Active Ecuador

There are no activities planned on the first day for you to be able to explore the beautiful city of Quito on your own, but if you feel like having a guided day tour at extra cost, do not hesitate in contacting us. Please keep in mind that there is a meeting at 18:00 in the hotel’s lobby to meet your guide and the rest of the group as well as learn about what’s in store for the days of your expedition! Overnight: Dann Carlton or similar. Meals included: none.

We start the day driving for three hours to the heart of the Andes along what is known as the Avenue of Volcanoes. Our visit takes us to Quilotoa, a beautiful turquoise Crater Lake, the highlight of the Ilinizas Ecological reserve. We will hike for an hour down into the crater. At the bottom, there is the option to rent a kayak to go paddling into the center of the lake and take in the jaw-dropping 360-degree views from another perspective. After spending some time to enjoy this masterpiece of Mother Nature we will hike back up the trail to the edge of the crater. Once at the top we will have lunch and then visit the local handicraft and paintings market. Overnight: Hacienda Hato Verde or similar. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

After acclimating during the previous day of adventure, we are ready to take on our next challenge: climbing up to the Cotopaxi glacier! Our day starts with a soothing cup of coca tea, which according to locals helps to ward off altitude sickness, while taking in our surroundings in the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park. Afterwards we are ready to hit trail where we will meander up starting at around 15,000 to almost 17,000 feet! This is not a technical ascent but due to its steepness, will take about two hours. In the afternoon, we will head to Baños de Agua Santa, a lovely town tucked between towering mountain ridges and surrounded by ever -flowing waterfalls. Overnight: La Floresta Hotel or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.

Today we will start our day by driving up high into the Llanganates National Park for a day of biking. Our first hour will be a nice gradual uphill followed by two hours mostly downhill—giving you the chance to catch the breeze and enjoy the fresh Andean mountain air with spectacular views of the Tungurahua Volcano. In the afternoon we will go to the famous Casa del Árbol “Swing at the End of the World”. Dare yourself to take the ride and fly high over the trees and into the clouds. Overnight

We seize the day by visiting the nearby reserve to see the Pailón del Diablo, a raging cascade tucked between canyon walls. Afterwards we will take a scenic and awe-inspiring drive into the Amazon basin: a mega diverse ecosystem full of different species of plants and animals. We will have a traditional lunch and afterwards go explore on foot one of multiple spectacular canyons in the area. Later, after our exploration, we have a treat in store! We will head to the bonfire to teach you how to make chocolate fondue: the sweetest way to end the day! Overnight: Basic Lodge. Meals included: Lunch and dinner.

Day six brings us to one of the most action- packed days of our expedition as paddle down the Jatunyacu River. This river is a class lll sourcing from the Llanganates Mountains. Legend says there is a hidden Incan treasure in this area and although many explorers venture in trying to find it, it has yet to have been found. A yummy picnic will be served on the river’s bank and then we will drive for one hour to the lodge for some down time at the pool and then have a delicious dinner! Overnight: Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

In the morning, we will go hiking in the jungle nearby the lodge to learn about medical plants and their significance in indigenous culture. These traditions maintain richly preserved and are passed down through generations. After we will head back to the highlands. On the way, we will have the opportunity to stop at the Guango Forest Reserve where many brilliant species of hummingbirds live! Our next stop is Papallacta Hot Springs. Known for is healing capabilities, Papallacta is a natural spring sourcing from the Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes; the latter of which on a clear day can be seen on the way towards the spring. Take a relaxing dip in one of the many pools or, if you so choose, we can pre-arrange a massage or facial for you (at extra cost) so you can wind down after many days of adventuring throughout our beautiful country! We will arrive in Quito in the late afternoon and then join together for a farewell meal at the best local brewery in town. Overnight: Dann Carlton or similar. Meals included: Breakfast.

Today ends our services but if you wish to stay longer, we can help you organize an extension trip to places you did not see during this week. Otherwise if you are ready to go back home after an amazing expedition, we wish you safe travels. Meals included: Breakfast.

This itinerary is subject to change without notice; due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, Government or Galapagos National Park regulations.