Ecuadorian Andes and Amazon Expedition: 13-Day Nature and Culture Journey

Arrive in Quito without stress with our special pickup service. Our dependable team guarantees a seamless transition to your hotel following your international flight.This tailored service prepares you for a comfortable and delightful journey by getting rid of the difficulties that come with navigating a new city. Enjoy a trip where comfort and care take priority, allowing you to concentrate on the excitement of exploring from the instant you arrive in Ecuador.

We travel north on the Pan-American Highway to reach the Quitsato solar clock, a cultural landmark from pre-Hispanic times used to measure solstices and equinoxes. This site is situated on the equator line, which also serves as the middle of the world. To learn about the food culture, we take a break to have a cup of Ecuadorian coffee or chocolate with small baked goods called biscuits. They have an incomparable taste and we get to see how they are made. Our next stop is in Otavalo. Just a few minutes away from our main destination, we stop at a viewpoint overlooking San Pablo Lake with Mount Imbabura in the background. Next, we'll visit the largest and most significant indigenous handcrafts market in South America. This market is open every day of the week. Take a leisurely stroll around La Plaza de los Ponchos and indulge in shopping for a couple of hours before we head to Cotacachi. There, we'll discover a market exclusively dedicated to leather crafts, where you'll have 45 minutes to explore the numerous shops. Our final stop is at Cuicocha Lagoon, situated at an elevation of 3068m (10,065.62 ft) within an active volcanic crater featuring small islands or domes. Lastly, you will head back to your hotel in Quito.

The day starts with breakfast at the hotel. Then you will be picked up to visit the Historic Center of Quito for a tour of its streets, squares, colonial houses, and buildings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. This part of Quito is fascinating and was declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1978. The first stop is at the neo-Gothic style Basilica, featuring stained glass windows with flower designs and gargoyles shaped like the wildlife of the country. Enjoy the stunning view from the towers before you head to one of Latin America's largest convents, San Francisco. Then visit the La Compañía baroque church, featuring a fusion of different arts and a gold-covered interior. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

In the morning, drive for two hours along the Panamerican Highway to reach the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. There, you can see crafts made by local artisans, and hike around Limpiopungo lagoon on the high plain to observe its diverse plant and animal life. After a quick drive uphill to reach "the parking lot" near Cotopaxi volcano, you'll begin climbing to the refuge. Here, you can enjoy a hot drink while looking out at the vast Andean Highlands of Cotopaxi National Park with the extinct Ruminahui, Pasochoa, and Sincholagua volcanoes in the background. Following lunch, you'll continue the journey towards Quilotoa, a stunning turquoise lagoon believed to be the final resting place of the Inca. First, you'll reach the viewpoint of Toachi Canyon, a place made by volcanic explosions and now formed into a large gorge that cuts across the Iliniza Reserve. On the way, you'll visit a Tigua handicraft workshop where you can see native paintings showcasing local customs and traditions. When you arrive at the Quilotoa community, take in breathtaking views of the magnificent lagoon from the viewpoint. Finally, head to the quaint Andean village of Baños.

Explore Baños, the entrance to the Amazon rainforest, and its surroundings near the slopes of the active Tungurahua volcano. The village offers great weather, perfect for experiencing adventure and nature. You can also take a soak in the hot thermal springs for which the village is famous amongst travelers. From Banos, you can take the Route of the Waterfalls which starts at the Agoyan dam. This route takes you to the Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where you can ride the Tarabita (cable car) across Rio Patate and explore the waterfall on the other side. After passing Mirador de San Jorge viewpoint, you'll arrive at the Pailón del Diablo, a waterfall that's around 100 meters tall. A half-hour walk through a lush mountain forest will take you to the base of a breathtaking waterfall. The return hike uphill should take 45-60 minutes. Later, you can spend the afternoon however you'd like back in Banos.

Venture on an awe-inspiring journey to Chimborazo Mountain, where you'll encounter an unparalleled sense of tranquility as you hike to the closest point to the sun from Earth. This remarkable experience is bound to leave you not only speechless but also, quite possibly, breathless, as you ascend to altitudes exceeding 5000 meters at the magnificent "El Chimborazo." Your adventure begins with a departure from Baños. Along the way, we'll make a technical stop for breakfast (not included) on the Panamerican Highway E35, setting the stage for the journey ahead. As we continue our drive, we'll reach the Chimborazo Fauna Reproduction Reserve. Our journey to lofty heights commences at the first refuge, the Hermanos Carrel Refuge, perched at an elevation of 4800 meters. From here, we'll hike to reach the Whymper refuge, nestled at nearly 5000 meters above sea level. For those still brimming with energy, there's even the opportunity to ascend a little further and surpass the 5000-meter mark. After a well-deserved box lunch at the upper refuge, we'll commence our descent back to the lower refuge. From there, we'll drive back to the charming town of Baños, concluding this remarkable journey.

