From The Andes to The Amazon

We will collect you early from the Quito hotel to head north through the majestic Andes. On the way, we will stop at a lookout point over the Imbabura Volcano and Lake San Pablo. In Otavalo, you will have plenty of time to wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, filled with the Indigenous people wearing the traditional blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair. Learn all about their way of life and their native language. We will visit the famous handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, tapestries. We will then head to Peguche, a small village located in the heart of the Andes, where you will enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience, immersing yourself in the traditions and culture of the South-American highlands. We can sample a traditional lunch made from local, organic products harvested the same day and get to know these incredible people some more. In the evening, we will stay at the historical hacienda of Pinsaqui, where we will enjoy a typical Andean cocktail and learn about the history of the hacienda.

After breakfast, we will head out along a windy, spectacular road towards the Amazon Rain forest, descending 2500 metres in elevation. As we drop, we can appreciate how the landscape and vegetation change drastically between the different climates. Our first stop will be the Guango hummingbird reserve, where we will have the unique opportunity to see many of these incredible birds in the wild. These brightly coloured, tiny creatures are famous for their ability to flap their wings rapidly and to “standstill” in mere flight.

In the afternoon, we will make a stop at the “Guacamayo and Macaw Lookout point located between Antisana and the Sumaco National Reserve, to marvel at the magic blanket of mist that covers the cloud forest. We will finally arrive at the Arajuno River, where a motor canoe will take us 20 minutes up- river to the Eco Lodge, where we will spend the evening.  

Today, we will head out into the Amazon on a hike to look for different animal species and learn about the endemic medicinal plants of the region. We will also meet the family who will offer us their home for an interactive experience in the jungle. We can take part in their everyday activities and learn about the customs and traditions as well as their natural products such as medicinal plants. We will head out on a hike with the family to collect local plants, weave with vines and enjoy other traditional activities that the families still use to this day. we will also have the opportunity to learn how to make our own chocolate from the raw cocoa fruit.  

After breakfast, we will head to the Rio Verde, located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Sangay National Park. Here, we will hike down to the second-highest waterfall in Ecuador, the Pailon Del Diablo, where immense cascades of water crash on the rocks, which we can view from the bridge. We can also hike behind these immense falls. We will then head on to another incredible waterfall called El Manto de la Novia, where we will ride in a cable car across the Pastaza River's canyon. In the evening, we will arrive at the town of Baños, at the base of the active  Tungurahua volcano, It has erupted many times recently, offering a lava and steam display that can be seen from a variety of viewpoints in the region.

After breakfast, we will visit The Swing of the End of the World, where you will have time to replicate the amazing picture that won the National Geographic photo competition, appreciating the spectacular landscape in front of us. We will have a free afternoon to enjoy some of the many optional activities in this picturesque town.  

Bright and early, we will drive through valleys and farming villages to reach the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador, found at an elevation of 6310 m. The volcano's summit is said to be the furthest point from the centre of the earth on the planet. We will hike the short trail to reach an elevation of 5000 m where the glacier begins. This region is home to the Andean condor, caracara, hummingbirds, and vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, vicuñas have been reintroduced and are now a protected species.

After an early breakfast, we will take a scenic drive to the small town of Alausí. From here, we will take the Devil’s Nose train, where the train tracks wind through the landscape, creating a totally unique travel experience. After this incredible experience, will head to Ingapirca, the most impressive archaeological site in Ecuador. We will spend the afternoon learning about these Inca remnants and their unique fusion of Inca and native Cañari architecture, as well as for religious aspects. We will continue to the city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture and where we will spend the evening.

In the morning, we will enjoy a city tour, visiting the most important buildings and notable places in Cuenca, such as Calderon Square, the New Cathedral, El Barranco and El Turi lookout point. In the afternoon, we will visit a famous Panama hat factory where we can learn about this famous hats history. In the afternoon, we will visit the towns of Chordeleg and Gualaceo, famous for their jewellery and handicrafts. The market town Gualaceo is where locals gather to exchange their products and crafts. Here you can find the famous, traditional Macana shawls.

Today we will have a free morning to enjoy the city before we take our short flight back to the capital. In Quito, we will head to the airport for your flight back home or to your next exciting destination!