Welcome to
ECUADOR
Natural
Exploring the Natural Wonder of Ecuador
Ecuador is home to unparalleled biodiversity. Explore the lush Amazon rainforests, where life bustles around every corner, or venture into its 4 worlds, a natural laboratory that is home to species unique in the world. Our section will take you on a detailed journey through the unique ecosystems that make Ecuador a world-class natural destination.
Discover Unique Biodiversity
Adventures
Biodiversity
Tips
OUR OPTIONS
Discover the diversity and excitement that awaits you with Ecuador Natural's programs.
We invite you to explore our exciting travel options and get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience. Remember that our options are designed to serve as the foundation of your personalized adventure planning, tailored to your individual needs and tastes.
We are here to turn your travel dreams into an unforgettable reality.
Ecuador Natural
- 9 days
- 8 nights
We will discover majestic landscapes, impressive volcanoes and a great diversity of fauna and flora through the Andes Mountains. One of the highlights will be a visit to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important pre-Columbian archaeological site. We will also explore the Cajas National Reserve, with its extensive 29,000 hectares of Andean páramo, which offer the opportunity to enjoy experiences in direct contact with nature. Finally, our tour will take us to the Coastal Region, known for its tropical climate, its active trade and exports, and its beautiful beaches that offer unparalleled sunsets. Get ready for a unique adventure!
Perfect circuit to know the most representative of Ecuador, starting in the Andes and ending in the coastal region. coast. We will discover through the Andes majestic landscapes, volcanoes, diversity of fauna and flora.
INCLUDES
- Bilingual guide
- Transportation for transfers and excursions
- Lodging
- Meals according to itinerary
- Entrance fees to visit sites
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Unspecified foods
- Unspecified items
itinerary
1
Arrival in Quito
Arrival at Quito's Mariscal Sucre Airport, where you will be greeted with a warm welcome. We will provide you with a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, which is centrally located and within easy reach of restaurants, bars, craft stores and parks. On this first day, you will have time to explore the city on your own and begin to discover its beauty. Quito is located at 2,800 meters above sea level, so we recommend that you relax and prepare for the exciting adventure that awaits you. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful city!
2
City Tour Quito - Middle of the World
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the Historic Center of the city of Quito, considered the largest and best preserved in Latin America. Our first stop will be at the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, famous for its neo-Gothic style and its ornate gargoyles and details of Ecuadorian fauna.
We will continue our tour to the Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Mayor, which is surrounded by important buildings such as the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the municipal building and the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral Church. This emblematic place gives us a historical and cultural view of the city.
The interior is decorated and elaborated with gold leaf. We will visit the open square of San Francisco and its monumental church and convent, known as El Escorial de los Andes, built in the 16th century by the indigenous people of the San Andres School. Passengers will enjoy lunch at a fine dining restaurant located in the Historic Center. We will continue to the Panecillo, a hill crowned by the Winged Virgin of Quito from where we have a beautiful view of the city and the impressive Andean landscape. In the afternoon we continue the tour to Mitad del Mundo, located 22 km north of Quito where the equator is located. This location was determined in the 18th century by the French Geodesic Mission together with Spanish and Ecuadorian geographers. We will live the experience of standing on the two hemispheres and visit the Intiñan Museum to perform a series of dynamic experiments that confirm the location of the equinoctial line. At the end of the afternoon return to the hotel.
3
Cotopaxi National Park
better written and more friendly: Breakfast at the hotel. Then, we will leave the city of Quito taking the Panamerican Highway to the south and arrive at Cotopaxi National Park after a two-hour drive. The Cotopaxi volcano is the second highest peak in Ecuador with 5,897 m.a.s.l., an active volcano, conical in shape, with snow on its summit and surrounded by beautiful Andean paramo vegetation. The visit begins with the registration of travelers at the southern checkpoint of the National Park, and then move to the interpretation center to learn about the fauna and flora of the area and general information about the volcano and the Andes Mountains. After this stop, we will hike for about 1 hour around the Limpiopungo Lagoon, an ideal place to admire the majestic volcano and take beautiful pictures. Optionally, it is possible to go in the vehicle to the parking lot of the mountain refuge José Rivas, and from that point walk 200 meters to reach the refuge that is used as a base point by hikers who ascend to the top of the volcano. The parking lot is located at 4,600 meters above sea level. Passengers will enjoy lunch while observing the Cotopaxi volcano from the only hotel located inside the National Park. At the end of the day, we will head back to the hotel.
