Day 2: Quito City tour + Middle of the World

Our guide will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby of your hotel, ready to take you to the Colonial District of Quito and the Middle of the World. Quito’s Historic Center is considered one of the largest and best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America. Quito’s Historical Center has also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

An emblematic site will be our first stop, Plaza de la Independencia, located in the heart of the old town. Here you will see the Plaza’s main monument, which is dedicated to the heroes of the Ecuadorian War of Independence. Located around this square are the Archbishop's Palace, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral Church, and the Municipality.

The undisputed beauty of Quito’s Historic Center can be seen all along Garcia Moreno Street, also known as the street of the seven crosses. Following this street, you will arrive at your next stop.

The Church of the Company of Jesus is one of the most important churches in the city and the most representative and essential Baroque temple in the Colonial Americas. It was built by artists from the “Escuela Quiteña”, who carved and decorated every inch of the church with 23-carat gold sheets.

After this visit, you will continue your journey to Yavirac Hill, known as “La Loma del Panecillo,” named for its resemblance to a small loaf of bread. El Panecillo, due to its location, has become a famous natural viewpoint, with an impressive view of the Historic Center, and the northern and southern points of the city. El Panecillo is also crowned by a giant sculpture of the Virgin of Quito, which was created in 1975.

Afterward, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant. Continue your ride to the Middle of the World city, The Middle of the World city is located just north of Quito. Both the equator monument and complex are located in the parish of San Antonio de Pichincha. This iconic location is ideal for taking pictures of the famous yellow line that divides the planet into two hemispheres.

Traveling to the far borders of the city is an adventure in itself, and just a few meters away is the Inti Ñan Solar Museum, founded in 1960, which is an interactive museum where you can discover the history of ancestral villages, the magnificent effects that the sun causes, the earth’s physical phenomena, and visit hundred-year-old huts that take you to the past.

At the end of the tour, your guide will return you safely to your hotel.

Day 3: Full day trip Otavalo Market

Our guide will be waiting to welcome you in your hotel lobby, ready to take you to the North of the Country, to the famous Otavalo Market, and its surroundings. Imbabura Province is located approximately two hours away. Along the way, you are going to see the rural Parish of Guayllabamba, which is an agricultural center and also quite a popular tourist spot due to its subtropical climate.

The first place you will visit is San Pablo Lake, located at an altitude of 2,660 m.a.s.l. and with a depth of 48 meters. On the shores of the lake their famous Totora (an aquatic plant), which is used by the San Rafael community to make various handicrafts, especially for home decors such as armchairs, lamps, tables, mirrors and other handicrafts.

Then, your tour will continue on to the town of Otavalo. As you enter this ancestral city, you will be able to observe the colors, textures, and unique art that display this town’s originality. Otavalo is famous for its artisanal market, as it is one of the most important in South America. There is an exclusive collection of textiles and handicrafts created by the local artisans that you cannot find anywhere else. You will have some free time to explore the market. Lunch will be served in a nearby local restaurant.

Afterward, you will continue to the largest canton in the Imbabura province, Cotacachi. This canton is considered to be the best preserved in terms of green areas and fauna in the Cayapas Ecological Reserve and was declared an “ecological canton” in the year 2000.

Cotacachi also houses some amazing craftsmen, who are known for their trend-setting leather products, such as jackets, shoes, wallets, and so much more. We will continue visiting Cuicocha Lake (3,068 m.a.s.l.), also known as the “Lake of the Gods.” In the middle of the lake, there are two islets, Yerovi and Teodoro Wolf, which are separated by “the channel of dreams,” and were formed inside the crater of Cotacachi Volcano. At the end of the tour, your guide will return you safely to your hotel in Quito.

Day 4: Quito - Coca - La Selva Jungle Lodge

Breakfast. Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Coca city in the Amazon Region. After a 30-minute commercial flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana “El Coca”, our representative will transfer you by private transportation to the city’s main dock at the Napo River. The next two hours will be on a motorized canoe heading down river on what will be the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the tropical rainforest, the Amazon. At the end of the motorized canoe ride, you will be dropped off at La Selva’s main dock and your first close encounter with the rainforest begins and the final leg of the trip to the lodge will be completed in a paddle canoe. The only thing you must take care of during this part of the trip is your carry-on and camera equipment, all other luggage will be transported by La Selva staff.

The manager will be waiting to greet you with a refreshing juice, snacks, and a short briefing with general information about your stay at La Selva Lodge.

4:30 pm – Intro to The Rainforest
One of the Naturalist Guides will give you the basic info about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon, and how La Selva operates. The idea is to begin your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived at.

