Itinerary
- Day 1
Quito
Your private driver picks you up and takes you to your hotel in Quito. Spend the afternoon settling in and letting your body adjust to the altitude at your own pace. Later in the evening, head out to a local restaurant to try some Ecuadorian cuisine.
- Start point
- Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO), Vía Tababela - Yaruquí Lote 18, Quito, Pichincha 1709, Ecuador (International Arrive)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Standard Quito)
Optional Activities
- Explore Quito's colonial streets and historic churches
- Visit colorful plazas in the city center
Landmarks/POIs Quito Historic Center - Day 2
Quito to Otavalo
Travel north on the Pan-American Highway toward Otavalo. First stop is the Quitsato solar clock in Cayambe on the equator line, where you'll learn about equinoxes and solstices over Ecuadorian coffee, chocolate, and fresh bizcochos. After that, you'll reach a scenic viewpoint overlooking San Pablo Lake with Imbabura Volcano in the distance. In Otavalo, walk through South America's largest indigenous handicraft market at La Plaza de los Ponchos, then continue to Cotacachi for leather shopping. The day ends at Cuicocha Lagoon, an active volcanic crater lake sitting over 10,000 feet high.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Standard Quito)
Included Activities
- Visit Quitsato solar clock on the equator line
- Scenic viewpoint at San Pablo Lake with Imbabura Volcano
- Explore La Plaza de los Ponchos indigenous handicraft market
- Visit Cotacachi leather crafts town
- Visit Cuicocha Lagoon volcanic crater lake
Optional Activities
- Local treats at Quitsato (Ecuadorian coffee, chocolate, bizcochos)
Landmarks/POIs Quitsato Solar Clock San Pablo Lake Imbabura Volcano La Plaza de los Ponchos Cotacachi Cuicocha Lagoon - Day 3
Quito to Machachi
Head south from Quito along the Pan-American Highway into the Andes. You'll pass through Machachi with dramatic mountain views of Pasochoa, Ruminahui, and the Ilinizas peaks. Stop at 2,945 meters for breakfast and acclimatization with panoramic views. Continue to Cotopaxi National Park at 3,200 meters to see Cotopaxi Volcano. Trek to José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters for sweeping vistas without needing special climbing gear. There's also an optional downhill bike ride from the volcano's upper slopes down to Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you might spot Andean foxes and condors. End at a hotel in Machachi.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at acclimatization stop with panoramic views), Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Standard Cotopaxi)
Included Activities
- Trek to José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters with accessible transportation
- Exploration of Cotopaxi National Park
Optional Activities
- Downhill bike ride from volcano's upper slopes to Limpiopungo Lagoon
Landmarks/POIs Cotopaxi Volcano Cotopaxi National Park José Rivas Refuge Limpiopungo Lagoon Pasochoa Mountain Rumi\u00f1ahui Mountain Ilinizas Peaks 
- Day 4
Machachi
Starting from Machachi, explore indigenous culture in the highlands today. Visit two indigenous markets in Latacunga where tropical and Andean products are traded. You'll see the vibrant Saquisilí market, then climb to 3,800 meters to visit an indigenous hut and learn about mountain life firsthand. Descend to the community of Tigua to see colorful wooden sculptures and sheepskin paintings with spectacular views of the Toachi River Canyon. The final stop is Quilotoa Lagoon, an emerald crater lake where you can relax, meditate, swim, or kayak in the cool water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Standard Quito)
Included Activities
- Visit indigenous markets in Latacunga
- Explore Saquisilí market
- Visit indigenous hut at 3,800 meters to learn about mountain life
- Visit Tigua community for wooden sculptures and sheepskin paintings
- Visit Quilotoa Lagoon volcanic crater
Optional Activities
- Kayaking in Quilotoa Lagoon
- Swimming in Quilotoa Lagoon
Landmarks/POIs Latacunga Indigenous Markets Saquisilí Market Tigua Community Toachi River Canyon Quilotoa Lagoon - Day 5
Quito to Mindo
Journey from Quito to Mindo, a lush cloud forest where the Andes meet the coast. This region has a wide range of bird species and unique wildlife. Start at the Butterfly and Orchidarium, then take a canopy ride through the treetops where you might spot birds overhead. Cross the Tarabita, a cable car over the river, then hike to a refreshing swimming spot. Visit a local artisan chocolate factory to learn about Ecuador's chocolate production before heading back to Quito.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Standard Quito)
Included Activities
- Exploration of Mindo cloud forest
- Hike to river swimming spot
Optional Activities
- Butterfly and Orchidarium visit (entrance fee not included)
- Canopy ride through treetops (additional cost)
- Tarabita cable car crossing over river
- Local artisan chocolate factory visit (additional cost)
Landmarks/POIs Mindo Cloud Forest Butterfly and Orchidarium Tarabita Cable Car 
- Day 6
Quito to Waterfalls
Leave Quito at 6:00 AM for a full day exploring waterfalls and cloud forests. Start at the Tree House and Swings at the End of the World on a cliff edge with sweeping valley views. Experience thrilling swings high above with cool mountain breezes. Head to Manto de la Novia Waterfall, a spectacular cascade surrounded by dense cloud forest. Continue to Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, one of the region's most powerful falls where water crashes through rocky cliffs. Look for colorful butterflies and hummingbirds. End at the Melcocha Factory for traditional Ecuadorian candy before returning to Quito at 5:00 PM.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Standard Quito)
Optional Activities
- Tree House and Swings at the End of the World visit (entrance fee not included)
- Manto de la Novia Waterfall visit (entrance fee not included)
- Pailón del Diablo Waterfall visit (entrance fee not included)
- Melcocha Factory visit and traditional candy