4
Quilotoa Lagoon - Riobamba
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will head to the impressive Quilotoa Lagoon, located in the western Andes mountain range at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level. This place is one of the most beautiful and spectacular in Ecuador, noted for its natural environment that transmits tranquility and its green and turquoise waters that are inside an extinct volcanic crater. We will have the opportunity to descend to the shore of the lagoon to admire its waters up close. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
The ascent from the lagoon is an excellent but physically demanding exercise. Alternatively, the local community offers mules for those travelers who need assistance and wish to rent this service. After visiting the lagoon, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant run by the local indigenous community. After lunch, you will have time to walk around the small village and shop for handicrafts.
The trip to Quilotoa is a panoramic tour and along the way, you can visit the picturesque traditional Andean villages of Pujilí, Zumbahua and Tigua, which still preserve their traditions and culture. On Saturdays, the Zumbahua indigenous market is held, where you can admire the colors and vitality of this important tradition. Tigua is especially known for being a community of plastic artists who represent in colorful paintings the indigenous lifestyle in the countryside and landscapes of the Andes. We will continue our journey to the city of Riobamba, where we will rest for the night.
It will be a day full of breathtaking landscapes, culture and traditions!
5
Ingapirca Ruins
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will continue our journey along the inter-Andean alley for approximately 3 hours, until we reach the archaeological complex of Ingapirca. This complex, built during the pre-Columbian period, is the largest and best preserved in Ecuador. On the way, we will be able to enjoy interesting Andean landscapes, where the colorful costumes used by the inhabitants of the area stand out.
Ingapirca gives us the opportunity to take an important journey into the past to discover the Inca culture, its delicate construction techniques and the worldview of the Cañari culture, originally from these territories and conquered by the Inca empire. Here we will be able to visit the remains of temples and learn about the system of solar calculations and the traditions of these pre-Columbian cultures.
Throughout the trip, we will make brief stops to admire closely the traditions and cultures of this central part of the country. One of them is the church of Balbanera, the first Catholic church built in the country in 1534, and the desert of Palmira, an unusual and particular place located more than 3,000 meters above sea level.
At the end of the day, we will transfer to a cozy hotel located very close to the archaeological complex, where we will enjoy a traditional dinner prepared with typical products of the Ecuadorian highlands.
It will be a day full of history, culture and breathtaking scenery!
6
Watershed
Breakfast at the hotel. We continue our journey to the beautiful city of Cuenca, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. During our tour, we will visit the most emblematic places of the city, such as the charming neighborhood of San Sebastian, the Museum of Modern Art, the Calderon Park (central park), the Plaza de las Flores and the impressive Cathedrals of the Sagrario and the Immaculate Conception, the latter considered the largest in Latin America. In addition, we will have the opportunity to visit a factory of "sombreros de paja toquilla" and learn about the elaboration of these fine hats.
During the tour, you will have free time to enjoy a delicious lunch and delight yourself with the local gastronomy.
It will be a day full of history, culture and beauty in the charming city of Cuenca!
We will continue our visit to the handicraft towns of the region, such as Gualaceo, known for its weaving crafts, and Chordeleg, famous for its gold and silver jewelry.
The hotel is located in the center of the city, a few steps from the central park and the neighborhood of El Barranco, where you can find a variety of bars and restaurants to enjoy the rich local cuisine.
I hope you are enjoying this trip full of culture, landscapes and traditions. The region of Cuenca offers so much to see and learn, have a great day exploring this beautiful city!
7
Cajas National Park - Guayaquil
After breakfast, we depart from Cuenca to Guayaquil, making a brief stop at El Cajas National Park. Here we can enjoy a pleasant walk in this beautiful lake complex, composed of approximately 240 lagoons, surrounded by an Andean moor full of grasslands, forests of Polylepis (paper tree), rocks and streams.
The journey of about 200 km between the two cities is along a road with breathtaking scenery. We will make a stop for a delicious lunch.
