Others

•Entrances to all the activities listed on the itinerary

Meals

•11 Breakfast •2 Lunch •1 Box Lunch •2 Dinner

Accommodation

•11 nights of lodging

Guide

•Private English-speaking guide

Transport

•Transfers from and to the airport with private English-speaking driver •All transfers with private English-speaking driver

Not included:

Others

•Meals not listed on the itinerary •Tips & Gratitudes

Insurance

Travel insurance

Flights

•International flights

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Day 1 Welcome To Ecuador The Middle Of The World
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Welcome To Ecuador The Middle Of The World

Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador!

Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level, Ecuador’s dramatic capital city is the second highest in the world after Bolivia’s La Paz. Built on the ashes of the northern Inca capital following the 1533 Spanish conquest, Quito is nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic Andean peaks, among them the restless Volcán Pichincha.

The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m). It welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, and fourth-generation hat makers, as well as a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.

Your private driver will meet you for an approximately 45-minute transfer to your accommodation in the city center. Along the way, you’ll get a short introduction to Quito´s history and a quick briefing on the next day’s activities.

Meals: -

Accommodation: Blue House or similar
Day 2 Colonial Quito City Tour & The Middle Of The World
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Colonial Quito City Tour & The Middle Of The World

Today, after breakfast, your English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a walking city tour. The colonial center of Quito was already named world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1978 and is home to many beautiful, historic buildings and squares. You will visit the Plaza Grande and the beautiful churches La Compañía and La Basílica and walk down the oldest street of Quito—La Ronda.

Afterward, you will visit the equatorial monument, Mitad del Mundo, located just 26 km (16 miles) north of Ecuador’s capital city, Quito where French scientists determined the position of the central line many years ago. Ecuador is the place to come to stand on the Equator line, nowhere else on the planet is it easier to visit the Equator line or strike a pose with one foot in each hemisphere. Even Ecuador’s name was born of its location at latitude zero. You will visit the museum exhibits including a planetarium, ethnographic museum, art exhibits, a small-scale model of Quito city, an old train station, a beer museum, cocoa & chocolate exhibits, and a small chapel, for an unforgettable experience today.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Quito
Day 3 Expedition To Mindo Cloudforest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Expedition To Mindo Cloudforest

Today you’ll explore the lush green cloud forest of Mindo. Its location at the western slopes of the Andean highlands gives this region mild temperatures and lots of rainfall. Thanks to the favorable conditions, the Mindo forest has an incredibly high biodiversity.

You’ll get the chance to see some of the countless birds, butterflies, and insect species that call the region home. Visit the butterfly garden, hike to beautiful waterfalls, or fly between the treetops on a zipline. After, learning to make chocolate and taste your creations.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mindo
Day 4 Tubing In Mindo- Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tubing In Mindo- Quito

Tubing in Mindo, Ecuador is a popular outdoor activity that offers a unique and exciting way to explore the region’s lush jungle environment. Tubing in Mindo usually takes place on the Mindo River, which winds its way through the town and the surrounding rainforest. The river is characterized by a mix of calm stretches and exhilarating rapids, making it an ideal location for tubing adventures of all skill levels.

Many tubing tours in Mindo include transportation to and from the river, as well as equipment such as tubes, helmets, and life jackets.

Overall, tubing in Mindo is a fun and memorable way to experience the beauty and adventure of Ecuador’s Cloudforest. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling whitewater ride or a relaxing float down the river, Mindo offers a variety of options for tubing enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Quito
Day 5 Around Cuicocha Lagoon- Otavalo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Around Cuicocha Lagoon- Otavalo

After a delicious breakfast, you will head to the famous Cuicocha Lagoon, a little bit North of Otavalo. On the trail around the crater lagoon, your guide will explain to you the high-altitude flora and fauna and the history of the once-active volcano (duration of hike: approx. 5 hours). Alternatively, if you don’t feel like hiking, you can just take a short walk and take some pictures, or ride in a boat around the two islands.

In the afternoon, you can make a stopover in the leather town of Cotacachi - maybe you find some souvenirs.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Otavalo
Day 6 Otavalo Market- Peguche
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Otavalo Market- Peguche

Today, you will visit the market of Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets of South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicrafts to fresh vegetables and fruits. Take a stroll through the streets and maybe try some of the local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote, and fried pork with cooked corn.

