Just like the different types of views, you'll see in the Andes Mountains and the lush rainforest on this journey, you'll also meet a wide range of people. From the Otavaleños and Afro-Ecuadorians up north to the Quichua and Shuar in the rainforest, and finally the Kichwa in the central Andes by the big Chimborazo volcano, you'll get to experience lots of different cultures right at the Equator! 

Arrive in Quito and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have time to explore the city. 

Overnight Ikala Hotel or similar. 

No meals are included today. 

This morning we will explore the colonial old town of Quito (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Visit the major colonial churches and monasteries, including La Catedral, El Sagrario, La Compañía, and San Francisco. 

Later, you'll visit the Plaza de la Independencia, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building, and the Archbishop's Palace. Continue to the Church of San Francisco, one of the most fascinating buildings in South America. As you step inside the building, you'll be greeted by a stunning Baroque-style interior that's simply breathtaking! The lavish decor is adorned with gold accents, and the winged Virgin of Quito takes center stage on the main altar. It's an incredible sight to behold! 

Enjoy Quito's Colonial Center, resplendent with its churches, gilded altars, sculptures, and religious paintings dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The tour continues through narrow streets, old colonial houses with Moorish-style arches, and mysterious patios to El Panecillo, a viewpoint to enjoy the extraordinary city. 

Middle of the World

In the afternoon, drive from Quito north to the Mitad del Mundo (literally, the middle of the world), where the Equator Line Monument is located. The most remarkable thing is that you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. 

Leaving Quito behind, in the afternoon, we continue north to Otavalo. At a typical dinner, you'll get to know each other, and the tour guide introduces the trip. 

Overnight Riviera Sucre Hotel or similar. (B/D)

This morning, we explore the surroundings of the Cuicocha crater lagoon during a 4 to 5-hour easy to moderate-grade hike through the flora of the Andean highlands. After a traditional lunch in Cotacachi, we will visit a small archeological museum and finish the day with a stroll through the Otavalo market and for sure, try the exotic fruits and vegetables. 

Overnight  Riviera Sucre Hotel or similar. (B/L)

Note - Alternatively, clients can take a boat tour of the lagoon instead of hiking.

Today's first excursion takes you to the Kachiviro community (San Rafael), where you will witness the processing of tortora. A totora grows in Lake San Pablo and is used by many families to make handicrafts. Then, he will visit the Peguche waterfall, a must for local people, where he will take a short walk and learn about the importance of this sacred place. To get a deeper insight into the local culture, he will visit other craft workshops (wool processing, a musical instrument workshop), where you will fall in love with the beautiful souvenirs on offer there. To end the day, immerse yourself in the use of medicinal herbs. 

 Overnight  Riviera Sucre Hotel or similar. (B/L) 

Enjoy an early morning walk through the streets of Otavalo to observe the lively activity of the market in the Plaza de Poncho, as well as the Andean culture of the Otavaleños. Continue over an Andean pass at 4,050 m altitude towards a valley at 3,300 m, where hot springs feed the most beautiful spa in the country. This afternoon we arrive at Hakuna Matata, a cozy rainforest lodge in a private protected forest. 

Overnight Hakuna Matata Lodge or similar. (B/D) 

This morning we will hike through the lodge's protected rainforest. Your naturalist guide will point out interesting medicinal plants and talk about the wildlife in the area. The destination of this hike is the small town of Santa Rita, where a delicious jungle lunch awaits you. Afterward, Pacari's experts will show you how to make delicious chocolate using local cocoa beans. Returning to the lodge, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

Overnight Hakuna Matata Lodge or similar. (B/L/D) 

Early this morning, head to the Arajuno River, where you'll take a canoe trip to a clay lick, where you'll observe (weather permitting) hundreds of parrots and parakeets. Continue by canoeing to the indigenous Quichua community of Santa Barbara to sample many local dishes at a typical jungle buffet with the community. Later, continue to the small jungle town of Misahualli to enjoy a traditional lunch. After a short walk through the townlet and its surroundings, we return to the hostel. 

