This 18 day Family Adventure trip is packed with fun visits and activities that both parents and kids will love! Join us on this private family tour of colonial towns, lush cloud forests, active volcanoes, pristine rainforests, relaxing hot springs, Pacific beaches and learn about the culture of the indigenous people. During this tour you will visit all the highlights of the Andes region of Ecuador, you will spend two nights in the upper Napo area in the Amazon rainforest and you will end the tour on the Ecuadorian coast!
This is a private tour and you can start this tour on every day of the year. You will travel together with an English speaking guide who will also be your driver. In case the group is for 4 or more persons you will have a guide and a driver. Since this tour is private the itinerary is flexible, so you can make any changes you prefer! Accommodation is at tourist class and tourist superior class hotels, haciendas and lodges. This is the perfect tour if you want to visit Ecuador with your children!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival to Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival to Quito we will pick you up from the airport and you will be transferred to your hotel, which is located in the new area of Quito. Overnight at Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
Meals included: -
Day 2: Quito City Tour & Teleferico Cable Car
Together with your English speaking guide you will discover the best Quito has to offer. From your hotel we drive to the Old Town of Quito. We will visit the Basilica, where we will climb into the towers! Than we start our walk at the Plaza Grande where we will see the Presidential Palace, the main Cathedral, and the Independence monument. Than we continue to visit one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America, the Compañía de Jesus church, which façade is carved entirely out of volcanic stone and its interior is completely decorated with gold leaf. Next visit is Plaza Santo Domingo from where we walk through one of the oldest and most historical streets in Quito: La Ronda. At La Ronda artisans practice wood carving, hat making, chocolate making, and more. We will end our walk at Plaza San Francisco where we will visit the San Francisco church, which is the oldest church of Quito (1534). Drive to Panecillo hill where we can see the statue of the Virgin of Quito and a spectacular view of the city. Than we continue to the Teleferico cable car. The cable car will take you up Pichincha (4100 m.), one of the many volcanoes this country has and located just on the west side of Quito. Once there, you will realize that Quito is surrounded by volcanoes. Overnight at Hotel Vieja Cuba or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Quito - Mindo Cloud Forest
In the morning we drive towards Mindo, which is a laid back village located in the cloud forest. On the way we will visit the Equator, which is located 20 km north of Quito. We will visit the Inti Ñan museum where we will learn interesting facts and experiments which are only applicable at the Equator, like balancing an egg on a nail and we will observe the Coriolis forces. After this exciting visit we continue our drive and we will stop at a cloud forest reserve where we will be able to see 10-15 species of hummingbirds at the feeders; including the Collared Inca, the Purple-throated Woodstar, Andean Emerald and the Booted Racket-tail. Upon arrival to Mindo we will do a chocolate tour, where you can see how chocolate is being made and of course you can taste some chocolate as well! We also will visit the butterfly farm. Here you can see the process of metamorphosis of butterflies and even feed butterflies on your hands! Overnight at Sisakuna Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Mindo Cloud Forest
After breakfast it is time for ziplining! We will take you on a journey of 3500 m. throughout the canopy. The different lines are connected by short walking trails. You are accompanied by experienced guides using the best equipment to offer safety and adrenaline during the canopy tour. Afterwards we continue to the tarabita: this is a cable car where you go across the canyon and here it is possible to hike to some waterfalls. The rest of the afternoon you have free time. Overnight at Sisakuna Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Mindo Cloud Forest - Otavalo
Today we drive from Mindo back into the Andean mountains. Our first stop is at Guayllabamba village where we will try the “chirimoya”, which is a local fruit. Then we continue to Cayambe, here you will be able to try the local cheese and bizcochos biscuits. Once we reach Imbabura province we drive to Agato, where we will see master weaver Miguel Andrango. He makes traditional weavings on a back strap loom using handspun wool and natural dyes and products. After this interesting visit we will continue to the famous Indian Market, which is known for its handicrafts, tapestries and textiles. Here you have time to wander around and buy some souvenirs. In the afternoon we visit Peguche, where we will visit a workshop where the local family makes musical instruments. We will also go to the mystical Peguche waterfall; this waterfall is a sacred place for the indigenous people. Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Otavalo - Papallacta Hot Springs
