ARRIVAL DAY TO QUITO

Quito - This marks the arrival day for all tour participants. Depending on flight schedules, participants can either explore Quito’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or relax at the hotel. The tour guide will meet everyone in the hotel lobby at 6:30 pm for an orientation meeting and tour briefing. This meeting is an opportunity to address any questions or curiosities about the tour. Although Guidecuador does not provide activities on this day, assistance in arranging a full day in Quito or its surroundings is available if requested in advance.

EXPLORING QUITO

Quito - Today, participants will explore the beauty of Quito’s Old Town using public transportation. The itinerary includes visits to the Presidential Palace, Main Square, Cultural Center, Sagrarium Church, San Francisco Church, and the famous “La Ronda” street, where everyone can enjoy a special ice cream with local rum, tequila, or fruit flavors. A bus ride will then take the group to Panecillo Hill, the best viewpoint in town at 10,000 ft. Following this, a local bus will transport the group to the Equator site, approximately a one-hour journey. There are two Equator sites to visit: the Inti Ñan Museum, showcasing experiments related to the 0.0.0 latitude, and a monument commemorating the French Expedition led by Condamine in 1736. Lunch will be enjoyed here before returning to the hotel for the night.

TRIP TO OTAVALO AREA & SURROUNDINGS

Otavalo - It’s time to bid farewell to Quito! A local bus will take the group to Otavalo City, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, participants will check into the hotel and have ample time to explore the beautiful village surrounded by volcanoes. The rest of the day is free for personal exploration.

HIKING AROUND CUICOCHA LAKE

Cuicocha Lake - CUICOCHA LAKE FULL HIKE
Early in the morning, the group will depart for Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, located 20 miles from Otavalo. A brief museum visit will provide information about the trail around Cuicocha Lake. The total hike spans 10 miles and takes approximately 3 to 5 hours. Although somewhat challenging, the hike is sure to be enjoyable. This protected area offers stunning views, with the hike starting at 10,000 ft and reaching a maximum elevation of 12,500 ft. After the hike, the group will return to Otavalo for the night.

PUBLIC BUS TO TENA

Tena - The day begins at 6:00 am to ensure timely arrival in Tena City. The journey involves taking two local buses and will occupy most of the day. Upon arrival in Tena, lunch will be served, followed by a taxi ride to the Jungle Lodge. Typically, arrival at the lodge is by 4:30 pm, allowing time to relax at the hotel pool or explore the lodge grounds. Dinner and a briefing are included at the lodge in the evening.

LIANA JUNGLE EXPLORATIONS

Ahuano - Early morning preparations include gathering boots and raincoats for the adventure ahead. The group will board a canoe to journey through the Amazon Jungle along the Napo River, stopping briefly at Misahualli to check papers with the local Marina. The journey continues to the Arajuno River, where the group will visit an Animal Rescue Centre focused on species conservation and reintegration. After a delicious lunch, participants can swim in the river or relax in the natural surroundings. A visit to a Quichua family will offer insights into their ancient culture and traditions, including making “chicha” and using the “serbatana” (blowpipe for hunting). The group will return to the lodge via secondary jungle paths. After dinner, a meeting around the fireplace will provide an opportunity to share the day’s experiences.

LIANA JUNGLE EXPLORATIONS

Ahuano - After breakfast, a canoe ride upstream for ten minutes will lead to a small shore, where a one-hour walk through the jungle’s secondary forest will reveal diverse flora and fauna. The walk concludes at the stunning “Las Latas” cascade, where participants can enjoy a refreshing bath in its crystal-clear waters. Lunch will be served at the lodge. In the afternoon, participants will don “wet gear” (boots and raincoat) for an exciting jungle walk to discover the hidden wonders of the jungle, including medicinal plants, insects, monkeys, and colorful birds. After approximately 3 hours of walking, the group will return to the lodge.

PUBLIC BUS TO BAÑOS

Banos - After breakfast, a taxi will take the group back to Tena City for a bus ride to Baños, a journey of approximately 3 hours. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities. The estimated arrival time in Baños is 11:30 am. Baños offers numerous options for tours or relaxation, and assistance is available for arranging tours or exploring the town independently.

