Itinerary

1. Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador!

   • No scheduled activities are planned for your first day, allowing you to explore Quito at your own pace. 
   • Wander through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or visit local markets and museums to get a feel for the city’s vibrant culture. 
   • If you’d like a deeper experience, guided city tours are available at an additional cost and offer insights into Quito’s rich history and architecture.
   • In the evening, please join us for a welcome meeting at 18:00 in the hotel lobby. This will be an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travelers, and to review the itinerary and important details for the days ahead.

   Meals included: None

2. Day 2: Discovering Pasochoa Nature Reserve and Chagra Traditions

   • Departing from Quito in the morning, we head south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, with our first scenic stop at the Pita River Canyon to admire the lush ravine and Pasochoa Volcano. 
   • Continuing to the Pasochoa Forest, nestled within a collapsed volcanic crater, we’ll enjoy a high-altitude hike through this biodiverse forest, home to unique Andean flora and birdlife. 
   • During our hike, we’ll pause for a picnic or box lunch surrounded by nature.
   • Next, we travel to Hacienda El Porvenir, a historic 3,000-hectare ranch that embraces the rich chagra (Andean cowboy) culture of Ecuador. 
   • Upon arrival, engage in a hands-on cooking session where we’ll prepare traditional treats like cheese empanadas, ají (spicy sauce), and canelazo, a warm spiced drink enjoyed in the highlands.
   • As evening falls, unwind at the hacienda, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and the breathtaking Andean landscapes that surround this charming ranch. It’s the perfect place to end a day filled with nature, culture, and authentic Ecuadorian flavors.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

3. Day 3: Mountain Biking at Cotopaxi Volcano & Explore Baños

   • After breakfast, we set out for Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the tallest active volcanoes on Earth. 
   • Following a safety briefing, embark on an exhilarating mountain biking adventure across highland plateaus with breathtaking views of Cotopaxi’s snow-capped peak and steaming fumaroles, a reminder of its powerful presence. 
   • This unique ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife, including wild horses, Andean foxes, and native birds.
   • Our journey leads to Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, where Cotopaxi’s reflection dances on the water, a serene spot surrounded by Andean flora and fauna. 
   • After lunch, we travel along the iconic Avenue of the Volcanoes, where volcanic peaks line the horizon, guiding us to Baños—a lively colonial town embraced by tropical cloud forests and waterfalls.
   • As evening approaches, relax and enjoy a delicious dinner, immersed in the peaceful ambiance of this charming Andean town.

4. Day 4: Canyoning in the Amazon and Kichwa Traditions

   • We begin the day heading to the iconic Pailón del Diablo, a powerful waterfall cascading between steep canyon walls. 
   • After taking in this breathtaking sight, we continue our journey toward the city of Tena, venturing deeper into the Amazon basin.
   • Upon arrival at the Pimpilala Reserve, we are welcomed with a traditional lunch prepared by our Kichwa hosts. Energized and ready, we prepare for an exhilarating canyoning adventure in the Pimpilala waterfall circuit. This thrilling experience takes us ascending through cascading waters, lush jungle trails, and natural pools, surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Amazon.
   • After our adventure, we return to the homestay for a hands-on cultural experience. 
   • We’ll try our skills with the cerbatana (traditional blowgun) and participate in the preparation of chocolate using Ecuador’s renowned cacao. The day concludes with a delicious dinner and time to relax, immersed in the sounds of the rainforest, offering a serene and authentic Amazonian experience.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Day 5: Kayaking the Arajuno River

   • Embark on a kayaking adventure along the Arajuno River, renowned for its incredible biodiversity, where sightings of colorful birds, playful otters, and monkeys are common. 
   • As you paddle through the tranquil Amazon rainforest, immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythms of nature. We’ll pause at a scenic riverbank to enjoy a box lunch amidst the lush surroundings.
   • In the afternoon, we transition from the Amazon basin back into the Andes, ascending from 1,500 to 10,000 feet (500 to 3,000 meters) through a national park with sweeping views of the landscape. 
   • Our destination is the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort & Spa, where you can unwind in naturally heated, therapeutic thermal pools, surrounded by cloud forest. 
   • Optional spa treatments can be arranged in advance to complete this rejuvenating experience.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

6. Day 6: Andean Culinary Traditions and Cultural Immersion

   • Travel to an ancient Andean community to experience Pachamanca, a traditional underground cooking method that uses heated volcanic stones. 
   • In a ceremony honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth), meats, tubers, fava beans, corn, and humitas are cooked together in a pit, capturing the rich flavors of this ancestral technique.
   • After this immersive culinary experience, we’ll visit the vibrant Otavalo market, renowned for its colorful textiles and handmade crafts. Here, you can explore stalls filled with intricate weavings, jewelry, and traditional clothing. We’ll also visit a traditional weaving workshop to learn about Andean textile art and the Andean Music Museum for a glimpse into the region's musical heritage.
   • Tonight, we stay in a charming colonial hacienda, surrounded by the beauty of the Andean highlands.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

7. Day 7: Lake Cuicocha Hike and the Equatorial Experience at Quitsato

   • After breakfast, we head to Lake Cuicocha, a stunning volcanic crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. Known for its turquoise waters and twin islands, Cuicocha offers breathtaking scenery. 
   • We’ll enjoy a scenic hike along the lake’s rim, taking in panoramic views of the Andean landscape. The trail reveals unique high-altitude flora, such as orchids and bromeliads, and opportunities to spot native birds.
   • Midway through the hike, we pause for a relaxing picnic or box lunch surrounded by nature, savoring traditional Ecuadorian flavors while enjoying the serene environment.
   • In the afternoon, we travel back toward Quito, stopping at the Quitsato Equatorial Monument. This fascinating site features a large sundial situated precisely on the equatorial line. Quitsato offers a unique blend of astronomy, geography, and ancient culture, showcasing how early civilizations understood the equator’s significance.
   • We conclude our adventure reflecting on an incredible journey filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and exhilarating experiences.

   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Day 8: Time to say, Goodbye!

   • Our services conclude today, but if you wish to extend your stay, we would be delighted to assist with additional travel arrangements. 
   • We highly recommend pairing this Andean adventure with an exploration of the Galápagos Islands, where unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes await. 
   • Alternatively, consider extending your journey to other destinations in Latin America, such as the ancient ruins of Peru, the vibrant cities of Colombia, or the natural wonders of Chile and Argentina.
   • Safe travels, whether you’re heading home or continuing your adventure!

   Meals included: Breakfast