After breakfast we drive to the Cuicocha Crater Lake, where we will do a boat ride on the lake. Than we continue to the Condor Park which is a bird sanctuary and we will be able to see a flight demonstration. In the afternoon we drive to the Papallacta Hot Springs, where we will spend the night. Here you can bath and relax in the hot springs; outside your room you will find several pools fed by natural springs heated by the nearby Antisana volcano with temperatures between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius. The open air thermal pools have various benefits and these waters will relax your body. Overnight at Termas de Papallacta or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Papallacta Hot Springs - Tena
We drive from Papallacta into the Amazon region of Ecuador, until we reach the Arajuno Bridge. From here we will take a motorized canoe that goes upriver for 20 minutes to begin our great experience in the rainforest. On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest traveling along a river that flows in a zigzag through the jungle like a giant snake. Once we get to the pier area of the Itamandi Lodge, the staff will welcome you. From there we will continue to relax in the lounge with a fresh tropical snack and a brief briefing that will contain the general information about the accommodation and activities, provided by one of our naturalist guides. In the evening we will do a night walk, which allows you to hear and see the nocturnal sounds of fishermen bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas and frogs. If the sky is clear, we might have the opportunity to observe a lot of stars. Overnight at the Itamandi Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Tena
Early in the morning we take a canoe ride for 15 minutes upriver to visit the parrot clay lick, which is a unique place where parrots and parakeets meet in order to get the minerals that will help them digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and then descend to the clay wall to eat this mineral-rich land. It is essential to have binoculars to enjoy this magnificent natural act. We will then return to the lodge to have breakfast. Afterwards we will do a hike through the primary and secondary forest. This activity lasts about 2.5 - 3 hours. In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and teach us about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. Part of our visit to the community is to share the famous "chicha", a fermented cassava beverage that has become part of their holiday and daily consumption. We will participate in the preparation of this drink and try some of the traditional dishes. We will finish the visit with a traditional dance made by the children of the community and also have time to buy some handicrafts made by the natives of the area. Overnight at the Itamandi Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9: Tena - Baños
After breakfast we will take the motorized canoe ride for 20 minutes back to the Arajuno Bridge. From here we drive towards Baños, located at the foothills of the active Tungurahua Volcano and surrounded by beautiful green mountains. On the way we will visit the Road of Waterfalls, with beautiful scenic views. We hike to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, which is the most impressive waterfall in the area. After this you can do the Superman or watch or do puenting, which is bungee jumping from a bridge (optional). Than we stop at Manto de la Novia waterfall, where we go across the Pastaza river canyon in a cable car. We will also go to La Casa del Arbol, which is the famous “swing at the end of the world”. When it is clear you will be able to enjoy a view of the Tungurahua Volcano. Overnight at Hotel La Floresta or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Baños
Today you have a free day to enjoy Baños. It is also possible to go rafting in the Pastaza River (with level III or III/IV rapids), to do a canyoning excursion or to go to the pools of the Luna Volcan Adventure Spa, from where you have an amazing views over Baños (optional activities). Overnight at Hotel La Floresta or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11: Baños - Chimborazo Reserve - Guamote
From Baños we drive to the Chimborazo Reserve. The Chimborazo Volcano is the highest mountain of Ecuador, having an elevation of 6310m. From the parking lot we will hike to the refuge, which is located at 5000m. In the Chimborazo reserve we also can observe wild vicuñas, a relative of the llama. Afterwards we drive towards Guamote, a small village located in the beautiful Andean mountains. Overnight at the Inti Sisa Guesthouse or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: Guamote
On Thursdays you are able to visit the colorful indigenous market of Guamote, which is one of the biggest traditional markets in Ecuador. This is a non tourist market, where the local indigenous come to buy and sell vegetables, fruits, grains, etc. When you are in Guamote on other days you can visit the communities near Guamote and learn more about their culture. It is also possible to do a cooking class, where you will learn how to make empanadas! Overnight at the Inti Sisa Guesthouse or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13: Guamote - Devil´s Nose Train - Cuenca
