13-Day Ecuador Highlands and Amazon Tour with Cuyabeno Wildlife

• We extend a warm welcome to Ecuador, and we could not be more excited to have you here.

• Your journey begins with a relaxing and scenic 45-minute drive into the enchanting city of Quito.

• Along the way, the picturesque landscapes provide a delightful backdrop as you receive a comprehensive overview of the itinerary for your upcoming adventures, setting the stage for a truly memorable experience.

• Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, we recommend taking some time to immerse yourself in Quito's vibrant atmosphere and explore its captivating cultural offerings.

Meals included: -

• Our journey takes us along the iconic Pan-American Highway, heading north to the Quitsato solar clock. This culturally significant site, constructed in pre-Hispanic times, was designed to track the solstices and equinoxes. It is also the very spot where the equator line intersects, marking it as the literal center of the world.

• To truly savour the local flavours, we make a delightful pit stop for a cup of Ecuadorian coffee or rich chocolate, accompanied by delectable biscuits - oven-baked treasures bursting with unmatched flavour. Even more special, we will have the chance to witness the entire baking process.

• Our next destination is the vibrant town of Otavalo. Just a short drive away, we pause at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the breathtaking San Pablo Lake, with the majestic Mount Imbabura standing tall in the background.

• Soon after, we arrive at South America's largest and most renowned indigenous handicraft market, open every day of the week. Take a stroll around La Plaza de los Ponchos, with approximately 2 hours to explore and shop for unique treasures.

• We then head to Cotacachi, known for its craft market specializing in high-quality leather products. You will have about 45 minutes to peruse the charming shops.

• Our final stop takes us to the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon, nestled at 3068 m (10,065.62 ft) within an active volcanic crater, complete with picturesque islets or domes - a natural wonder you will not want to miss.

Meals included: Breakfast

• Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, setting the tone for a day of exploration.

• You will be picked up and whisked away to the captivating Historic Center of Quito, where every cobblestone, plaza, and colonial structure tells tales of centuries gone by. This cherished district earned its UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 1978, and it is not hard to see why.

• Our adventure begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Basilica, a neo-Gothic masterpiece. Its stained-glass windows come alive with vibrant floral scenes, while playful gargoyles pay homage to the country's rich wildlife. Climb the towers for a sweeping view that will surely steal your breath away.

• Next, step into the grandeur of the San Francisco convent, a sprawling testament to history, and be captivated by the opulent baroque splendour of La Compañía church, where various artistic styles seamlessly blend within gold-adorned interiors.

• As the afternoon unfolds, the day is yours to roam at your own pace. Take the time to absorb the city's unique charm, and who knows, you might just stumble upon your own special discoveries.

Meals included: Breakfast

• Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, setting the tone for a day of exploration.

• You will be picked up and whisked away to the captivating Historic Center of Quito, where every cobblestone, plaza, and colonial structure tells tales of centuries gone by. This cherished district earned its UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 1978, and it is not hard to see why.

• Our adventure begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Basilica, a neo-Gothic masterpiece. Its stained-glass windows come alive with vibrant floral scenes, while playful gargoyles pay homage to the country's rich wildlife. Climb the towers for a sweeping view that will surely steal your breath away.

• Next, step into the grandeur of the San Francisco convent, a sprawling testament to history, and be captivated by the opulent baroque splendour of La Compañía church, where various artistic styles seamlessly blend within gold-adorned interiors.

• As the afternoon unfolds, the day is yours to roam at your own pace. Take the time to absorb the city's unique charm, and who knows, you might just stumble upon your own special discoveries.

Meals included: Breakfast

• Experience the magic of Baños, the doorway to the Amazon rainforest, nestled in the shadow of the lively Tungurahua volcano. Here, you will find a climate that is just right, setting the stage for thrilling adventures and encounters with nature.

• And, of course, you cannot miss a dip in the inviting hot springs that have made this village a must-visit for travellers.

• Start your day by following the picturesque Route of the Waterfalls, beginning at the Agoyan dam. You will make your way to the stunning Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where you will have the chance to hop on the Tarabita, a cable car, for a ride across the Rio Patate to explore the waterfall on the other side.

• As you journey on, you will reach the Mirador de San Jorge viewpoint before arriving at the awe-inspiring Pailón del Diablo, a waterfall that stands tall at around 100 meters. A leisurely 30-minute stroll through a tropical mountain forest will take you to the base of this natural wonder, followed by a relaxed 45-60-minute walk back up.

• Afterward, you will return to Baños for a leisurely afternoon on your own terms.

Meals included: Breakfast

• Join us on an extraordinary adventure to Chimborazo Mountain, where you will encounter the unparalleled tranquillity of standing at the Earth's nearest point to the sun, a moment that will render you speechless and quite possibly breathless.

• Hike to astounding altitudes exceeding 5000 meters at the grand El Chimborazo.

• Our excursion commences in the charming town of Baños. After a quick breakfast pitstop along the Pan-American Highway E35, we venture to the Chimborazo Fauna Reproduction Reserve.

• At the Hermanos Carrel Refuge, situated at a breathtaking 4800 meters, we start our ascent to the Whymper Refuge, perched at almost 5000 meters.

• The most adventurous among us can journey even higher to surpass the 5000-meter threshold. A well-deserved box lunch at the upper refuge precedes our descent to the lower refuge and our return to Baños, where you can reflect on an extraordinary day.

Meals included: Breakfast

• Kickstart your day with a morning adventure, tracing the Rio Patate's winding path from Baños into the lush rainforest, where Puyo awaits with a tempting breakfast stop (not included).