Upon arrival in Guayaquil, we will head to the hotel located in the center of the city, near the Malecon, an ideal place to stroll along the Guayas River and admire the views. Guayaquil is a vibrant city that offers a wide variety of seafood in national and international restaurants.
8
Guayaquil
Good morning. After breakfast, we will start a tour of the charming city of Guayaquil, the second most important city in Ecuador.
We will begin by visiting the beautiful Plaza de la Administración, where the neoclassical municipal building is located. Then we will go to the Clock Tower, with its Moorish architecture, to walk along the Simon Bolivar Malecon, a 3 km walk along the banks of the Guayas River.
At the monument of La Rotonda we will learn about the liberation processes in South America. Later we will visit the historic neighborhood of Las Peñas and its wooden houses. From the viewpoint of Santa Ana hill, we can admire the views of the city and the mangrove swamp.
For lunch, we will enjoy the delicious local gastronomy. In the afternoon, we will visit the Historical Park to learn about the culture and history of the region through its native flora and fauna, including some endangered species.
I hope you all enjoy this tour to learn more about Guayaquil's rich culture, people and landscapes, have a great time!
9
Return
It is time to return home. We will transfer from the hotel to the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil to board our return flight. It will have been a pleasure to have you as part of this trip and we hope you will enjoy and learn about Ecuador's diverse culture and natural beauty.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in U.S. dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout 2024, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; in case a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated and tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
ANDES + THE GATEWAY TO AMAZONIA
- 8 days
- 7 nights
On this tour you will have the opportunity to admire beautiful volcanic landscapes while photographing active volcanoes such as Antisana. You will also be able to observe a great diversity of high altitude Andean birds, such as the majestic condor, Ecuador's national symbol. You will also be able to see curiquingues, Andean gulls and high mountain ducks.
The excursion will also take you to cloud forests and Amazon jungles, where you can enjoy the abundant flora and sightings of species such as macaws, toucans and parrots. If you wish, you can stay in rustic campsites for a total immersion in nature.
This is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Ecuador's impressive biodiversity, while capturing spectacular landscapes and birds on your camera. I hope you enjoy it!
During the Andes + Amazon observation tour you will have the opportunity to photograph volcanoes such as Antisana and observe high altitude birds such as the Andean condor, curiquingues, gulls and Andean ducks.
INCLUDES
- Transportation for visits and excursions
- Bilingual guide
- Lodging
- Meals according to itinerary
- Entrance fees to visit sites
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Unspecified foods
- Unspecified items
itinerary
1
Arrival in the city of Quito
Welcome to Quito, the beautiful capital of Ecuador. After your arrival at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, our representative will be waiting for you to transfer you privately and comfortably to your hotel in the city center.
The hotel is strategically located, allowing easy access to restaurants, bars, craft stores and parks during your stay.
This first day in Quito is yours to begin exploring at your own pace through the colonial streets and getting to know the charms of this city located at 2,800 meters above sea level. We recommend you take advantage of the afternoon to settle in and rest, in order to be prepared for the exciting activities you will have during your visit.
2
city tour + half of the world
Breakfast at the hotel. The guide will pick you up at the hotel to begin the visit to the largest and best preserved historic center in Latin America. The first stop will be the Basilica del Voto Nacional Church, known for its neo-Gothic style with gargoyles and Ecuadorian fauna among its ornaments. We will continue our visit to the Plaza de la Independencia or Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the municipal building and the emblematic Metropolitan Cathedral Church.
Your next stop will be at the Iglesia de la Compañía, whose interior is decorated and elaborated with gold leaf. You will visit the open square of San Francisco and its monumental church and convent, known as El Escorial de los Andes, built in the 16th century by the indigenous people of the San Andres School. Then you will continue to the Panecillo, a hill crowned by the winged Virgin of Quito, from where you will have a beautiful view of the city and the impressive Andean landscape.
In the afternoon, you will continue your journey to the Middle of the World, located 22 km north of the city of Quito, where the equatorial line is located. This location was determined in the 18th century by the French Geodesic Mission together with Spanish and Ecuadorian geographers. You will have the experience of being in both hemispheres and visit the Intiñán museum to perform a series of dynamic experiments that confirm the location of the equatorial line. At the end of the city tour, your transfer will be ready to return to your hotel.