Landmarks/POIs Tree House and Swings at the End of the World Manto de la Novia Waterfall Pailón del Diablo Waterfall Melcocha Factory 
- Day 7
Quito to Termas de Papallacta
Relax in the natural thermal pools of Termas de Papallacta resort, heated by volcanic hot springs in the Andes. Soak in the mineral-rich waters while gazing at the snow-capped peak of Antisana Volcano at 5,758 meters. The high-altitude setting offers tranquility surrounded by lush forests, with clear mountain air and panoramic valley views. Native birds and vibrant plant life add to the peaceful experience. In the evening, board an overnight shuttle bus to Puente de Cuyabeno, where your Amazon rainforest adventure begins.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Relax in thermal pools heated by volcanic hot springs
- Views of Antisana Volcano
Landmarks/POIs Termas de Papallacta Antisana Volcano - Day 8
Puente de Cuyabeno to Nicky Amazon Lodge
Arrive at El Puente del Cuyabeno, the gateway to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Start a 2.5-hour motorized canoe journey along the winding Cuyabeno River surrounded by lush jungle teeming with monkeys, birds, sloths, and caimans. Reach Nicky Amazon Lodge in the reserve's heart where you'll get a refreshing cocktail and check into your room. After lunch, head to Laguna Grande about 45 minutes away to explore the dense vegetation and flooded 'Igapó' forest ecosystem. Swim in calm waters and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the lagoon. As night falls, take a night excursion spotting bats and caimans under the moonlit sky, then return for dinner and a briefing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Hearty lunch at Nicky Amazon Lodge), Dinner (Delicious dinner at Nicky Amazon Lodge)
- Accommodation
- Lodge (Lodge in Cuyabeno)
Included Activities
- Motorized canoe journey along Cuyabeno River (2.5 hours)
- Exploration of Nicky Amazon Lodge area
- Visit to Laguna Grande
- Swimming in Laguna Grande
- Sunset viewing over Laguna Grande
- Night excursion spotting bats and caimans
Landmarks/POIs El Puente del Cuyabeno Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Cuyabeno River Nicky Amazon Lodge Laguna Grande 
- Day 9
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Start at dawn with a quiet canoe glide through the waterways while observing vibrant bird species in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then head to the Siona indigenous community. Join the cassava harvest and learn to prepare 'Cassave,' the region's traditional bread, while engaging with community customs. Share lunch with your hosts before returning to the lodge for a rest. In the afternoon, take a guided jungle walk discovering insects, spiders, and colorful tree frogs among the lush vegetation. End the day with dinner at the lodge.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty breakfast at Nicky Amazon Lodge), Lunch (Lunch shared with Siona community hosts), Dinner (Dinner at Nicky Amazon Lodge)
- Accommodation
- Lodge (Lodge in Cuyabeno)
Included Activities
- Dawn canoe excursion with bird watching
- Visit to Siona indigenous community
- Cassava harvest participation
- Learn to prepare 'Cassave' traditional bread
- Guided jungle walk exploring insects, spiders, and tree frogs
- Lunch with Siona community hosts
Landmarks/POIs Siona Indigenous Community Cuyabeno River Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Jungle - Day 10
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Begin at dawn with a visit to the Observation Tower offering sweeping jungle canopy views. After a short jungle hike, return for a nourishing breakfast. Later, set off by canoe or on foot to explore the jungle's heart, discovering medicinal plants and learning how native cultures have used them for centuries. After lunch and a restful pause, paddle along the tranquil Cuyabeno River in the afternoon. Keep your eyes open for exotic wildlife like vibrant bird feathers, river dolphins, or caimans. Return to the lodge as night falls for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Nourishing breakfast at Nicky Amazon Lodge), Lunch, Dinner (Dinner at Nicky Amazon Lodge)
- Accommodation
- Lodge (Lodge in Cuyabeno)
Included Activities
- Visit to Observation Tower with jungle canopy views
- Short jungle hike
- Exploration of medicinal plants and traditional native uses
- Afternoon paddle along Cuyabeno River
- Wildlife observation (birds, river dolphins, caimans)
Landmarks/POIs Observation Tower Cuyabeno River Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve Jungle - Day 11
Cuyabeno to Quito
Set out at first light on a final canoe excursion, gliding through misty waters as the jungle awakens. This serene journey offers a last chance to spot colorful birds overhead, playful river otters, or a shy caiman along the riverbank. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, then pack up and check out at 8:00 AM. With a boxed lunch in hand, start your journey back to El Puente de Cuyabeno, surrounded by unforgettable Amazon sights and sounds. Arrive around 10:30 AM and board a private bus for the scenic route back to Quito.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty breakfast at Nicky Amazon Lodge), Lunch (Boxed lunch for journey back to El Puente de Cuyabeno)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Standard Quito)
Included Activities
- Final dawn canoe excursion with wildlife observation
- Farewell exploration of Amazon landscape
Landmarks/POIs Cuyabeno River El Puente de Cuyabeno - Day 12
Departure from Quito
At your designated time, a transfer arrives to escort you through scenic landscapes on the way to the airport. This final drive offers a last glimpse of surrounding beauty and perhaps a farewell sighting of local wildlife like colorful birds in treetops or rivers winding through the forest. The comfortable journey ensures timely airport arrival, allowing you to savor Ecuador's landscape one last time before your flight home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Galapagos Islands extension tour (available for additional booking)
