PERFECT FOR:
- Nature & Wildlife Lovers
- Active Couples, Families & travelers of all ages
- Those seeking an active but upscale tour of Ecuador
- First time travelers of Chile
An upscale, Active tour of Ecuador’s Main Land | Quito, Otavalo, Lower Amazon, Cotopaxi & Quilotoa
11 Days / 10 Nights – Tour Code (ECD) – Private Tour – departs Daily
While Ecuador is famous for its Galapagos Islands, few put the rest of Ecuador on the tourist map which remains largely undiscovered – and that’s a good thing. Occupying just a tiny corner of the South American continent, little but mighty Ecuador boasts a plethora of amazing landscapes, exotic wildlife, and exhilarating soft adventures that rivals its larger neighbors in Latin America. So why Ecuador? For those seeking a travel destination that is undiscovered, affordable, has a ton of history and culture, loaded with out-of-this-world natural wonders, abundant with warm friendly people and amazing wildlife, dotted with beautiful Colonial era cities – all within a short drive or flight way? Ecuador might just be that perfect active vacation that checks all the boxes.
This tantalizing 11-Day trip encapsulates the best of Ecuador’s mainland. We start with beautiful Quito, the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its best-preserved historic city of Spanish America built on the ruins of an Incan city surrounded by alpine mountains and volcanoes. After a couple days in the charming capital, we dive into the country’s indigenous roots as we explore open-air markets and local villages in Otavalo, as well as getting outdoors for a refreshing hike at Cuicocha Crater Lake.
Next, leave civilization and venture deep into the Amazon Jungle spending four incredible days in untouched nature. Unforgettable experiences like trekking in and on top of the rainforest, criss-crossing the Amazon basin’s pristine waterways, observing fantastic wildlife day and night, and mingling with the indigenous folks are among the many you’ll embark upon while in the jungle. We end this uncommon Ecuador adventure with two of Ecuador’s most picturesque spots, Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, where we’ll get high up in the mountains for some of the most stunning landscapes anywhere.
From horseback riding to black river canoeing. Indigenous villages and markets to Spanish Colonial Palaces and Churches. Dazzling volcanoes to jaw-dropping lagoons. Ecuador will surprise you.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- 10 nights accommodations at 4 & 5-star hotels
- Roundtrip Economy Class Airfares between Quito & Coca
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Other lunches & dinners as specified per itinerary (food only)
- Private tour throughout: airport transfers & sightseeing by private car, driver-guides (except in Amazon region – transfers & excursions on join basis)
QUITO (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Hotel Casa Gangotena
- Half day walking tour of Quito’s Old Town
- Cooking Lesson at Altamira Experience Restaurant (or similar)
OTAVALO (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Hotel Otavalo
- Tour of Otavalo Indigenous Market & Cuicocha Lagoon Trek
- Cayambe Town with Bizcochos Tasting & Rose Plantation Visit
- Peghuche Waterfall & Indigenous Village Visit
LOWER AMAZON REGION (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Sacha Lodge | La Selva Amazon Ecolodge
- Extensive excursions & activities per itinerary (join tours)
- All meals
- Join car & boat transfers upon arrival and departure
LASSO / COTOPAXI (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Hotel Hato Verde
- Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park with Horseback Riding
- Full day hike at Quilotoa Lagoon
Room types:
Quioto: Hotel Casa Gangotena (Luxury Room)
Otavalo: Hotel Octavalo (Deluxe Room)
Amazon: Sacha Lodge (Standard Room) / La Selva Lodge (Superior Suite)
Lasso: Hotel Hato Verde (Superior Room)
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Upon arrival in Quito, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights' accommodations. Enjoy the balance of the at leisure to relax and explore beautiful Quito.
Day 2 Quito
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Quito's colonial center. Your first stop is at Basilica Church, considered to be one of the most important pieces of neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. Continues to Plaza Grande (also called Independence Square), to admire its historical buildings, among which the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace. Visit the imposing San Francisco de Quito Church, the largest religious complex in South America which houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artists, followed by La Compañia Church, a masterpiece of the barroque style with its facade made by volcanic stone and interior is all covered with gold. End the morning with a stroll through the lively colonial streets of the old town to Panecillo Hill for panoramic views of the Ecuadorian capital.
After working up an appetite, enjoy fun-filled epicurean experience at the Altamira Experience Restaurant located in the heart of the historic center. Enjoy an authentic and interactive cooking class where you will prepare your very own Ecuadorian dishes. Overnight in Quito. (B,L)
Day 3 Quito / Cayambe / Otavalo
Today, journey north to Otavalo making several stops along the way starting with Quistato Equator Monument, a giant sundial placed exactly on the equator that allows one to read the time, month as well as other celestial readings. Continue to Cayambe for a visit to a typical rose plantation to see the many different rose varieties and how they're packaged to ship around the world.
