Ecuador Quest with G Adventures
- Maddy Bridgman
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
Day 1: Travel to Quito
Our trip began with a morning flight from RDU to Panama, then to Quito. Thanks to some travel credit card perks, we got to enjoy the lounge in the Panama airport, free food and drinks never hurt! We arrived in Quito late at night and went straight to our cozy little hotel. It had so much character, complete with hammocks, a little library, and a rooftop view. A quick shower and then straight to sleep.
Day 2: Exploring Quito and Welcome Meeting
Waking up in Quito, we were excited to explore. With clear weather, we decided to head to TelefériQo, a cable car that takes you up the slopes of Pichincha Volcano. The views from the top were incredible, stretching far over the city and surrounding mountains. We even ended up horseback riding at the top, which was a spontaneous and affordable surprise.
After a few hours, clouds rolled in and it started raining, so we headed back down and made our way to Quito’s historic center. It was colorful and lively, but crowded and after just a short time there, I found myself craving the quiet of the jungle. That night, we met up with our G Adventures group and guide, Felipe. It was a small crew with just six of us total, the smallest group I’ve ever had on a tour, which turned out to be a huge plus. We had a relaxed welcome dinner at Casa Warmi (so yummy!) and got briefed on the adventures ahead.
Day 3: Off to Baños
We woke early to catch a bus to Baños, our first official stop. I was immediately thankful for our guide! Navigating the bus system solo would’ve been stressful, but with Felipe leading the way, it felt effortless. Baños is an adventure town nestled in the mountains. Our hotel had a beautiful courtyard and our first group meal, Arepas to Go, was delicious. After wandering the town, we ended the day soaking in natural thermal pools under a glowing waterfall. A dreamy way to cap off the evening.
Day 4: Adrenaline Day
My dream day! We started with canyoning, where Sadie faced her fear of heights. Then we went ziplining and rock climbing, and later in the day, horseback riding with a local guide. Every activity was so fun, and by the end of the day, our group felt like a little family. Shoutout to Lisa, Becky, and Jacob - we instantly clicked, and Lisa especially became a regular part of our trio.
Day 5: Jungle Bound
I started my morning with a spontaneous hike. I had planned a run but quickly pivoted to a nearby steep trail and was rewarded with an amazing viewpoint and a little swing at the top, such a great moment to start the day. There are various places to start this hike, but I began at the end of Maldonado street about a 4 minute walk from La Floresta Hotel.
From Baños, we took a few buses and trucks to our jungle stay near Tena. No service, no restaurants - just cabins, trees, and a sweet jungle puppy we all loved. The accommodations were way nicer than I expected with simple cabins, hammocks, and fresh food made onsite. We spent the afternoon on a nature walk, made chocolate fondue from fresh cacao, and had dinner by candlelight while it poured rain outside. Falling asleep to the sound of rain in the jungle was unforgettable.
Day 6: Rain and River Adventures
The rain kept pouring, and the peaceful stream we’d dipped in the day before had transformed into a roaring river. After a refreshing rain shower and jungle breakfast, we set off on a medicinal plant walk, learning about the traditional uses of Amazonian plants. One of the most unique parts of the day was participating in a traditional Amazonian marriage ceremony with a local community leader. It was such a special experience, something completely different from our own traditions, and we felt truly lucky to be welcomed into it.
After lunch, we visited a nearby swimming hole that is normally calm and clear, but wild from the rain. We still swam, jumped off cliffs, swung into the water, and had some beers while floating around. Does it get better than this? We capped off the day with a blowgun competition where the prize was… bugs! Some brave folks gave them a try. Then it was off to the outdoor showers, which led to the most dramatic moment of the trip: a tarantula on the ceiling! Cue the screams. Honestly, it was terrifying and also very cool. We wrapped up the night with dinner, cards, jungle juice, and nonstop laughter.
Day 7: Bikes, Soccer, and Hot Springs
Our final jungle morning began with a bike ride to a local village, where we played a sweaty and chaotic game of fútbol. We rode on for snacks and then headed back to Tena to catch our next bus to Papallacta, a town famous for its hot springs.This was our most luxurious stop, and we took full advantage. Our hotel had beautiful thermal pools, a spa-like atmosphere, and mountain views. After a group dinner, we were all ready for a quiet, restful night.
Day 8: Equator Fun and Farewell Dinner
In the morning, we took a scenic hike and had more hot spring time before heading back to Quito. That afternoon, we squeezed in a visit to the Equator Museum, which was quirky and fun, great for both adults and kids. That night, we had our final group dinner, reflecting on the past week and all the memories we’d made. It’s always bittersweet saying goodbye to new friends, but we were so grateful for the connections formed.
Day 9: Cotopaxi Excursion and Home
Our flight wasn’t until late, so we made the most of the day with a final adventure to Cotopaxi. The hike to 5000 meters was no joke, windy and steep, but also otherworldly. Several people didn’t make it to the top due to the altitude, but for me, it was an incredible challenge worth every step. Afterward, we biked down from the mountain base and even made a little four-legged friend along the way. This excursion was the perfect end to a wild and rewarding trip.
Final Thoughts
This trip reminded me how valuable guided tours can be, especially in places where logistics might be tricky or where you just want to enjoy without the stress of planning. G Adventures nailed the itinerary and the vibe.
A few travel tips:
Accept that you’ll be dirty. Embrace it.
Pack layers! It gets cold, hot, rainy, and windy all in one day.
Be cautious with overbooked flights, we had a standby issue due to COPA bumping multiple passengers. Assign seats early or call ahead to check fullness.
Be open to everything! New friends, strange foods, spontaneous hikes, bugs in the shower. It's all part of the adventure.
Ecuador filled my cup in every way! Nature, adrenaline, friendships, laughter, and challenge. Another amazing adventure that I will remember forever!