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 Mountains of fire and worlds of water; Andean cities, cloud forests and open highlands - Ecuador pulls you in with contrast and raw energy. On this gay adventure tour, you’ll travel from the equator over volcanic slopes and through village markets and wide mountain plains. Extend the journey to the Galápagos, where giant tortoises move at their own pace and marine iguanas absorb heat from black volcanic rock.
Mountains of fire and worlds of water, cities and wilderness, highlands and lowlands – Ecua-
dor brings together contrasts, cultures and climate zones with its unmistakable South American spirit. We’ll take in all the highlights: the Middle of the World monument in Quito, equator
hopping, a journey along the Avenue of Volcanoes, a crater picnic, local markets and artisan
workshops, flora and fauna, nature hikes and extraordinary natural landscapes. And to round
it all off, we’ll make some music together – and, if you’d like, add one last highlight to end
the journey in style: The Galápagos Islands – take a speedboat and snorkel to see giant tor-
toises, penguins, sea lions and more. A true Andean adventure.
These and many more unforgettable adventures are waiting for you:
• Quito, the Metropolis - altitude, energy, and Andean attitude
• Mountain ranges and volcanoes - the Avenue of Volcanoes at your feet
• Inca temples and markets - living culture, colour, and rhythm
• Optional Galápagos extension - giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Pacific light
Day 1
You’ll arrive in Quito, high in the Andean foothills, where the air feels thin and charged with altitude energy. After your transfer to the hotel, take time to settle in and breathe with the mountains. If you feel like exploring, the La Floresta neighbourhood will draw you in with its creative cafés, street art and quietly stylish restaurants - the perfect place to get a first feel for the city, its pace, and its people.
Accommodation: San José de Puembo Hotel, Quito
Day 2
At 2,800 metres, Quito is one of the world’s highest capital cities - and you’ll feel it. With your guide, you’ll explore the colonial old town, where stone plazas, monastery walls and baroque façades speak of altitude and history. In the afternoon, you’ll ascend even higher. The gondola lift to Cruz Loma will carry you another 1,200 metres up to a ridge overlooking the city. Below: nearly 4,000 metres of descent and a mosaic of rooftops. Around you: volcanoes forming the spine of the Andes. Ahead of you: the gay adventure of a lifetime. In the evening, you’ll share a hearty Andean dinner with the guys - fuel for the days of altitude and exploration ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: San José de Puembo Hotel, Quito
Day 3
On your way to Mindo, you’ll stop at the Middle of the World Monument, where the equator is marked as a yellow line across the ground. One step in the northern hemisphere, one step in the southern - it’s as simple as that.
From here, you’ll continue into the cloud forest, where the air becomes warmer and more humid. Your destination is the Mariposario, a butterfly garden where you’ll see butterflies up close and hummingbirds feeding at arm’s length. After sunset, you’ll head out again with torches and walk along quiet forest trails. In the dark, sound becomes sharper: frogs, insects, and the steady chorus of the night. A natural sound-and-light experience, surrounded by the living forest.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Terrabambu Lodge, Mindo
Day 4
This morning you’ll head to Otavalo and the Plaza de Ponchos, one of the most renowned indigenous markets in the Andes. Stalls are set out with woven blankets, wool jumpers, hand-carved instruments, ceramics, and Panama hats. Traditional clothing here isn’t for show - it’s worn with purpose and history. In the afternoon, you’ll meet Señor Pichabamba, who works to preserve Andean musical traditions through his project Nanda Manachi. He’ll introduce the instruments, the materials, the sound, and the meaning behind them. Then you’ll make your own simple instrument and learn how to bring it to life. Finally, you’ll play together - not a performance, just shared Andean rhythm. It’s the kind of moment that makes travelling on a gay group tour feel natural.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Las Palmeras Inn, Otavalo
Day 5
The road leads higher into the Andes, climbing to nearly 4,000 metres, before descending again to Papallacta at about 3,300 metres on the edge of the Cayambe-Coca National Park. The change in altitude is something you feel – in your breath, in your pace, in the space around you. Here, you’ll take a guided hike through the mountain forest, around two and a half hours at a steady rhythm. Mist in the trees, dark branches, open views when the clouds shift - the landscape is mesmerising. After the hike, you can unwind in the thermal springs at the hotel. Warm mineral water, mountain air, and time to let the day settle. A simple, grounding pleasure shared with the other guys.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Termas Papallacta Hotel, Papallacta