BAÑOS FREE DAY

Banos - This day is free for relaxation or booking a tour, with assistance available if needed. Recommended tours in Baños include:

• White water rafting on the Pastaza River (Class III) – Moderate 4-hour tour
• Canyoning at Rio Blanco or Chamana – Moderate 3-hour tour
• Bike rental to visit the Waterfalls Avenue – Easy 3-hour tour
• Hike to the Tree House – Demanding 4-hour tour
• Horseback riding – Moderate 3-hour tour
• Motorbike ride – Moderate 4-hour tour
  There are many more activities in town, ensuring something for everyone.

CHIMBORAZO VOLCANO - ALAUSI

Chimborazo Province - Early in the morning, the group will depart from Baños City to Chimborazo Volcano using public transportation, a journey of approximately 3 hours. This will be the highest altitude experienced on the trip, reaching 5,000 meters above sea level. At the park, the group will reach the first basecamp at 4,700 meters and begin the hike to the highest point, known as Whymper Refuge. From there, participants will enjoy breathtaking Andean views before continuing to Alausi City for the night.

DEVIL’S NOSE TRAIN RIDE - CUENCA

Estacion Ferrocarril - Today, participants will embark on the famous Devil’s Nose train ride through the Andes. This section was the most challenging for the Railway Company to construct, connecting Guayaquil and Quito City in the late 19th century. The ride offers breathtaking views and the famous ZIG ZAG rail section, surrounded by mountains, leading to Sibambe Station. The ride lasts approximately 2 hours. Following this, a 3-hour public bus ride will take the group to Cuenca City. Upon arrival, participants will check into the hotel and later visit the pubs area for cocktails after a long day.

EXPLORING CUENCA

Cuenca - Today, participants will explore the picturesque streets and plazas of Cuenca City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The city offers a variety of options for everyone, and advice will be provided for independent afternoon activities.

PUBLIC BUS TO GUAYAQUIL

Guayaquil - A public bus ride to Guayaquil City will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival at the hotel, participants will prepare to explore Guayaquil’s downtown and Las Peñas Viewpoint. This modern city, home to nearly 3 million people, offers a pleasant walk after a long bus ride. Guayaquil is located at the coast, 4 meters above sea level, providing a warm climate after the Andes.

PUBLIC BUS TO PUERTO LOPEZ

Puerto Lopez - Early in the morning, a public bus ride to Puerto Lopez will take around 5 hours from Guayaquil. The day is free for enjoying the beach or relaxing at the hotel pool. In the late afternoon, a cocktail show at the hotel will introduce participants to local cocktails.

ISLA DE LA PLATA TOUR

Isla de la Plata - Today, participants will visit Isla de la Plata, also known as Silver Island, located 40 miles from Puerto Lopez by speedboat. The island is renowned for its flora and fauna, similar to the Galapagos, including Blue-footed Boobies, Albatrosses, Frigatebirds, and Red-footed Boobies. The tour includes a 2-hour hike to spot these animals, and with luck, humpback whales may be seen during their breeding season from May to September. Snorkeling near the island offers a chance to see diverse marine life. After returning to Puerto Lopez for the night, participants can enjoy salsa classes.

FREE DAY TO RELAX ON THE BEACH

Playa de los Frailes - This day is free for relaxation, exploring the town, visiting a local community, or enjoying Los Frailes beach. For adventure seekers, biking or diving tours can be arranged. Puerto Lopez offers a variety of activities to suit everyone’s interests.

FLIGHT BACK TO QUITO

Quito - The morning is free. At 1:00 pm, participants will check out and be transported to Manta City Airport for a flight to Quito in the late afternoon, followed by transportation to the hotel in Quito. Sadly, this marks the end of the tour. However, assistance is available for those wishing to extend their stay in Quito or Ecuador, with free advice to optimize time and continue exploring this paradise.

TRANSFER OUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• All activities mentioned in program

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities

Treat yourself to an unforgettable journey in South America by visiting the stunning country of Ecuador. With so many sights and attractions to explore, making the most of your visit should be a top priority. However, planning how to reach these destinations is essential. That’s why this exceptional tour has been tailored to meet all your travel desires, offering a comprehensive program that includes the most renowned and scenic spots on the Ecuador Mainland. Experience firsthand why Ecuador is celebrated as the country of the four worlds.

• Minimum age is 18 years
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• A minimum of 02 people per booking is required

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.