• Stroll through the famous colorful Market of the Otavalo Indians in Otavalo, including stopovers in Calderón, Guayllabamba, Guachala, Mira and Cotacachi

• Guided city tour through the colonial center of Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site), among others, including visits to these sites: the Parliament of Ecuador, the Independence Square, Cathedral (16th century), Presidential Palace, the Baroque La Compañía de Jesus Church, the church of San Francisco (16th century), Panecillo Hill

• Excursion to Mitad del Mundo (“Center of the Earth”) including visit to Solar Museum (“Museo Intiñan”)

• Three-day excursion with native guides through the dense Amazon Jungle near Tena

• One-night-stay at Papallacta including a bath in the hot thermal springs

 

 

Day 1: Arrival at Quito – City Tour & Equator Monument

Welcome to the capital of Ecuador. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and you will begin a city tour through Quito, introducing you to the metropolis’s colonial neighborhoods. Quito’s historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, is considered the location with the largest accumulation of art treasures in South America. You will visit Plaza de la Independencia, view the unique Jesuit Church La Compañía de Jesús and the Cathedral. and those among us unafraid of heights have the opportunity to climb ladders to scale the basilica’s tower – a braveness rewarded with a legendary view over the entire city Quito! You meander through the colorful Mercado Central market and will also get a chance to buy delicious tropical fruit there. The tour continues to Quito’s landmark, the Panecillo Hill, with its panoramic view over the city. You then ride to Mitad del Mundo, a monument denoting the location of the equator a few kilometers north of Quito. There you will also pay the near-by Museo Intiñan a visit and then return to Quito. Overnight in Boutique Hotel Casa Foch*** (or similar). (B/-/-)

 

Day 2: Cuicocha Lagoon & Indian Market in Otavalo
Early in the morning, along the “Ruta de los Lagos” you head toward Otavalo. Right from the beginning, archaic landscapes, crater lakes and volcanoes will mark the exciting scenery of your ride north. You will enjoy a wonderful walk along the shore of beautiful Lagoon Cuicocha, located at an altitude of approx. 3,100 m, and be immersed in the marvelous landscape and exuberant vegetation of this region. Depending on the season, many varieties of orchids can be seen. Optionally, you may also take a boat ride across the lagoon (entrance fee and boat ride are not included).

You head on to what probably is the gaudiest Indian market in South America. Otavalo catches you with its bustling market atmosphere of native Indians and there is surely an opportunity for you to buy extraordinary weavings and other typical crafts. The products there range from ponchos, tapestries, table cloths and other artfully woven fabrics to traditional musical instruments and a variety of jeyoulry. After sufficient time for shopping, you will visit Cotacachi (Ecuador’s capital of leather goods). Then, in a house in Peguche the indigenous people marvel you with their enchanting crafts. Finally, ride back to Quito and overnight in same hotel as the previous night. (B/-/-)

 

Day 3: Ride to Tena in the Amazon Basin
An exciting ride (in private vehicle) awaits from the High Andes (at an altitude of more than 4,000 m) down into the steaming Amazon basin, to Tena. From there, you continue, by private vehicle, to Puerto Barandilla, where you will take the boat to get to the three star Liana jungle lodge. The following adventurous nights of your jungle excursion will be spent here. (B/-/D)

 

Days 4 & 5: Amazon Jungle
Let the jungle adventure begin! Guided hikes immerse you in the alien and fascinating world of the earth’s largest natural reserve. You undertake jungle excursions (in primary and secondary rainforests), watch birds and insects, and have an indigenous expert explain medicinal plants and the unique vegetation to you. Also, you visit an Indigenous family that lets you have a glance at its way of living and culture. You undertake exciting trips in a dugout, spying out monkeys and other animals. You live in perfect harmony with nature and at nights are mesmerized by the mysterious sounds of the jungle. Overnight in the jungle lodge. (B/L/D)

 

Day 6: Amazon Jungle & Ride to Papallacta
After breakfast, you will leave behind the jungle, deeply impressed. Once again, you take a boat ride back to Puerto Barandilla and from there (in private vehicle) to Papallacta, which is renowned for its hot springs. It is located at an altitude betyouen 3,330 and 3,500 m, in a region known for its stark, bizarre Páramo landscape. The baths there are among the most beautiful and cleanest of the entire country. Immediatley you can wonderfully relax in the hotel’s private springs. Here you will overnight in the Spa Hotel Termas de Papallacta***. (B/-/-)

 

Day 7: Departure
Already the time has come to say good-bye to an exciting country and great experiences. Transfer to the airport in Quito, where your guide will still assist you. (B/-/-)

 

 

Services Included

• Local English-speaking guide
• All transfers as stated in tour description
• Accommodation in cozy 3* hotels or jungle lodge
• Meals according to tour description

 

 

Not included

 

• Personal expenses

• Tips

• Meals and Drinksnot stated

 

 

Please note

• Participants must have a valid international health insurance.
• We reserve the right to change the tour program due to force majeure, weather or organizational reasons.