3
Antisana National Park
After breakfast, your transportation will be ready at the agreed time to start your birding trip in Antisana National Park, where there is an incredible biodiversity: 418 species of birds, 73 species of mammals and 61 species of amphibians and reptiles. The reserve has its own species of amphibian, the Antisana toad, which is in danger of extinction, and other species that inhabit the páramos such as the spectacled bear, cervicabras, white-tailed deer, dwarf deer, mountain tapirs, pumas, Andean cats, wolves, condors, curiquingues, Andean gulls, lizards and guagasas.
4
TAMBO CONDOR + SAN ISIDRO cloud forest Lodge
Early in the morning, we will head to the condor spotter near the lodge, in the hope that you will be able to see these majestic birds take off. You will then return to the lodge for breakfast, and on the way back you will encounter bird species such as tanagers, curiquingue falcons and various species of hummingbirds at the puddles.
Once you have checked out, your transfer will be ready to begin your journey to the eastern cordillera, the gateway to the Amazon, the San Isidro Lodge. We will arrive at San Isidro Cloud Forest Lodge in the afternoon to settle into our comfortable lodge, surrounded by hummingbirds and other colorful birds. After a brief rest, we will embark on an afternoon hike along the San Isidro interpretive trail, which will give us our first glimpse of the diverse cloud forests that surround us. We will return in time to relax and shower before dinner.
At dinner, we will have our first taste of Ecuador's well-known aguardiente; this delicious drink is made with native guayusa leaves and a touch of cane alcohol, which will surely help us warm up. After dinner, a night walk awaits us, where we will look for owls, frogs, strange insects, nocturnal mammals, such as night monkeys, or any other creature that may entertain our presence.
5
SAN ISIDRO cloud forest Lodge
After breakfast at 8:00, we will immerse ourselves in the large cloud forest reserve of San Isidro and hike to the picturesque Cosanga River on a trail that leaves civilization behind. We will return to the lodge in time to clean up for lunch and enjoy another spectacular meal in the dining room overlooking the reserve.
After a midday break, optional afternoon activities include the following: cooking class, arts and crafts class, archery, trout fishing, heated pool - just let your guide know your preferences and have fun! After dinner, we will take another walk around the lodge to check out the lights, where we are sure to find a variety of species of beetles and colorful moths that have descended, their designs and patterns seemingly endless.
6
SAN ISIDRO cloud forest Lodge + SAN JOSÉ DE PUEMBO
For those who wish to wake up early, bird watching around the lodge gardens is an option where there is plenty of activity. After a buffet breakfast at 8:00 a.m., we may catch a glimpse of black agoutis, native and large forest rodents, which come to feed on corn around the cabins. At 11:30 a.m., your transfer will be ready to return to the city of Quito to the Hosteria San Jose de Puembo, where you can enjoy your last night.
7
TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Depending on the time of your flight, you still have the opportunity to continue exploring the site and then embark on your transfer to the airport.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in U.S. dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout 2024, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; in case a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated and tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
GREEN DESTINATIONS AND CULTURE
- 8 days
- 7 nights
In this exciting bird watching tour we will explore the magnificent Andean foothills, known as "the land of waterfalls". There we will find dreamlike landscapes and a paradise for birdlife. You will be able to spot rare and endemic species of the Chocó region, such as colorful toucans, antbirds, mountain cotingas, tanagers and countless hummingbirds.
At night, entering the darkness of the forest will bring us wonderful experiences. We will listen to its unique acoustics and perhaps we will be able to see glass frogs, owls and other nocturnal species. If you love nature photography, this tour will allow you to capture unforgettable images of amphibians and, hopefully, some reptiles such as snakes.
I invite you to live this adventure and enjoy the exuberant biodiversity of this natural paradise, full of sights and sounds that will remain in your memory.
Endemic birds of the Chocó Territory, explore the darkness of the forest at night to photograph amphibians and, with luck, some reptiles.
INCLUDES
- Transportation for visits and excursions
- Bilingual guide
- Lodging
- Meals according to itinerary
- Entrance fees to visit sites
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Unspecified foods
- Unspecified items
itinerary
1
aRRIBO TO QUITO
Welcome to Quito, the beautiful capital of Ecuador! We hope your stay will be a pleasant one. Upon arrival at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, our shuttle service will be waiting to take you safely and comfortably to your hotel in the historic center of the city. A day to discover Quito Located in the most active area, your hotel is close to numerous restaurants, bars and stores where you can sample the rich local cuisine and purchase handmade crafts. With an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level, you may feel a bit tired at first. We recommend that you take advantage of this first day to familiarize yourself with your surroundings by walking through the streets of the old town and admiring its beautiful colonial buildings.
