Ecuador 12-Day Andes Colors & Amazon Cultures Tour

Points of Interest : Quito, Otavalo

In the morning you explore the colonial old town of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through narrow streets, linger on elegant plazas, and admire ornate churches that reflect the city’s Spanish heritage.

You then continue to the famous Equator Monument “Mitad del Mundo”, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere and learn more about the significance of the equatorial line. In the afternoon, a private transfer takes you north through Andean landscapes to the town of Otavalo, your base in the highlands.

• Meals included : Meals according to program
• Accommodation : Riviera Sucre, Otavalo

Points of Interest : Cuicocha, Cotacachi

This morning you discover Cuicocha, a beautiful crater lagoon, on a 4–5 hour hike through the unique flora of the Andean highlands. Enjoy changing views over the deep-blue lake and surrounding volcanoes as you circle part of the crater rim.

Afterwards you head to Cotacachi for a typical Ecuadorian lunch and visit a small archaeological museum. The town is also known for its leather handicrafts. Later, return to Otavalo, where you can wander through the local market and taste exotic fruits and vegetables while browsing colorful textiles and crafts.

• Meals included : Lunch included; other meals according to program
• Accommodation : Riviera Sucre, Otavalo

Points of Interest : Otavalo

Today begins with a traditional boat ride on a “caballito de totora” (reed boat) on Lake San Pablo. You learn about the totora plant, which grows along the lakeshore and is the main material used for local handicrafts. In a workshop you are invited to try your own hand at crafting with totora and test your creativity.

You then continue to Peguche Waterfall, a sacred site for nearby communities, where you can enjoy the lush surroundings. Afterwards you visit several craft workshops, such as a wool-processing shop and an instrument maker’s studio, and gain deeper insight into Andean artisanal traditions.

• Meals included : Meals according to program
• Accommodation : Riviera Sucre, Otavalo

Points of Interest : Archidona, Papallacta

Spend the morning strolling through Otavalo’s streets and the lively Plaza de Ponchos. Observe the bustle of trade and the traditional dress and customs of the Otavaleño people as you browse textiles, hats, and handmade goods.

You then cross an Andean pass at around 4,050 m and descend into a valley at 3,300 m, where hot springs feed one of the country’s most beautiful thermal complexes in Papallacta. Take time to relax in the steaming pools surrounded by mountain scenery. In the afternoon you continue to Hakuna Matata, a cozy rainforest lodge set within a private protected forest. After dinner you join a short night walk to experience the sights and sounds of the jungle after dark.

• Meals included : Meals according to program, dinner usually included at the lodge
• Accommodation : Hakuna Matata Lodge, rainforest near Archidona

Points of Interest : Archidona

In the morning you set out on a guided hike through the protected rainforest surrounding the lodge. Your naturalist guide explains medicinal plants, talks about the forest ecosystem, and helps you spot wildlife along the trail.

Back at the lodge, you enjoy a typical jungle lunch, “Maito de Pescado” – a delicious fish dish wrapped and cooked in leaves. You are welcome to help with the preparation and learn about local cooking techniques. In the afternoon, a chocolate tour reveals the entire process of cacao, from pod to bar, with an opportunity to taste fresh and roasted beans as well as finished chocolate.

• Meals included : Jungle-style lunch included; other meals according to program
• Accommodation : Hakuna Matata Lodge, rainforest near Archidona

Points of Interest : Archidona

Before sunrise you leave for a clay lick frequented by parrots to observe flocks of colorful birds in the early morning light. Then you visit the community of Santa Bárbara, where you immerse yourself in the culture of indigenous families and share a unique forest buffet with them.

Afterwards, explore the jungle flora on a guided hike. Later you board a canoe for a ride along a jungle river, followed by a typical “almuerzo” lunch. In the afternoon, another canoe trip takes you to a small lagoon, where, with a bit of luck, you can watch monkeys and other rainforest animals in their natural habitat.

