Andes to Amazon

Upon arrival to Quito's Mariscal Sucre Airport, you will be greeted by our helpful guide. The guide will serve as a translator, help with luggage, and assist with the car transfer to your hotel.

Explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, visiting some of its most important churches such as the impressive Cathedral, majestic Compania and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage.

We finish the day at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains. As an addition to the Quito Colonial City Tour, we travel to "La Mitad del Mundo" complex. Its monument is located at latitude 0º 0´0", and provides for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to straddle both hemispheres, or hop between the two in the blink of an eye. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. The site occupies an important place in the solar-based Andean cosmos vision, since ancient Andean people were aware of its significance many thousands of years ago. The Ethnographic Museum at the complex provides a fine overview of Ecuador's varied cultures and geography.

This morning you will leave Quito with your tour guide, heading to Parque Condor situated near of Otavalo. This is a non-profit wildlife refuge for owls and raptors, including the endangered Andean Condor. It is the national bird of Ecuador, and yet it is estimated that only sixty of these birds remain in the wild. Illegal poaching is one of the greatest threats to the Andean Condor. It seeks to rescue, protect and rehabilitate these birds and, if possible, release them back into the wild.

It offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a close encounter with the condors, giving them insight into the purpose the birds fulfill in the environment, displaying their powerful flight capabilities and educating the public on the facts and myths in regard to these birds.

From Parque Condor you get stunning views of the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes, San Pablo Lake and the towns of Otavalo and Cotacachi. The park also has a small restaurant and a playground.

In the early afternoon you will discover small artisan villages such as Peguche where you will see the making of musical instruments and textiles. Also admire the waterfall that is part of their Shaman rituals.

You will return to Quito in the early evening, settle into your accommodations and enjoy an optional dinner.

Depart from Quito heading south through the famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes".

Around midday, arrive to Cotopaxi National Park, which is located 59.54 km away from the city of Quito. The Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the most important landmarks in Ecuador because it is the highest active volcano in the world. Lush endemic flora and fauna of the area can be observed, including: one of the most representative species, the Chuquiragua (also known as the mountaineer's flower) wild horses, deers, llamas, and more. Whilst in the National Park you can also visit Limpiopungo Lake, located near Ruminahui volcano (4757 meters), or go hiking to observe birds.

After a full breakfast, you may continue to Banos, situated in a valley of waterfalls and hot springs. It has become a mecca for international travelers seeking year-round temperate weather, a small town atmosphere, and a base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors. Banos or bath in English is named after its famous hot springs and thermal baths. There are lots on offer from waterfalls to horse riding and don't miss the active Tungurahua volcano which is visible from anywhere in Banos.

You will begin the route of waterfalls, including Agoyan, Heavens Door (Puertas del Cielo), Weddings Veil (Manto de la Novia), Devils Pan (Pailon del Diablo), Machay, and many more. Then visit the Swing at the End of the World. This magical place, is located in the city of Baños and offers a wonderful view between the mountains and the valley.

After breakfast you will be met by your guide who will take you to Hakuna Matata in the Napo Province. This private hacienda of approximately 150 ha is the perfect place to enjoy to the fullest a never-ending series of activities, which this area lends itself to more than any other.

Arrival to Hakuna Matata, the staff will help you carrying your luggage. Also they will provide a complementary welcome drink and lunch in the famous Pangaea Restaurant.

The first excursion will be organized in the afternoon, as fast as they want and they will be ready, you have the 3 options for activities, which we are glad to detail for you.

a) Nature walk with Guide
b) Horseback Riding with Guide
c) Ecuador Chocolate Festival

Dinner in Pangaea Restaurant.

Optional activity in Hakuna Matata - River Rafting.

Enjoy a full breakfast in Pangaea Restaurant in the morning and after you will be off for a rainforest hike and a visit to the Amazon where you will visit local communities and butterfly farm. Picnic Lunch.

Dinner in Pangaea Restaurant.

Today we will leave Hakuna Matata on a short drive to Papallacta and its hot springs, amid a breathtaking setting. Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle. These thermal baths are located 3000 meters above sea level and are surrounded by mountain cloud forest. Papallacta has a number of pools with different temperatures for your enjoyment. Here you will have time to soak in the waters and enjoy several optional spa treatments. Entrance to the pools are included spa treatments are optional and are not included in the cost. Afterwards return to Quito.

Today after breakfast you will be met by your guide and taken to Quito Airport in time for your international flight back home.