Ecuador, Mighty Andes and the Amazon Basin ~ Guided *TREK*

1st November (Wednesday)

Hotel Transfer:  your driver will wait for you in the baggage claim area, ready to bring you to Casa Aliso, your hotel for the next 2 nights.

• Casa Aliso

• Francisco Salazar E 12-137 y Toledo, Quito, Pichincha, EC

• https://www.casaaliso.com

No Included Meals

2nd November (Thursday) 

Optional – QUITO CITY TOUR – USD$80 – USD$100 and/or Self Explore 🙂

Uncovering Quito:

Oh, Quito, the jewel of the Andes, a city that will captivate your senses and leave you mesmerized by its beauty! This stunning capital of Ecuador boasts an array of cultural, historical, and natural wonders that will leave you in awe.

Let’s start with the historic center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 16th century. Here, you’ll be transported back in time as you stroll along the narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, churches, and monasteries. Don’t miss the breathtaking La Compañía de Jesús, a Baroque-style church adorned with intricate gold leaf ornamentation that will take your breath away.

But Quito is not just about its rich history. The city is surrounded by the stunning Andean mountains, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Take a hike up Pichincha volcano for panoramic views of the city or venture to the nearby Mindo Cloud Forest for a chance to see some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna.

And let’s not forget about the food! Quito’s culinary scene is a fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and international flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. From street food to fine dining, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to try some traditional dishes like ceviche, locro de papas, or the famous empanadas de viento.

In Quito, you’ll also find a vibrant art scene, with museums, galleries, and street art scattered throughout the city. From the modern art exhibits at the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana to the colorful murals in the La Floresta neighborhood, there’s no shortage of creativity to explore.

So come and discover the magic of Quito, a city that will leave you inspired, enriched, and longing to return again and again.

View

• Uncovering Quito

• Quito, Pichincha, EC

• https://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Quito,+Ecuador&ftid=0x91d59a4002427c9f:0x44b991e158ef5572

Optional city tour

Whether you want to explore the historical Quito with a private guide or on your own is up to you. 

Also, if you prefer to relax for a day after a long and exhausting flight, you can do so!

We are happy to give you recommendations for sightseeing, eateries, or anything else you wish to discover.

If you choose the city tour with a local, English-speaking guide, we are ready to set you up!

Note: This tour will be quoted separately upon request (on private/shared basis with English/Spanish speaking guide)

Tips for Quito – The City

Built upon the foundations of an ancient Incan city, Quito, Ecuador’s capital stands at over 9’000 feet above sea level and is one of the highest capital cities in the world. If that doesn’t make you giddy, check out our top 10 things to do whilst enjoying this unique and fascinating city.

What To Do In Quito: 

• Visit the Virgin of El Panecillo

Guarding the historic streets of Quito’s Old Town, The Virgin of El Panecillo is one of Quito’s most recognizable landmarks. Legend holds that the large statue faces the north and blesses those living there, while her back is turned to the south, explaining the wealth disparity between the two parts of the city. The road to the statue winds around the hill of El Panecillo, which appropriately translates to ‘little bread roll’. Visitors can ascend The Virgin statue for an even better view of the city below.

• Take Pichincha Teleférico

Far above the city looms the dormant volcano Pichincha. The view from the top on a clear day is perhaps the top sight to see in Quito, and the Teleférico tram or sky rail is the best way to get there. Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. the rail ascends from Vulqano Park, a small amusement park on the side of the mountain, to a lookout area with spectacular views, plus horseback riding and a restaurant. For those who want to climb to the Rucu peak of Pichincha, at 4,696 meters, there are hiking trails that lead from the top of Teleférico. Just make sure it’s a clear day.

• Visit Plaza Grande (Plaza de Independencia)

At the center of Quito’s Old Town, this plaza is a constant hub of activity, often serving as a site for political activism or public opinion, but also buzzing with tourists from around the world. In the center stands a large monument installed in the late 19th century in commemoration of Ecuador’s independence. The plaza is also the site of the assignation of Ecuadorian president Gabriel García Moreno in 1875. Ecuador’s Presidential Palace overlooks the plaza and around the exterior are a variety of restaurants as well as the extravagant Hotel Plaza Grande.

• Climb the Basilica

Also found in Old Town, the Basilica of the National Vow is another exceptional Quito landmark. Visitors can climb its two large towers up to the clock faces and explore the architectural beauty. Replicas of animals found in the Galapagos Islands serve as gargoyles and the colorful stained glass is not to be missed. Curiously, the building will seem incomplete in places, but it’s with good reason: as the story goes, upon the Basilica’s completion the world will come to an end. Fortunately, Ecuadorians are in no rush to see if the myth is true.

