Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Otavalo Market, a highlight of any trip to South America. Here, you can browse and bargain for
a wide selection of goods, from colorful fabrics and traditional ponchos to finely crafted leather items and handmade jewelry – the perfect place to find
unique souvenirs! 
 Have lunch at a local family restaurant. a local family restaurant.
You will then take the road to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve and arrive at Lake Cuicocha. You will stroll along the edges of this magnificent crater lake to view its two islands from various angles. The reserve is recognized for the quantity of orchids present on site. The Cotacachi volcano overlooks everything, throwing you into an arena of pure nature!

A visit to Cotacachi, a village specializing in leatherwork, offers you a unique opportunity to observe the exceptional quality of the leather and the artisans' remarkable skill.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• standard: La Posada del Quinde

To fully appreciate the splendor of Quito's historic center, the largest and best-preserved in Latin America, a walking tour is indispensable. Quito's historic center was designated by UNESCO: a World Heritage Site in 1978 and is the largest and best-preserved such area in Latin America. During your walk through the pedestrian streets, you will admire the wonders of this architecture and the cultural treasures of this remarkable district. Notable points of interest include the Plaza de la Independencia and Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, and the Church and Convent of San Francisco in the Plaza de San Francisco.

Your culinary adventure starts at Quito's Central Market. You will meet one of the chefs of a restaurant in the Central Market of Quito. This will be an opportunity to get to know exotic fruits and learn more about Ecuadorian gastronomic traditions.

After a welcome drink, you will find yourself in the kitchen of a restaurant to participate in a delicious and enriching class of traditional Ecuadorian cooking. You will prepare the full menu. Learn the history of each dish as you peel, cut, season, and mix. You will then be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, overlooking the rooftops of Quito.

Your journey culminates at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, an imposing architectural marvel distinguished by its unique gargoyles: iguanas and turtles. Ascend its towers and roof for an unforgettable, sweeping vista.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• standard: Casa Hotel Las Plazas

In the morning, you will depart for Mitad del Mundo, located on the equator. At this site, you can investigate the validity of the various properties associated with the equatorial line attributed to this unique location. Try balancing an egg on a nail and ask to have your photo taken with a foot in each hemisphere. The monument is very popular. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding the complex. There are also several shops and restaurants on-site.

In the afternoon you will visit Casa Agave where you will learn all about the process of making Miske (the Ecuadorian equivalent of Tequila). It is a participatory and interactive visit. You will end the visit with the taste of cocktails and different derivatives of agave.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• standard: Casa Hotel Las Plazas

Your morning journey takes you along the scenic "Avenue of the Volcanoes" to Cotopaxi National Park, where the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, dominates the landscape.

Your exploration of Cotopaxi National Park starts at the interpretation center, where you'll discover fascinating details about the park and its iconic volcano.

Then, embark on a scenic hike around Limpiopungo Lake, located at the foot of the imposing Rumiñahui volcano. The views of the surrounding countryside are simply wonderful.

 

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• standard: Rumipamba de Las Rosas

Continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. This sublime volcanic alignment was nicknamed thus by the German geographer and explorer Humboldt. The volcanic peaks follow one another and pierce the landscapes, sometimes snow-capped or even with a glacier.

When you reach the Quilotoa plateau, you will notice that the eruptions spread over the last 200,000 years have violently sculpted the area. The valley is covered in ash over several hundred meters in places. You can stop at the viewpoint of the Canyon del Río Toachi to observe its impressive layers.

The most beautiful result of this volcanic activity is the formation of the Quilotoa volcano, with a caldera 3km in diameter, which is filled with water and today forms a magnificent lake changing from green to turquoise blue depending on the sun. From the crater, dizzying cliffs of 400m overlook the lake. You will have the opportunity to observe the lake from two different viewpoints, each managed by an indigenous community.

The artists of Tigua, near Quilotoa, are renowned for their colorful paintings of rural Andean landscapes. Made on sheepskin, they reflect the history, festivals, and legends of a people whose traditions date back to pre-Columbian times. You will have the chance to follow the advice of one of these artists during an introductory workshop. This will be an opportunity to create a souvenir with your own hands!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• standard: Rumipamba de Las Rosas

Travel to Baños de Agua Santa city. It includes a cultural stop at a Tagua workshop, where you'll discover the secrets of "vegetable ivory," a unique palm fruit that solidifies and is easily crafted. Then, experience the splendor of the "Ruta de las Cascadas," a road winding through magnificent scenery, leading you to Baños, situated beneath the imposing Tungurahua volcano.

You'll take a path leading to the impressive "Pailón del Diablo" waterfall, then cross the river in tarabita at the Manto de la Novia waterfall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• standard: Hotel La Floresta

Experience the shift in landscapes that defines Ecuador's rich biodiversity. Today, you'll travel from the Andean highlands of the Sierra to the lush lowlands of the Oriente, bordering the vast Amazon rainforest.

You will arrive at the Arajuno River and take a motorized canoe to reach the lodge. This initial journey will provide an opportunity to enjoy the Amazonian panorama.

Arriving at the lodge you will get a briefing about the lodge and installations and get some time to rest and relax on your terrace or by the swimming pool. 

If weather conditions are ok, after lunch, you will have the opportunity to participate in a tubing activity floating down the river on large buoys!

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, equipped with rubber boots, set off on a 2.5-3 hour jungle. Your local guide will lead an expedition to discover Amazonian life. Learn about medicinal plants through guided botanical interpretation. Keep your camera ready with no flash on – you may encounter diverse bird species and troops of monkeys during your path.

After lunch, there will be a visit to a local Kichwa community. Discover their traditions and harmonious relationship with the rainforest. Also, you will meet the gigantic Ceibo tree.

You'll be treated to "chicha," a traditional fermented cassava beverage, and learn about its preparation. You'll have the chance to purchase unique handicrafts, directly benefiting the community. Please participate.

Depending on the day's activities and catch, you can observe handmade crafts like 100% natural bags or chocolate making, savor local specialties such as catfish, carp, piranha, palm hearts, or fruits, and discover and purchase handmade crafts, which provide valuable assistance to local families.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you will leave the lodge to return to the Andes.

You will stop in a reserve to observe hummingbirds.

Experience the shift in landscapes that defines Ecuador's rich biodiversity. 

On the way, unwind at the Papallacta thermal baths, renowned for their therapeutic benefits. Heated by the nearby Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes, these waters reach temperatures of around 70°C and are known for their medicinal properties.

 The perfect end to your day: an evening and overnight stay at a mountain resort, complete with soothing thermal baths

Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

• standard: Papallacta Hot Springs