The Grand Canyon of Cotundo Day Trip

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon with this immersive Day Trip to the Grand Canyon of Cotundo, a journey that reveals the sacred territory of the Quijos.

Day Excursion to the Grand Canyon of Cotundo

Your adventure begins as early as 4:30 to 5 am, when we will collect you from your accommodation in Quito to embark on an extraordinary expedition to the hidden gem in the rainforest, the Gran Cañón de Cotundo.

Once we depart from the capital, the route into the Ecuadorian Amazon unfolds, home to the renowned indigenous tribe, the Quijos. This journey to Cotundo spans approximately three and a half hours, during which you can admire the vibrant biodiversity of the region.

Prior to arriving at Cotundo, we will make a stop in the historic town of Baeza, established in the 16th century as the first settlement in the Amazonian territory of Ecuador. Here, you will enjoy an hour of leisure to have breakfast and explore the rich heritage of this charming town.

By 9:30 am, we will reach Cotundo, where your rainforest adventure commences. You will be enveloped in the melodies of local birds and captivated by the multitude of colors from the surrounding fruits. The area is also rich in flowers and butterflies, making it one of the most remarkable destinations in the Amazon. Did you know that this region is home to around 500 diverse plant species?

Next, we will embark on a half-mile trek up the mountain, gradually descending towards the Gran Cañón de Cotundo. This natural wonder has been sculpted by river erosion over millennia, creating stunning waterfalls nestled within the mountain.

After enjoying approximately 3 hours at this site, we will gather for lunch around 2 pm to recharge our energy. This unique cave complex was historically significant to ancient tribes, who conducted sacred healing ceremonies here.

Throughout our exploration, we will hike and traverse multiple rivers leading us into the depths of these caves. For an hour, you can unwind in natural pools and jacuzzis while marveling at geological formations that have existed for thousands of years.

We shall conclude our cave exploration by around 4:30 pm and commence our return journey to Quito, ensuring you arrive back at your hotel by 8 pm.