• Explore La Floresta

This up-and-coming neighborhood is far from the typical tourist spot, but a great place to explore. The hipster vibe over the area explains the abundant coffee shops, galleries, graffiti and even an artisanal brewery. La Floresta is also home to Ocho y Medio, an indie movie theater and café that sits across from a spooky abandoned house. Both the streets Isabel La Catolica and Avenida 12 de Octubre are lined with restaurants that range from Sushi shops to gastropubs to typical Ecuadorian restaurants.

• Descend Guapulo

Tucked away from the hustle of Quito’s main valley, Guapulo feels like an escape. A region known for its winding roads and bohemian flare, just a trip to the overlook is impressive. But continue down the steep cobblestone path, and you’ll see its hidden jewels and perplexing feats of architecture. On the way to the Church of Guapulo at the base of the hill sits, for example, Pizzeria Ananke, which appears inside almost like an art gallery, and provides a perfect vantage point to see the valley lit up at night while enjoying delicious food. The ornate Church of Guapulo, or Sanctuary to the Virgin of Guapulo, is open to visitors on set hours Monday through Saturday.

• Stay in Plaza Foch and visit the Artisan Market

For those seeking the nightlife of Quito, Plaza Foch is the place. Surrounded by dozens of hostels and eateries, Foch caters to travelers in search of a lively stay. With clubs, hookah bars, and pubs open until two or three in the morning, the party usually doesn’t die town until late. Visit during day time hours for the Artisan Market, full of traditional goods and Ecuadorian art and just a few blocks down from Plaza Foch.

• Play in Carolina Park

Often compared to New York’s Central Park, Quito’s Carolina Park exemplifies the spirit of the city. During the weekend it is a hub of activity where hundreds of families will gather to enjoy a rest from work. Popular park activities include Ecuavoli (volleyball with three people per team and specific rules), paddle boating and, of course, lots of soccer. Full of surprises the park holds an exotic botanical garden, a reptile house, a skate park, a large airplane-turned-playground, a planetarium and a small museum.

Included Meals

Breakfast

3rd November (Friday) – Santa Rita

Check out of Casa Aliso depart Santa Rita Ecological Reserve

We leave Quito early in the morning and reach Hacienda Santa Rita, a Private Ecological Reserve, located at 3200 meters (10,500 ft), where we will hike for about three hours.

Condor Machay Waterfall (45 minutes – 1 hour hike): The entire path has wooden stairs and railing where necessary. We will hike down on a dirt trail where we can observe Pita river going on petrified lahars until we get to a beautiful view of the Condor Machay Waterfall. 

La Letra Trail (2 hours): This hike has different paths between grassland and pastures and also crosses bridges over the river. Throughout the tour you can see birds such as turkeys, ducks, hummingbirds. In addition, there is a great variety of paramo plants and trees lining the trails. We will have nice views of Cotopaxi, Sincholagua and Rumiñahui.

Return on our vehicle for a drive to Hacienda El Porvenir to enjoy lunch. During this afternoon we can participate on the Cotopaxi High Ropes Course. This is a high adventure activity with a low environmental impact, letting people with little or no knowledge of climbing techniques have a unique experience.

Check in at Hacienda El Porvenir

Note: During your stay at El Porvenir breakfast and lunch are included.

Dinner is not included. 

The restaurant in the lodge serves a wide variety of foods and drinks, including vegetarian and vegan options. 

Main dishes from 10$. Beer from 3$, Wine (glass) from 5.50$.

View

• Hacienda El Porvenir

• A 4k Ingreso Norte Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, Machachi, Pichincha, EC, 171110

• https://www.tierradelvolcan.com/hacienda-el-porvenir/

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

4th November (Saturday) – Rumiñahui.

Rumiñahui Horseback Ride & Cooking Class.

In the morning after a delicious, nutritious farm breakfast, we will receive a brief riding lesson from our guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (The Ecuadorian cowboys wearing ponchos and zamarros, typical leather pants), we ride out across the slopes of the dormant volcano, Rumiñahui. A legendary chagra from the area will come with us and share some of his deep knowledge of the country life. The ride lasts approximately 4 hours. 

Back in the lodge, a tasty local lunch will be ready on our arrival. 

In the afternoon we’ll have our ‘Cooking in the Clouds’ class. The class starts with cooking lessons of the famous cheese empanadas, followed by the elaboration of aji. Aji or Chile sauce is a very important part of the Ecuadorian cuisine. The recipe varies from home to home. Here at Hacienda El Porvenir you will learn how to make it the traditional way, on a stone mortar and seasoned with various herbs and spices. 