Next, take a stroll around Cayambe town and try some bizcochos, Ecuadorian biscuits that are famed throughout the country for their flaky and delicious texture. Our last stop today is Pechuche, an indigenous Quichua community in Imbabura province surrounded by high mountains and inactive volcanos. Here, visit Peguche Waterfall and Peguche Village known for its local crafts and textiles. Check-in at your hotel in Otavalo and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Otavalo (Cuicocha Lagoon)
This morning, enjoy a culturally inspiring stroll through the famous indigenous Otavalo Market where the gathering of people from the entire region is an ancient tradition and still is an important social and cultural event. Here, catch a real glimpse of Ecuador's indigenous culture through music, handmade textiles, clothing, artisanal crafts, and other arts. Wander about the many stands loaded with colorful blankets, embroidered clothing, handmade ponchos, and wooden handicrafts. Afterward, continue to Cuicocha Lagoon for a light trek** (approx. 4 hours). Cuicocha is a beautiful volcanic crater lagoon with an altitude of 10,400 ft above sea level. With the deep blue hues of the water and the two small islands in the middle, Cuicocha Lagoon is a feast for the eyes with panoramic views of Imbabura and Cayambe Volcanos on a clear day. Time permitting, make a stop at the village of Cotacachi famed for its leather crafts. Overnight in Otavalo. (B)
**For those seeking a less strenuous excursion, we can arrange boat cruise around the lagoon at an additional cost.
Day 5 Otavalo / Coca / Lower Amazon Region
Early morning transfer to Quito for your 30-minute flight to Coca. Embark on your journey for your jungle lodge through various means of transportation including a 2.5 hour boat trip by motorized canoe, a 30-minute trek and hand- rowed paddle boat to your resort located deep in the Amazon jungle.
After settling in, take time to swim, relax, birdwatch or simply soak up mother-nature at her finest. After dinner at the resort, embark on a night walk with a naturalist through the rainforest to observe the hundreds of animal species that can only be found at night; or take a canoe ride on the lake to view the spectacled and black caimans with their glowing orange eyes. (B,L,D)
** Transfers & excursions on JOIN basis with other resort guests. All Amazon itineraries are subject to local conditions and may be adjusted based on your interests and preference.
Note: Activities and itinerary in the Amazon are based on Sacha Lodge. La Selva operates a similar experience under a different itinerary. Please contact us for details.
Day 6 Lower Amazon Experience
This morning, take a short hike along the Liana Chica Trail for a canopy walk that boasts spectacular views of the Amazon rainforest. Designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension canopy walk, it is 36 meters high and 275 meters long, giving guests a birds-eye view of the tropical rainforest. Return to your resort. After lunch, relax at the resort, take a leisurely hike along the Napo River or a little more challenging trek on the Leoncillo Trail to try and spot the elusive Dusky Titi Monkey. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Lower Amazon Experience
After breakfast, embark on a hike along Lagartococha Trail to learn about the native people and their relationship with the forest. Learn about the trees where native people believe the spirits of their ancestors live, and the mysterious “duende” or devil-man of the forest. After arriving at Lake Lagartococha, take a canoe ride through a natural swamp home to anacondas, caimans, and capybaras. Afterward, walk on the other side of the Lake for an opportunity to spot capuchin or squirrel monkeys playfully jumping through the trees. Return to your resort for a swim or to relax.
After lunch, your native guide will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed piranha. Then, take a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonian forest where you have a good chance of being surrounded by troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the elusive river otter as well as the incredibly well camouflaged three-toed sloth! Upon arrival at Sacha´s 135-foot wooden tower built around an ancient Kapok tree, enjoy spectacular birdwatching as the sun sets over Sumaco Volcano. Return to your resort by boat and observe different species of animals such as bats and nocturnal birds as the night falls. Dinner at the resort. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Lower Amazon / Quito / Lasso
Morning transfer by boat and flight to Quito. Upon arrival, continue by private car to Lasso (approx. 1 hour) and check-in at your resort for your next 3 nights' accommodations. Balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 9 Lasso (Cotopaxi)
Today’s adventure starts early in the morning with a drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. We'll reach the home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and one of Ecuador’s most popular highlights: Cotopaxi Volcano which stands at nearly 19,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy a hike through the National Park where you'll have a chance to see hummingbirds, wild horses, and other wildlife. Today's highlight includes a 2-hour horseback ride to enjoy the Cotopaxi surroundings in a fun and unique way. Return to your resort in the afternoon. (B)
Day 10 Lasso (Quilotoa Lagoon & Tigua)
Today's excursion brings you to Instagram-perfect Quilotoa, a turquoise-colored lagoon located within an extinct volcanic crater and one of the most spectacular highlights of the Ecuadorian highlands. If you're up for it, hike all the way down, return by foot or by mule/horse (at additional cost) back to the top. Return to your resort in the afternoon visiting Tigua, a small village famous for its local paintings and masks, en-route. Overnight in Lasso. (B)
Day 11 Lasso / Quito
Transfer to Quito Airport for your departure flight onward. (B)
| 2022 Tour Price Chart (Prices valid through December 20, 2022) | ||
|
Hotel |
Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| As Listed Above | 5,075 | 1,465 |
Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate |
||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
- Price excludes international airfares, personal expenses, beverages during included lunches/dinners, gratuities to guides and drivers.
- Holiday surcharges apply for the following periods:
- X-Mas Holidays (Dec. 15 - Jan. 10)
- Holy Week (Easter Holiday)
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
HIGHLIGHTS
- Quito’s Historic Quarter
- Ecuadorian Culinary Lesson
- Otavalo Indigenous Market
- Cuicocha Crate Lake Trek
- Lower Amazon Basin with excursions
- Quilotoa Lagoon Trek
- Cotopaxi National Park
Price Starting From:
$5,075
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Quito – Hotel Casa Gangotena
Lower Amazon – La Selva Amazon Lodge
Hotel Otavlo
Cotopaxi – Hacienda Hato Verde
Lower Amazon – Sacha Lodge
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
