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10 Day itinerary in Ecuador, South America

Highlands and Rainforest

Your 10-day trip starts with an expedition to the Amazon rainforest, uncharted territory that still conceals many secrets to the bold traveller and scientist alike. Embark on a journey that is likely to change the way you see nature and your place within it. Immersed in the evergreen jungle, amidst ... Read More

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MathiasIsabelPaolaLinda

By Mathias, Isabel, Paola and Linda

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

Tour Leader

starting point

Quito

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Skiing/Snowboarding

Kayaking

Cycling

Outdoors & Nature

Adventure

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Ride on the system of jungle rivers in canoes to spot wildlife

2

Discover the primary rainforest with your naturalist guide

3

Stunning views of the Devil’s Cauldron

4

Hike the majestic Cotopaxi volcano in the Andes

Itinerary

Mid-Range Accommodation expand_more

Day 1

place Transfer to Papallacta - hot springs

Upon arrival at Quito airport your driver will already be waiting to pick you up. Papallacta Hot Springs is our next destination. Papallacta is known for its therapeutic power and is a natural spring that comes from volcanoes Cayambe and Antisana, the latter being seen making its way into the spring on a clear day. Take a soothing dip in one of the many pools, or we can schedule a massage (at additional cost) so you can relax after many days of adventure! Overnight at your accommodation

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* hotel
Day 2

place Papallacta - Lago Agrio

In the morning you will get another chance for a swim, before we start our journey into the Amazon rainforest. On the way to Lago Agrio, there will be opportunities for foto stops, for example at Guango or at San Rafael falls. Overnight at your accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* hotel
Day 3

place Lago Agrio - Aguarico River - Cuyabeno River - Rainforest Lodge

Your journey starts with a 2 hour drive from Lago Agrio (9:30am) to “Tierras Orientales” Village at shore of the Aguarico River. Here we will start our fantastic Amazon Rainforest experience by navigating on a motorized canoe downstream along this beautiful white-water river. After approximately 2.5 hours of navigation we will arrive at the mouth of the Cuyabeno River, a small and breathtaking black water river which is a tributary of the Aguarico. During this first relaxing journey we will make a stop for a delicious picnic lunch and if you wish, a refreshing swim. We ́ll continue navigating upstream along the Cuyabeno river to our rainforest lodge (45 min approx.) During this journey we will have great chances of watching wildlife including the legendary pink and the grey Freshwater Dolphins (Inia geoffrensis and Sotalia fluviatilis). Our staff will welcome you with a cold drink before accompanying you to your cabin. At night and before dinner we will take a short hike where it is possible to see giant insects, spiders, snakes and enjoy the fantastic sounds of the night life in the Amazon. Return to the Lodge. Dinner. Overnight: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Reserva de producción de Fauna Cuyabeno
Day 4

place Clay Salt Lick - Primary rainforest hike - canoe ride

Early in the morning we will navigate towards a place called “Saladero” or Salt licks (Clay Licks) where parrots of different species show up in large numbers to get the minerals, they need to help digest toxics they have consumed with their diet. Under favorable conditions and with some luck, we will enjoy this natural spectacle. After breakfast we will start our day with a hike in the marvelous primary Amazon rainforest, one of the most biologically rich places on Earth. Here our experienced naturalist guide will explain to us the use of plants for the native ́s survival. During the walk we will also have a chance to admire the majestic Kapoc (Ceiba Pentandra) a giant tree that towers over the rest of the forest. After the walk we will have time for a refreshing swim. After Lunch it will be a time to relax at the lodge. Late in the afternoon we will navigate slowly up the Cuyabeno River looking for new species of wildlife until the sun sets over a beautiful landscape. In the night and from the motorized canoe we will navigate downstream towards our lodge. On the way we will search for wildlife which include night birds, Snakes, Bats, Caimans, Frogs and more. Return to the Lodge and Dinner. Overnight: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Reserva de producción de Fauna Cuyabeno
Day 5

place Paddling expedition - Traditional lunch - Chocolate making - Aguas Negras River