At last, we will learn how to prepare the delicious canelazo, a traditional hot drink that is served on celebrations on the Highlands of Ecuador. 

After the class the participants will enjoy their preparations next to a crackling fireplace. 

Included Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Cooking Class meals

6th November (Monday) – RNR (Rest & Relaxation) 

Enjoy your free day, relax for the last time before your Amazon adventure begins. 

There are a lot of things to do in Quito, and we are happy to give any recommendations. 

Also, since there are no shops in the Amazon until you reach Nueva Rocafuerte, you might want to go shopping and stock up on anything you might need for the next 8 days. 

Tips: Sunscreen (SPF50; reef safe) and Mosquito repellent are absolutely necessary during your trip through the Amazon.

You must bring your original Passport (plus copies in different bags, wallets), Long-sleeved T-shirts, T-shirts, Cotton socks, Shorts, Sandals or walking shoes, Light waterproof windbreaker, First aid kit (especially medicines for your personal needs for at least 14 days), Swim suit and towel, Hat with a brim or cap, Sunglasses with a strap, a small waterproof bag, and Sunburn lotion (Aloe), Zip lock plastic bags, Camera and spare camera batteries, Flashlight (torch or headlamp) with spare batteries, Binoculars, Notepad/pen.

If you want, pack some protein snacks for the in-between energy boosts, as well as something sweet. 

11:45 pm – Ecuador Time – Check-out

Check out at Casa Aliso

View

• Casa Aliso

• Francisco Salazar E 12-137 y Toledo, Quito, Pichincha, EC

• https://www.casaaliso.com

Included Meals

Breakfast

7th November (Tuesday) – Amazon.

Please Note!

You must bring your original Passport (plus copies in different bags, wallets), Long-sleeved T-shirts, T-shirts, Cotton socks, Shorts, Sandals or walking shoes, Light waterproof windbreaker, First aid kit (especially medicines for your personal needs for at least 14 days), Swim suit and towel, Hat with a brim or cap, Sunglasses with a strap, a small waterproof bag, Insect repellent, Sunblock and Sunburn lotion (Aloe), Zip lock plastic bags, Camera and spare camera batteries, Flashlight (torch or headlamp) with spare batteries, binoculars, Notepad/pen.

12:00 am – Departure – 8 hours

Private Midnight Bus Quito – Lago Agrio.

You will be picked up from your hotel to start driving to Lago Agrio.

On the way, there will be bathroom breaks and the chance for you to buy drinks and snacks.

Zancudo Lodge

Your journey to the rainforest starts in the morning with a 2-hour drive from Lago Agrio to “Tierras Orientales” a village at the shores of the Aguarico River.

Here you’ll start a fantastic Amazon Rainforest experience by navigating on a motorized canoe downstream along this beautiful white-water river until the mouth of the Cuyabeno River, a small and breathtaking blackwater river which is a tributary of the Aguarico, here, and with some luck you will have your first look at the legendary pink Freshwater Dolphin.

During this first relaxing journey you will make a stop for a delicious picnic lunch and if you wish, a refreshing swim.

From there you’ll continue navigating downstream Aguarico river until you reach the Zancudo Kichwa Native Community territory.

This is a fantastic journey navigating East into the deep Amazon rain forest.

Tonight, the accommodation will be in a rustic but comfortable lodge at the shore of the river.

Navigation time 5 hours.

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

8th November (Wednesday) – Zancudo Cocha Lake Camp

Today, if weather and level of river permitting, you will camp next to the amazing Zancudo Cocha Lake.

After breakfast, you’ll start with a hike in the marvelous primary Amazon rainforest, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

During the trek the guide will explain the use of important plants for the Native´s survival and with some luck we`ll see impressive wildlife. After Lunch and a relaxing time, we’ll explore by motorized canoe the fantastic Zancudo (Iripari) lake and its stunning landscape with good chances of observing wildlife.

This lake is also a good place to enjoy a refreshing swim. At night and before dinner you’ll take a short hike where it is possible to see giant insects, spiders, snakes and enjoy the fantastic sounds of the night life in the Amazon, especially the Howler Monkeys that fill the dark with their growls.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

9th November (Thursday) – Lagarto Cocha

After breakfast, you’ll break camp and navigate by motorized canoe downstream on the Aguarico river towards Lagarto Cocha river, a beautiful and remote small tributary of Aguarico river and the actual border between Peru and Ecuador.

Lagarto Cocha River in native language means “the river of the Caimans”.

