Guide

English and Spanish-speaking guide

Transport

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

Meals

• 13 Breakfast • 3 Lunch • 3 Dinner

Accommodation

• 13 Nights of Accommodation

Others

• Entrances to all the activities listed on the itinerary • Meals as detailed in the itinerary

Flights

• International flights • Domestic Flights

Not included:

Others

• Services not mentioned in the program • Alcoholic Beverages • International Airport Fees *if apply* • Optional Excursions • Tips and Personal expenses • Obtaining and updating passports, travel insurance, and excess baggage fees. • Additional beverages • Laundry service • Communication (calls, faxes, e-mails, etc.) • Domestic and International airport departure taxes • Gratuities or other non-taxes • Tips or other services • Fees not specified in the itinerary

Start planning your experience

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

Welcome To Ecuador The Middle Of The World

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: Kitu 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 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 from 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.

Overnight Shuttle Bus: Meeting Point in Quito

You must be at the meeting point in Quito at approximately 22:30 pm. The Shuttle bus departs at 23:00 pm. The overnight shared shuttle bus will take you for 8 hours towards El Puente de Cuyabeno, you will arrive at approximately 10h30 – 11h00a.m, after checking at the guardianship of the Cuyabeno Bridge.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kitu or similar
Day 3 Arrival In The Rainforest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival In The Rainforest

In the morning you will arrive at "El Puente", the main entrance to the Cuyabeno Reserve and the last point of real civilization. Here you will have a box lunch and then drive on the Cuyabeno River in a motorized canoe for 3 hours until you reach the lodge. With a bit of luck, you can already observe species of one of ten different species of monkeys and tropical birds, as this part of the river is narrow enough to observe wildlife closely. After you arrive at the Lodge, you will have more time to rest and then take an introductory tour around the area. After dinner, your bilingual tour guide will supply you with information about the coming day’s activities.

Meals: Lunch - Dinner

Overnight: Nicky Lodge or similar
Day 4 Adventure In The Amazon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Adventure In The Amazon

After an early breakfast, you will start your exploration, taking advantage of the early hours of the day, which is the best time to observe the flourishing activities of the tropical forest. Below is a somewhat standard day, but you can choose to take many excursions via canoe rather than on foot.

Your tour guide will share his knowledge with you during a walk in the rainforest. You will learn and understand how jungle life can coexist in a fragile balance. Your guide will explain the use of medicinal plants. Knowledge, that has been passed on from generation to generation and is still applied by the local population. Keep watch for amphibians, butterflies, centipedes and millipedes, snakes, birds, monkeys, and other mammals along the trail. Later you will return to the lodge for your lunch. In the afternoon, you will make an excursion that will take you along the Cuyabeno River to discover the animals that live in the dense forest on the banks of the river, especially monkeys and also areas, toucans, and sloths. There will be a good opportunity to see river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis) in the magnificent fluvial landscape.

Before having your dinner, you’ll head into the dark forest to find its nightlife such as insects, spiders, snakes, or colorful frogs, accompanied by the nocturnal sounds of the jungle.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Overnight: Nicky Lodge or similar
Day 5 Indigenous Community, Laguna Grande & Igapó
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Indigenous Community, Laguna Grande & Igapó

Enjoy an early morning walk through the forest to see wildlife, especially monkeys and birds. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then continue by motorized canoe along the "Turtle Path" to visit the Seoqueya community, where several families of the indigenous Siona group live. One of the family members will demonstrate traditional cooking techniques, including preparing the typical yucca bread, called casave. Try making bread under the family’s instruction as your guide explains local traditions and cultures. In the afternoon, continue by motorized canoe along the Cuyabeno River to Laguna Grande. Here, you’ll get to explore a unique rainforest ecosystem: a flooded forest (Igapo), which is characterized by massive trees and lush greenery. After exploring the lagoon, cool off with a swim in the calm waters while taking in the sunset. Continue your adventure downriver to see more nocturnal wildlife, especially caimans, before returning to the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Overnight: Nicky Lodge or similar
Day 6 Return To Civilization
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Return To Civilization

This morning activity will be a short canoe trip to enjoy the sunrise in the jungle, where you will have a good opportunity to observe some different types of wild animals and enjoy another moment of peace in this wonderful natural paradise. After breakfast, you will have time to prepare your luggage for your return trip. You will navigate upriver to return to El Puente de Cuyabeno. After your box lunch, your bus will take you back to Lago Agrio, and from there you return to Quito, where your tour ends. Have a safe flight back home and visit us soon again in Ecuador!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kitu or similar
Day 7 Free Day In Quito To Rest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Free Day In Quito To Rest

Today you’ll have the entire day to explore Quito at your own pace. Remember that the city’s is at an altitude of 9350 ft above sea level so try to take it easy! Founded in 1534, it makes the city the oldest capital in South America, and even declared by World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978.

