Ecuador: Andes to the Amazon

Upon arrival to Quito International Airport, a private taxi will take you to your colonial hotel located within the historic district of old town Quito (approx. 1 hour).

Quito, Ecuador’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect introduction to Ecuador’s rich culture and history. Sitting high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 9,350 feet, this ancient Incan city is now the country’s bustling epicenter, boasting 2.6 million people. With its well-preserved colonial center, tourists and locals alike enjoy roaming its narrow streets for a mix of 16th-century historic attractions, modern-day shops and upscale restaurants.

Start acclimatizing to Ecuador’s high altitude with an easy half-day walking tour of Quito’s historic sites. Your guide will greet you for a morning stroll through the Main Plaza, where you will see the Government Palace, La Compañía, San Francisco Monastery, and some of the oldest and most important sites built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Shift from sights to smells with a cocoa tour and chocolate tasting at the Republica del Cacao, a producer of the world’s finest chocolate. The final stop will be the tour of “Panecillo” where you will admire the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo and spectacular views of Quito.

After lunch, pack your bags for a private transfer up to your first night’s stay within the Andean Highlands.

Quito City Tour: 4 Hours

Begin with a transfer up to the Cotacachi Visitor Center and today’s stunning hike (approx. 30-minute drive). 

Take a peek in the visitor center for information about the Cotacachi volcano, local life and regional flora and fauna. When you’re ready, follow the dirt trail counterclockwise along the rim for a spectacular loop around Cotacachi Crater lake. Soak in fantastic views of the volcano, caldera and colorful wildflowers. At the end of your hike, your taxi will be waiting to take you back to Casa Mojanda for another night of relaxation in the mountains.

Ascent/Descent: +1631/-1582ft.

Meet your guide and follow the footpath down from Casa Mojanada to the famous Otavalo market, or Plaza de Ponchos. With textiles and handicrafts made by nearby villagers, the market is a unique cultural experience. Take some time to roam, admire and purchase hand-made jewelry, llama-wool apparel and embroidered blankets.

In the afternoon, trek from Otavalo to the Peguche waterfall, a beautiful 50-foot waterfall and indigenous ceremonial site, where shaman rituals are still performed. Visit a local weaver and continue hiking to the rural communities above town. Walk among local residents as you continue along the Imbabura foothills, enjoying stunning views of San Pablo Lake below, to your overnight hacienda.

Hike: Casa Mojanda to Otavalo Market: 4 miles (+3/-1060ft., 2 Hours)

Hike: Otavalo Market to San Pablo del Lago: 9.5 miles (+1250/-915ft., 5 Hours) 

Today, transfer to the small town of Cochas to make your way across cobblestone paths and fertile soil to the elegant town of Zuleta. Behold the colorful patches of greens, yellows and browns (or quinoa, lentils and fava beans), that make up this quilted countryside. The majestic Cayambe volcano towers in the distance with its snowcapped peaks and jagged edges. Enter the quiet town of Zuleta, passing by local embroidery shops, on your way to Hacienda Zuleta, your lodging for the evening.

Ascent/Descent:+190/-1030ft.

Hacienda Zuleta is a stunning 17th-century hotel and working farm of former president Galo Plaza Lasso and his family. Make this day your own by choosing from the wide range of activities this property boasts. If you desire a leisurely day, enjoy a tranquil afternoon of roaming the hallways and library full of collected relics and photographs. Or stroll the gardens, cheese factory or farm to lend a hand in milking a cow.

Partake in an unforgettable walk to view condors at the Condor Husai, an on-property rehabilitation center for endangered Andean condors. Make sure to traverse the numerous other hiking trails that scatter the area for chances to see speckled bears or exotic bird species. Other activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, cooking classes, embroidery and carriage-rides.

Enjoy another home-cooked late lunch before taking off in your private taxi back to Quito.

Feel free to extend your stay if you desire more time to explore Hacienda Zuleta, its beautiful grounds and inviting atmosphere.

This morning, transfer from your hotel to Quito International Airport and the domestic departures. After a forty-five minute domestic flight from Quito to Coca, a staff member will greet you upon arrival. Embark on an enchanting 2.5-hour boat ride on the Napo River and admire the amazing biodiversity surrounding the river banks.

The journey continues with a brief walk, paddle canoe and motorized canoe ride across the beautiful Challuacochoa blackwater oxbow lake to Sani Lodge.

After getting settled in, take a short hike on nearby trails to get acquainted with the sights, smells and sounds of the Amazon jungle. With chances of seeing 13 species of primates, uncommon amphibians and extraordinary flora, this walk forecasts the richness of the Amazon ecosystem. Return to the lodge for dinner before heading out to the lagoon for an evening canoe ride. Learn about the region while paddling in search of nocturnal wildlife, and glowing eyes, amongst the darkness. Tonight, enjoy a well-deserved rest and recapture of your day’s events at the lodge.

Set out for a full day of guided hiking within the Yasuni jungle. Keep a lookout for impossibly small species of frogs and insects below while searching for larger animals in the forest canopy high above. Learn about medicinal plants and hone your survival and hunting skills by testing a blowgun, a tool still used in the area today.

Make your way to the lagoon to set out on kayaks for an afternoon of recreational paddling, with a stop at the Sani Lodge’s observation tower. Sitting atop a 108ft staircase and giant tree (named God’s Hand tree) within the forest canopy, this wooden observatory is an incredible way to view wildlife from an entirely different perspective. Keep your eyes peeled for 565 registered species of birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, sloths and other exotic species difficult to see from the ground.

Enjoy another delicious dinner before retiring for the night.

Depart to Yasuni National Park for a deep-dive into the Amazon jungle. This 9,620-square kilometer park is Ecuador’s largest mainland park and a designated UNESCO international biosphere reserve. The park was untouched by the last ice age, resulting in a thriving and diverse pool of species and one of the last true wildernesses in Ecuador.

Support a local community’s women’s project and turtle breeding work during a Sani community visit. Take part in a cooking class in preparation of your lunch for a very special bonding opportunity. Your cultural exchange and exploration continues with a short hike following the “camino vecinal” (local walk). Learn about architecture, agriculture and how plants in the rainforest directly impact the daily life and health of native tribes.

Return to the lodge for dinner and an optional night walk to view a myriad of snakes, spiders and frog species.

After breakfast, make your way back to Coca for a return flight back to Quito International Airport, the end of your journey. As you head back up the Napo River, learn about some of the challenges that local communities and ecotourism face today to keep the Amazon and surrounding region preserved.

If you’d like to extend your stay, we can book extra nights for you in Quito.