There are some trips that shift your perspective completely Ecuador was one of those for me.
When I was selected to co-host a FAM trip with G Adventures alongside a group of MAST Travel Advisors, I had no idea how deeply this journey would impact me. What unfolded was a powerful reminder of how travel when done thoughtfully can connect us to the earth, to each other, and to ourselves (no, really!).
Lessons in Gratitude
Ecuador welcomed us with open arms and a culture rooted in love, family, and deep respect for Mother Earth, or La Pachamama. Everywhere we went – from the highlands to the Amazon, it was clear that life here is lived in connection: to land, to people, to tradition!
In the U.S., we have so much. Clean water from the tap. Power at the flip of a switch. Wi-Fi that keeps us connected 24/7. Toiletries on every shelf. Same-day Amazon Delivery. It’s really easy to forget how fortunate we are. It’s humbling to see how others live with less, yet lead lives rich in community and intention.
Speaking of gratitude, I am so happy to have shared this experience with the incredible ladies pictured here. We really did it all together. Not to mention – they’re advisors the MAST network and are ready to plan your G-Adventures / Ecuador experience!
Real Encounters. Real People. Real Impact.
G Adventures isn’t your average tour company. Their “travel with purpose” mission comes to life in every moment. We weren’t just visitors, we were students of culture and connection.
In Otavalo, we were welcomed into a Quechua home for a traditional lunch prepared entirely from Claudia’s garden. As her family played Andean music for us, we danced, shared a meal, and learned about the symbolism of motherhood, fatherhood, and the circle of life that informs their way of living.
At the Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop, master weaver Miguel Andrango and his wife taught us the ancient art of weaving -starting with shearing, washing, and dying wool with ingredients like walnuts, berries, and achote! We watched as Miguel and his son worked in complete silence, focused and steady, a generational art form unfolding before our eyes. One medium-sized blanket? Two months of labor, 8 hours a day!
In the Amazon, we chopped down banana trees, harvested yuca, caught fish, and were served dinner by the locals. I stepped completely out of my comfort zone and ate a Chontacuro (an Amazonian larva delicacy), went on a night walk inches away from tarantulas and jungle cockroaches (exposure therapy, apparently), and slept in an open-air eco-lodge surrounded by jungle sounds/rainfall instead of walls. It was magical and truly an immersive and life-changing experience.
It was raw, real, and unforgettable.
Sustainable Travel in Action
Our stay at Itamandi Ecolodge, which runs on solar panels and provides biodegradable soap and shampoo, was a powerful example of how sustainability and tourism can coexist. I hadn’t realized the products I packed weren’t biodegradable…something I’ll never overlook again.
At Amazoonico, we learned how rescued animals are rehabilitated with the hope of returning them to the wild. It’s not a zoo. It’s a second chance.
We even visited El Quetzal Protected Forest, a hummingbird sanctuary where I discovered my new favorite bird: the Peruvian Rocket-tail. And yes, birdwatching is way more exciting than I ever imagined.
The Power of a Local Guide
Our guide, Elmer, was more than a guide he was the heartbeat of our experience! His local knowledge, relationships, and ability to share Ecuador’s stories added an unmatched depth to every interaction. Without him, we would’ve had a fraction of the experience we did. He was there to help us when there was a language barrier, special accommodations that needed to be made, and provide a personalized experience for each of us. How does one person have this much of an impact in 9-days? This was my first experience with a local guide and group travel…how do I go on another guided tour without him!?
This really showed me how vital local guides are to travel done right. Their insights go beyond Google searches—they unlock doors to authentic connection.
Content with Purpose
As a content creator, I felt moments of hesitation. Was I being intrusive? Was I capturing too much?
But every community welcomed it. They expressed that they appreciated when travelers share their stories, support their efforts, and shine a light on their traditions.
I documented a lot and not for business, but to amplify Ecuador’s beauty and inspire eco-conscious travel.
Because what we experienced deserves to be shared.
Full G-Adventures Itinerary
Day 1–2: Quito
• Optional full-day Quito City Tour
• Visit the Equator Line
• Free time to explore the city
• Welcome meeting + group dinner
Day 3: Otavalo
• Wander Otavalo’s famous handicraft market
• Community lunch at Kawsaymi
• Hands-on weaving lesson with local artisans
Day 4: Papallacta
• Relax at Papallacta Hot Springs
• Free time to unwind in the thermal pools
Day 5: Amazon Rainforest (Tena)
• Guided trek in El Quetzal Protected Forest
• Amazon night walk with a naturalist
• Parrot clay lick excursion
• Visit AmaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre
• Amazon home experience with a local family
Day 6: Baños
• Stop at an orchid botanical garden en route
• Free time in Baños to explore shops, cafés, and lookout points
Day 7: Baños
Choose-your-own-adventure day. Highlights included:
• Hiking scenic mountain trails
• Horseback Riding (This is what I did!)
• Mountain biking along rivers and waterfalls
• Hot springs soak
• Whitewater rafting
Evening gathering to eat/share experiences
Day 8: Cotopaxi + Quito
• Visit Cotopaxi National Park
• Return to Quito
• Farewell dinner
Day 9: Depart Quito
• Transfer to the airport or continue explore on your own and extend your trip
My Highlights
• The Equator (SO COOL!)
• Otavalo market and weaving lesson – such an incredible multi-faceted lesson
• Papallacta hot springs
• Amazon wildlife + rainforest experiences
• Baños adventure activities – horseback riding alongside a volcano was such a unique experience
• Cotopaxi National Park
Final Reflections
I came home changed.
I no longer fear spiders (mostly). I’ve reevaluated my consumer habits. I’ve gained a new level of respect for the resilience and brilliance of indigenous communities.
And I feel so grateful.
To G Adventures – for creating something that’s more than a tour.
To Ecuador – for being generous with its culture.
If you’re considering Ecuador, don’t hesitate. And don’t go alone…go with G Adventures.
They’ll show you the kind of travel that does good. And trust me, you’ll come back better for it.
Want to work with a travel advisor, but don’t know where to start? Scan local advisors near you with our agency locator and start planning your next vacation today! https://mvptravel.com/travel-agents/.