2
CITY TOUR + HALF OF THE WORLD
A day full of history and culture
After an energetic breakfast at your hotel, your guide will be waiting for you to start a tour of the most emblematic sites of Quito's historic center. The first stop will be the Basilica del Voto Nacional, recognizable by its neo-Gothic style and beautiful stone details. Then you will visit the Plaza de la Independencia, the heart of the city, surrounded by important buildings such as the Presidential Palace.
Continuing the tour, you will admire the works of art in the Iglesia de la Compañía, famous for its golden murals. In the Plaza de San Francisco you will appreciate the architecture of the imposing church and convent, built by indigenous people. To end the morning, you will climb the Panecillo and enjoy the panoramic views of Quito and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.
Equatorial line experience
In the afternoon, the trip will continue to the Middle of the World, location of the equatorial line. There you will be able to participate in dynamic experiments that demonstrate the phenomenon of the equinoxes. We hope you will enjoy these historical sites to the fullest and have a great day of discovery!
3
ALAMBI - SACHATAMIA
Exploring ecological reserves.
After breakfast, we will travel to the Alambi Reserve, a family project dedicated to the conservation of the cloud forest in the Tandayapa Valley. Located between 1450 and 2200 meters above sea level, it protects endemic species in more than 120 hectares of primary forest 1.
We will continue our journey to Sachatamia, a private reserve of 120 hectares of cloud-rainforest. It is world renowned for hosting a great diversity of birds. Some of the activities you can do are hiking, canopy zipline and wildlife observation.
Observing the rich bird life
Birdwatchers will enjoy the hummingbird feeding stations, where different species can be seen throughout the day. It is also common to see colorful tanagers and there is even an Umbrella-billed Umbrella bird lek within reserve 2. We hope you make the most of this opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of these important protected areas.
4
SACHATAMIA CLOUD FOREST
Early in the morning 06h00 you can start with bird watching, after breakfast you have adventure activities to choose from to enjoy the morning in the Mindo area.
- Provencal breakfast
- Guided hike (Spanish) in our forest reserve
- Flying on lianas
- Canyoning by cable "CANOPY"
- Observation of flora and fauna in the reserve
- At 11h30 your transport will be ready to go to the Maquipucuna reserve.
5
MAQUIPUCUNA
Observations in Maquipucuna
At 11:30 a.m. we will go to the Maquipucuna reserve. There you will be able to do different activities:
Before lunch: It is possible to spot torrent ducks under the bridge of the Umachaca River. You can also observe up to 8 species of hummingbirds in the dining room.
After lunch: We will hike the Oso trail and part of the Palmito or Rio trail in search of spectacled bear tracks.
This moderate hike through secondary and primary forest allows you to see a great diversity of birds, such as the Lance-tailed Monklet, the Chocó Toucan and the Esmeraldas Antbird. It is also possible to see woodpeckers and birds of prey.
The trail shows the regeneration of the forest, dominated by the Pacche tree that produces miniaguacates when in season.
We hope you make the most of these wildlife viewing opportunities in Maquipucuna.
6
MAQUIPUCUNA
This last day in Maquipucuna offers you several options:
In the morning: If you are an early riser, at 6:30 am you can start birdwatching, taking advantage of the early hours of the day when they are usually more active.
After breakfast: You can choose to rest until the next activity or continue to meet the birdlife.
Afternoon: The guide will be available until 6pm for more birding trips, it all depends on how much you want to explore.
At night: Before dinner, you can go into the dark forest and experience the night sounds and find a great variety of insects, mammals, amphibians and reptiles that only come out under the moonlight.
We hope you make the most of your last hours in this natural paradise.
7
MAQUIPUCUNA + HACIENDA LA JIMENITA
Before breakfast: Take advantage of the early hours of the day and go birding from 06:30 am, when they are usually more active.
After breakfast: You can do a short activity on the trails of the property to continue learning about the local birdlife. Other options are to visit the waterfalls or rest at the hotel.
