Ecuador Highlights

Reception at the airport and transfer to the selected.

Overnight at selected hotel.

A 4 hour visit to downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit starts at the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its awesome gilded interior. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco, one the of great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar.Then continue to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Kms. (16 miles) North of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador.

Overnight at selected hotel.

Included: Breakfast.

Start with a stop at the brim of the crater of the dormant Pululahua Volcano, just north of the equator, and considered by the natives as the Earth's navel. It is a physical and energy-filled planetary center, probably responsible for the Pululahua's (meaning cloud of water) quasi mystical power of attraction. Its huge crater, with its own microclimate, is inhabited and its rich soil farmed in colorful patches; it suddenly disappears from view among the clouds, only to appear a few minutes later. This is an overwhelming experience! Then a stop is made at a private property whose owner is a fan of hummingbirds and has installed many feeders that attract large numbers of these fantastic birds -many of then endemic to the area.

Next visit is to Bellavista, deep in the heart of the cloud forest, where guests don rubber boots and get ready to immerse in the cloud forest, along hiking trails that wind through this natural sanctuary, where the sight of brightly colored tanagers and the Mountain Toucan will thrill nature lovers. Your guide will assist you to spot the wildlife and the vast variety of birds that inhabit this area of Ecuador. There are binoculars for rent at Bellavista. Then guests will enjoy lunch, served among clouds that come and go creating an aura of mystery and magic, while at close range, a multitude of hummingbirds hover around the feeders. In the afternoon, arrive to the lodge for room assignment and freshen up before an optional hike to observe a leak (a place of courtship of birds) of the very attractive cock-of-the-rock, where up to 12 birds flying from one branch to another, displaying their red feathers to attract the females amid loud calls, is an awesome and seldom seen sight! At the end of the day, return to the comfortable lodge for dinner and overnight.

Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

On the second day, alter a hearty breakfast at the lodge, a one-hour hike will lead us to find nature's undiscovered treasures on a trail through lush, epiphyte-laden cloud forest. Then, it's downhill by car to the Valley of Mindo, past the quaint little village of the same name and on to the Butterfly Vivarium, housing 25 varieties of butterflies. Flight areas simulate the outside forest with water streams, mineral deposits, and a wide range of wild flowers. Hundreds of caterpillars feed on their host plants in their natural environment to assure the best development of pupae and butterflies. Lunch is served and then drive to El Pahuma Reserve for a 45-minute nature hike alongside a lively, sparkling creek to the 40-meter (135 foot) Pacaya waterfall. El Pahuma Reserve is a privately-owned forest of an Ecuadorian family who is searching for a viable economic alternative to destructive activities such as logging or cattle raising and protects over 600 hectares (over 1500 acres) of tropical forest. At El Pahuma you can also view their orchid garden where you have a representative collection of the many types of orchids of the area. On the way back, a stop is made at the Equator, on the site where the original monument marks Latitude Zero. Arrive to Quito late afternoon.

Overnight at selected hotel.

Included: Breakfast, lunch.

This full day excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavaleños and South America’s most famous Indian fair. Early departure from Quito towards Calderón, a small village that keeps the tradition of making colorful dough figurines of Indian dolls, llamas, flowers and even great Christmas ornaments. Guests can observe how each figure is molded by hand, with dough of different colors carefully put together; then it is baked and varnished. Continue on the Panamerican Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas), hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and beliefs. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area like Pinsaqui, Puerto Lago or Cusin.

Overnight at selected hotel.

Included: Breakfast, lunch.

The breath-taking Cotopaxi volcano one of the most recognized and beloved landmarks of the Avenue of the Volcanos is located within the National Park that carries its name. The wide plain dominated by the massive volcano, measuring 5,897 metres (19,347 ft) above sea level, is only 60 km (37 mi) away from Quito. It is one of the countrys most photographed landscapes. Observe the flora and fauna of this amazing place as you hike around Limpiopungo lagoon and marvel at the sight of the surrounding mountains, including Rumiñahui and Sincholagua.

Ecuador is one of the biggest exporters of the best roses in the world. Decoflor, a flower plantation located in the verdant Cotopaxi province, grows this popular flower with the benefit of the areas nutrient rich soils. Walk into the colourful and fragrant world of Ecuadorian roses, a product known mostly for its beauty but that also deserves to be recognised for its contribution to local community employment, specifically of women who are then able to improve their familys situation. The visit will take you around the plantation, where you will be able to see all of its processes. Prepare to be amazed by the great variety of colours of the roses grown in this amazing place!.

Lunch at San Agustin del Callo.

Arrival to Baños.

Overnight at selected hotel.

Included: Breakfast, lunch.

The picturesque town of Baños de Agua Santa, simply known as Baños, is located between steep slopes and beautiful waterfalls. Its well worth a visit to learn about its culture and past. From the towns Main Square (Plaza Mayor) observe its inhabitants comings and goings, admire the traditional buildings and visit the historic Basilica de la Reina del Rosario de Agua Santa. Marvel at its facade before heading in to walk through its naves decorated with colourful paintings that narrate the towns history. Then head out for a walk around town and purchase a variety of the traditional sweets of the Ecuadorian highlands, including hand pulled taffy (melcocha).

The Route of the Waterfalls runs between the cities of Baños and Puyo, taking you on one of the best trips available when it comes to venturing into the Ecuadorian Amazon. Ecological trails, small gondolas and suspended bridges surround over 60 waterfalls that are nestled within the thick canopy of this diverse area. The Route descends from the Andes and gradually transitions into the Amazon, opening the door to some of the countrys most famous waterfalls, such as Manto de la Novia and Agoyán. We will visit Pailon del Diablo, an 80m (260 ft) waterfall which was named after its striking similarity to the face of the devil and has a unique vibe that will fill us with energy. Menu almuerzo del dia Casa De Piedra Restaurant.

Overnight at selected hotel.

Included: Breakfast, lunch.

Resulting from a volcanic eruption some 800 years ago, the lake inside the Quilotoa crater is considered one of the country’s most stunning landscapes. This extinct volcano is famous for the turquoise waters that rest inside the 400 m (1,312 ft) deep caldera. Located at 4,000 m (13,123 ft) above sea level, Quilotoa gives visitors the chance to walk down to the lagoon and go back up by donkey to avoid the steep ascent to the rim. There are various routes with different difficulty levels. On a clear day, look for Cotopaxi and the beautiful Ilinizas in the distance.

Overnight at selected hotel.

Included: Breakfast, lunch.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport to take your international flight.

Included: Breakfast.