Day 6
You’ll travel along the Avenue of Volcanoes, a highland corridor where 22 volcanoes rise along the Andes. The landscape opens up here – long valleys, high ridges, distant peaks – shifting as you roll past. You’ll stop at the foot of Cotopaxi, one of Ecuador’s most famous volcanoes. If the weather is clear, its snowy peak reflects in the still surface of the Limpiopungo Lagoon - a striking sight. In the evening, you’ll arrive in Baños, known for hot springs, canyon trails and a relaxed adventure atmosphere, set at the edge of the jungle and watched over by the active Tungurahua volcano. A shift in climate, mood and pace - a new chapter of your gay holiday begins here.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Samari Spa Resort, Baños
Day 7
Today you can take it easy or take things up a level - the choice is yours! In Baños, you might start with hot chocolate at a local café and then take a stroll along the river - simple, relaxed, no rush. But if you’re up for something more adventurous, experienced cyclists can explore the Ruta de las Cascadas (additional fee). The route follows the valley past cliffs and waterfalls, with time to stop and take in the drop of the Pailón del Diablo. The trail leads to a trapiche, a traditional sugar cane mill, where you’ll see cane pressed and tasted fresh. Whether you keep the day slow or full of movement, the rhythm is yours - shared with the other guys on this gay adventure through the Andes.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Samari Spa Resort, Baños
Day 8
After breakfast you’ll travel on to Riobamba - today is market day. The stalls are packed with fruit, vegetables, herbs and grains, arranged in bold blocks of colour. If you’re hungry, try llapingachos - soft Inca-style potato pancakes served warm. And if you’re curious, your guide will point you towards fresh juice served on glacier ice from Chimborazo - a local favourite. The Chimborazo volcano itself is long extinct, but it’s still regarded as sacred. In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Alausí, a quiet highland town where you’ll have time to walk, sit, look out over the valley - all at your own pace.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hacienda Abraspungo, Riobamba
Day 9
You’ll travel by coach to Pitishi, where a lookout point opens onto the steep switchbacks of Devil’s Nose and the remaining tracks of the old steam railway - once known for being one of the most dramatic rail routes in the Andes. Even without the train running, the terrain speaks for itself: sharp rock, deep valleys, and the sense of how daring the route once was. From here, you’ll continue to the Ingapirca ruins at around 3,100 metres. This is the most significant Inca site in Ecuador - stone walls, ceremonial platforms and the curve of the Temple of the Sun against the sky. Quiet, spacious, and easy to take in at your own pace. In the evening, you’ll arrive in Cuenca, a laid-back highland city with a calm, elegant atmosphere - a good change of tempo in your gay group tour through the Andes.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Hotel, Cuenca
Day 10
In Cuenca, colonial façades, churches and cobbled streets set a calm, elegant rhythm. On a guided stroll through the old town, you’ll see why the city is considered one of Ecuador’s finest – open squares, quiet side streets, and a relaxed, lived-in atmosphere. Later, you’ll visit a Panama hat factory, where the famous hats are woven from the fibres of the toquilla palm. You’ll see each step of the process - simple materials, skilled hands, work done with steady precision. The afternoon is free. You might browse small boutiques and workshops, sit in a café, or just wander. A good day to pick up something to take home to family and friends.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Hotel, Cuenca
Day 11
You’ll begin the day in the highlands of Cajas National Park, a landscape of lakes, ridges and open grasslands. Wildlife here includes spectacled bears, tapirs and mountain toucans, though they tend to stay hidden in the early light. You’ll take a two-and-a-half-hour hike to the La Toreadora lagoon - clean air, open space, and the steady rhythm of walking. From here, the road descends into the lowlands, where the climate shifts. The air grows warmer and heavier, and the city of Guayaquil comes into view - Ecuador’s largest metropolis, active and full of movement. In the evening, you’ll walk along the waterfront promenade. If the mood is right, you can continue into the bars and cafés nearby - a relaxed way to end the day with the guys on this gay adventure through Ecuador.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Unipark by Oro Verde Hotels, Guayaquil
Day 12