Continuing the journey
After check-out: You will be transferred by private transportation to the city of Quito, where you will stay at Hacienda La Jimenita.
Exploring Hacienda La Jimenita
Located near Quito, this family ranch offers tranquility in the middle of nature. It has more than 90 species of birds and ecological trails to admire the views of the Andes.
After lunch: You will be able to explore the trails, watching high altitude birds and hummingbirds at the watering holes. We hope you enjoy your last activities before continuing your trip.
8
Transfer to the airport
Depending on the time of your flight you still have the opportunity to continue exploring the place and then
to board the transfer to the airport.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in U.S. dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout 2024, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; in case a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated and tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
Andes & Amazon
- 10 days
- 9 nights
This tour will allow you to discover the natural and cultural wonders of Ecuador over several days. We will start in Quito, where you will get to know the historic center, declared a World Heritage Site. Enjoy its colonial and religious architecture, with a large concentration of pre-Hispanic buildings.
Then we will visit Otavalo, famous for its colorful indigenous market. Known locally as "Plaza de los Ponchos", it is one of the largest in South America, ideal for purchasing handicrafts. In addition, you can observe the rich biodiversity of two contrasting Ecuadorian regions. From the Andean highlands to the lush tropical forest, you will appreciate ecosystems full of endemic flora and fauna. You will also get to know aspects of the culture of its native peoples, who preserve millenary traditions.
We hope you make the most of this tour to get to know the natural and ethnographic diversity of Ecuador.
Explore the essence of Ecuador's culture on a captivating journey.
INCLUDES
- Transportation for visits and excursions
- Local guide
- Lodging
- Meals according to itinerary
- Entrance fees to visit sites
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Unspecified foods
- Unspecified items
itinerary
1
Arrival in Quito
Arrival at the Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito. You will be privately transferred from the airport to your hotel, which is centrally located with easy access to restaurants, bars, craft stores and parks. On this first day, you will have time to explore the city on your own and begin to discover its beauty. Quito is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level, so we recommend that you relax and prepare for the exciting adventure that awaits you.
2
City Tour Quito - Middle of the World
The day begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then we will move to the impressive historic center of Quito, declared a World Heritage Site for its exceptionally well-preserved colonial architecture.
Our first stop will be the Basilica del Voto Nacional, recognizable by its neo-Gothic style and its details of native fauna. We will continue to Independence Square, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the Presidential Palace. Then we will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Church of La Compañía, whose interior is adorned with gold leaf. In the Plaza de San Francisco you will admire the monumental Spanish-style church and convent.
We will climb the Panecillo to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the impressive Andean landscapes. In the afternoon, we will head to Mitad del Mundo, where the equatorial line is located. There we will conduct experiments that demonstrate this geographical location.
We hope you enjoy this introduction to Quito's history and culture through its emblematic religious and architectural sites.
3
Otavalo and Cotacachi
After breakfast, we will head to the province of Imbabura, declared a World Geopark for its geological and cultural richness. We will start visiting indigenous communities with a local guide. We will observe the handicraft work with natural fibers such as sheep and alpaca wool, and the totora plant.
We will also visit a workshop of native musical instruments. We will take a short walk to admire the impressive Peguche waterfall. Then we will go to Cotacachi, known as the Magical Town of Ecuador, known for the production of fine leather garments. Nearby is the Cuicocha lagoon, located inside a volcanic crater, where we can walk along trails and admire its natural environment, including two islets.
We hope you will appreciate the handicraft traditions and scenic beauty of this northern Ecuadorian region. Before sunset, we will return to Quito.
4
Cotopaxi National Park
After breakfast, we will head south on the Panamerican Highway, arriving at Cotopaxi National Park after a two-hour drive.
The Cotopaxi volcano, conical in shape and surrounded by moorland, is the second highest peak in Ecuador at 5,897 m (16,897 ft). After checking in, we will visit the interpretation center to learn about its flora, fauna and geology. We will take a one-hour hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon, with impressive views of the volcano. Optionally, we can go to the José Rivas refuge at 4,600 meters above sea level.
We hope you enjoy this unique opportunity to admire the beauty of Cotopaxi and learn more about its páramo ecosystem. Before sunset, we will return to the hotel.
