Dates: Flexible
*For customized dates, please submit an inquiry requesting desired travel dates.
Price starting from $2499 USD per person
Deposit $500 USD per person
Sample Itinerary
DAY 1 QUITO, Ecuador
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
DAY 2 QUITO/OTAVALO
Drive into the mountainous Andean highlands, stopping for lunch in the village of Peguche. Meet some of the local residents, and learn about the community’s weaving traditions. Continue to Otavalo, surrounded by misty volcanoes, and visit the town’s famous handicraft market—one of the largest outdoor markets in South America. Browse stalls selling colorful local art, textiles, and souvenirs, and try your hand at haggling. Later, settle into your room at a historic hacienda, where we’ll spend the night.
Meals included Breakfast | LunchDAY 3 OTAVALO/PAPALLACTA
Make your way to the village of Papallacta, known for its abundant natural hot springs. En route, visit the home and studio of a renowned traditional weaver, who is working to preserve the indigenous weaving techniques of the Otavalo region. Get a glimpse of the family’s daily life, and observe them at work on the backstrap loom, which has been used in these parts for centuries. Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for an afternoon of relaxation. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools, enjoying stunning mountain views, and indulge in a variety of optional spa treatments.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 4 PAPALLACTA/TENA
Head towards Tena, often called Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon. On the way, we’ll stop at Guango Lodge to explore the property’s cloud forest reserve—home to a plethora of avian species, including more than 10 varieties of hummingbirds. Enjoy lunch in the lodge’s orchid garden, then continue to Misahualli. This charming town is one of the oldest ports in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and harbours a thriving population of capuchin monkeys. Arrive in Tena and board a motorized canoe to our jungle lodge, perched along the banks of the Arajuno River. This evening, embark on a walk into the forest with a naturalist guide, looking out for the Amazon’s nocturnal creatures.
Meals included Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDAY 5 TENA
Depart early by canoe to visit a saladero, or a parrot clay lick. Alongside our naturalist guide, observe brightly colored parrots and parakeets gather here to snack on the mineral-rich clay, which studies suggest aids in digestion and provides an important nutrient supplement. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then take a tour of AmaZOOnico, an animal rescue center that rehabilitates wild creatures that have been victims of illegal trafficking. Later, we’ll visit the home of a local Amazonian family for a unique cultural experience. Chat with your hosts about their traditions and beliefs and learn about everyday life in the jungle; then sit down to a delicious homemade lunch.
Meals included Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
DAY 6 TENA/BAÑOS
Leave the Amazon behind and travel to Baños. This popular resort town is packed with gorgeous landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and—as the name indicates—thermal springs originating from the base of the Tungurahua Volcano. Along the way, stop at Omaere Ethnobotanical Park for a walk with an expert guide, discovering the diverse flora of the region and learning about the indigenous uses of the various plants found there. After arriving in Baños, enjoy free time to stroll through the town; or opt to go horseback riding through the picturesque countryside.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 7 BAÑOS
The day is yours to explore Baños and the surrounding area. Choose to head to the mountains for an invigorating hike, and later soak your tired muscles in one of the town’s thermal springs. Set off on a mountain biking adventure, pedaling past rivers, waterfalls, and delightfully green landscapes; opt to hit the rapids on a white-water rafting excursion; and much more.
Meals included Breakfast
DAY 8 BAÑOS/QUITO
Drive back to Quito, Ecuador’s capital, along the spectacular Avenue of Volcanoes. En route, we’ll venture through Cotopaxi National Park—home to the snowcapped Cotopaxi Volcano, the second highest peak in the country. As you explore this magnificent park, keep an eye out for the resident wildlife, which ranges from condors, foxes, and deer to the vicuna and the endangered Andean puma.
Meals included BreakfastDAY 9 QUITO
Depart at any time.
Meals included Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Otavalo Weaving Lesson, Otavalo
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Amazon Home Experience, Tena
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Visit the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park, Baños
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
Arrival transfer
Overnight in an historic hacienda
Explore the Otavalo handicraft market
Cloud forest reserve visit
Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle excursions
Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels (4 nts), historic hacienda (1 nt), jungle lodge (2 nts), hot springs resort (1 nt) or similar hotels.
Meals 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Allow USD250-325 for meals not included.
TRANSPORTATION
Private van, motorized canoe, walking.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Travel insurance
Visas if required
Gratuities
Immunization
Meals not specifically noted in the itinerary
Beverages unless specified
All international and domestic airfares & airfare taxes
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share first class accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. All payments are nonrefundable. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers and deluxe upgrade are available on request - please inquire.
Please click on link below to view full terms and conditions:
To proceed with booking this event, please complete the Event Registration Form.
*If you want this event to be customized for your private group please submit an inquiry to info@mstravelista.com.