This 8-day regenerative travel itinerary invites you to explore the diverse beauty and rich cultural heritage of Ecuador, while fostering sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and ecosystems.
Day 1 begins with your arrival in Quito, where you'll be welcomed into a local family home. Experience heartfelt hospitality and enjoy a traditional dinner that sets the tone for your journey.
On Day 2, immerse yourself in the vibrant markets of Quito, where you'll learn about traditional healing plants and enjoy an organic cocoa tasting. You’ll also delve into the history of Ecuador, exploring the significance of the old currency, “sucre.” Your day will be enriched by encounters with local artisans, especially those skilled in “hojalatería,” a distinct metalworking technique from Quito. End the day at a charming café, sipping on the famous "ponche Quiteño."
Day 3 takes you to Calacalí and the Equator, where you can witness the magic of being in two hemispheres at once. Explore the Pululahua volcanic crater and visit an organic edible mushroom farm. Your journey continues to an acclaimed coffee farm, renowned for producing some of the best coffee globally, where you’ll stay overnight and learn about sustainable coffee cultivation.
On Day 4, experience the enchanting area of Mindo, famous for its waterfalls and rich biodiversity. Enjoy a visit to a butterfly sanctuary before heading to Pedro Vicente Maldonado. Here, you’ll taste exotic fruits and discover the finest cocoa plantations. Engage with the local Afro-Ecuadorian community, immersing yourself in their vibrant traditions through marimba music and dance, culminating in a cozy bonfire under the stars.
Day 5 leads you to Cojimies, a coastal paradise known for its coconuts. Relish a refreshing coconut juice and take a canoe ride to Bolívar Island, where you'll connect with a local project aimed at restoring mangroves and fostering cultural understanding. Your picturesque beachfront accommodation offers the perfect backdrop for relaxation, and you’ll enjoy delicious local dishes that emphasize coconut and seafood.
On Day 6, rise early to explore the magnificent mangroves, discovering their vital connection to the local communities. Participate in shell and crab gathering for lunch, learning about sustainable food practices that respect the environment. The evening will be filled with music and dance around the marimba during dinner.
Day 7 wraps up your coastal adventure with a heartfelt farewell to the island. After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll return to Cojimies and enjoy some relaxation time on the beach, followed by a return to Puerto Vicente Maldonado, where you'll taste exotic fruits at a local farm.
Finally, on Day 8, visit a breathtaking waterfall and engage with regenerative farms that embody sustainable practices. Explore local businesses producing sugar cane and natural beverages before concluding your journey near the airport for your next adventure.
This itinerary not only emphasizes exploration but also fosters a deep appreciation for Ecuador’s culture, nature, and regenerative tourism, making for an unforgettable experience.
according to the itinerary
according to the itinerary
according to the itinerary
You will stay in a cozy family home where you’ll be treated like family. Enjoy a traditional dinner and get some well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Local family home
We will explore local markets in the heart of Quito and learn about how plants can heal our bodies. Next, indulge in an organic cocoa tasting and savor lunch at a traditional spot that celebrates grandmother’s recipes.
Later, we’ll delve into Ecuador’s history, specifically the old currency, “sucre.” We'll also meet local entrepreneurs on La Ronda Street to learn about “hojalatería” and the techniques of the Quito school. To cap off the day, we’ll visit an old café to enjoy the famous “ponche Quiteño” before heading back to the hotel.
After breakfast, we will head to Calacalí to visit the Equator, Pululahua—the inhabited volcanic crater—and an organic edible mushroom farm. We’ll also explore a high-altitude coffee farm known for producing some of the best coffee in the world, and we will spend the night to learn about its processes. A delicious local dinner awaits, and if we’re lucky, we might even spot some hummingbirds!
Accommodation: Local coffee farm
We will journey to Mindo to explore its stunning waterfalls, visit a butterfly sanctuary, and enjoy lunch. Next, we’ll proceed to Pedro Vicente Maldonado to enter a farm filled with exotic fruits for a tasting tour. Here, we will also learn about the world’s finest cocoa plantations and experience Afro-Ecuadorian cultural traditions, including marimba and dance by the river, followed by a cozy bonfire.
Accommodation: Local lodge
We will head to Cojimies, the land of coconuts, where you can enjoy a refreshing fresh coconut juice. Then, we will take a canoe to Bolívar Island, connecting with the project “Muisne desde adentro,” which aims to restore mangroves and educate about Afro-Ecuadorian culture.
We’ll stay in a beautiful house just steps from the beach, surrounded by mango trees. After some relaxation time, we’ll enjoy a local lunch featuring coconut and seafood dishes prepared with love. As night falls, we’ll gather around a bonfire, where local children will share their dance traditions with us.
Accommodation: Beachfront home
We’ll rise early to discover the majestic mangroves of the region and learn about the connection between the mangrove ecosystem and its people. We will gather shells and crabs for our lunch, intertwining our day with “Mother Nature” and the sustainable food we have without harming the environment. To end the day, we’ll play and dance to the sounds of marimba during dinner.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to this magical island and take the canoe back to Cojimies. We’ll spend some time relaxing on the beach before enjoying lunch and heading back to Puerto Vicente Maldonado, where we will unwind at a farm that offers exotic fruits for snack. Dinner will follow our arrival.
We will visit a beautiful waterfall to relax and unwind, as well as explore farms embracing regenerative practices with love. We will stop by several local businesses to learn about sugar cane, natural beverages, and teas. Our accommodation will be near the airport for your continuing journey.
