Local Living Ecuador—Amazon Jungle

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

From the bus, transfer to a truck for the final part of the journey to reach the homestay.

Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life. Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.

Over 15 years ago, one of our tour leaders met a local Ecuadorian jungle guide by the name of Delfin Pauchi. Delfin invited this tour leader and G Adventures group to his home in the Amazon where he and his family gave them the opportunity to experience their way of life, and the natural wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Since this was such a positive experience for both Delfin's family and the travellers, we developed a working relationship and over the years many G Adventures groups have experienced life with Delfin, his wife Estela, and their six children. With suggestions and training from a Peace Corps Volunteer and continued visits and support from G Adventures groups, Delfin and Estela developed “Cabañas Pimpilala” and are now able to offer memorable homestays for our travellers.

Head out on a walk into the jungle with your CEO and local Quichua host to an area known for its healing mud. After an explanation about the exfoliating, rejuvenating, and relaxing properties of the mud, experience a therapeutic mud mask applied by your Quichua host. Walk back to the homestay letting the mud work its magic.

Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life. Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.

Over 15 years ago, one of our tour leaders met a local Ecuadorian jungle guide by the name of Delfin Pauchi. Delfin invited this tour leader and G Adventures group to his home in the Amazon where he and his family gave them the opportunity to experience their way of life, and the natural wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Since this was such a positive experience for both Delfin's family and the travellers, we developed a working relationship and over the years many G Adventures groups have experienced life with Delfin, his wife Estela, and their six children. With suggestions and training from a Peace Corps Volunteer and continued visits and support from G Adventures groups, Delfin and Estela developed “Cabañas Pimpilala” and are now able to offer memorable homestays for our travellers.

Expand your knowledge of local food production and learn everything there is to know about cacao. If it's in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants and learn about the history of cacao in Ecuador. While the plant has been harvested since the early 16th century, the late 19th century saw the beginning of the Ecuadorian cacao boom. The plant remains a key export and is fundamental in supporting local communities across the country. Roast and de-shell the beans, then re-heat the beans with milk and cinnamon into a fondue to be eaten with local fruits. When finished, enjoy a fire-side traditional jungle snack.

Take a guided tour of amaZOOnico, a rescue and rehabilitation centre that rehabilitates, reintroduces, and cares for animals who are victims of illegal trafficking. See large cats and reptiles up close, and learn all about the important work of this sanctuary.

Kick back and relax in a hammock or explore more of the jungle.

Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life. Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.

Over 15 years ago, one of our tour leaders met a local Ecuadorian jungle guide by the name of Delfin Pauchi. Delfin invited this tour leader and G Adventures group to his home in the Amazon where he and his family gave them the opportunity to experience their way of life, and the natural wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Since this was such a positive experience for both Delfin's family and the travellers, we developed a working relationship and over the years many G Adventures groups have experienced life with Delfin, his wife Estela, and their six children. With suggestions and training from a Peace Corps Volunteer and continued visits and support from G Adventures groups, Delfin and Estela developed “Cabañas Pimpilala” and are now able to offer memorable homestays for our travellers.

Learn more about local traditions in a mock jungle wedding ceremony. Hey, what happens in the jungle stays in the jungle, right?

Take in some culture and witness a shamanic healing ceremony done by a local shaman. A volunteer from the group will participate, and the CEO will translate the ceremony as the shaman does a mock healing complete with chanting.

Cycle to the Indigenous Shandia community, a rural village surrounded by rivers and lush Amazonian landscapes. With the support of G Adventures and Planeterra, the community has developed new culturally immersive experiences led by the village’s youth. Spend an hour and 45 minutes cycling from Pimpilala village to Shandia stopping along the way to take in the beauty of the Amazon. These cultural tours are seen by the community as a way to rescue their Indigenous culture and provide opportunities for the future. This provides an economic opportunity for youth who traditionally would have left the community to find work. Leave Shandia community knowing your visit is creating opportunities for a new generation in the community and contributing to the preservation of their culture.

Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life. Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.

Over 15 years ago, one of our tour leaders met a local Ecuadorian jungle guide by the name of Delfin Pauchi. Delfin invited this tour leader and G Adventures group to his home in the Amazon where he and his family gave them the opportunity to experience their way of life, and the natural wonders of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Since this was such a positive experience for both Delfin's family and the travellers, we developed a working relationship and over the years many G Adventures groups have experienced life with Delfin, his wife Estela, and their six children. With suggestions and training from a Peace Corps Volunteer and continued visits and support from G Adventures groups, Delfin and Estela developed “Cabañas Pimpilala” and are now able to offer memorable homestays for our travellers.

Learn how a blowgun and darts are made and how they are used in the jungle. Take turns trying to use one; the closest dart to the target marks the honourary blowgun champion of the group.

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Hop on a truck at the homestay before catching a bus back to Quito. Once in Quito, transfer across town to your accommodation.