The tour starts in the morning, following Rio Patate from Baños down into the rainforest to Puyo. You'll have your first stop for breakfast (not included) there. Then, travel north to Rio Napo, pass Misahualli, and arrive at the Paikawe Lagoon within the private reserve of the same name for a canoe trip exploring the lagoon while viewing some of the animals. You will travel for around an hour from here to Tena, where you will be dropped off at the bus terminal. From there, take a public bus to Lago Agrio, which will take about 5 hours. You will spend the night in Lago Agrio.

Day 5: The rainforest tour starts at 9:30 am. We drive for around 2 hours until we arrive at 'El Puente', the main entrance to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Then, we cruise the Cuyabeno River on a motorized canoe for 2-3 hours (depending on how many animals we see) till we arrive at the lodge of your choice. With some luck, we might spot the first monkeys and birds during the journey. The river is very narrow in this area, giving you the chance to see wildlife up close. Upon arrival at the lodge, you can rest and take a walk in the nearby surroundings. Later, a bilingual guide will explain the next day's activities following dinner. Day 6: In the early morning, you search for the awakening animals within the lush green forest. Later, after having breakfast, you take a hike through the rainforest with a knowledgeable guide. The guide will teach you about the complex jungle, where diverse life forms coexist and survive in a delicate balance. Observe the colorful butterflies, frogs, and birds while gaining knowledge about the variety of flora. Later, you go back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you go on a canoe trip along the Cuyabeno River, which takes you through the thick forest. Watch for animals on the riverbanks, particularly monkeys, macaws, toucans, and sloths. You also have a good chance of spotting pink river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis) here. Before dinner, at dusk, you explore the lodge's surroundings to look for nocturnal animals such as insects, spiders, snakes, and frogs which become active when the sun sets. Dinner. Day 7: During an excursion early in the morning, you will take a canoe ride to enjoy nature in the peaceful morning hours. After breakfast, you will take a motorized canoe to visit the Seoqueya community, home to several indigenous Siona families. The family members will show you how to make 'Cassave' (typical manioc bread of the region). Your guide will explain the local customs and traditions of their past and present culture while you have lunch. Later you return to the lodge. In the afternoon you will travel by motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River to the Laguna Grande. As you explore the lagoon, you will get to know 'Igapó', the flooded rainforest. This is a very special rainforest ecosystem dominated by giant macrolobium trees which provide habitat for epiphytes and tropical bird species. After exploring the lagoon, you can refresh yourself with a swim in the calm waters while watching the spectacular sunset of the Amazon. Later you will continue your adventure and observe the nocturnal fauna of the river landscape, watching out for nocturnal animals, especially caimans before returning to the lodge. Dinner.

Today's morning outing involves a quick canoe trip. Make use of the early hours to watch the animals in their morning routines and bid farewell to the jungle. Following breakfast at the lodge, you'll have time to pack for the return trip. You'll be traveling upstream to 'El Puente de Cuyabeno' where you'll take a bus back to Lago Agrio. In the bus station, you'll board a bus for Tena, where you'll arrive in the evening and spend the night.

Enjoy breakfast and a peaceful morning, as today's transportation arrives at 11:00 a.m. Discover Ecuadorian chocolate and explore a cocoa farm during a tour in Santa Rita village. Enjoy breakfast and a peaceful morning, as today's transportation arrives at 11:00 a.m. Discover Ecuadorian chocolate and explore a cocoa farm during a tour in Santa Rita village. Enjoy breakfast and a peaceful morning, as today's transportation arrives at 11:00 a.m. Discover Ecuadorian chocolate and explore a cocoa farm during a tour in Santa Rita village. A traditional lunch is also available (not provided). Later in the day, you'll arrive in Papallacta, a small town situated at an altitude of 3,250 meters in the Andes. This town lies on the route from the Amazon jungle to Quito and has beautiful views of the Eastern Cordillera slopes. Make a stop at the Papallacta Hot Springs for a relaxing experience that will improve your health and well-being thanks to the therapeutic hot springs. The natural environment hosts 10 different pools with varying temperatures and sizes, as well as 3 cold water springs. On a clear day, the gigantic Antisana Volcano (5753m) can be seen in the background. There are also local food options, hiking trails, and spa treatments available (extra cost).

Enjoy a hassle-free stay at your hotel with complimentary breakfast, setting you up for a day of adventure. Our attentive team guarantees a seamless transfer to the airport, making international departures stress-free. We take care of every detail, from nourishing meals to hassle-free travel arrangements, ensuring your time in Quito is comfortable and unforgettable.