Ecuador: Andes and Amazon Adventure

Fly from London to Quito and arrive in the evening.

Stay overnight at the Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.

(N)

In the morning, go on a short walking tour of the city of Quito. As an old colonial-style town, the area is rich with history and culture, entwined with distinguished colonial-era architecture and many local landmarks to discover. There is no wonder that this magical city is a UNESCO Heritage site.

From there, you will leave Quito and head to the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, a private resort that is home to a wide array of bird species such as the toucan and hummingbird.

(B, D)

In the early morning, soak in the biodiversity of Bellavista and marvel at the various bird species. So varied is the birdlife, there are around 20 different species of hummingbirds alone!

From there, make your way to Hacienda and spend 2 nights at the Hosteria Pantavi or similar.

(B, L)

Enjoy a delicious morning breakfast. Then head to the Imbabura Volcano where you will meet the San Clemente Indigenous Community. The community is home to many families who earn a living through farming and agriculture. You will enjoy a full day of sightseeing, learning about their agricultural practices and traditions, and then tuck into a lovingly prepared, home-prepared lunch using fresh ingredients straight from the local farm.

Drive back to Hacienda in the afternoon and enjoy free leisure for the rest of the day.

(B, L)

Make your way to Cuicocha Crater Lake. Also known as ‘God’s Lake,’ the crater has an elevation of 10,649 feet and is located in the Imbabura province in Ecuador.

At the center of the lake there are two small islands, and the surrounding area has plenty of hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Whilst there, you will enjoy a pleasant scenic walk around one section of the lake, before continuing to Otavalo. The town of Otavalo features many local stalls, markets, and vendors, which sell a wide assortment of souvenirs, clothing, and trinkets.

Stay overnight at the Hacienda San José de Puembo or similar.

(B)

Visit the Papallacta Hot Springs and explore the incredible hot and cold pools that encompass the region. Then proceed to the Antisana Volcano and descend into the Amazon Basin to the lodge where you will stay overnight. In evening, enjoy an invigorating night walk through the Amazon, taking in the wistful sights and sounds under the cover of near-darkness.

Stay for 2 nights at the Liana Lodge or similar.

(B, L, D)

Explore more of the amazon rainforest on foot. Marvel at the incredible biodiversity of the region, which includes a wide array of tress and plants, birdlife, and other animals such as the squirrel and capuchin monkeys. You will then visit the AmaZoonico Anial Rescue Center, which is home to lovingly preserved animal species such as the pecari, capibara, and the tapir.

(B, L, D)

Leave behind the amazon rainforest and make your way to Banos. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of the upper Amazon Basin, as well as the cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear waters of the Pastaza River, including a visit to Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall .

Upon your arrival at the town of Banos, you will enjoy a walking tour of the area, which will include a brief visit to the local thermal baths. Stay overnight at the La Floresta Hotel or similar.

(B)

Drive through the region of Chimborazo and for a short walk in Chimborazo National Park. The park is home to diverse wildlife including the vicunas , a relative of the llama, and also home to the highest mountain Ecuador, along with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

There is the Carrel Refuge, a high-altitude destination, and the Edward Whymper Refuge, for which the journey there can be a bit of a challenging trek but you will have the aid of a tour guide.

In the afternoon, proceed south to Riobamba. Stay overnight at the Hacienda Abraspungo or similar.

(B)

Make an early start for Cuenca. Along the way you will visit the Balbanera Church, which was built by the Spaniards in 1534. You will then arrive at the ruins of Ingapirca, the largest Inca archeological site in Ecuador. Then descend to the colonial town of Cuenca, where you will stay for 2 nights at Hotel Carvallo or similar.

(B)

Spend half of the day exploring the town of Cuenca. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area features a wealth of historic landmarks, including medieval-style buildings (many of which are brightly painted colors) and tall houses with wooden balconies that provide stunning views from above.

Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon.

(B)

Proceed to Cajas National Park and go for a walk in this nature wonderland, which will take about 2 hours. There are more than 125 different bird species, as well as pristine lakes, lagoons, and rivers. Then head to Los Chorreras where you will stay overnight at the Hosteria Dos Chorreras or similar.

(B)

Delve deep into an authentic mangrove forest with a half-day long boat trip. This airy, swampy region is a lush forest, comprised of narrow river passes and speckles of sunlight that sprinkle through the tree shrubs and leaves. There is also the opportunity to see aquatic birds and other wildlife.

From there, visit a local cacao plantation and travel to the final destination of your trip, the port town of Guayaquil. Stay overnight at the Grand Hotel Guayaquil or similar.

(B, L)

The trip comes to an end after breakfast. Then transfer to the airport and arrive back at London the next day.