8-day tour through the mountains and Amazon of Ecuador

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

1. Quito
   1h
   Welcome to Quito! It is the most visited city in Ecuador, due to its cultural richness, being considered "Reliquary of Art in America", as well as being the first city to be declared by UNESCO "Cultural Heritage of Humanity". The city is surrounded by the Pichincha, Antisana, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe volcanoes that make up the Andean contour.
   A private vehicle will pick you up at the airport to transfer you to your hotel and depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day exploring the old town of Quito and its surroundings. We can help you organize a day trip (request in advance). In the evening, one of our guides will meet you in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing at 6:00 p.m. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have about the adventure. Our first day is an acclimatization and information day.

Day 2: Quito – Cotopaxi – Limpiopungo Lagoon – Baths – Tree House

1. Cotopaxi Province
   5h
   Our trip begins in Quito and we will head south, to travel along the Pan-American Highway, also called the Avenue of the Volcanoes. To get to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, it has a snow-capped peak almost exactly like a cone, it is something unique on the planet, thus leading, along with the Chimborazo Volcano, the list of tourist places in Ecuador that every tourist should visit in their lifetime. Here you can take a walk around the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon, full of flora and fauna. There is a high chance of seeing flying condors, foxes, deer, rabbits, among other birds. Afterwards, we will have lunch at a local restaurant.
2. Banos
   3h
   We continue driving towards Baños de Agua Santa, and in the afternoon we will visit the tree house, a place known for the great view that can be had of the Tungurahua Volcano.

Day 3: Waterfalls Route – Agoyán – Virgin’s Mantle – Tarabita - Pailón del Diablo

1. Banos
   6h
   After breakfast we start the day driving along the waterfall route, which has become one of the most popular activities in Baños. Every year thousands of tourists seek to take this magnificent route full of beautiful landscapes and impressive waterfalls. It has a length of about 15 kilometers. Several waterfalls decorate the landscape that make up this route, here you can also find one of the most impressive and famous waterfalls in the country: the Pailón del Diablo. We will have a break for lunch at a local restaurant and you will have the afternoon free to explore this beautiful place.

Day 4: Bathrooms – Tena – Itamandi Lodge

1. Tena
   8h
   After breakfast we will take the route towards the city of Tena, often called the gateway to the Amazon from Ecuador. At approximately 12:00 we will start the journey to Itamandi Ecolodge, at the bridge of the Arajuno River we will take a motorized canoe upriver for 20 minutes until we reach Itamandi. During the journey we will observe the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest. At the dock our staff will welcome you and give you brief information about your accommodation and activities. In the afternoon we will go tubing, this activity will depend a lot on the weather conditions.
   After having enjoyed a delicious meal we will prepare for our first activity in the Amazon rainforest.
   Night Walk (optional) on this excursion you will be able to hear and capture the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs and possibly snakes.
   Dinner

Day 5: Tena – Itamandi Lodge

1. Tena
   8h
   Breakfast
   After breakfast we go for a walk through the primary and secondary forest. This activity lasts 2 to 3 hours.
   Lunch
   Visit to the community in the afternoon is the time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will welcome us and we will learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. In this meeting we will be shown that part of the Amazon that is not found on the maps: the Amazonian people in their daily life. Part of our visit to the community consists of sharing the famous "chicha", a fermented cassava drink that has become part of their celebrations and daily consumption.
   We will participate in the preparation of this drink and try some of the traditional dishes. We finish the visit with a traditional dance performed by the children of the community and we will also have time to buy some crafts made by the indigenous people of the area. This small business is very helpful for them.

Day 6: Tena – Itamandi Lodge – Papallacta

1. Tena
   4h
   Early in the morning we will go on a bird watching excursion, if weather conditions permit. After breakfast we will check out.
2. Papallacta
   6h
   We will continue our journey until we reach Termas Papallacta, a place where you can enjoy a time of relaxation.

Day 7: Papallacta – Quito

1. Papallacta
   6h
   After a delicious breakfast, we will take a walk along the La Isla Trail, where your guide will explain the richness of this ecosystem called Cloud Forest. Along the trail you can find orchids and colorful birds. We will check out and our guide will recommend a place to enjoy a delicious lunch and then return to Quito.

Day 8: Exit

1. Quito
   2h
   Today our journey will end and you will have your international departures. Take your memories and photographs with you and leave a piece of your heart, as you will soon want to return to Ecuador to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “bon voyage”!

Pickup details

Depending on the number of passengers, we will carefully select the vehicle to pick up the passengers from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. A representative will be waiting for you with a sign displaying your name, and then take you to your hotel in Quito.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels