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Quito
10m
Our journey begins with pickup directly from your hotel in Quito, leaving behind the vibrant capital of Ecuador. Begin your journey from Quito, crossing the breathtaking Ruta de los Volcanes. While en route, admire panoramic views of Antisana Volcano framed by Andean peaks. This scenic stretch showcases Ecuador’s dramatic geography before descending toward the lush Amazon. Transfer to Papallacta Hot Springs: 90 minutes ahead
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Termas de Papallacta
2h · Admission ticket included
On the way to the jungle, we will stop at the famous Papallacta hot springs. Here you can relax in natural pools surrounded by mountains and fresh air. An ideal experience to acclimate and recharge your batteries. Continue the journey to Baeza for lunch (not included): 1 hour
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Baeza
1h
Midway, pause in Baeza, a charming Andean town known for its excellent local eateries. Enjoy traditional Ecuadorian dishes before continuing your journey. Travel to Tena: 2 hours
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Tena
30m
Tena is located in the gateway to the Amazon region. It’s an excellent place to do some last-minute shopping, such as for insect repellent, sunscreen, or other essential items before entering the rainforest. Continue the journey to Amazon Lodge: 1 hour
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Alto Napo Wildlife Refuge (Suchipakari Jungle Lodge)
12h · Admission ticket included
Reach your eco-lodge nestled along the Upper Napo. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome with a guayusa infusion and meet your naturalist guide for a briefing on the lodge, safety guidelines, and upcoming activities in the jungle.
Experience exhilarating tubing along the Pusuno River. Float gently on buoys through tranquil forested banks and refreshing rapids, perfect for both thrill-seekers and relaxation seekers.
After dinner, embark on a guided Night Walk under the rainforest canopy. Using flashlights, spot nocturnal wildlife, such as frogs, caimans, night monkeys, tarantulas, bats, and gaze up at the star-filled sky in a region with minimal light pollution. It’s also a perfect moment to look up and admire the star-filled sky.
Return to your comfortable jungle lodge for an overnight stay surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.
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Alto Napo Wildlife Refuge (Suchipakari Jungle Lodge)
1h · Admission ticket included
After breakfast at your accommodation, get ready for an adventure through the rainforest.
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30m
Get on a canoe for a beautiful ride along the Pusuno and Napo Rivers. Enjoy the views of the jungle and the sky as you go. Life jackets will be provided for the tour along the Napo and Arajuno Rivers to the Rescue Center: 30 minutes
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Amazoonico Animal Rescue Centre
1h 30m · Admission ticket included
Your visit begins with an introduction to the center and its mission. You'll learn about the common threats facing Amazonian wildlife, such as the illegal pet trade, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. This is where you'll understand the "why" behind the center's existence.
On a visit to the Amazonian rescue center, passengers will get a close look at the rehabilitation process for animals like monkeys, macaws, and caimans.
This experience will allow you to understand the importance of conservation and how your visit directly supports the survival of these species and the future of the jungle. Continue the journey to Indigenous Family: 30 minutes away
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1h · Admission ticket included
Visit a lagoon where caimans and other wetland creatures can often be seen lounging by the water. With some luck, catch sight of more elusive species such as anacondas or river birds. Continue the ride to Community: 15 minutes
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2h · Admission ticket included
First, savor a delicious Box Lunch before our visit with the Indigenous Family.
Spend time in an authentic Kichwa family’s home. Learn to prepare traditional yuca chicha, practice blowgun techniques, and gain insight into daily life, indigenous agriculture, and ancestral hunting tools. Continue the journey to Ahuano Community: 20 minutes
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1h
Visit the Ahuano community to observe artisanal pottery making from clay to handmade wares. Also learn about their agricultural practices, medicinal plants, and traditional hunting techniques like traps and blowpipes. Return to the Lodge
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Alto Napo Wildlife Refuge (Suchipakari Jungle Lodge)
12h · Admission ticket included
Conclude your day with a delightful dinner featuring a blend of local flavors. (includes)
Retire to your comfortable accommodation, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures under the starlit sky.
