Exploring Ecuador: From Cloud Forests to the Amazon

Ecuador is a country that truly packs a punch—one day, you're soaring over waterfalls, and the next, you're deep in the Amazon, listening to the calls of howler monkeys. Here’s a glimpse into our incredible experience.

Welcome to Quito: The Middle of the World

Our adventure began in Quito, a sprawling city nestled in the Andean highlands. As we descended into Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the sight of the city stretching for miles between rugged mountains was breathtaking.

Our Travel Local guide was waiting for us at the airport and drove us to our hotel. The guide was friendly and welcoming, making it a relief not to worry about navigating to our hotel on our own.

After settling into the Ikala Quito Hotel in the historic district, we had the evening to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

We booked our trip through Travel Local, who customized our itinerary and were excellent at accommodating our many requirements. We had different guides for the various legs of our adventure, they ensured seamless travel to and from each destination and activity. Our guides were friendly, passionate about their country and eager to share their local knowledge.Travel Local was quick to react to last minute changes and I can wholeheartedly recommend their services.

Thrills and Natural Beauty in Baños

Baños de Agua Santa, often called Ecuador’s adventure capital, lived up to its reputation. The town is surrounded by lush green mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs, making it a paradise for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

We kicked off our time here with whitewater rafting on the Pastaza River, navigating through roaring rapids with adrenaline pumping through our veins. The experience was exhilarating, with our guide expertly leading us through the swirling waters while we paddled furiously to stay on course. By the end, we were soaked, exhausted, and completely exhilarated.

A highlight was our fellow rafters. We were part of a group of sixteen, mostly young couples and friends from Quito. They welcomed us, and we bonded over the shared adrenaline rush, even singing together on the bus ride to the river.

Next on our list was bridge jumping, an activity not for the faint-hearted. It was the scariest thing I have ever done, but I knew I had to go through with it. My legs shook uncontrollably as I stood on the rickety platform, trying to convince my brain to jump. When I finally took the leap, the brief free fall was a rush like no other, followed by the swing of the rope as I hung suspended above the gorge.

Of course, we couldn’t visit Baños without experiencing its famous ziplining. Flying across canyons, waterfalls, and thick jungle, we felt like birds gliding over the stunning scenery. One of the zipline courses allowed us to go “Superman style”—belly down, arms stretched out—as we flew toward a breathtaking waterfall, feeling the cool spray on our faces just before the line lifted us safely over it.

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Baños is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ecuador. We explored the Ruta de las Cascadas, a scenic route featuring numerous waterfalls, the most impressive being Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). A short but adventurous hike took us to a viewpoint where we stood in awe of the thundering water crashing into the rocky pool below. We got soaked standing in the spray and felt quite rebellious as we were among the few who braved the freezing water.

One of our favorite experiences was visiting La Casa del Árbol, home to the renowned Swing at the End of the World. Perched atop a mountain at 2,660 meters above sea level, this simple swing offers an exhilarating ride over the edge, creating the illusion of soaring into the abyss.

Into the Heart of the Amazon: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Our overnight shuttle whisked us back to Quito before we embarked on the next adventure—four days deep in the Amazon rainforest. We boarded a long-distance bus from Quito to Cuyabeno, an overnight journey through winding mountain roads and thick jungle landscapes. Arriving at the Cuyabeno Reserve, we switched to a motorized canoe, gliding through the narrow waterways surrounded by dense jungle. Within moments, we spotted monkeys swinging through the treetops.

Travel Local provided an exceptional experience, ensuring we had a knowledgeable local guide who truly cared about the environment and wildlife conservation. His passion for the jungle was infectious, and he had an incredible ability to spot animals we would have otherwise missed.

At Nicky Lodge, the jungle never slept. Nights were filled with the sounds of chirping insects, distant animal calls, and the occasional splash from the river. The accommodations were simple but comfortable, featuring thatched-roof cabins on stilts, mosquito nets, and hammocks perfect for relaxing between excursions. The dining area was a communal space where we enjoyed hearty meals prepared with fresh local ingredients. The attentive and caring staff made sure we were well taken care of.

We spent our days exploring the river and hiking through the rainforest, spotting sloths, various species of monkeys, birds, lizards, snakes, and cayman.

One of our favorite pastimes was trying to photograph the elusive pink river dolphins. We saw them daily, but they always seemed to pop up just where no one was ready to snap a picture.

We visited a local indigenous Siona community, where we learned how to make cassava bread from scratch, starting with harvesting and grating the yuca root. It was eye-opening to see the effort and tradition behind something so simple yet vital to their diet. I even tried both raw and roasted palm larva—much to the surprise of my fellow travelers!

The nighttime jungle walks brought us face-to-face with creatures we had only ever seen in documentaries. Armed with flashlights, insect repellent, and gum boots, we spotted tarantulas, stick insects, glowing fungi, frogs, crabs, bullet ants, and a venomous snake waiting in ambush on our jungle path. The rainforest transforms after dark, revealing a world that is equal parts eerie and fascinating.

A canoe trip to Laguna Grande was another highlight. As the sun set over the water, the sky turned brilliant shades of pink and orange, reflecting perfectly on the still surface.

We swam in the lagoon, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the Amazon, and on the way back, searched for cayman and snakes using a spotlight.

Back to Quito and a Day in Mindo

After saying goodbye to the Amazon, we returned to Quito for a well-earned rest before our final adventure in Mindo, a paradise for nature lovers.

Mindo is a small town surrounded by cloud forest, teeming with wildlife. We spent the day feeding hummingbirds, wandering through a butterfly garden, ziplining again, and indulging in a hands-on chocolate-making experience.

We ended the day with whitewater tubing, an experience as wild as it sounds. Several large tubes were lashed together, and with a rafting guide perched alongside us, we were pushed into the current. At the mercy of the river, we bounced off rocks, got submerged, and spun out of control—a thrilling, slightly scary, but unforgettable ride.

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Travel Tips for Future Adventurers

• Pack for all climates – From cool Andean highlands to humid jungles, layers are essential.
• Use insect repellent – Especially in the Amazon, where mosquitoes thrive.
• Bring a headlamp – Essential for night walks and power outages in remote lodges.
• Cash is king – Many places outside major cities don’t accept credit cards.
• Be prepared for altitude – Quito sits at 9,350 feet, so take it slow and stay hydrated.
• Choose a reputable tour company – Ensuring a safe and ethical experience is key.
• Try local food – Don’t miss Ecuadorian specialties like ceviche, empanadas, cuy (guinea pig), and fresh Amazonian fish!

Ecuador delivered on every front—thrilling adventures, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife. Until next time, Ecuador!

Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Ecuador or relaxing in a cabin, these resources have you covered.

Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools

Compare Flights
→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com

Book Budget Stays
→ Hostelworld
→ Agoda

Protect Your Trip
→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)

Find Rentals
→ Economybookings

Explore Activities
→ Viator
→ GetYourGuide
→ Go City

Arrange Transfers
→ Welcome Pickups

Plan Your Route
→ Tripadvisor

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