Peaks to Canopy Discover the Northern Andes and Amazon

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival Day - Transfer from airport to hotel⌄

   Take a glimpse out of the window while approaching Quito Airport and have a first look at the beautiful Andean scenery that surrounds Ecuador’s capital. Upon arrival, your driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel in the city center. Depending on your time of arrival, just relax a bit in your hotel or head out for a first exploration of the city.

   Overnight: Overnight stay at 3-star hotel in Quito

2. 2Hiking around Isinliví⌄

   Today, it is already time to head into the Andes for your first trekking adventure. Hike on dirt trails and narrow secondary roads and experience some of the most stunning and privileged views of the Ecuadorian Andes. Towns like Isinliví and Chugchilán are small and depend on farming and production of quinoa, potatoes, and corn; many families also raise horses, cattle, chickens, and guinea pigs – a delicacy in Ecuador. Choose from a variety of trails of different length and difficulty, before returning to your cozy mountain lodge for a good night's rest.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast with overnight stay · Lunch: picnic

   Overnight: Overnight stay at 2,5/3-star hotel in Isinliví or Chugchilán

3. 3Hiking & Kayaking at Quilotoa, Transfer to Baños⌄

   Get up early for your ride to Quilotoa Crater Lake for some breathtaking views! This crater lake is a turquoise jewel in the Andes, and it is an inspiration for the local artists in many of their works. Hike along the rim or down the crater, and rent a kayak to explore the lake. After lunch, we will drive to Baños, one of Ecuador’s outdoor hotspots. If you are looking for a more challenging hike, join your guide on the trail from Isinliví to Chugchilán. After the hike and a short stop for photos at Quilotoa, we will take you to Baños. If you don’t arrive too late to Baños, relax a couple of hours in the hot springs or head to the famous “Casa del Árbol” where you can swing above the clouds. If you still have some energy left in the evening, take, for example, a stroll through town or go salsa dancing.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast included with overnight stay

   Overnight: Overnight stay at 3-star hotel in Baños

4. 4Canyoning & more adventurous activities⌄

   Start this day with canyoning! Scramble over river rocks, up waterfalls and through the enchanting forest. Take a bath in the small natural lagoons and take in the magic of the rainforest. The afternoon is designed for more adventurous activities: do ziplining, horseback riding, a bike tour, or whatever you feel like doing!

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast included with overnight stay

   Overnight: Overnight stay at 3-star hotel in Baños

5. 5Pailón del Diablo Waterfall & Jungle hike⌄

   We leave Baños and drive eastwards along the “Route of Waterfalls”. Our first stop for today is at Pailón del Diablo, the “Devil’s Cauldron” Waterfall. Visit this raging cascade tucked between canyon walls and be amazed by the natural beauty! From the parking lot, you have to walk approximately 10-15 minutes downhill; the return will be a bit longer as you walk uphill. Afterwards, you continue your journey until reaching Tena, a gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. You will explore the flora and fauna on a jungle hike the area. Enjoy the lush green forest and watch out for colorful birds or monkeys.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast included with overnight stay · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight stay at lodge in Tena/Archidona

6. 6Rafting Jatunyacu River⌄

   Another adventurous day is waiting for you! Rafting down the Jatunyacu River will definitely be an unforgettable experience. This river originates in the Llanganates mountains, it is a class III. Enjoy the rapids and the calm parts of the river before a delicious picnic is served on the riverbank. Let the magic of the Ecuadorian Amazon capture you while following the river deeper into the rainforest.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast included with overnight stay · Lunch: Picnic · Dinner

   Overnight: Overnight stay at lodge

7. 7Cloud forest birdwatching & Hot Springs⌄

   During this last adventurous day, you will explore more of Ecuador’s stunning flora and fauna. On our way back to Quito, we will stop at the private reserve of guango where you can observe many dazzling hummingbirds and other bird species! The next destination is the hot springs of Papallacta. Papallacta is known for its therapeutic power and is a natural spring fueled by the volcanoes Cayambe and Antisana. Take a soothing dip in one of the many pools and relax a bit after the challenges of the last couple of days. After this unforgettable experience, we will take you to the airport of Quito on time for your flight back home. Hasta la vista, see you soon in Ecuador!

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast included with overnight stay