MINIMUN 2 PEOPLE

 

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN QUITO

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

Private airport transfer to your hotel in Quito.

Depending on your arrival time and how you feel after the flight, we can include a short and relaxed visit to Quito's historic center.

DAY 2 PULULAHUA CRATER – MINDO

After breakfast, private transportation toward the northwest of Quito.

Visit Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, including viewpoints over the spectacular volcanic crater.

Then continue to Mindo, located in the cloud forest.

Depending on your interests, we can include some of the following:

• Cloud forest
• Hummingbirds
• Butterfly farm
• Chocolate experience
• Short forest walks
• Waterfalls

Overnight: Mindo

 

DAY 3 –MINDO

Hummingbird Garden

Our first stop is the beautiful Hummingbird Garden, one of Mindo's most popular birdwatching attractions.

Here, you'll have the opportunity to observe a remarkable variety of hummingbirds feeding from flowers and natural feeders. Depending on the season, you may spot more than 20 different species, as well as toucans, tanagers, and many other birds native to the cloud forest.

This peaceful setting offers outstanding opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

Visit duration: 30 to 45 minutes.

 

Mindo Butterfly Farm

Next, we'll visit the famous Mindo Butterfly Farm, where you'll discover the fascinating life cycle of tropical butterflies.

Walk through a beautiful enclosed butterfly garden where hundreds of colorful butterflies fly freely among lush plants and flowers. You'll also learn about the different butterfly species, their reproduction, feeding habits, and their important role in the cloud forest ecosystem.

This is a wonderful experience for both adults and children and one of the best places to capture unforgettable photographs.

Visit duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

 

Artisan Chocolate Factory

Our next stop is a renowned Artisan Chocolate Factory, where you'll discover the complete process of producing authentic Ecuadorian chocolate.

During your visit, you'll learn about:

The history of Ecuador's world-famous fine aroma cacao.

Cocoa cultivation and harvesting.

Fermentation and drying processes.

Roasting and grinding the cocoa beans.

Traditional artisan chocolate production.

At the end of the tour, you'll enjoy a delicious chocolate tasting featuring different varieties made from premium Ecuadorian cacao. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase locally made chocolate products.

Visit duration: 45 to 60 minutes.

Lunch

After the morning visits, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of Mindo's local restaurants.

Choose from a wide variety of Ecuadorian cuisine, international dishes, vegetarian meals, and local specialties.

Lunch is not included.

Mindo Cable Car (Tarabita)

After lunch, we'll head to one of Mindo's most iconic attractions: the Mindo Cable Car (Tarabita).

This exciting cable car crosses the cloud forest over a deep valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.

Once on the other side, you'll have the opportunity to walk along scenic nature trails leading to several beautiful waterfalls while enjoying the incredible biodiversity and peaceful sounds of the cloud forest.

Those who wish may visit one or several waterfalls before returning via the cable car.

Estimated visit time: Approximately 2 hours.

Before returning to Quito, you'll have time to explore the charming town of Mindo, shop for handcrafted souvenirs, locally grown coffee, artisan chocolate, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Return to Quito

At the scheduled time, we'll begin our comfortable drive back to Quito.

15:30 Return to Quito

22:00 Arrival in Quito and transfer to the Hotel

 

DAY 4-MOJANDA LAKES – CUICOCHA – OTAVALO

This day combines two of the places you specifically mentioned.

Morning visit to Lagunas de Mojanda, a beautiful high-altitude Andean lake system.

We then continue toward Cuicocha Crater Lake, located inside the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve.

There will be time for viewpoints and, if weather and your fitness level allow, a short walk around the crater.

Return to Otavalo.

Overnight: Otavalo

 

DAY 5 OTAVALO

Visit Otavalo and its famous indigenous market.

Highlights:

• Plaza de los Ponchos.
• Traditional handicrafts.
• Indigenous culture.
• Local communities.

Overnight:Quito

 

 

DAY 6 – ANTISANA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE & PAPALLACTA

After breakfast, departure toward the Antisana Ecological Reserve, one of Ecuador's most spectacular high-altitude ecosystems.

Highlights:

• Antisana Volcano views.
• Condors, if lucky.
• Wild horses.
• Andean wildlife.
• Mica Lagoon.
• Easy family-friendly walks.
• Spectacular páramo landscapes.

Overnight: Cotopaxi

 

DAY 7 – COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - QUILOTOA & QUILOTOA LOOP

Visit the Cotopaxi area and enjoy the spectacular volcanic landscapes.