Today you can stay in Guayaquil and take in the city at your own pace – riverside walks, neighbourhood cafés, and a sense of coastal life. Or you can choose a wildlife tour in the Churute Nature Reserve (additional fee). The tour combines travel by boat and on foot, moving through mangroves and rainforest, with the chance to see howler monkeys, waterbirds and other wildlife. The day also includes a visit to a cocoa plantation, where you’ll learn how the fruit is processed. In the evening, the group will meet again for a final dinner together. The local speciality here is crab - fresh, simple, coastal. A relaxed ending shared with the guys you’ve met on this unforgettable gay holiday.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Unipark by Oro Verde Hotels, Guayaquil
Day 13
The morning is yours - take it slow, finish packing, or enjoy one last walk through the city. When you’re ready, you’ll transfer to the airport for your return flight. If you’re not finished with Ecuador yet, you can extend your journey to the Galápagos - island landscapes, clear water, giant tortoises and marine iguanas – a natural continuation of your gay adventure in Ecuador.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience the natural wonder of the Galápagos up close: Take a speedboat from island to island to snorkel with sea lions and observe giant tortoises, penguins, and land iguanas. The animals are incredibly close - truly unique in the world! A real privilege, and the perfect finale to your grand South American adventure.
Day 13
Off to the Galápagos. After a two-hour flight, you’ll arrive on Baltra, an island set in the open Pacific. From here, you’ll travel by ferry to Santa Cruz, where the landscape shifts to lush green slopes backed by dark volcanic ridges and dense humidity rising in the air. In a nearby reserve, you’ll see the Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat - quiet, slow-moving, and perfectly adapted to this ancient environment.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Ninfa Hotel, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Day 14
You’ll take a short hike to Tortuga Bay, a long curve of white sand where sea lions rest along the shoreline and the water shifts from pale turquoise to deep blue. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn how tourism and conservation are balanced on the islands. Significant work is being done here to safeguard the UNESCO World Heritage status and to protect the ecosystems that make the Galápagos so distinctive.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ninfa Hotel, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Day 15
You’ll take the speedboat across open water to Isabela. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot whitetip reef sharks in the quiet lava bays near the Tintoreras archipelago. Along the black rock and warm shoreline, iguanas rest in the sun. In a sheltered sandy bay, you’ll come across sea lions, and while snorkelling you’ll move through clear water filled with countless fish. It’s the kind of moment that makes your gay adventure tour of the Galápagos feel natural and easy. Afterwards, you’ll return to Santa Cruz by boat.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Ninfa Hotel, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Day 16
On a day trip to North Seymour (weather permitting), you’ll explore the island on foot along marked walking trails, moving through open, dry scrubland and low, salt-weathered trees. The island is home to large colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds - the males recognisable by their bright red throat pouches swelling in the heat. The walk unfolds at an easy pace, with the wind carrying the sound of wings overhead and footsteps on the path. You’ll return to Santa Cruz in the afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Ninfa Hotel, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Day 17
Morning light over Santa Cruz has a different stillness to it. Today, you’ll take the transfer back to Baltra, watching the coastline and the open Pacific widen again as you travel. On the flight to Guayaquil, the islands fall away beneath you in volcanic shapes and long blue water. It’s a quiet moment to take in the past few days of your unforgettable gay holiday - the salt in the air, the movement of the animals, the pristine landscapes. From Guayaquil, you’ll make your onward journey home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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• In Ecuador, distances are short, but the shifts are vast - from snow peaks to cloud forest and coast. The landscape changes with altitude and light. In Quito, the thin air and colonial streets rise high above the valleys, opening the journey along the Avenue of Volcanoes, where peaks stand clean against the clear blue sky. Cotopaxi holds a broad presence above the grasslands, while around Baños, warm springs and river gorges shape the rhythm of the days
• Life in the highlands is shaped by community. Indigenous markets, patchwork fields and shared meals are part of daily life. Riobamba and Cuenca offer cobbled streets, plazas, colonial churches and workshops - places lived in rather than displayed.