5:00 pm – Matapalo Trail
This trail was given the Spanish name of the famous Strangler fig (Ficus sp), one of many remarkable trees that you can find on this short walk. Mahogany trees over 400 years old can be seen and your guides will share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. Due to the time of day there is great natural light and the diurnal and nocturnal animals are beginning their daily transitional activities.

7:00 pm – Snacks & Drinks
At the bar you can find snacks and order cocktails from the bartender. Or, feel free to help yourself to limitless tea and coffee.

7:30 pm – Dinner will be served at this time. Find your seat and get comfortable while our waiters serve you each course

Day 5: La Selva Jungle Lodge

6:00 am – Wake Up Call

6:30 am – Breakfast

7:00 am – Observation Tower & Tucaneta Trail
After a 20-minute walk the observation tower comes into sight. This amazing construction will allow you to climb 120 ft above the forest. Your Naturalist and Native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, maybe even certain primates.

On the way back from the tower there is the option of taking the Tucaneta Trail where your Native Guide can show you some of the medicinal plants still in use today and your Naturalist Guide will provide you with interesting info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.

1:00 PM – Lunch

4:30 pm – Charapa Trail
This trail goes on for about an hour beginning at the lodge and ending by the edge of the lagoon. It is a great loop where different mammals, monkeys and birds can been seen that come closer to the lagoon at this time looking for food. It is also perfect for witnessing an Amazonian sunset from the water in the canoe.

6:40 pm – Night Canoe Ride
With the help of a spotlight your guides will take you around the lagoon via canoe looking for nighttime wildlife. This is also a great opportunity for star gazing!

7:30 pm – Dinner

Day 6: La Selva Jungle Lodge

6:00 am – Wake Up Call

6:30 am – Breakfast

7:00 am – Parrot Clay Lick and Mandi Wasi
Today you will make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks, one of the most fascinating displays of the wild world. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather here to eat the mineral-rich soil, an important part of their diet. Binoculars are essential to really capture the moment. After the clay licks, we will take you to experience our Cultural Activity. An Amazonian Kichua woman will welcome you at their community center to share the life of the Kichua in the Amazon. This is special because it is part of the Amazon you do not find on the maps and provides the special and unique opportunity to really get to learn more about the people of the Amazon.

1:00 pm – Lunch

4:30 pm – Coto Trail
This is a fantastic walk that takes off from the lodge to the edge of the Garzacocha Lagoon. In the afternoon the light from the sun will come from behind most of the time, making this walk an amazing experience and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this amazing forest. Groups of black-mantled tamarin monkeys can be spotted on this walk and some of our groups have even seen tapirs too.

Your Naturalist Guide is going to explain about all the different creatures that can be found and our Native Guide is going to explain about all the different creatures that can be found our Native Guide will show you some of the medical plants that they have been using for thousands of years. A canoe ride back to the lodge makes a great ending for this activity.

7:30 pm – Dinner

Day 7: La Selva Jungle Lodge

6:30 am – Breakfast

7:00 am – Departure for Coca
In accordance with your briefing the night before, you will have an early wake-up call, breakfast, and departure from the lodge. The lodge staff will assist you with your checked luggage and the motorized canoe ride will head upstream back to Coca, where our representatives will take you to the airport to help you with your checked luggage and boarding passes.

During your free time in-between activities you can use our kayaks, swim in the lagoon, have a massage, or just relax in your room and have a nap!

Sample itinerary subject to change according to weather conditions or guide decisions. On the last day of your visit to La Selva, there will be no scheduled activities as you will be leaving in the morning to catch your flight in Coca returning to Quito. Arrival and transfer to hotel in Quito.

Day 8: Transfer out /Flight to Galapagos - Cruise of 4 days

Pick up from hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Arrive and begin cruise itinerary (depending on cruise chosen).

Day 11: Flight Galapagos - Quito

After breakfast. transfer to airport and flight back to Quito, pick up and transfer to hotel. Accommodation.

Day 2: Full day trip Otavalo Market

Our guide will be waiting to welcome you in your hotel lobby, ready to take you to the North of the Country, to the famous Otavalo Market, and its surroundings. Imbabura Province is located approximately two hours away. Along the way, you are going to see the rural Parish of Guayllabamba, which is an agricultural center and also quite a popular tourist spot due to its subtropical climate.

The first place you will visit is San Pablo Lake, located at an altitude of 2,660 m.a.s.l. and with a depth of 48 meters. On the shores of the lake their famous Totora (an aquatic plant), which is used by the San Rafael community to make various handicrafts, especially for home decors such as armchairs, lamps, tables, mirrors and other handicrafts.

Then, your tour will continue on to the town of Otavalo. As you enter this ancestral city, you will be able to observe the colors, textures, and unique art that display this town’s originality. Otavalo is famous for its artisanal market, as it is one of the most important in South America. There is an exclusive collection of textiles and handicrafts created by the local artisans that you cannot find anywhere else. You will have some free time to explore the market. Lunch will be served in a nearby local restaurant.

