Amazon & Andes tour

Upon arrival at Quito airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

Nestled among Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital and boasts one of the most stunning settings globally. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, the city was an important part of the Inca Empire before being destroyed and re-established by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534.

The colonial center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America, home to numerous museums, churches, and art galleries.

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Photo:  mehdi33300

Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical center in the Americas. Visit some of its most important churches, such as the impressive Cathedral, the majestic Compañía, and the iconic San Francisco, which safeguard a rich multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Start your tour at the Main Square, stroll through the colonial churches, and conclude at the Panecillo hillside for breathtaking views of the old and modern city, surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains.

As part of the Quito Colonial City Tour, you’ll also visit the “Equatorial Line” complex. This monument is located at latitude 0º 0´0″ and offers a unique opportunity to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously. The monument is the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. The site holds significant importance in Andean cosmovision, as ancient Andean people recognized its importance thousands of years ago. The Ethnographic Museum at the complex provides a comprehensive overview of Ecuador’s diverse cultures and geography.

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Travel to Otavalo, a renowned artisan market town. Visit the textile market at the Plaza of Ponchos, one of the most famous markets in South America, where you can find various handcrafted items, including tapestries made on Spanish and indigenous backstrap looms. Enjoy some free time to bargain and shop with the friendly Otavaleños. You will also visit craft workshops focused on making Andean instruments like panpipes, flutes, and string instruments such as charangos and guitars. These products are sold in local stores and during the town fair.

In the afternoon, head to Cuicocha, a lagoon located in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Afterward, proceed to your hotel for an overnight stay.

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Photo:  SL_Photography

After a good night’s rest and a delicious breakfast, meet your guide to begin your adventure into the jungle. Start with a visit to Guango Lodge, a small tourist facility surrounded by 180 hectares of temperate forest, known for its diverse bird species. Located at 2,700 meters, you will embark on a short hike offering fantastic views and photo opportunities of the 15 hummingbird species that frequent the area.

Next, visit Papallacta, a natural spring between the Andes and the Amazon. Enjoy a bath in the hot springs and, if lucky, catch a glimpse of the beautiful Antisana Mountain. Lunch is included at this location.

Following lunch, travel to Hakuna Matata in Napo Province, a private hacienda spanning approximately 150 hectares, perfect for enjoying a variety of activities. Upon arrival, the staff will assist with your luggage and provide a welcome drink and dinner at the renowned Pangaea Restaurant.

Overnight.

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© Expedia

Begin your day early, departing at 5:30 a.m. for a day filled with adventure. Drive to the calm and small Arajuno River, a branch of the Napo River, where you will board a canoe. As you navigate the river, enjoy the lush vegetation and observe a variety of bird species such as egrets, red-rumped caciques, and tangaras. After disembarking, take a short walk to a salt lick that attracts birds. Bring binoculars to better observe the birds and, if you’re fortunate, spot some free-living monkeys.

Continue to the Santa Bárbara indigenous community, which consists of 23 families totaling around 120 inhabitants. The community leader will welcome you and share their traditions and customs, including the production of “Chicha,” a traditional drink you can taste once it’s finished. Enjoy a jungle buffet with freshly picked or caught foods like carachama and catfish, roasted chontacuro, yucca, ripe plantain, heart of palm salad, guayusa leaf tea, fruits, and cocoa. Afterward, you’ll have the chance to learn about the community’s culture, witness traditional dances, and try your hand with a blowgun and spear. Take a short walk to see the giant Ceibo tree with its impressive roots and buy some crafts made by the community. The income from these sales supports communal needs.

After bidding farewell to the community, head to the Jatun Sacha Reserve, a 2,500-hectare protected area of tropical forest where you will discover diverse flora and fauna. After a 1.5-hour canoe ride, return by car to the small town of Misahuallí for a typical lunch and a brief walk on the beach to greet some capuchin monkeys. Around 3:00 p.m., return to the lodge to relax by the pool, in a hammock with a cocktail, or continue exploring the area. In the evening, enjoy a three-course meal in a special jungle atmosphere.

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Photo:  Mark Alexander

Travel to Baños, a town known for its waterfalls and hot springs. Baños, which means ‘baths’ in Spanish, has become a popular destination for international travelers seeking temperate weather and outdoor adventures. Don’t miss the active Tungurahua volcano visible from anywhere in Baños. Take a short tour of the city and visit the waterfall route, including Agoyán, Puertas del Cielo, Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo, Machay, and others. Afterward, rest and have dinner at your hotel

Overnight.

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Return to Quito with a stop at Cotopaxi Mountain and its famous Limpiopungo Lake. Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s highest volcano and one of the tallest in the world. The name, derived from Quechua, means “neck of the moon.” Upon arrival at the reserve, hike and drive up to Limpiopungo Lake to observe traces of ancient volcanic eruptions and potentially spot herds of llamas, rabbits, deer, and various bird species. Enjoy a box lunch while taking in the views.

After visiting the Cotopaxi Reserve, return to Quito. Arrive in the late afternoon with free time to explore the city before your departure the next day.

Overnight.

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Photo: PatricioHidalgoP

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Quito Airport in time for your flight back home.

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