An incredible world of tropical landscapes, local communities, indigenous cultures and massive volcanoes await you in Ecuador. Discover the resplendent Avenue of Volcanoes and climb high into cloud forests. Enjoy the country’s rich biodiversity first hand as you watch butterflies flutter by and birds soar through the jungle overhead. Hike to cascading waterfalls and learn the art of chocolate making at its source in the tropical paradise of Mindo.
Venture to the amazing crater lakes of Cuicocha and Quilotoa and sail through their turquoise waters. After haggling for goods in the indigenous market of Otavalo, prepare and share an organic lunch with local people in the heart of the Andes.
What's Included?
- 11 Nights Accommodation
- Cotopaxi Volcano Trek
- Quilotoa Loop Trek
- Cloud Forest Hiking
- Cuicocha Lake Trek
- Pailon del Diablo Hiking
- Meals as specified in the Itinerary
- English Speaking guides
- All ground transportation
- Airport transfers
* Accommodation based on double occupancy. Solo supplement of $560 applies for a private room.
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Welcome adventurers to Quito. Our driver will be at the airport when you arrive and transfer you to your hotel. Quito lies in the foothills of the Andes at 2850m (9350 ft) and is overshadowed by the Pichincha Volcano. Known as the Cultural Capital of South America, Quito's historic colonial center is well worth visiting if you arrive earlier in the day. We will have a briefing for the group later in the afternoon at the hotel to go over trip details and plans.
Accommodation: Wyndham Garden
Day 2: Equator, Crater & Chocolate
The day will start by visiting the 100 ft tall middle of the earth monument, where you can be in both Northern and Southern hemispheres at the same time! Our journey will then continue north to the Mindo Cloud Forest, making a stop at the lush Pululahua Crater on the way. Upon reaching the tropical rainforest, you'll immediately start seeing Ecuador's famous biodiversity -butterflies, hummingbirds, and dragonflies grace the air. In the afternoon, we will take a chocolate tour - seeing the cocoa progress from seed to final product.
Accommodation: Septimo Paraiso or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Mindo Cloud Forest
The full day will be used in exploring Mindo -by foot, cable car, rafting or ziplines. Once you've had your fill of waterfalls and lush green forests, we will stop by the butterfly nursery where it's possible to see butterflies emerging from their chrysalides.
Accommodation: Septimo Paraiso or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Otavalo Indigenous Market
The day begins with hiking in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve to see more tropical orchids, amphibians and marvelous birds while we take in views of the snow capped Antisana Volcano. Next on the itinerary is visiting the famous Otavalo Indigenous Market known for its indigenous culture and colorful handicrafts. We will finish the day with cocktails and a delicious welcome dinner at the hacienda.
Accommodation: Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Cuicocha Crater Lake
A brief morning drive will take us to Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve where we will trek around the active volcano and Cuicocha Crater Lake. After seeing the region's flowers and wildlife, we will take a boat to the center of the caldera's lake to see bubbles rising up to the surface.
Accommodation: Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Trekking in Cotopaxi National Park
The adventure to Cotopaxi National Park begins with a two hour drive along the pan American Highway through the Avenue of Volcanoes. All the while, taking in views of the giants Cayambe, Antisana, Pichincha, Illinizas, Pasochoa, and Corazon. Upon reaching the foothills of Ruminahui, we will hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon and have the opportunity to spot wild horses, bulls and exotic birds. If weather allows, it's possible to trek to base camp (4876m).
Accommodation: Mama Hilda or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Trek Toachi Canyon to Chugchilan
To get the most out of the beautiful Andean landscape, we embark on an 8 mile trek along the Toachi Canyon. The trek offers views of quaint villages and the local people working in terraced fields. Once we reach Chugchilan, we will check in to our eco house and the afternoon is yours to explore the town and meet the indigenous people.
Accommodation: Llullu Llama or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Trekking to Quilotoa
Seven more miles after breakfast takes us to breathtaking vistas of Quilotoa's crater rim. Along the way we will walk through impressive canyons and it's even possible we will stumble upon bartering locals. To refuel we will have a picnic while enjoying the best views of the volcano. A 2.5 hour transfer will then take us to a lodge at the foot of the majestic volcano Chimborazo.
Accommodation: Llullu Llama or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Hike to the Road of Waterfalls
Banos is the next destination; a paradise for thrill seekers. Located at the base of the massive Tungurahua volcano, it is a prime destination for horseback riding, mountain biking, canyoning, hiking, rafting, and climbing. The day will first take us to the road of waterfalls to admire Bride's Veil falls and cross the Pastaza River by cable car. From there we will hike to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest waterfall in the country.
Accommodation: Casa de Luis or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: First Amazon Exploration
After a scenic drive through the Andes, the hummingbird sanctuary in Guango is the first stop of the day. A two hour exploration of spotting the delicate birds in the reserve will leave us hungry for the traditional lunch provided. When we arrive at the Amazon Lodge in the evening a break as well as a nocturnal insect hike will be offered.
Accommodation: Itamandi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Amazon Hike and Kichwa People
Our final day of adventuring places us on a canoe up the Arajuno River to reach the Saladero. Tropical birds of all feathers are drawn to this 'clay lick' in order to get the minerals they need to properly digest. This close animal encounter will get us excited for the following Amazon hike, where we will learn more about the jungle's flora and fauna, as well as fascinating survival techniques. For the final activity of the day, we will meet members of the local Kichwa community to learn about their traditions and hear stories.
Accommodation: Swissotel, Quito
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: Departure
It's your last day in Quito! Enjoy your breakfast and according to your flight time, We'll make sure you arrive at Quito International Airport with plenty of time before your flight home. Buen Viaje!
Meals included: Breakfast