5
Quilotoa Lagoon
Early in the morning we begin a scenic drive through the western Andes to the Quilotoa Lagoon, located at 3,900 meters above sea level. This lagoon, located inside an extinct volcanic crater, stands out for its tranquil natural environment and its green and turquoise waters. We will be able to descend to its shore to admire them closely.
Visitors can take a kayak tour of the lagoon (additional cost). This activity and the nature reserve are managed by the local indigenous communities. The ascent from the lagoon is physically demanding, but an excellent activity. Alternatively, mules can be rented. We will enjoy lunch at the community tourist center. During the trip we will make stops in villages such as Tigua, known for its pictorial art.
We hope you will appreciate the natural and cultural beauty of this area. At the end of the tour, we will transfer to the hotel in Baños de Agua Santa.
6
Full Day Baños
We will have a brief introduction to Baños, a unique place for its biodiversity and outdoor activities. We will observe flora such as the chuquiragua and birds such as swallows. We will cycle 17 km to the south, passing by Agoyan, the first waterfall where we will rest. Then we will cross the Pastaza River by cable car, with views of Manto de la Novia.
We will continue to Rio Verde, where we will visit Pailon del Diablo after a half hour walk through the cloud forest. If we have time, we can continue to Machay, the final waterfall. Once we have finished swimming and contemplated Machay, we will return to Río Verde by transport. In the afternoon we will visit the Casa del Arbol for photos on the swing at the end of the world.
We hope you enjoy this opportunity to get to know the nature and culture of Baños by pedaling among its impressive waterfalls.
7
Amazon Napo
We will travel to Misahuallí, a town located on the Napo River, to take the boat to La Casa del Suizo, where we will spend two days.
This lodge offers several activities guided by locals:
Misicocha: rafting and nature walk.
Cosano: walks through the Amazon rainforest.
Amazoonico: wild animal rescue sanctuary.
We will also be able to do caiman watching, visits to indigenous communities, pottery workshops and more.
We hope you make the most of this unique opportunity to get to know the culture and immense biodiversity of the Ecuadorian Amazon in a sustainable and respectful way.
HAKUNA MATATA LODGE
Depending on our arrival time at the lodge, we recommend an optional activity or enjoy the facilities, which include:
- Guided walk through the private reserve of 120 hectares to learn about the Amazonian flora.
- Horseback riding to admire the tropical landscape.
- Handmade chocolate workshop.
In the evening we will enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner. We hope you make the most of your stay at this lodge in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
8
Amazon Napo
After breakfast, we will head to the Napo River by motorized canoe to the Amazonian rescue center, where we will meet monkeys, parrots, tapirs and ocelots. We will take a walk to learn about the flora, insects and medicinal plants, and understand the importance of the rainforest for the local cultures.
After a picnic lunch on the banks of the river, we will visit a Kichwa family who will explain the preparation of chicha. We will finish in the colorful Tena market to learn about local products.
We hope you appreciate this opportunity to discover the culture and immense biodiversity of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
9
Papallacta Hot Springs
We will leave the lodge towards the Papallacta Hot Springs. Upon arrival, we will take a short hike to learn about the native flora and fauna of the place.
We will enjoy the thermal pools, unique in the world for its healing properties. The Papallacta lagoon has an area of 32.4 hectares and its waters come from the thawing of the snowy Cayambe, Sarahurco and paramo springs.
We hope you take this opportunity to relax in the middle of the Andean nature, away from the daily hustle and bustle.
9
Airport Transfer Out
After breakfast at the hotel, passengers will be transferred to the Mariscal Sucre airport for their return flight.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All rates are in U.S. dollars and per person.
- Rates apply throughout 2024, except on Ecuadorian holidays.
- Tours for 1 to 3 passengers are conducted with a guide-driver; in case a different service is required, a supplement applies.
- If local taxes change, rates will be updated and tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated.
- Outlet Viajes reserves the right to modify itineraries due to unforeseen events or national regulations. Tour operators will be informed and itineraries updated accordingly.
A Perfect Trip with the
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Our highly qualified team is ready to deploy their knowledge and passion to make your Ecuador travel dreams come true, taking care of every detail of your itinerary to ensure that every moment is exceptional. Your perfect trip starts with us.
