Explore Ecuador
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Accommodation: 
Hotel
Arrival into Quito. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to downtown Quito to relish in this urban jewel and its treasures of art and architecture. Quito's colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight Dann Carlton Hotel.
Day 2: Accommodation: Hotel (B, L)
Today you will head north, to the land of the Otavalos and South America's most famous Indian fair. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday life. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area. Overnight Dann Carlton Hotel.
Days 3 to 6: Accommodation: Jungle Lodge (B, L, D)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Coca, located deep in the Amazon Basin. Napo Wildlife Center NWC Lodge - The Napo Wildlife Center, NWC Amazon Lodge, is the greatest and ultimate alternative luxury ecohotel in Amazonian Ecuador. This ecotourism project includes the conservation of approximately over 82 square miles (53,500 acres - over 21,400 hectares) of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park, an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador. NWC Lodge is located by the Anangucocha Lake, into the unique ancestral territory of the Anangu Quichua Community.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1
Departing Quito a 30 minute flight takes you to Coca, over the eastern Andes mountain range. After landing, about mid morning, you will be transferred to the port to take a comfortable covered motor boat along the Napo River for approximately two hours. Lunch box en route. Along the way herons, kingfishers and other birds can be spotted. After arriving at NWC’s entry dock we disembark and take a majestic and peaceful 1 to 2 hours dugout canoe ride, surrounded by trees overhead, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located. There is a good possibility of seeing monkeys of various species as well as large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws. You will arrive at NWC lodge late in the afternoon and will be taken back by the overwhelming view of the Añangu Lake. After dinner optional Cayman (alligator) observation around the lake enjoying the natural sounds of night.
Day 2
Early wake up to reach the best and easily accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about 1 hour away from the lodge. Guests arrive just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick, which is generally between 7:30 to 8:30am. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen. This visit depends on weather conditions, but is usually successful. Later, hike along forest trail to visit to the Kichwa community of Añangu and share some time with a family while they go about their daily activities. Return to the creek and hike through a terra firme forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive to the second parrot clay lick where, weather permitting, we will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets and even macaws. Lunch box served at the parrot clay lick observatory. Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.
Day 3
After early breakfast, depart from the lodge to the finest experience at a canopy tower on the Napo. A 36m high canopy tower opened to guests in November 2004, a great way to experience the life above the forest floor. This is the second tower at the Napo Wildlife Center (the first is attached to the dining hall and allows great views of the lake). The canopy tower is located about 20 minutes from the lodge deep within the terra firme forest. As you ascend the 12-floor tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. Here you cross onto a wooden platform that is actually built into the tree and experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds. From top to bottom, there is no finer canopy experience in Eastern Ecuador. Flocks of colourful Tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, Blue-and yellow Macaws fly past, in nearby trees Spider Monkeys search for fruit, two species of large Toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy opens before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, oblivious to your presence. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to guests of the Napo Wildlife Center. Lunch served at the lodge. Afternoon visit to a terra firme trail, hike along primary forest to discover the forest interior with possibilities of finding Lizards, colourful Manakins or the unique and endemic Golden Mantle Tamarin Monkeys. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with great possibilities of running into a Giant Otter family on the way.
Day 4
Early departure and last excursion. Canoeing back to the Napo River, the creek may reveal new sights of Giant Otters, Monk Saki Monkeys or many other rare birds. Return back to Coca by motorized canoe and arrive at the airport in time for your Coca – Quito flight.
Day 6: Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Today you will return to Coca in time for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and will go to visit the Equatorial Monument in the North of Quito. This monument marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Visit the Ethnographic Museum inside the monument, which shows the great diversity of Ecuador's native groups. Following this you will be taken to your hotel in Quito. Overnight Dann Carlton Hotel.
Day 7: Accommodation: Hacienda (B, L, D)
Today you will begin a four-day immersion in the Andean World, from Quito, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Cuenca, through the spectacular scenery of the Andes, with visits to centenary Haciendas, fertile fields of vegetables and roses, in close contact with the local culture. This is a journey along the history, the spirituality, the flavours, the customs, traditions and legends of the Andean Region. After a short visit to a traditional hat making shop you will drive along valleys and mountains and arrive to Cotopaxi National Park, which surrounds the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano. Visit the Cotopaxi National Park before taking lunch in a charming hacienda with Inca walls, perfectly preserved through the centuries. After lunch, mingle with the llamas of the hacienda and stroll along a rose plantation, before you descend towards the town of Patate, to spend the night at a 300-year old hacienda hidden among the mountains. Overnight Hacienda.
Day 8: Accommodation: Hacienda (B, L, D)
Take a spectacular drive through the gorge of the Pastaza River to the town of Baños (Baths), right at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano. Drive along the Route of the Cascades to El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil's Cauldron) –where you will descend to observe the impressive cascade up close, surrounded by subtropical vegetation and orchids. After lunch enjoy a short stroll through Baños. From here, the route to Riobamba is up the mountains, to where the clouds can be touched, alongside the massive Chimborazo, the highest mountain of Ecuador, on the high plains where vicuñas graze and scamper. On the hillsides, where the land is worked beneath the plow, one might think the farmer's true objective was to paint the hills in fascinating patterns, not just to till the dark, fertile soil. Arrive to Riobamba for dinner and lodging. Overnight Riobamba.
Day 9: Accommodation: Hacienda (B, L, D)
Depart by road, skirting the flanks of the Andes, an astonishing ride, twisting and turning, along bridging ravines and river gorges. After about 2 hours arrive at the small town of Alausí. The highlight here is the thrilling 800-metre (2630-foot) descent on the famous Devils Nose railway which zigzags along cuttings on the rock of the mountainside. Continue by road to the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca. Lunch in the area. Arrival to Cuenca at dusk for dinner and accommodations. Overnight Cuenca.
Day 10: Accommodation: Hotel (B, L)
Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. Enjoy a tour of the city followed by lunch at one of the best restaurants in Cuenca. In the afternoon, drive for a short visit to a ceramics handcraft shop. Then, observe the whole process of making the famous Panama Hats of high-quality toquilla straw. You will then be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight Dann Carlton Hotel.
Day 11: Accommodation: Hacienda (B)
Today you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.