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Alto Napo Wildlife Refuge (Suchipakari Jungle Lodge)
1h · Admission ticket included
After breakfast at your accommodation, get ready for an adventure through the rainforest and waterfall. Transfer to Latas Waterfall: 45 minutes
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Cascadas de Latas
1h 30m · Admission ticket included
Embark on a guided hike through lush jungle trails. Arrive at Latas Waterfall, a radiant cascade into a natural pool. Take a rejuvenating swim and enjoy the sounds and sights of the forest. Continue the journey to Misahualli: 15 minutes
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1h · Admission ticket included
Following the captivating waterfall, our next stop is Misahuallí, a vibrant riverside town where a boxed lunch offers a delightful cultural pause. Afterward, prepare for an enchanting experience at the famous Monkey Beach; here, playful troops of capuchin monkeys create unforgettable moments, swinging agilely through the lush riverside foliage.
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Comunidad Shiripuno
3.8 days · Admission ticket included
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Amazon's indigenous heritage with a captivating visit to the Shuripuno Community. This isn't just a viewing; it's an authentic cultural exchange. Feel the rhythm of the jungle as you witness vibrant traditional dance rituals, each movement a narrative of their deep-rooted history and reverence for nature. Discover exquisite handicrafts, meticulously fashioned by local artisans, showcasing their profound connection to the forest's resources and their ancestral artistry. Engage with the spiritual heart of the community as you explore their revered sacred rocks, ancient symbols woven into the very fabric of their beliefs and daily life.
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1h · Admission ticket included
Our exploration continues as you board a traditional dugout canoe, ready to navigate the pristine expanse of Laguna Kawana. This seldom-seen, exceptionally rare, and unique wetland ecosystem represents a vital habitat, home to a remarkable array of diverse wildlife. Glide effortlessly through its calm waters, providing an ideal platform for observing an incredible variety of Amazonian birds, playful monkeys, and unique aquatic life in their untouched natural environment. It's an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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Alto Napo Wildlife Refuge (Suchipakari Jungle Lodge)
12h · Admission ticket included
After a day filled with exploration and cultural experiences, return to the comfort of our lodge, where relaxation and tranquility await you. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner featuring a blend of local and international flavors.
Retire to your comfortable accommodation, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures under the starlit sky.
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Alto Napo Wildlife Refuge (Suchipakari Jungle Lodge)
2h · Admission ticket included
After breakfast, immerse yourself in the rich culture of chocolate with a special Chocolate Route Workshop. Gain insight into the traditional Amazonian methods of cacao harvesting and preparation. This engaging session allows you to taste the purest forms of chocolate, freshly made and exquisitely paired with a medley of local tropical fruits for a truly unique flavor adventure
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Puyo
Pass by
Depart the lodge and travel through Puyo, a vibrant Amazonian town and agricultural center. Arrive in Baños, known as Ecuador’s outdoor adventure capital.
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Mirador Miramera
30m · Admission ticket not included
We'll make an optional stop at the MiraMera, inviting you to immerse yourself in an incredible natural spectacle. Here, discover a dramatic lookout providing sweeping views of the Pastaza River, the endless Amazon basin, and the impressive Andes, ensuring truly memorable photo opportunities.
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1h 30m · Admission ticket included
Get ready for an exciting hike to the Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron), one of Ecuador's biggest and most powerful waterfalls. You'll get very close to it, feeling its refreshing mist and hearing its loud roar all around you. After this amazing stop, you'll have a relaxed lunch (not included). Be sure to ask your guide about the tasty local food from the area.
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Cascada el Manto de la Novia
1h · Admission ticket included
Next, experience a thrilling ride on the famous Tarabita cable car. Soar high above the canyon at Manto de la Novia waterfall, with cascading waters below and stunning panoramic landscapes all around. It's an unforgettable view of the lush surroundings.
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La Casa del Arbol
1h · Admission ticket included
Our adventure takes us up to Casa del Árbol, home to the world-famous 'Swing at the End of the World.' Get ready for pure exhilaration as you swing out over the edge, with amazing views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the beautiful countryside stretching below
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Banos
1h 30m
For dinner (not included), you'll have the freedom to explore many delicious local cuisine options in Baños. Later, consider an enjoyable evening guided stroll in the town center, where you can visit the main plaza, the beautiful church, browse local artisan shops, and simply enjoy the town's charming and relaxed evening atmosphere
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12h · Admission ticket included
After a day full of activities, you'll return to the comfort of your hotel to relax. You can unwind in your room at La Posada del Arte/ or similar.
