Quito, Capital of Ecuador
Your adventure begins in the equinoctial capital! One of the most important airports in Ecuador and South America is located in Quito.
Quito is a city rich in activities, viewpoints, historic buildings, and sites, all surrounded by nature. Let’s explore the most beautiful corners of the city.
Optional activities in Quito:
-The City Tour or Full Day Tour typically lasts 3 to 5 hours.
-We suggest selecting at least two options to experience the most important viewpoints and attractions in Quito. Of course, you can always choose additional activities! However, we highly recommend a panoramic tour of Quito with a few lookouts, so you’ll save your energy for the coming days.
-The attractions you choose will depend on your arrival or departure time in Quito. If it’s your first time in Quito or the Andes region, be mindful of the altitude.
Dinner and lodging in Quito or the valleys of Quito.
After breakfast, way to Cotopaxi National Park, we cross the valleys of Quito, Sangolqui and Machachi Towns, we take the North Entrance of Cotopaxi National Park
Bicycle activity: ride through the volcanic valley to Limpiopungo Lagoon or along the slopes of Cotopaxi
On the way to the city of Baños de Agua Santa, we cross the Central Andes of Ecuador and admire the Yambo Lagoon from the Pan-American Highway. Upon arriving in Baños, the city of adventure and waterfalls, the first natural attraction we notice in the distance is the Tungurahua Volcano, along with rivers, towering cliffs, and rocky mountains. You’ll also find many vendors selling local craft candies, sugarcane, sugarcane juice, mandarins, lemons, and other fruits.
In your free time during the evening, we highly recommend visiting the famous hot springs—a healthy way to relax. You can also explore the town, with its numerous restaurants, bars, cafés, rooftops, stores, and charming spots to visit.
«Tour on Chiva»: The chiva, a traditional Ecuadorian bus adorned with colorful decorations, symbolizes festivity and adventure. It provides a lively and communal atmosphere that sets the tone for an exciting day of exploration. This fun way to tour the city is also the best option for visiting scenic lookouts, offering perfect spots for memorable photos with the Tungurahua Volcano or Baños city in the background.
(This “tour on chiva” can also be an option for the following morning.)
Dinner and lodging in Baños
After breakfast, we begin the activities around Baños:
Book your adventure sport in advance! Options include paragliding, rafting, bungee jumping, canyoning, and more. There are two groups each day: at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The activity may take several hours and includes a boxed lunch and photos taken by the guides. You will be accompanied by a local guide specialized in your chosen activity, as well as provided with the appropriate equipment.
On the Waterfall Route, we will cross the Gran Pastaza River in a tarabita (cable car) and visit the Chin Chin Farmhouse, where we can observe the river forming the «Manto de la Novia» Waterfall (you can even take a dip in the river if you like!). We’ll conclude with the star destination of the route: the El Pailón del Diablo Waterfall.
Free afternoon. Dinner and lodging in Baños
After breakfast, we leave Baños city and we drive to the East trough part of the rainforest, we are arriving to Pastaza Province- Amazon Region. In this province there are 7 “Nationalities” or big ethnic groups with their own native language. The Nationalities are: Shuar, Achuar, Shiwiar, Zapara, Kichwa, Andoas, Waoranis
“Biopark Yanacocha” Animal Rescue Center is located in Tamandua Ecological Reserve, its name is due to the large “black lagoon” where caimans and other species live that unfortunately can no longer return to their home, they remain in the biopark under the supervision of professionals who are dedicated to providing them a better quality of life with friendly facilities, passion and love.
After lunch we drive North to Tena City
Lodging and dinner in Tena
(Optional activities at night: night walk to the caves. We meet a family, share a traditional drink with them, hear an explanation of ancestral medicine, buy some handicrafts, get to know more about the architecture of their houses)
Early in the morning, the canoe trip through the Amazon to a protected natural area is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the beauty and diversity of the rainforest. Whether exploring rivers and canals, spotting wildlife, or interacting with local guides, this trip offers a unique insight into the Ecuadorian Amazon and its rich biodiversity, allowing you to appreciate the animals that live freely in the community.
Some activities include jungle hikes to observe native vegetation or heading down the Napo River to an animal rescue center, with lunch by the river.
Optional evening activities: Take a Chocolate Tour to learn about the cacao plant, its harvest, and the production process of various products. You’ll also get to taste chocolate and make your own chocolate bar!
Lodging and dinner in Tena
After breakfast, we visit one of the most important attractions in the Napo-Sumaco Geological Park: the Cotundo Grand Canyon. On the way back to Quito, we pass through several towns along the Amazon Main Highway and then ascend the slopes of the Andes once again.
(Optional activity: Papallacta Hot Springs at 3,100 meters (10,170 ft) – spend some relaxing moments before drop-off in Quito.)
End of services.
| Attractions/activities |
|---|
| “MiraMera” Pastaza River Lookout (included) |
| Animal Rescue Center |
| El Kilo waterfall |
| Chocolate Tour and cooking class |
| Paragliding, Rafting, bungee jumping, canyoning, hiking in Baños city |
| Tour on “chiva”: lookouts around Baños City (included) |
| Gran Pastaza River in Tarabita/cable car (included) |
| “El Pailón del Diablo” Waterfall (included) |
| Extreme Swings or more lookouts |
| Bicycle activity in Cotopaxi or Baños |
| Orchids Garden |
Book an extra night – our top recommendations for you!
Camping/Overlanding: $25 per person
Necesito información sobre sus servicios.
