Ecuador:
Andean Awakening
February 18 - 26, 2027
Booking Deadline: November 18, 2026
Reserve Your Spot with Flexible Payment Plans
Welcome to Ecuador, a country where snow-capped volcanoes, lush rainforests, and centuries-old colonial cities sit just hours from one another. This nine-day journey takes you from the historic streets of Quito, through the waterfalls and hot springs of Baños, deep into the Amazon for an immersion in indigenous culture and wildlife, and back to the highlands. Designed with intention for Black queer travelers, this experience leans into walkable cities, thoughtful guided exploration, and just enough free time to rest, wander, and let the country speak to you. You will stand on both hemispheres at the same time, witness parrots gathering by the hundreds at a clay lick, soak in thermal mountain springs, and end every day full, present, and connected. Arrive open. Leave moved.
This experience is designed for a small group of up to 12 travelers, allowing for meaningful connection, flexibility, and shared moments throughout the trip.
Photos are examples; actual room may vary slightly based on availability and accommodation alignment.
The Accommodations
Your home throughout this journey features thoughtfully selected stays that capture the spirit of each region you visit. In Quito, you will settle into a boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, with easy walking access to the historic center, local cafés, and some of the country's most beloved colonial landmarks. Your stay will have daily breakfast included.
In Baños, you will stay at a peaceful mountainside property surrounded by lush green landscapes, with traditional architecture and a quiet, restorative feel that perfectly matches the town's spa-and-adventure energy. Walking distance to town keeps everything accessible and easy.
Deep in the Amazon, you will spend two nights at a rainforest lodge tucked into 120 hectares of private reserve. Expect a tranquil setting complete with garden views, an outdoor pool, river access, and authentic immersion in the surrounding rainforest. This portion of the trip is fully inclusive, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided each day.
NOTE: ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day One (Thursday, February 18th)
BIENVENIDOS A QUITO
Your journey begins in Quito, Ecuador's vibrant Andean capital. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, the afternoon is yours to settle in, recover from travel, or take a slow walk through the surrounding neighborhood.
In the evening, we come together for our welcome dinner, set against the backdrop of one of South America's most beautiful colonial cities. Expect a meal inspired by traditional Ecuadorian flavors and the warm atmosphere that defines the start of every Lesbifriends trip.
Dinner included.
Day Two (Friday, February 19th)
AT THE CENTER OF THE WORLD
Today is a full guided day exploring Quito's most iconic landmarks. We begin in the city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at 2,850 meters above sea level. Stroll through narrow streets lined with centuries-old colonial mansions, visit the awe-inspiring La Compañía church (its interior is gold-covered, a masterpiece of the Baroque School of Quito), and take in 360-degree views from Panecillo Hill.
Then comes the moment: a visit to Mitad del Mundo, the Middle of the World, where you can literally stand in two hemispheres at the same time. At the Inti Ñan Museum, you will take part in interactive experiments and learn about ancient Ecuadorian culture in a playful, hands-on way.
Breakfast included.
Day Three (Saturday, February 20th)
VOLCANOES + THE ROAD TO BAÑOS
A full day of breathtaking landscapes. We begin at Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of Ecuador's most recognizable active volcanoes, a symmetrical snow-capped peak rising to nearly 5,900 meters. Spend the morning exploring Limpiopungo Lagoon with your guide, who will point out native birds, wild horses, Andean flora, and possibly even a condor overhead. For the adventurous, we will trek to the José Rivas refuge at 4,800 meters for the most jaw-dropping views Cotopaxi has to offer.
In the afternoon, we journey to Baños de Agua Santa, a magical town nestled in the foothills, where our next chapter begins. Bring layers, the weather shifts quickly at altitude.
Breakfast is included.
Day Four (Sunday, February 21st)
WATERFALLS + ADVENTURE
Today, Baños opens itself up to us. This adventure-soaked town is known for its healing hot springs and surrounding waterfalls, and we are taking full advantage. Depending on your level of thrill-seeking, you can choose from canyoning at Rio Blanco waterfall, hiking the Pondoa trail, or visiting the iconic Casa del Arbol with its swing at the end of the world. Soak in mountain views, breathe the mountain air, and let your body remember what it feels like to be fully present.