You’ll continue upstream along the Lagarto River deep into the Rainforest to explore this spectacular system of river and lakes.

You’ll arrive at Delfin Cocha Lake or “the lake of Dolphins” In this beautiful lake you’ll have the best chances of seeing the Amazonian Freshwater Pink and Grey River Dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis), and why not have a swim with them too?

In the afternoon, you’ll set up your Camp. Late in the afternoon, navigate slowly up Lagarto River looking for new species of wildlife until the sun sets on a beautiful landscape.

At night and from the motorized canoe you’ll navigate downstream towards the camp. In the way you’ll search for wildlife which includes: Night birds, Snakes, Bats, Caimans, Frogs and more. Return to the Camp and Dinner.

Night in tents at the shore of Lagarto Cocha River.

Navigation time 4 hours

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

10th November (Friday) – Flooded Forest.

Early in the morning, you’ll navigate slowly for a bird watching trip and to enjoy the fantastic sounds of the Rainforest life.

After breakfast, you’ll continue the adventure navigating upriver, exploring deep in this pristine remote rainforest with excellent chances of spotting wildlife including Parrots and Macaws, Herons, Egrets, Toucans and many other different species of birds.

With some luck you could see some of the 10 species of monkeys that live in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.

This journey will take you to a remote Secoya Indigenous Community. Secoya people are ancestral people with great knowledge of their environment, flora and fauna.

You will also go for a hike to learn about their traditional way of life in the Jungle. Here you’ll be part of the making of the Casabe (Manioc or Yuca) bread starting from the extraction of the Casabe roots to the final product that is a special type of bread which is large, round and flat. Casabe is an important part of Indigenous people traditional diet.

Return to the Campsite.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

11th November (Saturday) – Cocaya River.

After breakfast, you’ll break camp and navigate slowly downstream along the Lagarto River towards the white water Aguarico River.

During this journey, you’ll have opportunities to watch more wildlife.

Aguarico river in this area is the actual border between Ecuador and Peru. From the Cocaya’s mouth, a short navigation distance upstream will take us to a simple but comfortable Indigenous Lodge.

Arrival at the Lodge and relaxing time. 

In the night and before dinner you’ll go for a second exciting hike.

Navigation time 5 hours

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

12th November (Sunday) – Piranha Fishing

Early in the morning and by motorized canoe, you’ll go for a wildlife observation trip with good chances to spot different species of beautiful birds.

After breakfast, you’ll go for a fantastic hike in pristine forest. Lunch and a relaxing time at the camp.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll try your luck at Piranha fishing! Return to the Lodge by motorized canoe.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

13th November (Monday) – Nueva Rocafuerte Village.

After breakfast, you will prepare to depart.

You will navigate downstream Cocaya River towards its mouth in Aguarico river to visit a fantastic River Dolphin Conservation Project managed by the Kichwa Indigenous Community of Martinica, where you will enjoy observing from a short distance Pink Dolphins in its natural habitat.

After lunch, you will continue navigating until you reach Napo River which is one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River, from where you will navigate further upstream Napo River to reach Nuevo Rocafuerte which is the last Ecuadorian village before the border with Peru.

From this small and quiet village, you have excellent views of the beautiful Napo River. 

The night will be spent in a Hostel.

Navigation time 4 hours

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner

14th November (Tuesday) – Back to Civilization.

After an early breakfast, you will board a speedboat who will take you on Napo River to the city of Coca located at around 180 km from Nueva Rocafuerte.

On the way you will enjoy an amazing landscape. 

Navigation time 5 hours

Transfer back to your hotel in Quito.

Your driver will wait for you at a meeting point in Coca, to bring you back to Quito.

Check in at Wyndham Quito Airport

Your last night in Ecuador will be spent right next to the airport.

View

• Wyndham Quito Airport

• Parroquia Tababela SN vía a Yaruquí, Quito, Pichincha, EC, EC170183

• https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/es-xl/wyndham/quito-ecuador/wyndham-quito-airport/overview?CID=LC:WY:20160927:RIO:Local

Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

15th November (Wednesday) – Check out at Wyndham Quito Airport.

View

• Wyndham Quito Airport

• Parroquia Tababela SN vía a Yaruquí, Quito, Pichincha, EC, EC170183

• https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/es-xl/wyndham/quito-ecuador/wyndham-quito-airport/overview?CID=LC:WY:20160927:RIO:Local

Transfer to the airport

The Wyndham shuttle will bring you back to the airport with enough time to check in for your flight.

Note: Please make sure to reconfirm your desired departure time with Wyndham reception the night before. The shuttle usually leaves once an hour.

Included Meals

Breakfast