• Nature stays close throughout: hummingbirds in cloud forests, waterfalls cutting through rock, air that shifts as elevation changes. And off the coast lie the Galápagos Islands, where sea lions, marine iguanas and giant tortoises move steadily through the landscape, as if time belongs to them.
• Ecuadorians are open and direct, their warmth quiet but unmistakable. For LGBTQ+ travellers, that sincerity creates a natural ease - conversations flow, curiosity feels respectful, and connection is genuine. It’s a place where being yourself feels as natural as the landscape itself.
• Best time to visit: Late October to early November sits between seasons in Ecuador, when the highlands are fresh and clear and the evenings cool. The light is ideal for volcano watching, the markets are active after the harvest, and the cloud forests hold a pleasant humidity without heavy rain. It’s a good time for walking, urban adventure, and for being outdoors without heat or large crowds
Transfers
• Individual airport transfers
• Transfers, excursions, and round trip in local, air-conditioned coaches
Accommodation
• 12 nights in 8 mid-range hotels in a shared or single room
Meals
• 12x breakfast, 3x dinner
Carefree travel package
• Various excursions and activities, including a cable car ride in Quito and a visit to a hat workshop
• Entrance fees as per the itinerary
• English-speaking tour guide
This exclusivity comes at a price. Strict visitor regulations, national park fees, and complex logistics make this extension costly, but absolutely unforgettable.
Domestic flight
• From Guayaquil to Baltra (Galápagos) in Economy Class
Transfers
• Individual airport transfers
• Transfers in local vehicles, boats, and ferries
Accommodation
• 4 nights in a shared or single room
Meals
• 4x breakfast, 2x lunch
Carefree travel package
• Various excursions and activities, including a speedboat trip to wildlife-rich Isabela Island
• Entrance fees as per the itinerary
• English-speaking tour guide
Throughout the journey, you’ll stay in 8 hand-picked hotels that reflect the pace and character of their surroundings.
If you choose to book the Galápagos extension, you’ll stay on Santa Cruz Island at Hotel Ninfa, close to the harbour - a relaxed starting point for your days among the islands’ remarkable wildlife.
San José de Puembo Hotel, Quito
About 15 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from downtown, San Jose Quito Airport, an Ascend Collection Hotel Member, showcases Ecuador’s urband natural vistas. Formerly the colonial Hacienda San Jose, our hotel surrounds you with rustic architecture and 40,000 square meters of lush gardens. With a conference center, heated pools, and two restaurants, you can work or play as you please.
Arrive on airport shuttle, and settle into a room, suite, or country house offering serene garden or mountain views. To recover from your flight, you can brew fresh coffee and kick back to watch the LCD satellite TV. You can also relax in our sauna, work out in the fitness center, or sip a drink in our bar.
After a restful night, enjoy the breakfast buffet and stop by our spa for a rejuvenating treatment. Free WiFi and our 24-hour reception desk make planning trips into Quito easy.
Terrabambu Lodge, Mindo
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a restaurant, Terrabambu Lodge offers free Wi-Fi in public areas and Continental breakfast in Mindo. The Sanctuary Waterfall is 2 km away.
The bungalows in Terrabambu Lodge feature balconies with mountain views.
Guests at Terrabambu Lodge can relax in the game room or request laundry and dry cleaning services.