In the evening, return to your hotel to rest, soak, or wander Baños at your own pace.
Breakfast included.
Day Five (Monday, February 22nd)
A FREE DAY IN BAÑOS
Today is yours. Sleep in. Wander. Find a quiet café and let the afternoon move slowly. You might visit the basilica, browse the local artisan market for tagua carvings and traditional sugar cane melocha, soak in the natural hot springs at Piscina El Salado, or simply rest by the mountains.
For the foodies among us, this is also the perfect day to try local delicacies like fresh empanadas, hot chocolate, and street-side bites that capture the soul of small-town Ecuador.
Breakfast included.
Day Seven (Wednesday, February 24th)
JUNGLE LIFE + INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
Our deepest day in the Amazon. We begin with a 5:30 AM departure toward the Arajuno River, where we will board a motor canoe and travel to a parrot clay lick. If the weather cooperates, dozens of colorful parrots gather at this mineral-rich wall to feed on clay that helps them digest toxic fruit. It is a spectacle you have to witness to fully understand.
From there, we travel to the Santa Bárbara community, where we will be welcomed by the Kichwa people and share a traditional Amazonian breakfast together. We continue with a guided walk through the primary rainforest at the Jatun Sacha biological reserve, learning about endemic flora, fauna, and the deep relationship between this land and the people who call it home. Lunch will be served in the port town of Misahuallí, where capuchin monkeys often make appearances around the town square.
We return to the lodge in the afternoon, where you are free to enjoy the pool, the reserve, or simply rest in nature.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day Nine (Friday, February 26th)
ADIOS LESBI-AMIGA
Your Ecuador journey wraps today. Enjoy breakfast and a slow morning before your private transfer to Quito International Airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. If your flight allows, take one last walk through the historic center, ride the Teleférico cable car for sweeping views of the city, or grab some last-minute souvenirs at the Mercado Artesanal.
You will leave Ecuador with new friendships, new perspectives, and the kind of memories only a country this layered can give you.
Breakfast included.
Day Six (Tuesday, February 23rd)
INTO THE AMAZON
We trade the mountains for the rainforest today. After breakfast, we transfer to Archidona, the gateway to the Amazon, where our rainforest lodge awaits. Tucked into 120 hectares of private reserve, this is where the trip slows down and the jungle takes over.
Depending on arrival time, you can take advantage of optional activities at the lodge (at additional cost), including a guided medicinal plant walk with a native guide, a horseback ride through tropical scenery, a swim in the lodge's springwater pool, or an artisan chocolate workshop where you make chocolate from the bean to the bar.
In the evening, we gather for a three-course dinner in the rainforest.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day Eight (Thursday, February 25th)
HOT SPRINGS + ONE LAST FEAST
A long but beautiful day. After one last walk through the lodge's gardens, we journey back into the highlands. On the way, we stop at the famous Papallacta Hot Springs, a series of steaming thermal pools nestled in the Andes. Soak, relax, and let the water work on you (optional massages available at additional cost).
In the late afternoon, we arrive back in Quito for our final two experiences. First, a private cooking class where a local chef will guide us through making traditional Ecuadorian dishes like locro de papa (potato stew), bolón de verde (plantain dumplings), and encocado de pescado (fish in coconut sauce). We will cook together, eat together, and share one final celebration meal as a group: our farewell dinner.
It is the perfect way to close out a remarkable week.
Breakfast and dinner included.