• Meals included : Typical lunch included; other meals according to program
• Accommodation : Hakuna Matata Lodge, rainforest near Archidona

Points of Interest : Puyo, Macas

After breakfast you drive to Puyo to visit an animal rescue center, where you can observe a variety of tropical species and encounter some free-roaming monkey species native to the Amazon region. The visit highlights conservation efforts and the challenges facing local wildlife.

The journey then continues deeper into the rainforest to the jungle town of Macas. Here you settle into a pleasant rainforest hosteria and can relax for the rest of the afternoon, taking in the tranquil surroundings or exploring the gardens and nearby trails at your own pace.

• Meals included : Meals according to program
• Accommodation : Arrayan & Piedra, Macas

Points of Interest : Laguna Atillo, Cantón Guamote

In the morning you may visit the botanical garden in Sucúa to learn more about Amazonian plants. A short drive then brings you to Shuar territory, where you set off on a rainforest hike to a secluded waterfall. Here you are invited to experience a traditional Shuar waterfall ceremony. Afterwards you can refresh yourself in the cool waters and enjoy a typical Shuar meal.

Later you drive up into the highlands to the Atillo lagoons, passing dramatic Andean scenery, and then continue to the community of Guamote, where you spend the night in a local guesthouse that supports community projects.

• Meals included : Typical Shuar meal included; other meals according to program
• Accommodation : Inti Sisa, Guamote

Points of Interest : Riobamba

Early in the morning you experience the traditional Andean market of Guamote. The bustling scene of locals trading livestock, produce, and textiles offers an authentic glimpse into highland life. You then explore the surroundings of Guamote and visit a small village to gain insight into the everyday life of the Kichwa population.

In the afternoon you continue to Riobamba, an agricultural center of the Ecuadorian Andes, framed by the towering peaks of Chimborazo, Carihuairazo, Altar, and Tungurahua. Depending on arrival time, you can stroll through the historic center or relax at your hotel.

• Meals included : Meals according to program
• Accommodation : Santa Isabella, Riobamba

Points of Interest : Latacunga, Chimborazo

Today you travel from Riobamba up the slopes of the mighty Chimborazo volcano. Along the way you may spot rare vicuñas grazing on the high-altitude páramo, often at elevations well above 3,000 m.

You continue by vehicle up to the Hermanos Carrel refuge at about 4,800 m. Adventurous travelers can hike further up to the Whymper refuge at over 5,000 m, weather and fitness permitting, for spectacular views. In the late afternoon you descend to the small Andean city of Latacunga for the night.

• Meals included : Meals according to program
• Accommodation : REEC Latacunga, Latacunga

Points of Interest : Quilotoa, Chucchilán

In the morning you drive to the Andean market of Zumbahua, where the lively, seemingly chaotic atmosphere reveals another side of rural Ecuador. After soaking up the scenes at the stalls, you continue to the stunning Quilotoa crater lake.

Here you take a short hike along the rim or down towards the lake, enjoying ever-changing views of the turquoise water and the surrounding Andes. The area offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the volcanic landscape before you settle into your accommodation in the nearby village of Chugchilán or surroundings.

• Meals included : Meals according to program
• Accommodation : Mama Hilda, Chugchilán area

Points of Interest : Lasso, Quito, Cotopaxi

This morning you visit the historic Hacienda La Cienega, around 400 years old, and enjoy a coffee in its nostalgic, colonial atmosphere. You then continue into Cotopaxi National Park to the Limpiopungo lagoon. A gentle walk around the lagoon introduces you to typical Andean vegetation and, with some luck, offers clear views of the perfectly cone-shaped Cotopaxi volcano.

At the mountain refuge Tambopaxi you have lunch with panoramic views of the Sincholagua and Cotopaxi peaks. Later in the day, you drive back to Quito, where your journey through the Andes and Amazon comes to an end or continues with onward arrangements.

• Meals included : Lunch at mountain refuge included; other meals according to program
• Last day : Return transfer to Quito and onward departure