Authentic Ecuador: a local experience

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Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador

Welcome to Ecuador! Your driver will meet you at the airport to transfer to your hotel in the centre of Quito. Check in and spend the rest of the day recovering from your journey.

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Day 2: A guided tour of Quito

After breakfast, your private guide will meet you to take a guided tour of the colonial heart of the city. You’ll also visit the statue of the Virgin of Quito, located high on a hilltop overlooking the city. Later, gaze at the golden interior of the Church of the Society of Jesus and stroll around the Plaza Grande, flanked by the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral. Visit the district of La Ronda, known for its craft workshops and spend some time in the archaeology museum.

In the evening, sample some of Quito’s bars and restaurants and soak up the atmosphere in the capital.

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Day 3: A day with the locals

Start your day with a visit to Casa Agave, where you'll delve into the fascinating process of making Miske, Ecuador’s answer to Tequila. This interactive tour concludes with a tasting of agave cocktails.

Later, drive to Cotacachi to meet the Runa Tupari Community. With a local guide, explore the nearby alpaca farm and visit a family home at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. The family will guide you through their gardens, showcasing their produce and introducing you to their animals.

Cotacachi - Otavalo - Cotacachi

Day 4: Otavalo market & a cooking class

Nestled among beautiful lakes and towering volcanoes, Otavalo has long been a hub of trade, renowned for its skilled craftspeople who still wear colorful traditional dress. Start your day at the Otavalo Market, one of South America's largest, and browse stalls filled with fabrics, ponchos, leather goods, and handmade jewelry.

Next, visit the village of Peguche to learn about musical instrument making. After lunch, enjoy a walk along the picturesque banks of Lake Cuicocha, known for its orchids and stunning views of Cotacachi Volcano.

In the afternoon, meet a local family, learn to cook regional dishes, and share a meal together.

Cotacachi - Cotopaxi

Day 5: Rose plantation & lagoon walks

Ecuador boasts the perfect climate for growing roses and is one of the world's top exporters. Today, you'll visit a rose plantation to admire the stunning varieties of this spectacular flower and learn professional secrets for keeping blooms perfect.

After strolling through the vibrant flower fields, you'll head to the Antisana Nature Reserve, named after the majestic volcano within it. The reserve also features the serene Mica Lagoon. Spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful and tranquil park before checking into your hotel in time for dinner.

Cotopaxi

Day 6: The Mighty Cotopaxi volcano

After breakfast, set off along the 'Avenida de los Volcanes' to reach Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes, standing at 5,897 meters. The Cotopaxi Volcano, with its snow-capped perfect cone, is surrounded by several other towering peaks. The park also hosts wild horses, llamas, foxes, deer, spectacled bears, and the majestic condor.

Begin with a visit to the Interpretation Centre to learn about the park and its volcanoes. Then, enjoy a walk around Lake Limpiopungo at the foot of Rumiñahui Volcano. Depending on the weather and your group's stamina, you might take a short hike from the car park at 4,600 meters to the José Rivas refuge, just over 200 meters higher, for exceptional views of the landscape.

Cotopaxi - Chimborazo Reserve - Riobamba

Day 7: The road to Riobamba & lunch with the locals

Today you’ll visit the Chimborazo Reserve, home to one of the highest volcanoes in Ecuador - The Chimborazo at 6,268m. During a walk on one of its upper slopes, you can appreciate the lovely mountain landscape, perhaps spotting vicunas, condors, caracaras or hawks.

Guests can hike from the Carrel Refuge car park at 4,850m to the Whymper Refuge, 5,000m above sea level. The more energetic can continue on to the Condor Cocha Lagoon 100m above.

After coming back down, you will have lunch in a local community at the foot of the volcano. A delicious meal will be prepared by a group of local indigenous women and you will all sit down to eat together.

Setting off again you will arrive in the town of Riobamba and check in at your hotel in time for dinner.

Riobamba - Banos

Day 8: Journey to Banos via the waterfall route

Today you’ll set off along the waterfall route, enjoying views of magnificent landscapes as you drive towards the village of Baños, at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano. You’ll stop along the way to visit the impressive waterfall of Pailón del Diablo, before crossing the river and arriving at Manto de la Novia Waterfall.

Finally, arriving at the town of Baños in time for a delicious lunch. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city of Baños and meeting some of the local artisans.

Banos - Punta Ahuano - Santa Rosa De Otas

Day 9: Venture into the Amazon

After breakfast set off for Punta Ahuano from where you will transfer into a canoe to reach your jungle lodge. Along the way, visit an artisanal chocolate-making workshop and enjoy a tasting session. You will also visit a local wildlife refuge that looks after injured or orphaned animals of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Next, enjoy a small picnic before visiting the Cayman Lagoon. Then there’s just enough time for a tubing adventure before heading to the lodge to unwind before dinner. Before bed, you will be invited on a short night walk to experience some of the nocturnal wildlife of the forest.

Santa Rosa De Otas

Day 10: Exploring the jungle

Today you'll set off on a guided hike into the Amazon jungle. Your local guide will point out the flora and fauna, explaining the medicinal use of some of the plants you come across. You may also have the opportunity to observe some of the wild animals of the forest, including monkeys, colourful birds and insects. In the afternoon, you will meet a Kichwa community settled on a river island and discover their way of life. Learn about their traditions and taste the famous chicha, a typical drink made from cassava.

Santa Rosa De Otas

Day 11: Searching for wildlife & gold

Set off to visit the bird lagoon, where you can observe many different species and also fish for piranhas. In the afternoon, you will meet the local gold diggers and learn about their artisanal gold prospecting technique in the Napo River. Cool off with a river swim and then watch the sunset.

Santa Rosa De Otas - Papallacta

Day 12: A soak in the thermal springs

Enjoy your last day in the jungle! Set off by boat, crossing the bird lake and meeting your vehicle for the last stage of your trip. You will be heading to the thermal pools of the village of Papallacta to enjoy their many virtues and an afternoon of full relaxation.

Thanks to the Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes, the thermal waters here come out at temperatures of around 70° and are well known for their medicinal virtues. Spend the rest of the day at the baths or taking a stroll through the lovely surroundings of the village.

Papallacta - quito

Day 13: Goodbye, Ecuador

It's time to say goodbye to Ecuador. Your driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive you directly to the airport in Quito for your safe flight home.