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup & Drop Off
9 Days, 8 Nights in carefully selected boutique hotels and a rainforest lodge
Daily Breakfast, 2 Lunches & 4 Dinners (all meals at the rainforest lodge included)
Domestic Transportation to all Activities on the Itinerary
Quito City Tour + Middle of the World Experience
Cotopaxi National Park Day Trip
Full Day Adventure Exploration in Baños
Transfer + Free Time at the Rainforest Lodge
Parrot Clay Lick + Indigenous Community Visit + Jungle Walk
Papallacta Hot Springs Stop
Private Cooking Class with a Local Chef
Sightseeing
English-Speaking Assistance 24/7
Travel Guide
On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your Flight from your Home country to Ecuador and your flight back Home is not included - but we can help you figure both out.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Lesbifriends Travel trips and a great way to protect your investment. When you book, WeTravel offers a free, no-obligation quote for basic coverage. You can easily select this option when registering. You’re also welcome to purchase your own policy from any provider. Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance if you pay for the entire trip with that card but be sure to check their terms to confirm your full trip cost is covered.
Any Applicable Vaccines
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for most lunches and some dinners outside of what is listed in the itinerary.
Personal extras
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary.
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for all tips and gratuities, including those for accommodation staff, meal service (even for included meals), drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. We recommend budgeting $100–$200 for gratuities to ensure you can tip appropriately throughout your trip.
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Pricing
Booking Deadline: November 18, 2026
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
A Quick Note on Booking Together
If you are traveling with a friend or partner and plan to share a room, we recommend that each of you book individually so payments and registration can be managed separately. Just include your roommate's name during registration and we will be sure to place you in the same room. If you book under one registration, all payments will be tied to the original booker and cannot be split later.
Double Occupancy
$3,100
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Single Occupancy
$3,800
Deposit: $100
1 BED AND 1 PERSON IN THE ROOM.
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
Ecuador is a South American country with its own pace, customs, and altitude considerations; their standards are not the same as the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy eating, walking, off-the-beaten-path ideas, and adventurous experiences
You love eating local food and trying new things
You are physically able to handle altitude (parts of this trip exceed 4,000 meters)
You love to have a great time and are open to meeting others and embracing the different personalities you will encounter
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or create a challenging atmosphere for those around you
You have serious altitude sickness concerns (please consult your doctor before booking)
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t like Ecuadorian cuisine; that is what we’ll be eating every day
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You have difficulty walking up stairs, hills, uneven terrain or being on your feet for extended periods, then this trip isn’t suited to you
You are looking for a slow, low-energy trip; Seoul moves at its own pace and rewards travelers who keep up
You are looking for a sedentary luxury trip; Ecuador rewards travelers who are willing to move and explore
Important Information
Flights
Airport transfers are included in this trip on both arrival and departure days within the designated time windows listed below.
You must schedule your flight to arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito on Thursday, February 18th, between 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
You must schedule your departure flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) on Friday, February 26th, after 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included. There is one group transfer provided, departing around 11:00 AM.
If you arrive earlier on the arrival day, you are welcome to wait at the airport until your group’s scheduled pickup time so that you can join the included transfer. Otherwise, you are welcome to arrange your own transfer to the accommodations or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
The same applies for departure day. If your flight departs outside the included transfer window, you may coordinate your own transfer or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
Please forward your flight itinerary to hello@lesbifriendstravel.com as soon as you purchase your tickets so that ground transportation can be coordinated.
Entry Requirements
Passport: Six months of remaining validity required. One blank page required for entry stamp.
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Ecuador.
Health and Safety: There are currently no COVID-19-related entry restrictions. No vaccination certificates are required, however we recommend consulting your physician about yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, and altitude considerations before traveling.
Prior to Your Departure
Check if you need to update your passport. Your expiration date needs to be six months from the date of the trip.
Do your own research on Vietnam. Being well informed adds to your overall experience. Also be sure to sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts and the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Trip Terms & Conditions
We believe in transparency and informed travel. The document below outlines the Trip Terms & Conditions you will agree to once you book, so we invite you to review it ahead of time.
Money/Currency
The official currency in Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar (USD), which makes things easy for U.S. travelers. Most hotels, restaurants, and major retailers accept credit and debit cards, but smaller shops, local markets, taxis, and family-owned businesses often prefer cash. We recommend carrying small bills for tips, market purchases, and street vendors. Always notify your bank of international travel to avoid having your card flagged.
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
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If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.