Des Andes à l’Amazonie – 14 jours

A 14-day tour that will take you from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest.
Highlights of this Andean journey include: a visit to Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the indigenous markets of Otavalo and Saquisilí, the high-altitude lagoons of Cuicocha and Quilotoa, the Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Antisana volcanoes, the high plateaus, and the majestic Andean condors. We will conclude our trip with a unique experience in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Itinerary :

Day 1 : Colonial Quito – Middle of the World

Visit to Quito’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Middle of the World monument. Accommodation in Quito.

Day 2 : Quito – Remains of Cochasquí – San Pablo lake – Otavalo

We will travel to the province of Imbabura. On the way, we will visit the pyramids of Cochasqui. Check-in at your hotel in Otavalo, and then we will visit the community of Peguche, its waterfall and artisans, followed by Lake San Pablo where we can admire beautiful landscapes and rural scenes. Accommodation in Otavalo.
B

Day 3 : Otavalo market – Cuicocha lagoon – Lasso

Visit to the traditional and artisanal market of Otavalo. Departure for Lake Cuicocha. Excursion around the lake. In the late afternoon, transfer to Latacunga. Accommodation in Lasso.
B

Day 4 : Latacunga – Quilotoa lagoon – Chugchilán

Departure to the community and lagoon of Quilotoa. Descent to the crater (320 m elevation change and 1.7 km trail). Optional mule ride from the crater bottom, back to the community. Hike from Quilotoa to Chugchilán (approximately 4 hours). Accommodation in Chugchilán.
B – L (Box lunch) – D

Day 5 : Chugchilán – Lasso

Hike around the village of Chugchilan. We will ascend the Western Cordillera, following its base and enjoying beautiful views of the Rio Toachi canyon. (3 to 4 hours of hiking). Departure for Lasso, skirting the Illinizas massif. Accommodation in Lasso.
B – L 

Day 6 : Lasso – Saquisilí market – Cotopaxi National Park – Baños

Early departure for the Saquisili market and visit to the livestock market and traditional market (Thursdays only). Continue to Cotopaxi National Park. Ascent to the José Ribas refuge at 4800 m altitude. Hike along the edge of the glacier and stop at Lake Limpiopungo (birdwatching). Departure to Baños. Accommodation in Baños.
B – L (Box lunch)

Day 7: Baños

After breakfast, visit the town of Baños. Excursion to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, crossing the Pastaza River in a tarabita (cable cart), and observation of the active Tungurahua volcano. Accommodation in Baños
B

Day 8 : Riobamba – Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve – Machachi

After breakfast, departure for the Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve. Ascent to the refuge at 5000 m altitude. Approach to the glacier and vicuña observation. Departure to Machachi, a small town located south of Quito. Accommodation in Machachi.
B – L (Box lunch) – D

Day 9 : Antisana reserve – Papallacta hot springs

After breakfast, departure towards the Antisana Reserve to observe condors in their nesting area. Short excursion around La Mica lake. Continue to the village of Papallacta to enjoy the hot springs. Overnight bus to the town of Lago Agrio and the Cuyabeno Bridge, the meeting point to begin your stay in the Amazon.
B – L

Day 10 : Stay in the Amazon rainforest – Cuyabeno Reserve

Canoe trip down the Cuyabeno River (approximately three hours). During the journey, we’ll have a chance to spot parrots, toucans, kingfishers, and other birds. We’ll arrive at the lodge for lunch and some relaxation time, then head out to the lagoon for a beautiful sunset. On the return trip, we’ll look for caimans. Overnight stay in a cabin. L – D

Day 11 : Stay in the Amazon rainforest – Cuyabeno Reserve

After breakfast, we will visit the Siona Sequoya community of Tarapuy, on the banks of the Cuyabeno River, accompanied by our guides who will explain the culture and traditions of this community. We will participate in various activities such as making earrings, necklaces, and Shigras (handbags), as well as preparing Casabe, a traditional cassava flatbread. In the afternoon, we will take a boat trip on the Cuyabeno River to discover the magic of nature, its landscapes, its sounds, and its diverse inhabitants: birds, monkeys, dolphins, sloths, caimans, and many more. Overnight stay in a cabin. B – L – D

Day 12 : Stay in the Amazon rainforest – Cuyabeno Reserve

After breakfast, we’ll take a motorized canoe to explore Laguna Grande, where we can also hike through the primary rainforest to discover the local flora and fauna. Our guides will explain the uses of certain plants, both practical and medicinal, by the local communities. In the late afternoon, before returning to the lodge, we can enjoy a refreshing swim in Laguna Grande while watching the magnificent sunset. We’ll return to the lodge for dinner, followed by an evening excursion to observe caimans. Overnight in a cabin. B – L – D

Day 13 : Stay in the Amazon rainforest – Cuyabeno Reserve

After breakfast, we’ll paddle upstream in a canoe, enjoying the charm of nature, accompanied by our guide who will explain the diverse flora and fauna. We’ll observe butterflies and parrots, and enjoy a completely relaxing atmosphere. We’ll return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a two-hour walk in the primary rainforest, where we’ll have direct contact with a variety of species such as frogs, toads, ants, spiders, insects, and more. We’ll also see a variety of flora, including orchids, heliconias, ceibos (the largest tree in the Amazon), mushrooms, mulberry trees, and more. We’ll return to the lodge for a swim in the river, and after dinner, we’ll enjoy a night walk. The guide will provide a brief overview of everything observed during the visit. Overnight stay in a cabin.. B – L – D

Day 14 : Stay in the Amazon rainforest – Cuyabeno Reserve – Quito

A final excursion at dawn to observe the birds and wildlife, then back to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, we’ll have some time to pack our bags and take them to the boat. We’ll then take a motorized canoe to reach the Cuyabeno Bridge. Return to Quito by bus. Accommodation in Quito. B