Highlights:

• Cotopaxi Volcano views.
• Limpiopungo Lagoon.
• Andean páramo.
• Wildlife observation.
• Short family-friendly walks.

If conditions permit, we will continue toward the José Rivas Refuge area.

After the visit, continue toward the Quilotoa region.

DAY 8 QUILOTOA

After breakfast, visit the spectacular Quilotoa Crater Lake.

Activities:

• Shalala viewpoint.
• Quilotoa viewpoint.
• Short family-friendly walk.
• Indigenous communities.
• Local handicrafts.

For those interested and depending on physical condition:

• Walk along part of the crater rim.
• Mule ride as an optional activity.

Continue toward the northern Andes.

Overnight: Riobamba

 

DAY 9 – CHIMBORAZO VOLCANO

 

 

Arrival at Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve

Upon arrival at the reserve, we will register at the entrance, and our guide will provide an explanation about the ecological importance of this protected area.

During the visit, we will learn about:

• The history of Chimborazo Volcano.
• The geography of the Ecuadorian Andes.
• The páramo ecosystem.
• Native flora and fauna.
• The importance of Chimborazo as the mountain whose highest point is the closest place on Earth to the Sun due to the Earth’s equatorial bulge.

During the tour, it is common to observe wildlife such as:

• Vicuñas.
• Andean foxes (occasionally).
• Páramo rabbits.
• High-Andean birds.

There will be several stops to take photographs of the impressive Andean landscapes.

Ascent to Carrel Refuge

We will continue by vehicle to the parking area at Carrel Refuge, located at 4,850 meters (15,912 feet) above sea level.

From this point, we will begin the hike toward Edward Whymper Refuge, following a high-altitude trail surrounded by volcanic landscapes.

Hike to Edward Whymper Refuge (Optional)

The hike takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the group’s pace and acclimatization to the altitude.

The trail features volcanic terrain and moderate inclines, so we will walk slowly and take short breaks to enjoy the scenery.

During the ascent, you will be able to admire:

• Impressive volcanic landscapes.
• Rock formations.
• Extensive páramo landscapes.
• The Chimborazo glacier.
• Panoramic views of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Arrival at Edward Whymper Refuge

Upon reaching 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level, we will arrive at the historic Edward Whymper Refuge, which has been used by mountaineers from around the world as a resting point before attempting to reach the summit of Chimborazo.

Here you will have time to:

• Enjoy a hot drink or snack (subject to availability).
• Take photographs.
• Admire the Chimborazo glacier.
• Enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Our guide will explain the history of Edward Whymper, the first mountaineer to successfully summit Chimborazo, as well as the geographical importance of the volcano.

Optional Hike to the Glacier Viewpoint

For those who are well acclimatized and wish to enjoy an even more exciting experience, it is possible to continue hiking for approximately 20 additional minutes to the Glacier Viewpoint, located at around 5,100 meters (16,732 feet) above sea level.

From this point, you will be able to see the permanent ice of Chimborazo up close and enjoy spectacular views of the volcano.

This activity will depend on:

• Weather conditions.
• Trail conditions.
• The physical condition of the group.

Descent to Carrel Refuge

After enjoying the high-altitude experience, we will begin our descent toward the parking area.

During the journey, we can make additional stops to observe wildlife and take photographs of the incredible landscapes.

Lunch Not Included

Return to Baños de Agua Santa

After a day filled with nature, adventure, and culture, we will begin our journey back to Baños de Agua Santa.

During the return journey, you can relax while once again enjoying the spectacular landscapes of the Ecuadorian Highlands.

Estimated arrival time: 7:00 p.m.

 

DAY 10 – BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA

After breakfast, continue toward Baños de Agua Santa.

Along the famous Route of the Waterfalls, visit:

• Agoyán Waterfall.
• Manto de la Novia.
• Río Blanco.
• Pailón del Diablo.

The family will have the opportunity to enjoy the waterfalls and surrounding landscapes.

Optional adventure activities can be added depending on age and interests.

Casa del Arbol

Today is dedicated to discovering some of Baños' most beautiful landscapes.

Visit:

• Casa del Árbol.
• Swing at the End of the World.
• Panoramic viewpoints.
• Pastaza Canyon.

Optional activities for adults or older children:

• Zipline.
• Canopy.
• Other adventure activities.

The day will be adapted to the family's preferred pace.

