An Adventurous 9-Day Itinerary in Quito, Ecuador

• Day 1: Start your adventure with a hike to the top of the 15,696-foot-tall Pichincha Volcano and take in stunning views of Quito from above.
• Day 2: Head to the Amazon and take a canoe ride down the Napo River, passing lush rainforest and wildlife on the way to your eco-lodge.
• Day 3: Explore the Amazon with a guided walk through the jungle, learning about indigenous culture and spotting exotic creatures like parrots and monkeys.
• Day 4: Take a zip line tour through the cloud forests of Mindo, soaring above the treetops and enjoying a bird's-eye view of the landscape.
• Day 5: Mountain bike down Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, stopping to admire views of the surrounding Andean peaks.
• Day 6: Go on a whitewater rafting adventure down the Quijos River, experiencing thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery.
• Day 7: Get up early to take a hot air balloon ride over the Andes, watching the sun rise and experiencing the stunning beauty of the region.
• Day 8: Hike to the Quilotoa Crater Lake, a turquoise-colored lake located within a volcanic crater, and enjoy panoramic views of the Andean countryside.
• Day 9: End your adventure with a paragliding trip from the top of Rucu Pichincha, soaring over the city of Quito and taking in one last incredible view of Ecuador.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Pichincha Volcano Hike (6 hours, $20 for taxi)
• Canoe ride to the Amazon (4 hours, $150 per day)
• Guided Amazon walk (5 hours, included in eco-lodge price)
• Mindo zip line tour (4 hours, $30)
• Cotopaxi mountain bike tour (8 hours, $100)
• Quijos River rafting (6 hours, $70)
• Hot air balloon ride (1 hour, $200)
• Quilotoa Crater Lake hike (8 hours, $20 for taxi)
• Rucu Pichincha paragliding (2 hours, $100)
Total Estimated Costs: $960

Transportation

Travelers will need to consider a variety of transportation options during their trip, including taxis, canoes, and tours. Taxi costs will vary depending on distance traveled, while guided activities like the Amazon canoe ride and Quijos River rafting will have fixed costs. Some activities, such as the Pichincha Volcano hike and Quilotoa Crater Lake hike, can be done independently with the use of a taxi.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Galapagos Islands for some world-class wildlife watching. If you have less time, consider skipping the Amazon in favor of more time in the Andes. Be sure to pack accordingly for your activities, with sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate clothing. It's also advisable to bring some cash in small denominations, as not all activities and restaurants may accept credit cards.