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1h · Admission ticket included
Breakfast at your lodge to fuel up before a high-altitude adventure.
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Chimborazo Province
Pass by
Enjoy a scenic drive through the high Andes as we approach Ecuador’s highest peak. The journey offers breathtaking views of the "Avenue of Volcanoes" — a photographer’s dream route.
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Volcan Chimborazo
1h · Admission ticket included
Upon arrival at El Arenal Tourist Center, all visitors must register — don’t forget your passport. From there, we ascend by vehicle to the Carrel Refuge, located at 4,850 meters (15,912 ft). Here, you’ll acclimatize and prepare for an optional short trek to the Whymper Refuge, located at an impressive 5,042 meters above sea level.
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30m · Admission ticket included
Along the way, spot native wildlife like vicuñas, Andean foxes, and possibly condors soaring above. The Chimborazo Volcano, the farthest point from the center of the Earth, offers a landscape of legends, snow-capped peaks, and spiritual tales passed down by local communities.
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Laguna Condor Cocha
30m · Admission ticket included
Optional Trek to Condor Cocha Lagoon (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Those seeking a bit more adventure can continue the trek beyond the refuge to Condor Cocha Lagoon. This moderate hike rewards you with panoramic views of the snowfield and the chance to feel the full majesty of the Andes. Weather permitting, it’s a sublime setting for photography and quiet reflection.
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1h · Admission ticket not included
Lunch (not included) – Suggested stop at Chimborazo Rey, a local restaurant known for its Andean specialties and spectacular volcano views. transfer to aluasi
Travel south through traditional highland villages and the Volcanoes Avenue to the charming town of Alausí, nestled among the dramatic cliffs and canyons of the Ecuadorian Andes.
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Iglesia de Balbanera
30m
En route, we'll make an optional stop at the historic Balbanera Church, built in 1534, making it Ecuador's oldest Catholic church. You can see its simple, old architecture, showing its long history. Outside, local artisans sell various handicrafts. It's a quick and interesting stop to see a historic site and local goods
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10m
We'll make a short stop to see Colta Lagoon, also called the 'mirror of the sky.' This lake is known for its calm water, which often reflects the nearby highlands clearly. It's a great spot to take pictures of the beautiful scenery around you. This quick stop offers nice views and photo chances.
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1h
Stroll through the quaint streets of Alausí, a town declared a National Cultural Heritage Site. Learn about the famous Devil’s Nose Train, whose engineering marvel has connected the Andes and the coast for over a century.
Dinner (not included) and explore the town’s small but charming eateries.
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12h · Admission ticket included
Relax in a cozy Andean-style cabin at the Hotel Europa, combining comfort and tradition. Enjoy its views of the canyon and historic architecture.
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30m · Admission ticket included
Breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a thrilling day of culture and natural wonders.
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1h · Admission ticket included
Depart from the Alausí Station aboard the famous “Nariz del Diablo” (Devil’s Nose) train, an extraordinary feat of engineering. Descend a steep, zigzagging track built on the edge of a vertical cliff, offering dramatic views of the canyon below. Please note that the Nariz del Diablo train operates exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so travel plans should be arranged accordingly to experience this iconic journey.
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1h 30m
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by local indigenous communities from Tolte, Nizag, and Sibambe, who perform traditional music and dances, and share their customs and stories with pride and warmth.
Shopping Time & Return to Alausí Station – Approx. 30 minutes
Enjoy free time to browse locally made handicrafts, including textiles and souvenirs before boarding the train back to Alausí.
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Chimborazo Province
Pass by
Take in the scenery as you head north to the Quilotoa Lagoon, passing indigenous highland farms and volcanic landscapes. Lunch (not included) – Along the route, we recommend stopping for a traditional Andean lunch.
