Solo-ish Ecuador - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the travel style of the "Solo-ish Ecuador" tour?

  This tour is designed for "Solo-ish Adventures," meaning you'll experience Ecuador's landscapes and the Amazon alongside other solo travelers who are ready for adventure.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  The tour is open to travelers with a minimum age of 18 and a maximum age of 100.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 14.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  You will stay in hotels for 4 nights on a twin-share basis and an Amazon Jungle Lodge for 2 nights.

• Is there an additional cost for solo travelers who prefer their own room?

  Group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Single travelers are paired with someone of the same sex. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• What are the main highlights and experiences offered on this tour?

  Highlights include an immersive dinner party in Quito with traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, visiting the Intiñan Museum on the equator, exploring Cotopaxi National Park and Limpiopungo Lagoon, and participating in the G for Good Shandia Biking and community experience in the Amazon.

• What are the modes of transportation used during the trip?

  Transportation will be via private vehicle, motorboat, bicycle, and walking.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 3. Please note that the adventure travels to high altitudes in Quito and the highlands (over 8,000 feet or 2,440 meters). Everyone reacts to altitude differently, and altitude sickness can onset irrespective of fitness and age. It is recommended to consult your physician for advice on how to best prepare.

• Are international flights included in the trip price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You should contact your airline for the most up-to-date information regarding flight schedules, check-in times, and baggage allowances/restrictions.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. At a minimum, coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000), is required. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The local currency is the US Dollar. Credit cards and debit cards (Visa is widely accepted) are useful for cash advances at ATMs, but do not rely on them as your only source of money. It is best to bring USD banknotes in denominations smaller than $100, as larger or worn notes can be difficult to exchange in Ecuador. Always take more rather than less funds.

• What is the recommended emergency fund for this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster) require a change to the planned route.

• What are the general safety and security guidelines for this trip?

  It's recommended to check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for luggage. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) has the authority to amend or cancel parts of the itinerary if necessary due to safety concerns. When exploring in free time, especially at night, stay in small groups and consider taking taxis.

• What rules apply regarding illegal drugs and sex tourism?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated on any trips and contravene local laws while putting the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also strictly contrary to our philosophy of respect. CEOs have the right to expel any group member violating these rules.

• Are there any specific notes regarding travel to/from Quito airport?

  The Quito international airport (UIO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on specific dates in 2026 for preventative maintenance on the runway (e.g., April 11, May 9, 16 & 30; June 6; September 5, 12 & 26; October 3 between 2am and 2pm, and October 17 between 6am and 6pm). Passengers flying during these periods should double-check flight schedules with their airline as internal flights within Ecuador may also be adjusted.

• What happens if I encounter problems upon arrival for my included transfer?

  If you have a pre-booked arrival transfer and haven't met our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, please call our local support line. If you can't make contact, we recommend taking a taxi to the joining hotel and applying for a refund of the transfer cost from your travel agent upon your return.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  The tour will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, and local guides will also be utilized for specific activities.

• What optional activities are available, particularly in Baños?

  In Baños, optional activities include visiting hot springs (approx. 4 USD), horseback riding (approx. 25 USD), hiking (free), Baños Canyoning Adventure, visiting Casa del Arbol, Pailon del Diablo Waterfall, and whitewater rafting (approx. 30 USD).

• What is Planeterra and how does this tour support local communities?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. This tour includes 'G for Good Moments' such as the Shandia Biking and Community Experience and a stay at the Shandia Community Lodge, which are operated by the local indigenous people and committed to providing sustainable and authentic experiences.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What should I know about visiting the Amazon Jungle?

  The Amazon has a year-round average temperature of 82°F (28°C), with cooler nights. Be prepared for rain. Due to high humidity, it's recommended to bring zip-lock plastic bags or dry sacks for cameras and electronics, and a waterproof backpack to keep belongings dry.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour.

• What are the key health considerations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required, and it's essential to consult your travel doctor. The adventure travels to high altitudes (over 8,000 feet/2,440 meters) in Quito and the highlands, and everyone reacts differently to altitude. It is recommended to carry a First Aid kit. For details on how to best prepare, please consult your physician.

• Are there any important itinerary notes regarding local services?

  Please note that the Quito international airport (UlO, Mariscal Sucre) will be closed on specific dates in 2026 for preventative maintenance on the runway. Passengers flying in or out of Quito on these dates should double-check flight schedules with their airline.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 14.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism, by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  Credit cards and debit cards, especially Visa, are useful for cash advances. ATMs are available, but you may need to try more than one. A combination of US dollar cash (small denominations, preferably not $100 bills of certain series) and cards is best. Expect a 5-10% fee for credit card purchases.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry if needed.

• Will I get my own room?

  If you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Otherwise, single travellers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout, assisted by local guides.

• Who can I contact in case of an emergency during the trip?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the tour operator Representative or our local office. Emergency contact numbers are provided in the tour dossier.

• What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?

  Accommodation includes Hotels (4 nights) on a twinshare basis and an Amazon Jungle Lodge (2 nights).

• Are there any special notes for visiting the Amazon region?

  We recommend bringing zip-lock plastic bags or dry sacks for lenses and camera equipment, and a waterproof backpack due to high humidity. The year-round temperature average is 82°F (28°C), and nights can be cooler; please be prepared for rain.

• Are there any specific rules regarding behavior on this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and possessing or using them not only contravenes local laws but also puts the rest of the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to our philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group found violating these rules.

• What are the safety and security guidelines for this trip?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, and leave valuable jewelry at home. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) has the authority to amend or cancel parts of the itinerary for safety. Use good judgment for optional activities and stay in small groups or take taxis at night in cities. Water-based activities should be accompanied by a guide(s).

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  The modes of transportation include private vehicle, motorboat, bicycle, and walking.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include an immersive dinner party in Quito with traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, a visit to the Intiñan Museum on the equator, exploring Cotopaxi National Park and the Limpiopungo Lagoon, and participating in the G for Good Shandia Biking experience as the group travels into the Amazon.

• What optional activities are available in Baños?

  Optional activities in Baños include Hot Springs (4USD per person), Horseback Riding (25USD per person), Hiking (Free), Baños Canyoning Adventure, a visit to Casa del Arbol, Pailon del Diablo Waterfall Visit, and Whitewater Rafting (30USD per person).

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travellers?

  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• How much emergency money should I have access to for this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control require a change to our planned route.