In the morning we drive from Riobamba to Alausi. In Alausi, you will start the Devil´s Nose train ride. During the ride you will be able to observe the famous switchback on the Devil´s Nose mount. After the train ride we drive further south to Ingapirca, where we will discover this Inca-Cañari archaeological site. After this interesting visit we continue our drive to Cuenca, which is the third most important city of Ecuador. Overnight at Hotel Posada del Angel or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14: Cuenca
After breakfast we will do a walking tour to see the Old Town of Cuenca. We will visit the New Cathedral with its beautiful blue domes, the colorful flower market, and we will see a Panama hat shop. We will continue to the "Barranco" neighborhood with its colonial style terraced houses located next to the Tomebamba River and we go to the 10 de Agosto local market, where you can observe all kinds of fruits, vegetables and local food stalls. You have the rest of the afternoon free time to wander around Cuenca. Overnight at Hotel Posada del Angel or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15: Cuenca - Puerto Lopez
Today we will see beautiful landscape changes while driving from Cuenca to Puerto Lopez, a small fishermen´s town on the Ecuadorian coast. First we will pass Cajas National Park, which is located around 4000m. From here we descend to the coast region of Ecuador. During the ride we will see incredible changes from the Andes to cloud forest and then finally the coast plateau where we see rice fields, banana and cocoa plantations. Upon arrival to Puerto Lopez you can explore the town on your own. Overnight at Hosteria Mandala or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 16: Isla de la Plata
Today you will go by speedboat (1.5 hours) to Isla de la Plata, which is also known as poor man´s Galapagos. From June to September you can watch humpback whales while navigating towards Isla de la Plata. Humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to tropical waters to give birth to their calves, because they need to be born in a warm environment since they are born with a thin isolating layer. You will arrive to Isla de la Plata (Drake Bay) and after landing you start the hike around the island for approximately 3 hours. You will see blue-footed boobies, red-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigate birds and albatross (from April to October). After this hike you will return to Drake Bay where the boat is waiting for you to take you to the snorkeling place, here you can see colorful tropical fishes and sea turtles. Overnight at Hosteria Mandala or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch
Day 17: Puerto Lopez - Guayaquil
In the morning you will be able to see the fishermen come in and unload their catch, while the air is full of frigate birds and pelicans trying to grab the fish! An optional activity is visiting Los Frailes, which is the most beautiful beach of the mainland of Ecuador, and Agua Blanca. Agua Blanca is a pre-Columbian archeological site from the Manteño culture and there is also a natural sulfur lagoon; the minerals and mud are good for your skin. At the Agua Blanca site you have the chance to see howler monkeys, butterflies, hummingbirds and local flora like ceibo trees. Both Los Frailes and Agua Blanca are located in the Machalilla National Park. In the afternoon we drive back to Guayaquil, which is the biggest city of Ecuador with 3 million inhabitants. Upon arrival we will walk to the Iguana Park, where we can see many iguanas. Overnight at Grand Hotel Guayaquil or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 18: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport of Guayaquil for your flight back home.
Meals included: Breakfast
• 4 persons: USD 3189 p.p.
• 3 persons: USD 2880 p.p.
• 2 persons: USD 3572 p.p.
• Children until 11 years receive a 10% discount
• This tour includes accommodation at Tourist and Tourist Superior Class hotels. Contact us for for the price of this itinerary including First Class hotels or let us know if you want to add some days / activities or if you want to do just a part of this tour.
• Accommodation at hotels/lodges mentioned or similar
• Private transfers to/from the airports
• Private transportation
• English speaking guide
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Activities as mentioned in the itinerary
• All entrance fees to the mentioned sites, museums and national parks
• Devil´s Nose train ticket
• Meals not mentioned
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Additional activities, spa treatments, etc.
• This tour can be adapted to your wishes and preferences.
• This itinerary includes accommodation at Tourist and Tourist Superior Class hotels. Contact us for for the price of this itinerary including First Class hotels or let us know if you want to add some days / activities or if you want to do just a part of this tour.
• The operator reserves the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather, National Park regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances.
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