Ecuador & the Amazon

Day 1 – USA – Quito

Arrive in Quito, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, only 22km away from the Equatorial Line, “Middle of the World”. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 – Quito

City tour through Quito with its variety of religious and cultural sites. Visit the old part of the city, breathe in the colonial history of Ecuador. Visit a traditional market with exotic fruits and herbs. Continue to the Equatorial Line Monument “Middle of the World” with a museum with interactive experiments. Evening free to discover the city.

Day 3 – Quito – Lago Agrio

Flight to Lago Agrio and continue to Cuyabeno Lodge. Experience the richness of the wildlife during this journey to your hotel. Upon arrival, enjoy an exploratory tour of the lagoon to observe indigenous Amazonian animals. Time to take a swim in the lake and to enjoy the sunset from a canoe before dinner.

Day 4 – Lago Agria

Rise at dawn to watch birds before breakfast and spot river dolphins. Jungle hike through the “tierra firme forest” with a naturalist guide who will explain the wildlife, medicinal forest plants, the forest ecosystem and indigenous life. In the afternoon, experience an excursion to the flooded igapó in dug-out canoes. See the famous Macrolobium trees covered with abundant epiphytes, such as orchids, bromeliads, mosses, and ferns. You may also spot monkeys and many colorful and unusual birds. Return to the hotel.

Day 5 – Lago Agria

Visit the Siona Village by following the Cuyabena River down-stream after breakfast. The villagers will explain their traditions and living habits. Return to the lodge for lunch. Time for a refreshing swim in the Cuyabeno lake. After dinner night embark on an excursion to spot caimans, insects and nocturnal birds. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 6 – Lago Agrio-Quito-Ibarra

Transfer to the airport in Lago Agrio and fly to Quito continuing on to your hotel in Ibarra. Lunch is provided for your journey.

Day 7 – Ibarra-Otavalo-Ibarra

In the morning, learn about the area of Cotacachi and visit a textile workshop in Carabuela. Afterwards visit a local organic garden where you will hear about medical plants and Andean agriculture. Visit a local school and then a working family doing embroidery in La Calera. On to the Cuicocha lagoon for a short walk or a tour in a speed boat. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 8 – Ibarra-Cotopaxi Region

Visit the Indian market to enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts that this giant colourful market offers. Transfer to the Cotopaxi region, one of the most beautiful ecological reserves of the country and see the “Páramo”, the alpine tundra plantlife that is over four million years old. Gaze at the stunning view of Cotopaxi from here.

Day 9 – Cotopaxi Region

Visit the indigenous markets Saquisilí or Pujilí and learn about the life of indigenous people. Continue to Quilotoa, a lagoon inside a crater. Discover the wonderful lagoon and you may see different species of animals.

Day 10 – Return Home

Transfer to Quito airport for your return flight home from beautiful Ecuador.