staying in the jungle was a great experience and absolutely recommend it to everyone!
Fantastic trip all round! Everything exceeded expectations. The local guides were professional, knowledgeable and engaging. Accommodation and meals provided throughout were excellent. If you are considering this trip, go for it! Just make sure you have a decent supply of clothes for hiking / trekking in changeable weather conditions, and plenty of bug spray!
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 130kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Everybody with basic levels of fitness can enjoy this trip. Hikes can be a bit of a muddy slog and through thick forest at times but there will be plenty of breaks and time to take in the surrounding views, wildlife and enjoy the rainforest. The activities aren't strenuous, the aim on this trip is to breathe in and soak up the natural wonders of the Amazon while immersed in your surroundings.
Yasuni National Park is recognised as one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. However, despite opposition from the global environmental community, oil drilling started in Yasuni in 2016. 10,000 hectares were lost and countless habitats destroyed. The hope is that reforestation projects can be supported by more sustainable sources, such as adventure tourism.
That's where you can come in…
The majority of your stay on this adventure is at the community-run Mandari Panga Camp, an initiative created in 2016 with a mission to directly benefit the local indigenous community, improve their quality of life and protect the biodiversity of the Yasuni National Park.
Proceeds from The Mandari Panga community project directly funds the education of local school children, creating better employment opportunities within sustainable tourism - particularly for women - with 32 families currently being supported. The project is also improving local transportation links, available medical care, and local conservation and reforestation efforts, protecting 7,000 hectares of rainforest in the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve. This is helping efforts to preserve vital watersheds, streams, rivers and forests as well as endangered species such as the pink river dolphins and giant river otters that inhabit the ecosystem.
Simply by visiting you’re helping to support all of this. Read more about the project on the United Nations Development Programme’s website.
Whilst wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, with a bit of luck you're fairly likely to 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 whilst 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 a few.
Also present in the areas you'll visit are a number of highly elusive and very rare creatures (don't expect to see these but think yourself very privileged if you see even a trace of their existence): peccaries, tapir, giant otters, ocelots, river dolphins, land tortoises, anacondas and many more!
The weather can also have an impact on animal activity and often sightings are scarcer during rainfall.
Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: $10 USD per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The tap water in mainland Ecuador is not always friendly 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.
The camp has a solar panel which is sufficient to charge batteries, but otherwise there is no electricity at the camp. We recommend you bring your own portable charger for the devices you would like to use during your stay.
There really is no “best” time to visit the Amazon, anytime of year offers a great chance to experience the jungle. May and June tend to be the wetter months, but the climate is slightly cooler as well. July through December see a decline in the amount of rain that falls each month. The average temperature in the jungle remains around 25°C (77°F) year-round, but during the dry season, daytime temperatures can reach 40°C (104°F).
Yes, you are able to leave excess luggage in Quito at the start of the trip, to be collected when you return to Quito.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.
Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that 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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
