A TASTE OF THE ANDES AND THE AMAZON

Transfer in Quito
Accommodation at First Class or Deluxe Hotel

Colonial city tour: San Francisco de Quito, recognized as the largest and better preserved colonial city in the Americas. Quito, due to its artistic vocation offers art and creativity ranging from the modern to the lavish baroque. The heart of Quito, Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential and the Archbishop´s palaces, the Metropolitan Cathedral give to the visitor the feeling of going back in time to the of Spanish-American era. Panoramic view San Francisco de Quito, UNESCO´S World Heritage Site.

We visit “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) and the Equator Monument situated at 0º0’0” latitude We also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, where you’ll find scientific and experimental aspects of being right at the Equator

Accommodation at First Class or Deluxe hotel

Discover the beautiful Andean landscape on route to the Papallacta Hot Springs resort located in the high Páramo, on the way that leads to the Amazon Basin. Enjoy thermal baths and relaxing massage therapy in the spa. This wonderful location offers excellent hiking, bird observation, and horseback riding activities where one can simply appreciate the beauty of a highly unique ecosystem. Head to Amazonia, where you will admire the dramatic changes in vegetation and climate. Dinner and lodging.

Breakfast. The day starts with a canoe ride inside the Amazonian rainforest, along the Napo River. Arrive in Misahualli. Follow this with a second canoe ride on the Arajuno. Visit "AmaZoonico", an animal rescue center in which numerous species are tended to, including toucans, a variety of colorful parrots, monkeys, jaguars, capybaras and much more. Dinner and lodging

Breakfast. Visit an indigenous family to learn about their daily life, culture and traditions. Experience tropical forest nature. Napo the largest river east of Ecuador, will be the setting of this Amazonian experience. Drive to Baños by the Puyo way while enjoying the landscape you will have the opportunity to visit the Balsa handicraft stores and some other interesting places.

Accommodation at a hotel SPA

After visiting Baños, we head down into the Pastaza river canyon to the so called "Avenue of Waterfalls" where we encounter the Bride’s Mantle, Machay, Pailón del Diablo, all of which lie along the riverbed of the Pastaza, surrounded by green lush vegetation. The tallest waterfall, Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) can be observed from a breathtaking suspension bridge.

Accommodation at a hotel SPA

We will depart north to Cotopaxi National Park, where we can admire highest active snowcapped volcano in the world. Once at the National Park, visit the interpretation center where you will learn about the natural history of the area. Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon and be exposed to tundra-like vegetation. Visit a rose plantation, following the various steps of the production, from the hoop houses to the post harvest room, a visit that will not be soon forgotten.

Accomodation at a Hacienda

Departing west and ascend the mountains to reach the village of Tigua, home to sheepskin “canvas” naïve paintings and wood-carved masks worn during local festivities, depicting zoomorphic representations. Arrival to the village of Zumbahua, indigenous women wear colorful shawls and tend to numerous llamas. Visit Quilotoa, a crater lake that shows a palette of turquoise-emerald colors.

Drive back to Quito

Accommodation at a first class or deluxe hotel

Transfer out

Quito-Galapagos
Transfer out Quito
flight to Galapagos

Day 07-10
4d/3n Galapagos cruise experience
Come see the islands that Charles Darwin made famous. Galapagos travel beckons every birder, nature lover and curious traveler. Each day on a Galapagos cruise you leave your yacht to explore these uninhabited island treasures. Each island is filled with Galapagos travel highlights: snorkeling with playful sea lions, admiring the amusing blue-footed Boobie, whale-watching, or hiking to lava tunnels on Santa Cruz Island. Travel with us to the Galapagos Islands and visit one of the most undisturbed ecosystems in the world!

Day 10
Galapagos-Quito or Guayaquil
Transfer in Quito or Guayaquil
Accommodation at First Class or Deluxe Hotel