Description
Embark on an unforgettable adventure that takes you to the very heart of Ecuador, where breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and incredible biodiversity await.
Begin in the historic city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where colonial architecture and modern energy converge.
Explore the rich traditions of the Otavalo Market, famous for its colorful textiles and artisan crafts, and connect with the heritage of Ecuador’s Indigenous communities.
Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, surrounded by dramatic highland scenery. Experience the thrill of exploring this Andean wonderland, where snow-capped peaks and diverse wildlife create a picture-perfect setting.
Conclude your journey deep in the Amazon Rainforest along the Napo River, where you’ll immerse yourself in the traditions of the Kichwa community.
Learn about their way of life, the medicinal plants of the jungle, and the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem.
This enriching travel experience offers a perfect blend of Ecuador’s natural wonders, cultural richness, and opportunities to connect with the planet’s most incredible landscapes and communities.
Itinerary
Accommodation: Hotel Ikala (Standard Room)
Welcome to Ecuador. Upon your arrival in Quito’s airport, a local bilingual guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your selected hotel. Your guide will brief you on the following days’ activities and answer any questions you may have.
Accommodation: Hotel Ikala (Standard Room)
The tour begins by visiting Quito`s downtown, one of the biggest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America.
Our first visit will be to Independence Square or “Plaza Grande”, surrounded by important historical buildings, followed by a visit to the iconic La Compañia de Jesus church, which dates to the 17th century and is considered one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America. Among these attractions, other must-see highlights are The San Francisco Church and Monastery, built a few months after the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century, and the Virgen of the Panecillo, an enormous statue built atop the Panecillo hill overlooking all of Quito, a truly unique view.
We will also visit an artisanal chocolate shop, where we’ll learn more about Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao and about the chocolate-making process and get to taste a bit of this delicacy.
After our visit to Quito’s historic district, our journey continues toward the Middle of the World and a drive of about 30 km (18.6 mi) north of Quito, where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres.
First, we will visit the main monument built in honor of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the 18th century, and we will also visit the correct location of the equator line at the Inti Ñan Museum.
Accommodation: Hotel Ikala (Standard Room)
Today, we will drive north towards Imbabura, also known as the Lake Province, while enjoying an exciting trip by tasting exotic fruit in the Guayllabamba Valley.
Cross the Equatorial Line in Cayambe, where on a clear day, it is possible to admire its majestic snow-capped volcano (5,790 m. / 18,996 ft), the world´s highest point crossed by the equator.
This is an ideal spot to try Cayambe’s famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese, this region’s traditional snack.
At the base of the Imbabura volcano, you will be able to enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador’s largest lake – San Pablo.
Afterwards, we will visit the local Indigenous community. During this visit you will have authentic insights into the community’s everyday life, actively learning about their traditions and experiencing unforgettable cultural encounters.
Here, you will enjoy a natural healing ritual called Andean “Chakana” which merges traditional indigenous and religious beliefs. You will also create cherished memories with the community by making traditional beverages and feeling the peace of being surrounded by the awe-inspiring Imbabura Volcano and the stunning San Pablo Lake. This visit will undoubtedly immerse you in Ecuador’s Indigenous culture.
When we arrive in the town of Otavalo, it will be time to visit its world-famous Indigenous Market, the largest in South America.
Here is where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of weavings such as the famous ponchos, among other textiles like rugs, mittens, and scarves.
This market is like a rainbow due to the colors of the textiles exhibited. Without a doubt, it is an ideal place to find handicrafts, jewelry, and other artisanal craftwork.
Accommodation:Hotel Ikala (Standard Room)
We will start our day traveling along the southern part of the highlands, through the “Volcano Avenue”.
During the journey, we can enjoy the marvelous view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active snow-capped volcanoes in the world, which stands at 5,897 m (19,347 ft.). To enter the national park, we will drive along the Pan-American Highway, until we reach the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park and drive on a dirt road through a pine forest until we arrive at the Limpiopungo Lake, a glacial Andean Lake located at 3,800 m (12467 ft) above sea level. From this site, we can have a magnificent view of the impressive Cotopaxi volcano and its surrounding Paramo landscape.
On this day we can also choose one of the following visits as part of the activities during the day (we will discuss it with you on the day):
1. Visit a local family: to learn about the process of máchica, which is a type of flour made from ground roasted barley or roasted grains. This flour is commonly used in Ecuadorian cuisine and is used to enrich the flavor and texture of drinks.
2. Visit a rose plantation: Ecuador is famous throughout the world for the variety and quality of its roses, here you will learn about different types of roses and their care.
3. Visit a local market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of local culture by visiting traditional markets. These markets, full of life and color, offer a strolling experience among the stalls filled with fresh produce, unique crafts, and traditional culinary delights.
Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Center Lodge (Standard Room)
A rewarding 30-minute domestic flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range is the beginning of this amazing experience.
After landing, a short 5-minute drive to the port in the Napo River will take you onto a comfortable covered motor boat. Here we start a boat ride along the Napo for approximately 2 hours. Some birds can be spotted on the way.
After arriving at Napo Wildlife Center’s welcoming area, we take a magical and peaceful 2-hour dugout canoe along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located.
Great chances to spot wildlife, various species of monkeys as well as large birds like toucans, parrots, or even macaws. Late afternoon arrival at the lodge.
Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Center Lodge (Standard Room)
After breakfast, experience the life above the forest floor visiting the 36-meter canopy tower. This tower is located about 30 minutes from the lodge deep within the forest.
Get a very good sample of the 567 species recorded so far, with a close look at colorful tanagers, macaws, toucans, flycatchers, and even Spider or Howler Monkeys feeding themselves on the nearby trees.
The canopy tower opens a whole new world to the guests of the Napo Wildlife Center.
Return to the lodge for a typical Ecuadorian lunch.
After lunch there are many options to choose from, but before you start the afternoon activity climb the central tower for birdwatching, or just relax in your hammock.
In the afternoon, hike through a marvelous terra- firme forest to discover the ecology and the role of plants in the complex world of the Tropical Rain-Forest: vines, ancient trees, bromeliads, orchids stand out in this impressive natural garden.
After the hike, explore the surrounding creeks with the possibility of running into a Giant otter family.
A delicious dinner awaits you at 7:30 pm.
Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Center Lodge (Standard Room)
This morning we visit the best parrot clay licks in Ecuador!!!
Early start and paddle downstream on the Añangu Creek as far as the welcome area. Then, take the motor boat for a 10-minute ride for a wonderful view of thousands of parrots such as the amazon-mealy, blue-headed, orange–cheek, among others landing on the earth to eat some clay.
Later, back to the welcome area and a short hike to the parakeets’ clay lick, where hundreds of cobalt-winged parakeets remain on the top of the trees searching for the best time to get minerals from the clay, Lunch at Napo Cultural Center.
In the afternoon, visit the interpretation area to learn about the traditions of the ancestral Kichwa community of Añangu.
Back to the lodge, late in the afternoon where you’ll be welcomed back with a refreshing fruit drink. Dinner at 7:30 pm.
Accommodation: Napo Wildlife Center Lodge (Standard Room)
This morning we hike along the Tiputini trail and its terra-firma forests and swamp forests, searching for more wildlife such as Golden-Mantled Tamarins, White-Faced capuchin monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, pigmy squirrels, carnivores and their tracks on the forest floor.
Back to the lodge for lunch and a well deserved rest.
In the afternoon paddle canoes will take you to explore deeper areas in the surrounding creeks with more possibilities of seeing unique wildlife.
After dinner you will share a talk about the community and Napo Wildlife Center.
Early breakfast, and last excursion canoeing back to the Napo river, the creek may reveal new sights of Giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys, hoatzins, blackcapped donacobius or other birds.
Transfer to Coca airport and flight back to Quito airport. Time to say goodbye to Ecuador.
If you want to stay longer in Ecuador, which we strongly advise, we have options for extending your stay by adding another Ecuador location at the end of this journey, like the Galapagos, as an example. Ask us for this option on the Booking form.
Available Packages
Unveil the Heart of Ecuador from Quito to Amazon
Package Include:
- Private Bilingual Guide (English or Spanish)
- Private transportation
- 8 Nights Accommodation at our selected hotel with breakfast.
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary above.
- All excursions in Quito area mentioned in the itinerary above.
- Contribution to the local community.
- Entrance Fees (As described in itineraries).
- Local Experiences.
- Canoe transportation from Coca to the Lodge.
- Guided Excursions in the Napo Wildlife area.
- Bilingual English/Spanish speaking Naturalist Guide + Native Assistant Guide in Napo Wildlife area.
- Rain poncho and rubber boots will be provided during your stay at the Napo Wildlife area Lodge.
Unveil the Heart of Ecuador from Quito to Amazon |
|
01 May 25 – 30 Nov 25 |
8 Nights |
Twin / Double Standard Room (2 pax min) | £1940 Per Person |
£300 extra charge per person for a return Domestic Flight from Quito-Coca, if you opt to book it with us. Please inform request it on the Booking form.
* Minimum 2 people to operate this package.
** Discount for groups from 4 people, contact us for more details.
*** Single-room supplements are available on a 2 minimum-person trip
Solo Traveller
**** A single personal trip can be arranged; it is subject to availability and will be a tailor-made quotation just for you.
All Prices are Per Person and Does NOT include and required Flights to and from Quito (airport code: UIO) and from Guayaquil (airport code: GYE) .
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