Ecuador:
Andean Awakening
August 17 - 25, 2027
Reserve Your Spot with Flexible Payment Plans
Welcome to Ecuador, a country where snow-capped volcanoes meet lush rainforests, where ancient Kichwa traditions sit alongside vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian heritage, and where every day gives you something new to feel. This nine-day journey through Quito, Otavalo, Baños, and the Amazon takes you through the full spectrum of what makes Ecuador one of the most magnetic countries on the continent. Designed with intention for Black queer travelers, this experience blends culture, nature, community, and the kind of free time that lets you move at your own pace. You will stand on both hemispheres at the same time, sculpt a traditional mask with Afro-Ecuadorian artisans in Mascarilla, soak in healing thermal springs, trek through primary rainforest, and taste Ecuadorian cuisine from the hands that have been making it for generations. Arrive open. Leave transformed.
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 reflect the character of each region you visit.
In Quito, you will stay at a beautiful hotel designed for comfort and connection, featuring elegant suites and spaces built for both relaxation and reflection. In Otavalo, you will spend a night at a historic hacienda steeped in three centuries of Ecuadorian tradition and charm. In Baños, your home base is a cozy, art-filled retreat with a shared terrace and hammocks overlooking the lush valley. In the Amazon, you will stay at a private rainforest lodge within Sumaco National Park, where cabins blend seamlessly with 120 hectares of surrounding reserve.
Every stay includes daily breakfast.
NOTE: ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day One (Tuesday, August 17th)
BIENVENIDOS A QUITO
Your journey begins in Quito, Ecuador's historic Andean capital. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel to check in and settle in. The afternoon is yours to rest, recover from travel, and get a feel for your new surroundings.
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, a warm introduction to the week ahead, and the perfect kickoff to our journey.
Dinner included.
Day Two (Wednesday, August 18th)
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 sitting at 2,850 meters above sea level. Stroll through narrow streets lined with centuries-old colonial mansions, visit the breathtaking La Compañía church (its interior covered in gold, a masterpiece of the Baroque School of Quito), explore the oldest street of Quito, La Ronda, and take in sweeping 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. Try balancing an egg on a nail, it is harder than it looks.
Breakfast included.
Day Three (Thursday, August 19th)
QUITO MORNINGS + OTAVALO BOUND
Your morning is yours. Take a slow stroll through Quito's historic center, visit one of the city's incredible museums, pick up souvenirs at Mercado Artesanal, or hop on the Teleférico cable car for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains from Pichincha Volcano at 4,000 meters. If you are a foodie, this is also the perfect time to try traditional Ecuadorian street food like empanadas de viento, cevichochos, or fresh fruit juice from a local vendor.
In the afternoon, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Otavalo, a vibrant Andean town in the northern province of Imbabura (approximately 2 hours away). Settle into your historic hacienda for the night and prepare for one of the most culturally meaningful days of this trip.
Breakfast is included.
Day Four (Friday, August 20th)
A DAY IN MASCARILLA
Today is the heart of this trip. We travel to Mascarilla, the first Afro-descendant settlement upon entering Carchi province, nestled between the Chota and Mira river basins. This welcoming community has built a legacy of resilience, freedom, and artistic expression, and today, we get to experience it firsthand.
The day begins with a hands-on clay mask workshop led by local artisans, where you will learn to sculpt traditional masks that have long served as symbols of identity and ancestral memory. Guided step by step, you will shape your own one-of-a-kind piece to take home. From there, we visit a community-run goat farm where you will try your hand at milking and learn how fresh milk is transformed into artisanal products like goat wine and manjar, directly supporting Mascarilla's sustainable development.
In the afternoon, your driver will transfer you back to Quito for the night.
Breakfast included.
Day Five (Saturday, August 21st)
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, as the weather shifts quickly at altitude.
Breakfast included.
Day Six (Sunday, August 22nd)
INTO THE AMAZON
Enjoy a slow morning in Baños. Stroll the magical streets, visit the church of Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa, grab a coffee at a cozy local café, or browse artisan shops for traditional melocha (sugar cane candy) and tagua carvings.
In the afternoon, we transfer to Archidona, the gateway to the Amazon. Our rainforest lodge is tucked into 120 hectares of private reserve, and depending on your arrival time, you can take advantage of optional activities such as a guided medicinal plant walk with a native guide, a horseback ride through tropical scenery, or a swim in the lodge's springwater pool (additional cost).
Later in the day, we join a chocolate session to prepare our own chocolate from scratch, from roasting and grinding cocoa beans to tasting the final product. We close the evening with a three-course dinner at the lodge.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day Seven (Monday, August 23rd)
JUNGLE LIFE + KICHWA COMMUNITY
Our deepest day in the Amazon. We begin with a three-hour jungle trek through primary and secondary rainforest, with stops at a 120-meter-long cave home to bats and the stunning Golondrinas Waterfall, where you can swim in its waters. Along the way, we visit a Guayusa plantation and factory to learn about the Amazonian plant long used by locals as a natural energy drink.
In the afternoon, we visit a nearby Kichwa community to observe and participate in their traditional dance, cultural practices, and the preparation of chicha, a traditional fermented drink. We return to the lodge for dinner featuring specialties from the region, followed by a 40-minute night walk through the gardens where you can spot toads, grasshoppers, insects, and if you're lucky, bioluminescent fungi.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day Eight (Tuesday, August 24th)
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 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.
Day Nine (Wednesday, August 25th)
ADIOS LESBI-AMIGA
Your Ecuador journey wraps today. Enjoy breakfast and a slow morning to explore Quito one last time at your own pace. Browse Mercado Artesanal for last-minute souvenirs, ride the Teleférico cable car for one final view, or sit with a coffee and let the trip settle in. When you are ready, your private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home.
You will leave Ecuador with new friendships, new perspectives, and the kind of memories only a country this layered can give you.
Breakfast 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
Full-Day Quito City Tour + Middle of the World Experience
Transfer to Otavalo
Afro-Ecuadorian Cultural Tour in Mascarilla (Mask Workshop + Goat Farm Visit)
Cotopaxi National Park Full-Day Excursion
Transfer to Rainforest Lodge in Archidona
Hands-On Chocolate Session
Jungle Trek, Guayusa Factory Visit, and Kichwa Community Experience
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
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: $200
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Single Occupancy
$3,800
Deposit: $200
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 sedentary luxury trip; Ecuador rewards travelers who are willing to move and explore
Important Information
Flights
Airport transfers are included in this trip.
You must schedule your flight to arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito on Tuesday, August 17th.
You must schedule your departure flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) on Wednesday, August 25th.
Please forward your flight itinerary to hello@lesbifriendstravel.com as soon as you purchase your tickets.
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 Ecuador. 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. Click HERE to review the complete Lesbifriends Travel’s trip terms and conditions that you will agree to once you book.
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.