Afterward, you will continue to the largest canton in the Imbabura province, Cotacachi. This canton is considered to be the best preserved in terms of green areas and fauna in the Cayapas Ecological Reserve and was declared an “ecological canton” in the year 2000.

Cotacachi also houses some amazing craftsmen, who are known for their trend-setting leather products, such as jackets, shoes, wallets, and so much more. We will continue visiting Cuicocha Lake (3,068 m.a.s.l.), also known as the “Lake of the Gods.” In the middle of the lake, there are two islets, Yerovi and Teodoro Wolf, which are separated by “the channel of dreams,” and were formed inside the crater of Cotacachi Volcano. At the end of the tour, your guide will return you safely to your hotel in Quito.

Day 3: Full day trip Cotopaxi volcano

Our guide will be waiting to welcome you in your hotel lobby, ready to take you to the South of Quito.

Your trip will begin by heading towards the southern part of Ecuador, through the “Avenue of Volcanoes” on your way to Cotopaxi National Park. Named by explorer Alexander Von Humboldt, this avenue is made up of many famous volcanoes including El Pichincha, El Rumiñahui, Los Illinizas Sur, and Norte, El Antisana, El Cayambe, and Cotopaxi.

Within Cotopaxi Park lies Cotopaxi Volcano, the second-highest volcano in the country, with a height of 5,897 meters above sea level. Cotopaxi National Park has a paramo ecosystem, characterized by high-altitude tropical flora and fauna, and depending on the weather, you may be lucky enough to observe some of the local inhabitants, such as Curiquingues (Carunculated caracara), owls, and horses. Cotopaxi Volcano is an ideal example of a stratovolcano, due to the accumulated rocks, ash, and sand, that are a result of continuous eruptions. Within Cotopaxi National Park we can also find Limpiopungo Lake (3,800 meters above sea level), where you will be able to see traces left behind by volcanic eruptions. You can walk around the lake while being able to take in amazing views of the majestic volcano.

Depending on the climatic and physical conditions, you will head to the parking lot (4,600 m.a.s.l.) at the base of the volcano, where you could hike for about 45 minutes up to the El Refugio José Ribas (4,800 m.a.s.l.). On a clear day, you will get some spectacular views. Once you have reached the refuge, you will enjoy a short break before continuing. Next, you will be close to the glacier and have some amazing opportunities to take pictures of the ice walls and deep cracks. Lunch will be served in a nearby restaurant. Finally, after having a beautiful day, it is time to go back to the city of Quito.

Day 4: Transfer out /Flight to Galapagos - Cruise of 5 days

Pick up from hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Arrive and begin cruise itinerary (depending on cruise chosen).

Day 8: Flight Galapagos Guayaquil /Transfer in

After breakfast. transfer to airport and flight back to Guayaquil, pick up and transfer to hotel. Accommodation.

Day 9: Transfer out/Flight to Lima / Transfer in

Breakfast, pick up from the hotel and transfer to airport for your flight to Lima. Meet on arrival at the airport and transfer to selected hotel Check-out: 14:00hrs. Overnight

Day 10: Transfer / Flight to Cuzco / Cuzco City tour

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the selected hotel. Afternoon tour of the city including the best of Cusco: the Koricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral with its magnificent chapels and baroque altars and paintings from the Cusquenian School. The tour also includes the surrounding ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca bath of Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and the amphitheater of Kenko (Private services). Overnight

Day 11: Cuzco-Urubamba-Cuzco

Breakfast. Full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Private services) Visits Maras, the principal salt production center since Inca times, extraordinary spectacle of the terraced white salt mines. At a short distance, towards the west are the circular terraces of Moray built by the Incas in order to create different micro-climates for agricultural purposes. Buffet lunch included in a local restaurant Continue to the north to visit Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire, an excellent sample of military architecture. Then, Visit the village of Pisac and attend the local agricultural open market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts. Return to Cusco. Overnight

Day 12: Sacred Valley-Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes

Breakfast 06:35 Early transfer to Poroy the train station.

07:35 Departure by Vistadome train ride across the Andes to Aguas Calientes (2400 m / 7500 ft) at the foot of the mountains.

10:52 Arrival and short transportation to the entrance of the ruins where the guided tour of the Lost City will start. Buffet lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge restaurant. (Local guide – 5 hrs) Overnight.

Day 13: Aguas Calientes-Cuzco

Breakfast. Check-out: 09:00hrs / 11:00hrs (depends on each hotel) Morning at leisure (Included 2ºentrance and 2ºround trip bus to the ruins) without a guide.

16:43 Take the Vistadome train back to Poroy train station.

20:23 Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Overnight.