Ecuador Highlights and Nature Tour

Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be picked brought to your hotel in the City of Quito. Depending on your arrival time you can enjoy the city by night or relax and prepare yourself for your following adventurous days in Ecuador.

The day begins by exploring the historic center of Quito. This colonial city was the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to having the best-preserved historic center in the Americas. The tour will show you the highlights such as La Plaza de la Independencia, La Iglesia de San Francisco, and the impressive Basilica de Voto Nacional. 

During this time you will learn of Quito’s turbulent history as well as taking in the sights and sounds of daily Ecuadorian life.

Afterward, we have approximately a one hour drive to Mitad del Mundo meaning ‘middle of the world’. This is the point where you can stand with one foot in the Southern hemisphere and the other in the North. The Intiñan Museum shows an interesting range of experiments to demonstrate the uniqueness and magic of this special location.

Our first stop will be in Cayambe where we will taste the town’s famous bizcochos, traditional biscuits cooked on an open fire. From there we head toward Otavalo whilst admiring the beautiful scenery of San Pablo Lake. Once in Otavaloyou will discover the most famous indigenous artesian market in Ecuador. You will have free time to explore and purchase local handicrafts and the guide will provide an explanation of the local indigenous culture. We continue to the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods then onward to the beautiful Cuicocha lagoon. Transfer to Machachi.

Ecuador is home to one of the highest active snow-capped volcanoes in the world, and today you will come face-to-face with Cotopaxi’s symmetric cone as it rises from a vast plain home to llamas, condors and thundering herds of wild horses. This amazing adventure includes hiking and scenic drives through this park’s majestic landscape, as your guide imparts fascinating tidbits about the different fauna, flora and history of the park around you. Cotopaxi has its own micro-climate - this makes the weather very unpredictable, so it's best to pack some warm clothes for this trip.

Ever-growing in popularity and understandably so, Quilotoais a must-see when visiting Ecuador. This volcanic crater is filled with crystal-blue water and holds a special place in local indigenous mythology for being bottomless. Along the drive to reach the crater you will pass by local markets in Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujilí (Sundays) where you will gain an appreciation for the indigenous way of life. You’ll also pass through the canyon of Zumbahua which makes for a great photo opportunity and close to there you will visit an indigenous family. When you reach Quilotoa itself you can walk down from the rim to the water’s edge and appreciate it ́s beauty up close for yourself. The hike back up is rather steep however there is always the option of renting a mule for a few extra dollars.

Beautiful waterfalls and lush forests surround the tranquil town of Baños. It is known as the ‘Gateway to the Amazon’ as it is located on the Pastaza River in the High Amazon Basin. Also, a major religious center with Catholics believers saying that the Virgin Mary appeared near the waterfalls to protect the city from natural disasters. This is because the city is overshadowed by the highly active Tungurahua volcano. During your day in Baños, you begin by visiting the magical waterfalls of Pailón del Diablo and you will use a cable car across a ravine to see Manto de la Novia up close in person.

Reception in the city of Tena; from where we will take the private transport to Puente del Rio Arajuno (45 minutes approx.) At this point, our naturalist guide will give you information about the place, important recommendations, and other tips to start our great experience in the tropical forest in a motorized canoe that goes upstream for 20 minutes to Itamandi EcoLodge start.

On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest traveling along a river that flows in a zigzag through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). Once we arrive at the dock area of Itamandi EcoLodge, our staff will welcome you and give you brief and general information about your accommodation and the activities to be carried out. Lunch at the arrival (if you arrive before 2pm).

After having tasted a delicious meal and having become comfortable, we will prepare for our first activity in the Amazon jungle. Optional night hike: A flashlight and camera are the most important tools in this nocturnal excursion, which allows guests to hear and catch the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we may have the opportunity to observe a large number of stars.

If the weather allows, early in the morning we take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upstream to visit a parrot clay lick (Saladero) to appreciate a unique site where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them to digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and later will come down to the clay bank to eat this soil rich in minerals. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy it.

After a scrumptious breakfast, we head out for a hike through the primary and secondary Rainforest. Our expert naturalists teach you about the ecology and flora and fauna of the Rainforest along the trail. You will observe a great variety of insects, a diversity of birds flying around us and with some luck reptiles or monkeys. This activity takes about 2 ½ -3hours.In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity.

An Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. This encounter is going to show you that part of the Amazonia that you do not find on the maps: the Amazon people. Part of our visit to the community involves the demonstration of the famous “Chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily use. We will take part in the preparation of this beverage and also try some of the local cuisine.

We finish the visit with a traditional dance performed by the kids in this community and you also have some time to buy some handicrafts, made by the indigenous. This little business is to support the indigenous people in their daily life.

Check out from Itamandi and transfer to Papallacta. Papallacta is home to hot thermal springs. The water is heated by the subterranean activity of the Antisana volcano. The series of pools sits in between the foot of the Andean mountains and the start of the Amazon region. Needless to say, the surrounding landscape makes this a special place to relax in. You are free to decide if you prefer relaxing in the thermal baths or indulging in luxurious spa treatments.

At a pre-agreed time, you'll be picked up from your hotel for a transfer to the airport, and return home significantly changed by your out-of-this-world experience. See you next time in Ecuador!!