Overnight Hakuna Matata Lodge or similar. (B/L/D)

Note: Those that do not wish to do the canoe ride can opt-out and stay by the Hakuna Matata Lodge, taking some short walks and enjoying the jungle directly from the lodge.

After breakfast, travel through the rainforest to Puyo, where we will visit an Animal Rescue Center to observe tropical species from the Amazon region and meet some monkeys face to face. From here, continue deep into the rainforest to the small jungle town of Macao. Here, will be time to relax in the afternoon in a mysterious Lodge in the tropical jungle. 

Overnight  Arrayan y Piedra or similar (B/D) 

A short trip takes you to Shuar territory. Take a round-trip hike of around 3 hours through the forest to a sacred waterfall. You will participate in the ceremony of the spiritual waterfall of the Shuar, enjoy a bath in the waterfall, and culminate in tasting the typical food of the Shuar. In the afternoon, to the Atillo Lagoons, crossing the Andean highlands to Guamote. 

Overnight Inti Sisa Hotel or similar. (B/L/D) 

Visit the traditional Andean Market of Guamote early in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the Guamote area and visit one of the small nearby towns to learn about the life of the Kichwa people. Continue your trip to Riobamba, a city surrounded by the Chimborazo, Carihuayrazo, El Altar, and Tungurahua elevations. The city is considered one of the most important Ecuadorian Andes agricultural centers. 

Overnight Santa Isabella Mansion or similar. (B/L) 

Esta mañana viaje desde Riobamba hasta las alturas del poderoso volcán Chimborazo. En el camino, se detendrán en una de las Comunidades Indígenas Kichwa que viven aquí, a una altitud de más de 3000 metros. Desde aquí, se continúa hasta el refugio de montaña Hermanos Carrel a 4800 metros de altitud. Los aventureros pueden caminar desde aquí hasta la cabaña de Whymper a más de 5000 metros de altitud. Más tarde, llegarán al pequeño pueblo de Latacunga situado a una altitud de 2800 metros. 

Avenue of the Volcanoes

The aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes is flanked by eight vertiginously tall, snow-capped mountains that stretch south from Quito down the backbone of the Andes. It traverses a valley rich in a landscape of dense forest and tiny fields that plaster incredibly steep slopes. Surrounding it is a mix of deeply traditional indigenous and colonial settlements, with horticultural and artisan markets and cottage industries. There are also a handful of old haciendas given to the conquerors, where the spectacular buildings are now country hotels. Ecuador is an ideal country for hiking, with trails that lead to craters that are home to turquoise volcanic lakes or views of Chimborazo and Cotopaxi that will take your breath away.

Overnight  REEC or similar. (B/L) 

This morning, continue to the town of La Victoria, famous for the traditional manufacture of ceramics. Continue to the Andean territory of Zumbahua and experience the noisy and colorful market before heading to the beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lagoon. After a short hike, enjoy ever-changing views of the lagoon and surrounding Andes mountains. 

Overnight Mama Hilda Hotel or similar (B/L/D) 

Today is going to be an amazing day ahead of you! First up, head to the charming 400-year-old Hacienda La Ciénega for a cozy coffee break. Then, it's off to a nearby flower farm to delight your senses in a world of colors and sweet fragrances. After that, you'll head over to Cotopaxi National Park for a leisurely stroll around the Limpiopungo lagoon, where you'll learn about the typical Andean vegetation and be blown away by the breathtaking views of Cotopaxi, weather permitting. For lunch, indulge in a delicious meal at the Tambopaxi mountain retreat, surrounded by the stunning peaks of Sincholagua and Cotopaxi. Finally, you'll make your way back to Quito with a heart full of unforgettable memories.

Overnight: Ikala Hotel or similar (B/L) 

Time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)