• As the day unfolds, you will head north, passing through Misahualli and along the Rio Napo, before arriving at the enchanting Paikawe Lagoon within its private sanctuary.

• Here, hop into a canoe for an intimate wildlife-viewing experience amidst the tranquil waters.

• Afterwards, it is off to Tena, a journey of about an hour, where you will be dropped off at the bus terminal.

• From there, hop on a public bus bound for Lago Agrio, a five-hour ride that offers glimpses of the Ecuadorian countryside.

• As the day draws to a close, find comfort in Lago Agrio, where a cozy night's rest awaits, promising more incredible adventures on the horizon.

Meals included: Box Breakfast

• Get ready for an unforgettable adventure deep into the heart of the rainforest, starting at a leisurely 09:30 am.

• We will embark on a scenic drive lasting about two hours, arriving at El Puente, the gateway to the mesmerizing Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.

• Here, our journey continues in a motorized canoe along the enchanting Cuyabeno River, a captivating 2-3-hour ride, depending on the wildlife we encounter.

• Keep your eyes peeled for our first monkey friends and an array of delightful bird species. The river's close quarters offer an up-close and personal wildlife experience.

• Upon reaching your chosen lodge, soak in a warm welcome and take some time to unwind. Explore the lodge's surroundings on a relaxing walk.

• Later, savor a delicious dinner, followed by an informative briefing from our bilingual guide outlining the exciting activities awaiting you on the morrow.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Wake up with the forest as the sun paints the sky. Together, we will step into the verdant embrace of the surrounding wilderness, eagerly awaiting the lively awakening of the animal world.

• After a hearty breakfast, set off on a guided trek through the rainforest led by your knowledgeable naturalist guide. You will be captivated by the tales of how diverse life forms harmoniously coexist in this intricate ecosystem, each playing a vital role in the delicate balance of nature.

• Along the way, marvel at the kaleidoscope of butterflies, frogs, and birds, and deepen your understanding of the incredible variety of flora.

• After an invigorating exploration, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch.

• In the afternoon, embark on a serene canoe journey down the Cuyabeno River, winding through the dense forest. Keep a keen eye on the riverbanks for wildlife sightings. Monkeys, macaws, toucans, and sloths are known to appear, and you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive pink river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis and Sotaliafluviatilis).

• As the day wanes, venture out once more into the lodge's surroundings. This time, we are on the lookout for the creatures that come to life after dark. From insects to spiders, snakes, and frogs, there is a whole new world to discover in the nocturnal realm.

• We will wind down the day with a satisfying dinner, sharing stories of the day's adventures.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Start your day with the serenity of a morning canoe ride, immersing yourself in the peaceful embrace of nature as the world awakens.

• After a hearty breakfast, hop on a motorized canoe to visit the Seoqueya community, home to warm-hearted Siona families. Here, you will be invited into their lives, learning the art of crafting cassava, a beloved manioc bread of the region.

• Over a cultural lunch, your guide will weave stories of their rich heritage, both past and present, creating a deeper connection with their vibrant culture. Later, as we return to the lodge, reflections on this meaningful encounter will linger.

• In the afternoon, another adventure awaits on a motorized canoe journey along the enchanting Cuyabeno River, leading us to the magical Laguna Grande. Here, you will be introduced to Igapó, a submerged rainforest world ruled by grand macrolobium trees, where epiphytes and tropical birds find sanctuary.

• After this enchanting exploration, take a refreshing dip in the lagoon, letting the Amazon's charm wash over you as the sun sets in a spectacular display.

• As night falls, venture out to discover the river's nocturnal inhabitants, with a special focus on the intriguing caimans.

• This extraordinary day culminates with a hearty dinner back at the lodge, where stories and experiences are shared, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• As the morning sun paints the sky, embark on a peaceful canoe ride, cherishing the last moments with the jungle's vibrant inhabitants as they go about their day.

• After a satisfying lodge breakfast, take some time to gather your belongings for the journey ahead.

• We will cruise upstream, retracing our path to El Puente de Cuyabeno, where a bus will be waiting to take you back to Lago Agrio.

• At the bus terminal, you will hop on a bus bound for Tena, arriving in the charming town in the evening.

• Here, you will find a cosy spot to unwind and rest for the night, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the past days.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

• Get ready for an enriching experience as you dive into the world of Ecuadorian chocolate.

• Our journey takes us to the charming Santa Rita village, where you will be treated to an engaging cocoa farm tour and the chance to savour local flavours during a traditional lunch (not included).

• In the afternoon, we will arrive in the picturesque town of Papallacta, perched at 3,250 meters in the Andes. Here, the Eastern Cordillera gently embraces the road from the Amazon jungle to Quito.

• Here, we will pause for a serene visit to the Papallacta Hot Springs. Let the warm waters work their magic, providing you with a soothing sense of well-being. With 10 thermal pools of different temperatures and sizes, along with three refreshing cold water springs, all set in the midst of stunning natural surroundings, this is a true haven for body and soul.

• On clear days, you might even catch sight of the majestic Antisana Volcano (5753 m) gracing the horizon. And if you are up for it, you can relish local cuisine, explore scenic trails, or indulge in spa treatments (not included).

• Finally, we will make our way to the lively city of Quito, completing a day filled with sensory pleasures and the breathtaking beauty of the Andes.

Meals included: Breakfast

• At the designated time for your international flight, your private driver will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby to help you with your luggage and drive you to the airport for your departure.

Meals included: Breakfast