Afterward, you will head to the small waterfall Peguche, formed by the river of the same name. This waterfall is considered as an indigenous ceremonial site. After visiting the waterfall, you could also stop by the local artisans who live and work in this area.

For your overnight stay, you return to Quito.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Quito
Day 7 Alpaca Encounter At Quilotoa Lagoon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Alpaca Encounter At Quilotoa Lagoon

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, accompanied by an expert guide, visit Quilotoa Lagoon—a blue-green volcanic crater lake that sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. Make stops at a quiet village and local markets along the way.

Once you arrive, you have the option to walk along the crater’s rim or hike for 45 minutes down a path to the lake, where you’ll get the chance to see the shimmering green waters up close and enjoy the beautiful weather from a kayak. If you wish, there is a jetty here that you can walk on, or you can just sit on the beach and take in the view. The return journey can be a bit longer, so you have the option to rent a mule for the uphill hike.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Baños de Agua Santa
Day 8 Reconnecting With Nature At Baños De Agua Santa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Reconnecting With Nature At Baños De Agua Santa

Early in the morning, you will head towards the "Devil’s Cauldron" (In Spanish, Pailón del Diablo) which is located specifically 17 kilometers from the city of Baños de Agua Santa, on the road from Baños to Puyo. After a hike down towards the waterfall, you will be amazed at its height which is approximately 80 meters high and without a doubt one of the most important waterfalls in Ecuador, as it is awe-inspiring, in addition that its location on Rio Pastaza guarantees a constant water supply for the surrounding areas.

Afterward, next on your agenda, you will visit, the most famous treehouse in the world, the Casa del Arbol, which is home to the Swing at the End of the World, a simple playground ride perched on the edge of a mountain overlooking Baños, Ecuador, you will have the chance to see all of this from the Swing at the End of the World is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Baños de Agua Santa
Day 9 Canyoning In Baños
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Canyoning In Baños

For a more adventurous day, consider going canyoning at Casahurco outside of Baños. Professional guides will show you the ropes, so to speak, of this multi-faceted activity. You’ll get to jump from waterfalls, rappel down the sides of the canyon, slide down natural chutes, and swim in freshwater pools.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Baños de Agua Santa
Day 10 Jumandy Caves- Chocolate Session
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Jumandy Caves- Chocolate Session

In the morning, after breakfast, you will drive to Archidona, following the Pastaza River on its way through the valley. Along the journey, you’ll pass waterfalls and incredible landscapes.

Arrival at the lodge and lunch. After a short break, we will head to the caves of Jumandy, where you will enjoy the mysticism of this fabulous underground world. After this trip, we will return to the lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits us accompanied by the singing of the toads of the lagoon in front of the restaurant. Afterwards, you will be the protagonist of a chocolate session where you will get to know the whole elaboration process, starting with the toast, and continuing with the grinding until tasting a delicious dessert with fruits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Archidona
Day 11 Full Day Rafting Jatunyaku River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Full Day Rafting Jatunyaku River

After breakfast, we set off for Tena to the Jatunyaku River (Type 3+) where we will make a 23 km full rafting trip (about 3 hours) through the Llanganates National Park, loaded with adrenaline and adventure. This activity has first aid training, rafting protective equipment, and box lunches. Back to the lodge where you can enjoy the pool and whirlpool and then an exquisite dinner awaits you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: Archidona
Day 12 Papallacta Hotsprings - Transfer To Quito Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Papallacta Hotsprings - Transfer To Quito Airport

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast and the sounds of the rainforest, before checking out and heading back to Quito.

On the way back we make a stop at the Papallacta Hot-springs to refresh and relax on the way in one of the most fantastic volcanic waters. It is also a great spot to have lunch with local dishes such as fresh-grilled trout before you end your trip at Quito Airport to catch your night flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch

Accommodation: -

12 days tour

12 Days Ecuadorian Andes & Gateway To The Amazon

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 12 Days Ecuadorian Andes & Gateway To The Amazon

Welcome To Ecuador The Middle Of The World

Colonial Quito City Tour & The Middle Of The World

Expedition To Mindo Cloudforest

Tubing In Mindo- Quito

Around Cuicocha Lagoon- Otavalo

Otavalo Market- Peguche

Alpaca Encounter At Quilotoa Lagoon

Reconnecting With Nature At Baños De Agua Santa

Canyoning In Baños

Jumandy Caves- Chocolate Session

Full Day Rafting Jatunyaku River

Papallacta Hotsprings - Transfer To Quito Airport

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