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Desierto De Palmira
30m · Admission ticket not included
If you’re interested in unique landscapes, we offer an optional visit to the Palmira Desert, a little-known natural wonder in central Ecuador. This striking area features a mix of red, arid soil and tall pine trees, creating a surreal contrast against the typical green highlands. It’s a peaceful, open space ideal for walking, taking photos, and appreciating the unexpected beauty of Ecuador’s diverse geography. Let us know if you'd like to include this stop in your itinerary.
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Laguna Quilotoa
2m · Admission ticket included
Your journey continues to Quilotoa, one of South America’s most breathtaking volcanic crater lakes, located within the Illinizas Ecological Reserve. Once at the viewpoint, you’ll begin a 30-minute descent to the edge of the stunning emerald-colored lagoon, formed inside a collapsed volcano. At the bottom, you’ll have the option to go kayaking on the crater lake (approx. $3), a peaceful and scenic experience in this unique natural setting.
For the return hike — which is steep and can be physically demanding — you may choose to go back up by mule for approximately $10, a more relaxed and traditional way to reach the top.
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12h · Admission ticket included
Overnight at Hostal Chukirawa
After a day of adventure, you’ll settle in at Hostal Chukirawa, a charming mountain lodge perched right on the edge of the crater. The hostería offers cozy rooms with fireplaces, rustic wood finishes, and sweeping views of the Quilotoa lagoon and surrounding Andes — an ideal place to rest and recharge. As evening sets in, enjoy a homemade Andean dinner included at the lodge, featuring local ingredients and warm, comforting flavors. It’s the perfect setting to relax, reflect on the day’s journey, and take in the peaceful highland atmosphere.
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1h · Admission ticket included
Breakfast at the hostel before another high-altitude exploration. tranfer to cotopaxi
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Canon del Rio Toachi
20m · Admission ticket included
We’ll stop at Toachi Canyon, located near Quilotoa. This canyon was formed by the erosion caused by rivers and volcanic activity over thousands of years. From the viewpoint, you can clearly see the depth and layers of rock shaped by nature. It’s a good place to learn about the region’s geology and take some photos before we continue the trip.
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Galeria del Primer Pintor de Tigua - "Julio Toaquiza Tigasi"
30m
We’ll make an optional stop at a local art workshop in Tigua, a small Andean community known for its colorful paintings done in a naive style. These artworks show scenes of daily life, local animals, and traditional legends from the Andes. During the visit, you’ll learn how each piece tells a story and discover the cultural significance behind this unique artistic tradition.
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Cotopaxi National Park
30m · Admission ticket included
As we get closer to Cotopaxi National Park, enjoy the wide-open views of the highland páramo, a unique Andean ecosystem filled with grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife. This scenic drive offers a great introduction to the natural beauty of the area. Upon arrival at the park entrance, all visitors must register, so please have your passport ready, as it is required for entry.
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Laguna de Limpiopungo
1h · Admission ticket included
We’ll take a walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, a scenic high-altitude wetland located at the base of Cotopaxi. This area is home to wild horses, native birds, and other species adapted to the páramo ecosystem. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Interpretation Center, where you can learn more about volcanic ecology, Cotopaxi’s history, and the geological forces that shaped this region.
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2h · Admission ticket included
Choose Your Adventure: Horseback Riding or Hiking to Refuge
Horseback Riding – Approx. 1.5 hours: Ride across open paramo near Cotopaxi’s snowcapped slopes, an unforgettable experience in the shadow of the volcano.
Hiking to José Rivas Refuge (4,864 m / 15,953 ft) – Approx. 1.5–2 hours: Trek through volcanic ash trails to reach this high-altitude refuge. Optional continuation up to 5,100 m (16,732 ft) for panoramic views.
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1h · Admission ticket not included
Lunch (not included): We’ll make a recommended stop at a local Andean hacienda, where you can enjoy authentic Ecuadorian cuisine in a cozy setting, often with beautiful views of the mountains or surrounding countryside. It’s a great opportunity to try traditional dishes and relax before we continue our journey.
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Quito
1h 30m
Relax and unwind on the drive back to Quito. This marks the end of an incredible journey through Ecuador's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. We've gone from the towering volcanic peaks and serene highland lagoons to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where we navigated the Napo River by canoe and explored the dense jungle. The memories of this adventure, from the misty mountains to the humid jungle, will stay with us forever.