Overnight: Baños

 

DAY 11 –BAÑOS – PUERTO MISAHUALLÍ – JUNGLE LODGE

After breakfast, private transportation toward the Amazon region.

The journey takes us through the spectacular Ecuadorian Andes before descending gradually into the Amazon basin.

We continue toward Puerto Misahuallí and then to the jungle area where the lodge is located.

Upon arrival at Suchipakari Amazon Lodge & Jungle Reserve, we check into our accommodation surrounded by tropical forest.

13H00 – 14H30 | Lunch & Welcome
Arrival at Suchipakari Amazon Lodge and welcome lunch surrounded by the Ecuadorian rainforest.

 

Ecological Jungle Walk | Giant Ceibo Tree & Medicinal Plants

Get ready with rubber boots and venture deep into the jungle alongside our native bilingual guides (Spanish & English), experts in Amazonian wildlife and ancestral knowledge.
During the walk, you will explore muddy rainforest trails, discover native flora and fauna, listen to the sounds of birds and monkeys, and learn about the traditional use of medicinal plants used by local communities for generations.

 

River Tubing Experience | Pusuno River

Enjoy an exciting tubing adventure from our private sandy beach on the Pusuno River. Equipped with a life jacket and helmet, you will float downstream surrounded by pristine rainforest landscapes while enjoying the refreshing waters of the Amazon. After the activity, return to the lodge and enjoy the facilities.

 

19H30 | Dinner

 

Night Walk Experience

20H30 | Guided Night Excursion
As darkness falls, the rainforest comes alive. Equipped with flashlights, we head into the jungle in search of nocturnal wildlife such as frogs, insects, tarantulas, bats, owls, snakes, caimans, and nocturnal monkeys.
An unforgettable sensory experience where the sounds of the Amazon become the main attraction.

 

DAY 12 : BREAKFAST | NAPO RIVER EXPEDITION | AMAZON ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER | KICHWA COMMUNITY | BOX LUNCH | ANACONDA ISLAND | CAIMAN SPOTTING | DINNER

08H00 | Breakfast

Napo River Expedition & Cultural Experience

The adventure begins at the Pusuno River port with a motorized canoe ride along the majestic Napo River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River.

Our first stop is the Amazon Animal Rescue Center, home to rescued species such as ocelots, tapirs, parrots, monkeys, and toucans.

Next, we visit Anaconda Island and its wildlife lagoon, where it is possible to observe monkeys, prehistoric birds, and caimans within a unique Amazon ecosystem.

 

Box Lunch & Kichwa Community Visit

Lunch will be served in a local Kichwa community, where visitors will discover ancestral traditions and daily life in the Amazon rainforest.
Activities include:

Traditional cassava chicha preparation

Blowgun practice

Cultural interaction with local families

 

Kichwa Community Visit

To conclude the experience, we visit the community of Ahuano, famous for its traditional pottery craftsmanship and ancestral gold-panning techniques along the riverbanks.

19H30 | Dinner & Overnight

 

DAY 13: BREAKFAST | MONKEY BEACH | KAWANA WILDLIFE RESERVE | KICHWA COMMUNITY | BOX LUNCH | WATERFALL TRAIL | DINNER

08H00 | Breakfast

Amazon Exploration & Waterfalls

After breakfast, we begin an adventure through several natural attractions surrounding the lodge.

Our first stop is Umbuni Waterfall, a hidden jungle paradise perfect for swimming and relaxing in the middle of nature.

We then continue to Monkey Beach and a nearby Kichwa community, where guests will learn about local traditions and enjoy natural pools and jungle landscapes.

 

Kawana Wildlife Lagoon

The experience continues with a paddle canoe exploration through the Kawana Wildlife Lagoon, a peaceful ecosystem surrounded by lush vegetation and incredible biodiversity, ideal for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

Return to the Lodge

After the excursions, return to the lodge to relax and enjoy the facilities.

19H30 | Dinner & Overnight

 

DAY 14: BREAKFAST | CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE | CHECK-OUT

08H00 | Breakfast

Chocolate Route Experience

Discover the fascinating artisanal process of Amazonian cacao production. During this interactive workshop, guests will learn how chocolate is traditionally prepared by local communities, from roasting the cacao beans to tasting freshly made chocolate paired with tropical fruits.

After the activity, guests will have time to prepare for check-out and farewell to the Amazon rainforest.

Afterward, continue by private transportation toward the next destination of your Ecuador itinerary.

Overnight: Quito

End of services.

 

DAY 15 –QUITO

Early breakfast.

Transfer to the airport.