Ecuador Active Discovery (Lake, Highland, National Parks & Amazon) 10D9N

Arrive in Ecuador’s vibrant capital, Quito, nestled high in the Andes at an elevation of 2,800 metres (9,186 feet) above sea level. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with your English-speaking guide and transferred to your accommodation for the night.

You’ll stay at the charming boutique hotel, Hotel Mama Cuchara, a beautifully renovated Spanish colonial building conveniently located in the city centre. Spend time unwinding in style at Hotel Mama Cuchara, where the True to the Art Hotels brand concept immerses you in a world of creativity and culture. Discover a private art collection, complemented by ever-changing exhibitions of Ecuadorian talent, as a Concierge leads you on a journey through captivating stories and hidden insights. Or, bask in the equatorial sun at the rooftop bar sipping on signature cocktails while soaking in 360° panoramic views of Colonial Quito, offering a truly privileged vantage point from atop La Loma Grande.

Tonight, embark on a culinary journey at the hotel’s intimate restaurant, where a decadent 3-course meal transports you through the diverse flavours of Ecuador. Its gourmet menu reimagines traditional home-cooked dishes, with each course representing the rich ethnic and cultural heritage of a different province.

With your private guide, start your day by exploring Quito’s magnificent old town, the largest and best-preserved historical centre in the Americas, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop is the awe-inspiring Santo Domingo Church, a masterpiece blending Baroque and Neoclassical styles. This church is a treasure trove of art and architecture, designed by Dominican priests and adorned with works from renowned Quito artists such as Bernardo Legarda and Miguel de Santiago.

Next, dive into Ecuadorian culture with a visit to El Caretero, a workshop dedicated to crafting traditional paper and cardboard masks. Each mask is lovingly handmade, using ancient techniques passed down through generations. These vibrant masks reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.

As the day winds down, treat yourself to a chocolate-tasting experience to cap off the day. Ecuador is one of the world’s leading producers of fine-flavour cacao, especially known for the exquisite Arriba Nacional variety. Indulge your pallets with the rich and complex flavours of savoury artisanal chocolates while learning how Ecuador’s unique climate and fertile soils create some of the world’s most coveted chocolate varieties.

After breakfast, embark on a journey with your private guide to the stunning Cuicocha Lagoon in Ecuador’s Imbabura Province, about 90 kilometres (56 miles) north of Quito. Nestled in the crater of a dormant volcano, this deep, dark lagoon is home to two small islands that resemble the backs of guinea pigs, giving the lagoon its name, which means "Guinea Pig Lake" in Kichwa. Here, you may savour the lagoon’s serene gaze, hike the crater’s rim for sweeping views, and enjoy a serene boat tour around the mini islands, learning about the area’s volcanic history and unique wildlife inhabitants.

After your time at Cuicocha, head to the remarkable Peguche Waterfall, a 15-metre (50-foot) cascade just outside Otavalo. Fed by San Pablo Lake and originating from the Imbabura Volcano, this waterfall is a natural wonder and holds deep cultural significance for the local Kichwa community. The falls have been a site for purification rituals, especially before the Inti Raymi Festival, a celebration of the sun and harvest on June 21st. The hike to the falls is an exciting expedition on its own. There’s also plenty of opportunities to relax at the picnic areas or take a leap further into the forest where hidden caves and smaller waterfalls make for a befitting short expedition. Amid your adventures, indulge in a delightful three-course lunch at the enchanting La Mirage Hotel.

You’ll stay at Hacienda Pinsaqui, a boutique hotel nestled within a 300-year-old colonial masterpiece, brimming with historic charm. Unwind with a refreshing drink at the historic bar before savouring a local dining affair at the hotel’s restaurant. Savor a dining experience that blends rustic tradition with modern culinary flair, where organic, local, and seasonal ingredients shine. Alongside classic Ecuadorian dishes, the menu features European countryside-inspired recipes, reflecting the cultural fusion that defines this unique space.

Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Otavalo, famous for its rich traditions and colourful markets. Visit the iconic Plaza de Ponchos, where indigenous artisans display a dazzling array of handicrafts and intricate weavings, each piece telling a story of heritage and craftsmanship.

While dream catchers are often rooted in North American lore, their influence has danced down to the southern reaches of Chile, creating a rich intertwining of cultural connections. Fascinatingly, Ecuador reveals echoes of these mystical amulets, with ancient homes adorned by similar artefacts, whispering stories of exchanges between the soaring Eagle of North America and the majestic Condor of the Andes. A short walk from the Plaza de Ponchos brings you to the Nayia Art Workshop, a vibrant outdoor gallery where dreamcatchers of all shapes and sizes sway in the breeze. Inside, you’ll discover the magic of transforming natural materials into talismans that resonate with the spirit of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth), learning how these creations harness positive energy.

Come noon, enjoy a delicious lunch before transferring to the enchanting city of Papallacta, a small town in the Ecuadorian Andes. Papallacta is quite famous for its natural hot springs and you would find no better experience of its healing waters than in the spell-cast Termas de Papallacta - a Spa & resort located in the Andean Mooreland, your home for the night. Famed for its healing hot springs, soothe your mind, body, and soul as you soak in natural thermal baths, unwind in cozy wood-accented rooms, and indulge in wellness treatments. With hiking trails winding through breathtaking landscapes, it's a perfect blend of relaxation and nature's beauty.

Enjoy a delectable dinner at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant on your own tonight where Ecuadorian flavours come alive.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before your private guide transfers you to Antisana National Park, a vast expanse of 120,000 hectares of protected land. Here, dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife - set against the backdrop of the towering Antisana Volcano - await.

