Quito | MIDDLE OF THE WORLD | OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET | PEGUCHE TOWN & WATERFALL | CUICOCHA LAKE | COTACACHI COMMUNITY

Quito - Begin the day with an orientation meeting, then proceed to the Middle of the World.

Overnight: Otavalo
Meals: Not included

Intinan Museum - Explore the Middle of the World Monument, situated at 0º latitude, and stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Discover the history of ancestral villages and the remarkable effects of the sun on our solar cylinder. Journey back in time through ancient huts, learn about Earth’s physical phenomena with interactive examples, observe the sun’s path (Intiñan) in the Acoratene, and enjoy a natural, privileged setting. The main goal is to present a new perspective on the geographical center’s existence, focusing on ancestral worldview and ethnoecological habitat at the world’s center.

Continue to Imbabura Province, located in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of 8,441 feet.

Cascada de Peguche - Visit Peguche town and walk through the Andes forest to the waterfall.

Otavalo Market - Explore the indigenous market in Otavalo, one of South America’s largest, operated by local Otavaleños. Enjoy the vibrant market atmosphere and browse stalls for traditional items like handwoven cloth, rugs, jewelry, and more.

Cuicocha Lake - A stunning lake in Ecuador and an “off the beaten path” destination! Cuicocha is located at the base of the extinct Cotacachi volcano (4968m) in the Western Cordillera, Imbabura province, north of Quito. The captivating caldera features a 3 km wide and approximately 200 m deep crater lake.

Cuicocha Crater Lake is unique due to its two islands, which are actually lava domes rising above the water. These islands are lush with vegetation and support wildlife.

Cotacachi - Cotacachi is a charming artisan town known for its hot springs, lush forests, nature reserves, and snowy peaks. The town specializes in leather goods, with numerous shops offering high-quality leather products like jackets, pants, belts, wallets, shoes, bags, and more.

PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS | HUMMINGBIRD CLOUD FOREST | TENA | AMAZON RAINFOREST

Termas de Papallacta - After breakfast, transfer from Cotacachi Andean Town to the Jungle wildlife reserve.

On the route, visit the Papallacta Hot Springs, an ideal escape from city noise and daily routine. More than just a destination, it’s a comprehensive experience that will awaken all your senses.

Tena - Tena is a delightful place where travelers often linger happily for days before or after a rainforest trip. Tena boasts a friendly community, a beautiful setting surrounded by jungle-covered hills, and a lively malecón. White-water enthusiasts from around the world come to enjoy rafting or kayaking on the numerous surrounding rivers.

Misahualli - A popular tourist stop, Misahualli is a small town at the junction of the Misahuallí and Napo rivers, offering stunning jungle scenery and a large sandy beach.

Misahualli’s most famous residents are the monkeys, who roam the beach and park in the town center.

Napo Province - Upon arrival at the EcoLodge, the staff will welcome you. Relax in the lounge with a fresh tropical drink and receive a short briefing with general information about the accommodation and activities from a naturalist guide.

Rio Pusuno - TREKKING IN THE JUNGLE

Departing from the Lodge, a guide can lead you on various trails (with different difficulty levels) lasting from half an hour to 4 hours, winding through the dense rainforest and connecting to the river or lake, crossing muddy paths while searching for elusive wildlife.

FLOATING DOWN THE RIVER

After a jungle hike, the water is refreshing. In this enjoyable activity on a buoy, rowing with your hands is key. As you gaze at the sky and tree-lined banks, you’ll feel like part of a dream. Choose to embark on this adventure alone or with a partner. This is one of the most peaceful ways to enjoy an Amazon river. Life jackets are provided.

RIDE ALONG THE NAPO RIVER | ANACONDA ISLAND | ANIMAL REFUGE CENTER | VISIT INDIGENOUS FAMILY

Amazoonico Animal Rescue Centre - After breakfast at the lodge, walk to the Napo River for a canoe ride to the Animal Refuge Center, which protects various animals, some endangered. Amazónico is a rescue center for Amazon animals in Ecuador, not a zoo. Observe animals in their natural habitat up close.

Laguna del Caiman Negro - After a box lunch, walk through Anaconda Island, a paradise for bird lovers and photographers. Observe caimans in the lagoon, the prehistoric “Hoatzin” bird, woolly monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and more.

Ahuano - Visit a family in an indigenous community to learn about their cultivation practices, medicinal plants, and traditional hunting methods using blowguns and handmade traps in the forest.

Return to the Lodge

Rio Pusuno - NIGHT HIKE IN THE JUNGLE

The frog chorus signals the forest’s transformation at night. Bring a flashlight for this tour, where you can see fishing bats, nocturnal monkeys, owls, snakes, amphibians, tarantulas, toads, alligators, and possibly snakes.

This is also a wonderful opportunity to OBSERVE THE STARS and constellations!

