Andes to Amazon holidays
Andes to Amazon holidays at a glance
On the eastern flank of the Andean cordilleras, separating the high peaks of the Avenue of the Volcanoes from the flatlands of the Amazon proper, lies a rugged stretch of misty mountains and steep valleys smothered in Ecuador cloud forest and punctuated by thermal pools, waterfalls and silvery streams. This is Andes to Amazon Ecuador at its most transitional, a landscape that changes character by the kilometre.
Historically overlooked by travellers heading straight between the Andes and the jungle, improved roads have opened the region up to anyone after a deeper look at Ecuador’s landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage.
It’s exceptionally rich in flora and fauna, and indigenous and rural communities here continue to maintain traditional ways of life, with sustainable tourism initiatives helping to protect these fragile ecosystems as more visitors arrive.
Baños Ecuador is the best-known gateway, a small spa town wedged beneath a volcano, while further into the jungle, Tena Ecuador and the river port of Misahuallí offer access to some of the country’s best Ecuador rainforest travel – rainforest excursions, wildlife encounters and outdoor adventure right on the doorstep.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Andes to Amazon
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Separating the high-altitude chain of snowy peaks from the steamy Amazon basin is a rugged area of misty mountains and steep valleys smothered in cloud forest.
When to visit Andes to Amazon
The cloud forest keeps a spring-like climate for most of the year, with average temperatures around 21°C and a few hours of sunshine most days, so there’s rarely a truly bad time to come.
Top Things to do in Andes to Amazon
This region offers a wonderful mix of nature, adventure and cultural experiences.
Go white-water river rafting in the headwaters of the Amazon in Ecuador’s Oriente.
Discover the journey of Ecuadorian cocoa from bean to chocolate, plantation to Waitrose..
Meet the people of a Quichua community in Ecuador’s Amazonia.
Accommodation in Andes to Amazon
Accommodation throughout the region focuses on nature experiences, cloud forest lodges, jungle retreats and eco-tourism properties positioned close to wildlife-rich habitats. Many travellers base themselves in Baños, Tena or Misahuallí before exploring surrounding forests, rivers and indigenous communities.
San Isidro Lodge is a small family-friendly lodge enveloped in cloud forest in the Andes of Ecuador, with opportunities for wild-life spotting.
Hamadryade Lodge is a peaceful, secluded retreat in the jungles of Ecuador’s Oriente.
Samari Spa and Resort is a cosy countryside hotel built in Spanish colonial style close to Banos in Ecuador’s Andes.
Relaxing spa hotel in the mountains, arranged around a series of thermal pools fed by natural hot springs.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Andes to Amazon Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Self-drive Ecuador: The back roads of the Andes
Places visited: Quito · Andes to Amazon · Avenue of the Volcanoes
10 days from £3,200
FAQs about visiting Andes to Amazon
Andes to Amazon is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit the Andes?
The cloud forest has an all year round spring-like climate with temperatures averaging 21°C. There are on average a few hours of sunshine every day. It rains all year round, but the wettest months in the eastern Oriente jungle are Jun-Aug, when there can be landslides and airports may be closed. These however are the driest months in Baños, at a higher altitude. The closer you get to the Amazon region, the lower, more humid and hotter it will be. The hotels and tourist attractions in the region can be busy at weekends and at national holidays.
- What language is spoken in the Andes?
The main language spoken in the Andes is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in the Andes?
Ecuador uses the US dollar. You can withdraw cash from Quito and the larger towns in the region where there are banks and ATMs.
- What is the time difference between the Andes and the UK?
The time difference between the Andes and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What places combine well with the Andes?
The Avenue of the Volcanoes; Otavalo and the northern highlands.
- How do you get to the Andes?
It’s a 90 minute drive from Quito to Papallacta in the cloud forest, 3hrs 40 minutes to Misahualli in the Oriente and 3hrs to Baños.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.