Treasures Of Ecuador

Colonial City Tour & Middle of the World: bustling streets and squares of the largest historical old town in the Americas, a multiethnic, artistic and cultural heritage destination.Visit the “Middle of the world” situated at 0º0’0” latitude.

Visit the well-known indigenous market in Otavalo for an arts and crafts shopping adventure. Visit Peguche known for its weavers, visit a wind instruments workshop, Cotacachi known for the manufacture of leather goods, Cuicocha crater lake. Back to Quito.

We start our trip to Itamandi EcoLodge at the Arajuno Bridge, where we will take a motorized canoe going upstream for 20 minutes to begin our great experience in the tropical forest. On this ride, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest driving along a zigzag river that flows in the jungle like a giant snake, considered the vein system of the Pacha Mama (mother Earth).On arrival check in lodge with a small briefing.

Early in the morning we take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upstream to visit a parrot clay lick ,
We head out for a hike through the primary forest.Visit to Native Community it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. Part of our visit to the community involves the demonstration of the famous “Chicha”, a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivals and daily use. We will take part in the preparation of this beverage and also try some of the local cuisines. We finish the visit with a traditional dance performed by the kids in this community.

We take a 40 min canoe ride downriver to visit the “Isla Anaconda”. We can observe the
prehistoric bird “Hoatzin”, woolly monkeys, squirrel monkeys, just to mention a few. We also visit a family in one of the indigenous communities to learn about their farming habits.AmaZOOnico is not a zoo but a rescue centre for animals of the Amazon in Ecuador. We can observe some animals in their natural environment at close range.

After breakfast we check-out and motorized canoe ride for 20 Minutes to the Arajuno Bridge, drive back to Quito.On arrival Quito Check in at hotel Jw Marriott

Depart south from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi (5,897 m) is the highest active volcano in the world. Despite the altitude, the Park is home to numerous birds and varied plant life, which can be seeing on a light hike. Northeast lies Rumiñahui (4,557 m) and between the two mountains the plain and lagoon of Limpiopungo.

Fly to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be welcomed and transferred to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend. The archipelago is situated at approximately 600 miles off the Ecuadorian mainland, on the Pacific Ocean. Travel time is under 3 hours. San Cristobal is the easternmost island in the Galapagos Archipelago; it’s also one of the oldest islands, geologically speaking.

am. Gardner Bay, Gardner & Osborn Islets (Española)
Spot Galapagos hawks, American oyster catchers, Galapagos doves, hood mockingbirds, 3 species of Darwin finches, yellow Warblers, lava lizards, and marine iguanas.

pm. Suárez Point (Española)

Explore volcanic formations and a riveting wildlife. Besides the sea lion colonies, this is a very important site for bird watching. A major highlight is their mating season, from May through December.

am. Post Office (Floreana)

Continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel which reach their destinations for free. Observe the mocking bird of Galapagos, some species of Darwin’s finches, yellow Warblers, and lava lizards.

pm. Cormorant Point (Floreana)

It features endemic plants such as Scalesia villosa, Galapagos daisies, white sand black mangrove, and holy stick. Spot sea turtles, Blue-footed Boobies and small reef sharks floating along the shoreline in search of food.

am. Cerro Mesa Reserve (Santa Cruz)

Observe numerous endemic plants, 7 subspecies of Darwin’s finches, Vermillion Flycatcher. Impressive view of Baltra, Santiago, Isabela, Santa Fé, Daphne Islands.

pm. Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)

Observe the giant tortoises that are part of the reproduction program and the world’s most famous tortoise, Lonesome George, the last surviving specimen of his species.

am. Daphne

Volcanic tuff cone, formed by successive explosions produced by the mixture of lava and water. Observe Darwin’s finches, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Brown Noddies.Then transfer to Baltra airport to board your flight to back home

Fly back home.