Once on site, begin by hiking the páramo, a high-altitude ecosystem teeming with life, where you may spot majestic Andean condors, white-tailed deer, and even the elusive Andean wolf or spectacled bear. Alternatively, you may choose to cycle through the park, experiencing the rugged terrain from a different perspective. The almost magical Paramo de las Almohadillas is quite an intrigue and you will find that this sponge-like grassland does more than provide a perfect habitat for the region’s wildlife.

A little further ahead you’ll come face-to-face with the serene La Mica Lagoon, a sight that will take your breath away. The towering volcanoes and plains are already an ethereal sight to behold, but you’ll find the surrounding peak’s reflection on the lagoon's glassy surface even more soothing.

Return to your hotel for another blissful soak in the hot springs, a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.

Begin your day by savoring a delightful breakfast before embarking on a scenic three-hour transfer to Kuyana Amazon Lodge, where a refreshing jungle beverage greets you upon arrival. After a warm welcome and an overview of your itinerary, settle into your accommodations and prepare for an evening brimming with adventure.

Your journey starts on the enchanting Guitarracocha Trail, named for local legends that echo with the sound of guitars near a tranquil water formation at night. Guided by a naturalist, explore the magical landscape of Kuyana Island, where you can cool off in crystal-clear waters before reaching the Kuyana viewpoint. Here, breathtaking vistas of the Hollín River and lush rainforest await, perfect for capturing unforgettable memories. This moderately challenging trek, rated 2.5 out of 5, typically lasts about 1.5 hours.

As night descends, immerse yourself in the vibrant nocturnal world on a guided nighttime hike, where you’ll encounter fascinating creatures that awaken after dark. This captivating adventure, rated 2.0 out of 5, lasts around one hour, offering a glimpse into the jungle's hidden wonders.

You’ll stay at Kuyana Amazon Lodge, a stunning luxury ecolodge nestled along the serene banks of the Hollín River, promises an authentic jungle experience. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the lodge invites exploration of its magical wilderness through genuine local encounters, vibrant biodiversity, organic cuisine, and thrilling adventure excursions. Enjoy the exclusivity of this retreat, with refreshing dips in a pool filled with pristine mountain spring water or indulge in the Kuyana spa experience, blending ancient techniques with modern practices (spa at own expense).

As evening falls, delight in a dining affair that showcases signature cuisine crafted from fresh seasonal ingredients, capturing the essence of the region. Here, every flavor serves as a gateway to the rich cultural and natural tapestry that surrounds you.

Savor a delectable journey with a mouthwatering breakfast before embarking on a thriling Amazon Safari. Here, a guided tour in a non-motorized canoe takes you to a stunning lagoon teeming with vibrant bird species and playful monkeys in their natural habitat. Then, board a motorized canoe for a journey down the Napo River to an indigenous community. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a traditional dance and invited to explore their unique culture and way of life. This captivating tour is rated 2.5 out of 5 on our difficulty scale, making it accessible to most guests, and typically lasts around six hours.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a sensory exploration of the region's rich culinary heritage. Join our traditional cooking class, where you’ll create and savor a variety of delicious local dishes, including maito and chontacuro. Don’t miss the chance to indulge your sweet tooth by crafting your own chocolate, adding a delightful touch to your culinary adventure.

Your final day in the jungle unfolds with the enchanting melodies of birds heralding a new morning. Begin with a delectable breakfast crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, setting the stage for a day of adventure.

Set out on a guided walk to the breathtaking Ushpayacu Waterfalls, a stunning natural wonder formed by a network of springs and water sources. As you journey through the lush surroundings of Kuyana Amazon Lodge, immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape dotted with cascading waterfalls. Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse array of bird, insect, and animal species that thrive in this vibrant ecosystem. This moderately challenging trek, rated 3.0 out of 5, typically lasts around three hours, offering a memorable farewell to the enchanting Amazon rainforest.

Next, farewell the jungle as you enjoy a private transfer to Quito, where your adventure leads you to the renowned Middle of the World. Here, at "La Mitad del Mundo," a striking monument marks the equatorial line, offering a rare chance to straddle both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Dive into this unique geographic experience as you explore the Intiñan Museum, where intriguing equatorial phenomena await your discovery. Learn about the cultural significance of this iconic site, immersing yourself in the rich heritage and wonders of this remarkable place that sits at the heart of the world.

You’ll stay at an exclusive heritage boutique hotel, Old Town Quito Suites, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Quito.

Arrive at Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Your first hike will be around Limpiopungo Lagoon, located near the base of Cotopaxi. The trail is relatively easy, offering a perfect introduction to the day's activities. It loops around the lagoon, providing breathtaking views of the water surrounding mountains, and the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano in the background.

Following your hike at the lagoon, you'll be guided to the Refugee Parking Area, where another adventure awaits. This time, you embark on a thrilling ascent to the José Rivas Refuge, situated at an altitude of about 4,800 metres (15,748 feet) on the slopes of Cotopaxi. The climb is challenging, with steep ascents and loose volcanic ash underfoot. However, the rewards are plentiful: stunning volcanic landscapes, sprawling Andean vistas, and striking glacial peaks that pierce the sky. Along the way, you may encounter hardy paramo wildflowers, soaring Andean condors, and, if lucky, spot wild horses roaming in the lower plains.

On your final day, enjoy breakfast before checking out. You’ll be transferred smoothly to the airport for your onward flight (or connecting to the Galapagos cruise), where the next chapter of your adventure awaits.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.