Our 14 day Luxury Experience tour combines sightseeing with comfort! During this tour you will stay overnight at the best first class hotels and haciendas of Ecuador. You will visit the highlights of the Ecuadorian Andes, such as: Quito, the Otavalo market, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Crater Lake, Baños and the Yasuni National Park in the Amazon jungle!
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! Activities at Sacha Lodge are flexible and can be adapted to your interests; please note that you will be combined with other passengers for the activities. Accommodation is at first class hotels and haciendas with a special history and a beautiful location. During this tour you will visit the Andes and the Amazon regions in a comfortable and luxurious way!
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 old town of Quito. Overnight at the ILLA Experience Hotel or similar.
Meals included: -
Day 2: Quito City Tour & Equator
Together with your English speaking guide you will discover the best Quito has to offer! We will visit the Basilica and afterwards 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. 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 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 day we return to your hotel. Overnight at the ILLA Experience Hotel or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Quito - Otavalo
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. 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. We stop at Miralago viewpoint from where we have a view of San Pablo Lake and the Imbabura volcano. 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 the beautiful Hacienda Cusin, a restored 17 century Andean estate or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Otavalo Surroundings
After breakfast we drive to the Cuicocha Crater Lake, where we will do a small hike and a boat ride on the lake. Than we continue to Cotacachi village, which is known for its leather products. It is also possible to visit the Condor Park which is a bird sanctuary where you can see a flight demonstration or to go to San Antonio de Ibarra which is a wood carving town. In the afternoon you can enjoy the surroundings of the hacienda. Overnight at Hacienda Cusin or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Otavalo - Hacienda San Agustin de Callo
Today we drive south through the Avenue of Volcanoes to the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi Volcano is the highest
active volcano in the world (5897m – 19347 ft.) and second highest mountain in Ecuador. We drive towards the ranch, where we start a horseback riding tour through stunning landscapes full of wild horses! Afterwards we drive towards Hacienda San Agustin de Callo, which is built on the site of an Inca palace. Overnight at Hacienda San Agustin de Callo or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park
Once we enter the Cotopaxi National Park we drive to Limpiopungo Lake where we can observe Andean birds like Andean gulls and speckled teals. We will hike and learn about the flora and fauna of this unique paramo area. Than we continue to the parking lot (located at 4500 m. - 14763 ft.), from here we hike to the refuge which is located at an altitude of 4800 m. – 15748 ft. Overnight at Hacienda San Agustin de Callo or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7: Quilotoa Crater Lake - Baños
We drive towards the beautiful turquoise Quilotoa Crater Lake. On the way we will make a stop in Tigua, where we will visit the painting workshop of Alfredo Toaquiza; one of the Indian artists from the region who paints the colorful Tigua paintings on sheep skin. There are also interesting local markets in this area; on Thursdays it is possible to visit the market of Saquisili, on Saturdays we can visit the local market in Zumbahua and on Sundays the local market in Pujili. Here we will see the huge diversity of tropical fruits, vegetables, grains and medicinal plants. We will also stop at the Toachi canyon to take pictures. Upon arrival to the Quilotoa Crater Lake (altitude of 3800 m. - 12467 ft.), you can walk part of the crater rim or you can hike into the crater to the lake and hike back up again, which because of the altitude is a great but challenging walk. It is also possible to go kayaking on the lake. Afterwards we drive towards Baños, located at the foothills of the active Tungurahua Volcano and surrounded by beautiful green mountains. Overnight at Luna Volcan Adventure Spa or similar, which has amazing views over Baños, the Tungurahua Volcano and Llanganates National Park.
Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner
Day 8: Road of Waterfalls
We will visit the Road of Waterfalls, with beautiful scenic views. We stop at Manto de la Novia waterfall, where we go across the Pastaza river canyon in a cable car. After this you can do the Superman or watch or do puenting, which is bungee jumping from a bridge (optional). Than we hike to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, which is the most impressive waterfall in the area. We will also go to La Casa del Arbol, which is the famous “swing at the end of the world”. Overnight at Luna Volcan Adventure Spa or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Dinner
Day 9: Baños - Quito
Free morning to enjoy the pools of Luna Volcan. In the afternoon we drive back to Quito. Overnight at Hacienda Jimenita or similar, located near Quito airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Flight to Coca - Yasuni National Park
Transfer to Quito airport, where you take a 30 minute flight over the Andes to Coca. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and you will enjoy a quick lunch before going to the dock where you will board a motorized canoe for the 2 hour journey down the river, followed by a 30 minute hike through the forest which leads you to lake Pilchicocha. Here you are met by employees of the lodge who will paddle you across the lake to your final destination. Arrival at Sacha Lodge between 3:30 - 4:00 PM and you can go swimming in the Pilchicocha Lake. After dinner there is an exciting night walk to look for nocturnal species or a canoe trip to search for caimans. Overnight at Sacha Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11: Yasuni National Park
Early morning visit to the canopy walkway for literally a spectacular birds-eye view of the forest! The walkway is 36m (94ft) high and 275m (940ft) long and brings you closer to the canopy species than ever before. The rest of the morning is spent hiking on local trails with your naturalist guide who will explain about the medicinal plants and fauna you encounter on route. After lunch at the lodge the afternoon is set aside for more hiking. Overnight at Sacha Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 12: Yasuni National Park
Today we will learn about the native people and their relationship with the forest. We will also hear local legends; the trees where native people believe the spirits of their ancestors live and the mysterious devilman of the forest. We will take a canoe ride around the lake; species that live around the lake include the anaconda, caimans and capuchin and squirrel monkeys. Back at the lodge there is time for relaxation in the hammocks or a swim. In the afternoon we head out for a canoe ride through the flooded part of Amazon forest where if lucky it may be possible to see otters, various species of monkey and sloths. The canoe ride finishes at the canopy tower for birdwatching and a stunning sunset. The return canoe trip is very atmospheric with the chorus of the frogs and caiman eyes in the water. Overnight at Sacha Lodge or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13: Yasuni National Park - Flight back to Quito
Early breakfast and departure from the lodge for an easy walk on the boardwalk to watch monkeys one last time before your final ride by motorized canoe back to Coca. Upon arrival you will be escorted to the airport from where you will take your flight back to Quito. Transfer to Hacienda Jimenita or similar where you will stay overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14: Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Meals included: Breakfast
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Price (2021)
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Included
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Not included
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Additional information
• 3 persons: USD 4342 p.p.
• 2 persons: USD 4680 p.p.
• 1 person: USD 6955 p.p.
• Children until 11 years receive a 10% discount
• This tour includes accommodation at First Class hotels. Contact us for for the price of this itinerary including Tourist Class or Tourist Superior 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.
Andes:
• Accommodation at hotels 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
• Chirimoya fruit tasting
• Local cheese and bizcochos biscuits
• Horseback riding tour in the Cotopaxi National Park
Sacha Lodge:
• Accommodation with private bathroom (hot water)
• Airfare Quito - Coca - Quito
• Transportation Coca - Sacha Lodge - Coca
• All meals (breakfast-lunch-dinner) from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the final day
• Water, coffee and tea
• Excursions
• Bilingual naturalist guide and a native guide
• Rain poncho, rubber boots and life jackets
Andes:
• Meals not mentioned
• Beverages
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Additional activities and spa treatments
Sacha Lodge:
• Visit to native community interpretation center (USD 7.50 p.p. paid locally - optional visit)
• Additional beverages
• Tips
• All other expenses not specified in the tour
• This tour can be adapted to your wishes and preferences.
• This itinerary includes accommodation at First Class hotels. Contact us for for the price of this itinerary including Tourist Class or Tourist Superior 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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