After breakfast we will explore downstream of the Cuyabeno river by paddling canoe. During this quieter and enjoyable journey, you will have excellent chances of spotting wildlife including parrots and Macaws, Herons, Egrets, Toucans and many other different species of birds. With some luck we will see some of the 10 species of Monkeys that live in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Return to the lodge . Today for lunch we will enjoy “Maito”, a typical delicious traditional Kichwa meal. The Maito is an Amazonian dish that consists of a wrap of fish meat; vegetables such as palmito, chontaduro (fruit of the palm); fish and vegetables are seasoned with salt and wrapped in bijao leaves (llaki panga ). After lunch we will make our own chocolate using dry Cocoa beans, first we will roast them then our next step in chocolate making is to grind the roasted beans to obtain a delicious homemade chocolate. In the afternoon and by motorized canoe we will navigate towards the “Aguas Negras River” to explore this beautiful black water river. At night we will take a second short hike to enjoy the night life in the Amazon. Return to the Lodge. Farewell Dinner. Overnight: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Reserva de producción de Fauna Cuyabeno
Day 6

place Visit to Secoya commuity - Aguarico River - Lago Agrio - Archidona

Early in the morning we will go for a walk-in primary forest with good chances of watching fantastic wildlife. After breakfast we will navigate slowly downstream along the Cuyabeno River towards Aguarico River. Once on Aguarico we will navigate upstream to Tierras Orientales located at the shore of the river. During the way we will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch with a Secoya Native family. From Tierras Orientales our car will drive us back to Lago Agrio and from there to Archidona for an overnight stay at a lodge. Overnight at your accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* hotel
Day 7

place Pailón del Diablo Waterfall & Casa del Árbol Swing - Baños

We start the day by visiting the nearby reserve to see the Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron), a raging cascade tucked between canyon walls. From the parking lot, you have to walk approx. 15 minutes downhill; the return will be a bit longer as you walk uphill. In the afternoon, we will head to the famous Casa del Árbol, the “Swing at the End of the World”. Dare yourself to take the ride and fly high over the trees and into the clouds! Overnight at your accommodation

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* hotel
Day 8

place Hike to the Glaciers of the Cotopaxi Volcano - Quito

We are ready to take up our next challenge: ascending the glacier Cotopaxi glacier! Our day begins with a calming cup of coca tea, which helps to prevent altitude sickness, according to locals, while taking in the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park in our surroundings. Afterward, we will reach the trail where we can go from about 15,000 to almost 17,000 feet! This is not a technical climb, but it can take about two hours due to its steepness. We arrive in Quito in the late afternoon Overnight at your accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* hotel
Day 9

place Urban Bike Tour - Middle of the World

Today is calling for a bit of action! You’ll be heading into the northern neighborhoods of Quito this morning. This approx. 4-hour bike tour leads you through La Floresta, Carolina Park and Iñaquito to explore urban art, architecture and local flavors. A different tour than usual, but a great way to get to know Ecuador’s capital even better! In the afternoon you will get to know the Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) monument. Overnight at your accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Mid-Range Accommodation: 3* hotel
Day 10

place Transfer to Quito Airport & Departure

Time flew by way too fast, so now it’s already time to say goodbye. On time for your international flight, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and accompany you to Quito Airport. We hope that you have had an unforgettable time in Ecuador and that you will visit us again one day!

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Reserva de producción de Fauna Cuyabeno
  • 3* hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (9)
  • Lunch (5)
  • Dinner (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Spanish-speaking private transfers at Airport Quito - Papallacta - Lago Agrio - Archidona

Activities expand_less

  • Shared activities in the rainforest in small groups (maximum 16 participants).

Extras expand_less

  • Certified English-Speaking Guide during activities
  • Private English-speaking guide and transportation day 7 through day 9
  • Water
  • Entry fees to activities according to itinerary

Not Included expand_less

  • International or domestic flights
  • Personal expenses such as tips.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory) and PCR test.
  • Optional activities.
  • Any other meals, drinks, and/or services not mentioned in the program.

About Mathias

TEAM LEAD

+3 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 5 (2 reviews)

Expertise: 

Cycling

Kayaking

Hiking

Rafting

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Indigenous culture

Outdoors & Nature

Food & Drink

Ever since I first visited South America 15 years ago, I was enchanted by the heartliness of its people, and the beauty of the landscapes. In 2014 I settled in Ecuador and I've been organizing unforgettable trips for our guests since then.

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By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

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We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,059.00 USD