WATERFALLS ROUTE | THE DEVIL’S CAULDRON WATERFALL TREK | THE SWING AT THE END OF THE WORLD | TUNGURAHUA VOLCANO | BAÑOS

Tena - Enjoy the journey from the jungle in Napo Province to Baños de Agua Santa in Tungurahua Province, with Ecuadorian landscapes that will amaze you.

The tour begins with balsa crafting in Puyo City, located in Pastaza Province.

Mirador Mira Mera - This adventure takes place in Ecuador’s adventure capital. Start the tour on the Route of the Waterfalls, traveling by cable car over the Pastaza River for extraordinary panoramic views of the river, mountains, and beautiful jungle landscapes in Tungurahua Province.

Enjoy free time for extreme activities like canopy, Tibetan bridge, extreme swing, and more.

CASCADA EL PAILON - Visit the powerful El Pailón del Diablo “The Devil’s Cauldron,” one of Ecuador’s most stunning waterfalls.

Lunch not included

Cascada el Manto de la Novia - Next, visit the spectacular “Manto de la Novia” waterfall. The cable car will take you above the breathtaking Pastaza River canyon, offering a closer view of the waterfalls.

The Flight of the Condor - The “Hand of the Pachamama” is the latest attraction at this beautiful viewpoint, where a giant hand emerges from the earth, providing tourists with a unique spot to admire the Tungurahua Province landscape and take spectacular photos.

La Casa del Arbol - Ascend to the “Swing at the End of the World” at La Casa del Arbol, where you can see the epic Tungurahua volcano.

Banos - In the afternoon, check into your hotel in Baños Town.

City by Night | Dinner not included & Lodging

SALASACA INDIGENOUS | TIGUA CRAFTS | QUILOTOA CRATER LAKE

Salasaca Mercado Artesanal - Located next to the church on the Ambato–Baños road, behind a statue of a local man in a black poncho, this market offers excellent local artisan goods, including Salasaca’s renowned wool ponchos and hand-woven rugs and tapestries. The busiest day is Sunday, but some stalls open daily.

Pujili - Pujilí is a town famous for its ceramics. Many locals gather here with llamas loaded with colorful fruits, vegetables, and other goods.

Tigua - Visit the Tigua Community, home to Naif art artists. In the gallery, view various handmade items. The paintings are hand-painted on llama and sheepskin leather.

Here, observe guinea pig farming and local agriculture.

Canon del Rio Toachi - On the way to Quilotoa, visit the Toachi Canyon and enjoy the incredible landscapes.

Laguna Quilotoa - Upon reaching Quilotoa (3900 m) in the Illinizas Ecological Reserve, hike to the turquoise lagoon. There are various trail options, and the best path will be chosen based on difficulty and weather.

COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK | MACHACHI | QUITO

Zumbahua - After breakfast, drive for about 2 hours along the Andean Mountains range to find the active Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m) and Chimborazo Volcano (6263 m), home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

Cotopaxi National Park - Enter Cotopaxi National Park, register, and access the protected area.

The first stop is at the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center, featuring a photo exhibition and information about the area.

Enjoy a panoramic view at Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you can observe various bird species, native plants, and nearby volcanoes: Pasochoca, Quilindaña, Rumiñahui, and others.

Hotel Tambopaxi Lodge - Enjoy guided horseback riding over the páramo, near herds of wild horses and fighting bulls. Spot high-altitude birds (Condors are often seen) and native flora against a backdrop of stunning scenery. The ride reaches up to 4200 m (2 hours).

Experience the freedom of nature at its wildest and the thrill of galloping with the pure wind of the high Andes. The rides take you along exclusive trails of our Hacienda in the majestic páramos and native forest of the Cotopaxi area, where native guides share legends, history, and tradition.

Machachi - Travel to Machachi, a city surrounded by the volcanoes Atacazo, Corazon, Rumiñahui, Illinizas Peaks, Viudita Hill, Pasochoa, and Sincholagua.

Lunch Not Included

Quito - Return to Quito City | End Tour

• Private transportation
• Experienced bilingual guide/driver (English or Spanish)
• Multiple outdoor activities as per itinerary
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Accommodation: (1) Otavalo, (2) Jungle, (1) Baños, (1) Quilotoa

• Admission fees
• Admission fees

This is one of our most comprehensive programs for experiencing Ecuador. The tour begins in Quito and travels to Imbabura Province in the northern Andes, renowned for the Otavalo indigenous market and its surroundings.

On Day 2 and Day 3, we will explore the Amazon, immersing ourselves in its culture and encountering wildlife along the Napo River.

Day 4 brings an adventure along the Route of the Waterfalls to the picturesque city of Baños de Agua Santa in Tungurahua Province.

On Day 5, we’ll trek around the Quilotoa Lagoon, nestled in the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Day 6 culminates with a visit to Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in Ecuador, standing majestically at 5,890 meters.

We will conclude our tour back in Quito.

TRANSFER IN: This trip includes the transfer from the airport UIO to your hotel/residence in Quito. Just coordinate with our travel agents.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.