Quito is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Spend a self-guided day at leisure exploring some of the attractions.

Explore La Floresta neighborhood: Known to be a neighborhood with lots of street art, artsy cafes, nice views, and a wide variety of restaurants and street food.

Carolina Park: The largest urban park in Quito. It has different areas such as an artificial lake, a running track, and even biking and skate parks.

There are some museums and cultural spots in the city that you can explore such as La Casa de La Cultura, MINDALAE museum, or el Museum of Contemporary Art.

Itchimbía Park is beautiful and home for the Crystal Palace where different cultural and art exhibitions are in rotation, aside from offering a fantastic view of the city. You can also explore nearby cafes with stunning views.

Teleferiqo Cable Car. You can get to one of the summits of the Pichincha Volcano which will bring you up to 10226ft above sea level to get the best view of the city. Here you can take a short hike, take some amazing pictures, and even have fun in one of the highest swings in existence! Keep your eyes peeled because sometimes you may see rabbits and other wildlife roaming the area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Blue House or similar
Day 8 Papallacta Hot Springs
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Papallacta Hot Springs

Today you will enjoy the Termas de Papallacta resort and spa, you can relax and enjoy its pools, naturally heated by the volcanic hot springs. Also, if the weather is clear, you will be able to see the giant Antisana Volcano (reaching a height of 5,758 meters) looming above.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Blue House or similar
Day 9 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: Isla de Baños or similar
Day 10 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: Isla de Baños or similar
Day 11 Cotopaxi National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cotopaxi National Park

Upon your arrival at Cotopaxi National Park, you will see the volcano towering at 5897 meters, whose peak boasts a perfectly symmetrical snow-capped cone, and picturesque surrounding parkland. Located south of Quito, the Cotopaxi volcano is the second highest summit in Ecuador (19,347 feet). But there is more than meets the eyes. It is one of the world’s most active volcanoes! Its dome, which form is almost perfect, is covered with eternal snow.

Once there, you will start at Lake Limpiopungo, here you may find a variety of birds, and occasionally even wild horses. A short walk around the lake will allow you to admire the Andean plant and animal life along the way. You will explore the rugged surroundings and stunning scenery of Cotopaxi National Park and Cotopaxi Volcano and enjoy heading ever-higher into this sky-high region, stopping at the 15,800-foot (4864-meter) Padre Rivas Refuge, here, you will have a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano’s gigantic cone, The distance is short, and the hike presents no technical difficulty. but make sure to stay hydrated to avoid the effects of altitude, and bring warm clothes (hat, scarf, gloves, warm upper layers, wind/rainproof jacket).

This will be an excellent way to discover the mythical Andean landscapes in a truly unique way.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Blue House or similar
Day 12 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: Indio Inn or similar
Day 13 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: Blue House or similar
Day 14 Private Transfer To Quito Airport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Private Transfer To Quito Airport

At the designated time, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you to Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) for your scheduled flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: -

+11

14 days tour

14 Days Mainland Ecuador And Cuyabeno Reserve

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 14 Days Mainland Ecuador And Cuyabeno Reserve

Welcome To Ecuador The Middle Of The World

Colonial Quito City Tour & The Middle Of The World

Arrival In The Rainforest

Adventure In The Amazon

Indigenous Community, Laguna Grande & Igapó

Return To Civilization

Free Day In Quito To Rest

Papallacta Hot Springs

Alpaca Encounter At Quilotoa Lagoon

Reconnecting With Nature At Baños De Agua Santa

Cotopaxi National Park

Around Cuicocha Lagoon- Otavalo

Otavalo Market- Peguche

Private Transfer To Quito Airport

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