Terrabambu is 27,4 km from Mauipucuna Natural Reserve and 90,8 km from Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
Las Palmeras Inn, Otavalo
Las Palmeras is a traditional Andean farmhouse with thick adobe walls, wooden beams, tiled floors and large fireplaces all giving it a welcoming feel. It is just a ten minute drive from Otavalo yet the setting in the Quichinche Valley surrounded by mountains is authentically rural. The gardens are full of colourful flowers and birds.
Accommodation is in cottages located in the gardens. These are appropriately rustic in style yet incorporate modern facilities such as en-suite bathroom, safe and Wi-Fi. All rooms feature a fireplace which can be lit in the evening if you wish. The hot water bottle to warm your bed is a thoughtful touch.
The organic vegetable garden provides many of the ingredients used in the meals you enjoy during your stay with other food sourced from nearby farms, ensuring only the freshest produce is used.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cafe and bar are good places to mingle with other guests as you unwind, as is the lounge. The terrace is a lovely place to rest as you take in the scenery and fresh air.
Termas Papallacta Hotel, Papallacta
Featuring a spa, a restaurant, and a hot spring bath, Termas de Papallacta offers rooms and bungalows with free WiFi in Papallacta. Trekking and horseback riding activities are organized. The commercial district is 40 minutes away by car.
Decorated with wooden walls and gabled roofs, rooms at Termas de Papallacta are fitted with wooden furnishing. Some of the bungalows feature seating areas with fireplaces.
International dishes can be ordered at the restaurant. Trekking activities with local guides are organized to explore the unique species of the area.
Guests can relax in the thermal and swimming pools. Several beauty treatments are available at the spa, including aromatherapy, therapeutic massages, body treatments with mud and clay or chocolate, individual hydro massages, and Turkish baths at the Thermal Cave.
Samari Spa Resort, Baños
Featuring a garden, a heated pool and a sauna, Samari Spa Resort is set in a charming colonial-style house with an inner patio. It features rooms with free Wi-Fi in Baños. The craft market is 2 km away.
Decorated with gabled roof and exposed-brick walls, rooms at Samari Spa are very bright. They feature work desks, cable TV and private bathrooms.
A buffet breakfast including Ecuadorian specialties is served daily. Regional and international can be ordered at the property’s restaurant. There is also a karaoke bar, where guests can enjoy themselves singing while sipping drinks and cocktails.
Guests can benefit from several beauty treatments at the spa, which features a massage room, a sauna and a heated pool.
Unipark by Oro Verde Hotels, Guayaquil
Unipark by Oro Verde Hotels is located beside Parque Seminario and within Unicentro Shopping Mall, opposite the Metropolitan Cathedral and just 3 blocks from Malecón 2000. It features a modern fitness centre and free WiFi throughout the hotel.
All of the spacious guest bedrooms at Hotel Unipark are equipped with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and cable TV. In addition every room has a minibar and a hair dryer.
American or Continental breakfast is served each morning in the hotel’s elegant café. Unipark Hotel also features a bar and a deli. Room service is also available from 17:00 to 21:00 pm per day.
Guests can make use of the fitness centre facilities, which include a hydromassage pool, a sauna and a fully-equipped gym. Estadio Modelo Alberto Spencer is 3 km from the hotel. Unipark Hotel is 15 minutes’ drive from the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport.
Ninfa Hotel, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
Hotel Ninfa in Puerto Ayora offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a minibar, TV, and work desk, ensuring a pleasant stay.
Guests enjoy a year-round outdoor swimming pool, terrace, and garden. Additional amenities include a hot tub, solarium, and games room. Free bicycles are available for exploring the surroundings.
The traditional restaurant serves local cuisine with a buffet breakfast featuring warm dishes, pancakes, cheese, and fruits. A bar provides a relaxing atmosphere for evening drinks.
Located 46 km from Seymour Airport, Hotel Ninfa is a short walk from Los Alemanes Beach and close to Tortuga Bay. Scuba diving opportunities enhance the surrounding area. Highly rated for its breakfast, convenient location, and attentive staff.
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