After spending a couple of days exploring Quito, it was time to leave the city behind and begin our journey into the Ecuadorian Amazon. We picked up a rental car from Enterprise at the airport, deliberately avoiding having a vehicle while staying in Quito. The city has some unusual driving restrictions and permit requirements for vehicles entering and leaving at certain times, and as first-time drivers in South America, we were happy to skip the congestion and ease ourselves into the experience. I will say renting a car here was more expensive than we thought. You can’t use personal insurance unless you pay a large deposit (around $5,000USD) or you have to purchase their insurance.
A Scenic Drive Through the Andes
Collecting the car at the airport turned out to be the perfect choice. Within minutes we were on the highway, leaving the city behind and heading east toward the Andes. The drive itself quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. Winding mountain roads carried us through dramatic valleys and over high mountain passes, with waterfalls cascading down distant cliffs and deep gorges carved by rushing rivers below. Around every corner seemed to be another postcard-worthy view.
A Stop at Termas de Papallacta
On our way to the Amazon, we made a stop at Termas de Papallacta, a collection of thermal pools nestled high in the Andes. After a morning on the road, soaking in the warm mineral-rich waters while surrounded by misty mountains was the perfect break. It was hard to imagine a better introduction to Ecuador’s incredible landscapes. You can purchase a day pass to use the pools here for around $25USD per person. They also have a restaurant and offer full spa services and stay.
Refreshed and relaxed, we continued our journey toward the Amazon rainforest, where we would spend the next few nights at what would become our favourite accommodation of the entire trip, and one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed in.
The drive from Quito through the Andes and down into the Amazon is not a short one. With stops for gas, food, and a few scenic viewpoints along the way, the journey took us roughly seven hours. While it makes for a long day on the road, it was one of our favourite drives of the trip. The constantly changing landscapes from high mountain passes and cloud forests to lush jungle valleys made the hours fly by. It’s also a fantastic way to experience parts of Ecuador that many visitors never get to see.
Wild Wasi: Our Favourite Stay in Ecuador
By early evening we arrived at Wild Wasi, our home for the next few nights. Tucked away in the heart of the jungle, this modern yet cozy Airbnb immediately exceeded our expectations. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out over an endless sea of rainforest, making it feel as though we were completely immersed in nature. The private pool overlooking the jungle was the perfect place to relax after a long day of driving, and before long we knew this would become our favourite place we stayed during our time in Ecuador. You can view my room tour here.
One of the things we loved about staying at Wild Wasi was the variety of experiences that could be arranged directly through the host. Guests can purchase a number of add-ons, including a delicious homemade breakfast and dinner, massages, and guided tours of the surrounding area. We opted for the breakfast on a few mornings and were so glad we did. Freshly baked breads, homemade juices, and fresh fruit made it the perfect way to start the day.
We also joined a nighttime jungle walk, which gave us a completely different perspective on the rainforest. As darkness fell, the jungle came alive with sounds and creatures that we would never have spotted during the day. It was both fascinating and a little eerie wandering through the forest by flashlight.
One of the highlights of our stay was a full-day boat excursion along the Amazon River. Along the way, we spotted monkeys swinging through the trees, crocodiles resting along the riverbanks, and an incredible variety of birdlife. We also visited an Indigenous community where we learned about some of their traditions, customs, and way of life. As part of the experience, we were served a traditional lunch featuring local ingredients. I even worked up the courage to try grilled grubs. When in Rome, right? Or perhaps in this case: when in Ecuador! 🌿🐒
After a few unforgettable days in the Amazon, it was time for another long travel day. We left the rainforest behind and made our way toward Ecuador’s Pacific coast, where a completely different side of the country was waiting for us.
Next up: Guayaquil and the pacific coast.
If you’d like to follow along with my travels and see more photos and videos from Ecuador and beyond, you can find me on Instagram. I share travel tips, itineraries, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments from the road.
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