Ecuador: Adventure to the Middle of the World – Volcanoes, UNESCO Cities, Inca Ruins & Amazon Rainforest.

Meet the group at the airport and board our flight to Quito

Upon arrival we will take our private transfer to our hotel. Embarking on a scenic 45-minute drive into the enchanting city of Quito. Upon our arrival and check-in, we can take  some time to immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Quito and explore its captivating cultural offerings. Situated at an astonishing elevation of 9,350 feet (2,850 meters), Quito proudly stands among the highest cities in the world, and its breathtaking views are sure to leave you in awe.

This evening we can take a leisurely stroll through Plaza Foch, a bustling hub known for its lively energy, diverse shopping opportunities, delectable dining options, and fascinating people-watching. As you navigate the charming streets, you’ll encounter an array of local vendors, boutiques, and lively cafes, providing a glimpse into the city’s vibrant and dynamic culture.

Throughout the tour we will be staying in twin rooms but there is an option to have a room to yourself for the trip. If you wish to have a room to yourself for the 13 nights the supplement will be £280 The supplement will be payable at the same time as the balance. 

Overnight Quito – Hotel Ikala or similar

After breakfast we embark on a guided journey of Discovery through Quito’s Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest, most impeccably preserved historical complex in the Americas.

The Quito Cable Car, or Teleférico, offers one of the most spectacular and scenic experiences in Ecuador’s capital. Located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, this cable car ride gives visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Quito and its surrounding valleys.

The ride begins at an altitude of 2950 meters at the base station and climbs up to Cruz Loma, a viewing platform at approximately 4050 meters. The entire ride lasts around 18 minutes, and during this ascent, we will be able to witness an incredible transformation in landscapes from the bustling urban sprawl of Quito to the lush Andean highlands. Cable car tickets are included.

This afternoon an extraordinary adventure awaits as we embark on a visit to the Middle of the World!

Situated approximately 26 Kilometres (16 miles) to the north of Quito, lies the Middle of the World – Mitad del Mundo. This remarkable destination holds a special place in history, as it was here that French scientists conducted groundbreaking research to determine the precise location of the equator line many years ago. We will have the unique opportunity to stand on the equator itself, with one foot planted in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. 

We start our day early from Quito with a scenic drive to the Mashpi Amagusa Reserve, where we will enjoy guided birdwatching and have the chance to spot the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and many other unique cloud forest species. After this immersive experience in nature we continue to the charming town of Mindo, famous for its lush landscapes and incredible biodiversity.

In Mindo, we will explore beautiful waterfalls, visit butterfly sanctuaries, taste artisanal chocolate, and observe hummingbirds in specially designed gardens as well as visiting the Mushroom Interpretation Centre. 

Surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the cloud forest. We will stay overnight in Mindo cloud forest , allowing us to fully enjoy this magical destination at a relaxed pace.

On our free day in Mindo, we can explore this charming cloud forest town at our own pace, spend time relaxing at the hotel, or take a scenic hike to the waterfalls along the Nambillo River. 

The adventure seekers of the group can enjoy zip-lining through the lush canopy or tubing down the Mindo River. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, stroll through the town’s artisan shops, visit a chocolate factory for a tasting tour, or enjoy birdwatching. 

Another option is horseback riding in Mindo’s cloud forest. It is a scenic and tranquil way to explore this unique ecosystem. Guided rides typically follow rural paths, dirt roads, and shallow river crossings near the Río Nambillo. This experience offers a closer and more immersive connection with the region’s biodiversity, as trails wind through lush vegetation and may extend toward the Río Cinto. (additional activity options will be explained to you by the guide and will need to be paid for on the day)

Whatever you choose, Mindo’s natural beauty and biodiversity will make for an unforgettable day!

This morning, we’ll leave the lush cloud forest of Mindo and head to Quito Airport for our flight to Cuenca. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to our hotel for check-in. From there, the afternoon is free for us to relax or start exploring at our own pace. 

Enjoy a gentle stroll through Cuenca’s UNESCO-listed historic centre,  where colonial streets, flower-filled plazas, and elegant churches invite you to linger. Alternatively, you could visit one of the city’s excellent museums, sample local cuisine at a café, or simply unwind at your hotel and soak in the charming atmosphere of this cultural capital.

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary day of exploration as we embark on a journey to Ingapirca, the largest Inca complex in Ecuador. Led by our experienced guide, we will be transported back in time to unravel the fascinating history of this ancient site.

Nestled amidst the majestic Andean landscape, Ingapirca sits at an impressive elevation of 10,498 feet (3,200 meters). Its strategic location offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our exploration. The site was initially inhabited by the Cañari people, who established their settlement here long before the arrival of the Inca civilization. This makes Ingapirca unique, as it showcases the cultural exchange and peaceful coexistence between these two civilizations.

We start our day with a morning transfer from our Cuenca hotel to the airport for  our flight to Quito. Upon arrival, continue with a transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park area, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. The park offers stunning landscapes of snow-capped peaks, highland lakes, and páramo ecosystems, perfect for trekking, wildlife observation, and photography.

Check in to our hotel La Estacion on the slopes of the Corazón volcano in the Machachi Valley 

Where every corner tells its own story, blending nature’s harmony and tranquility with relaxation and entertainment. 

Free afternoon.

Today’s excursion blends gentle hiking with breathtaking volcanic scenery. Start with a walk around Limpiopungo Lake, a tranquil highland lake nestled in the Andean páramo. The trail is easy and scenic, offering reflections of Cotopaxi Volcano on calm waters, opportunities to spot Andean birds, and panoramic views of tussock grasses, wetlands, and distant peaks.

Afterwards, a short drive takes  us to the viewpoint of Cotopaxi, where the volcano rises dramatically above the surrounding moorlands. From here, we can enjoy expansive vistas of small lakes, grazing horses, and the iconic snow-capped cone. It’s an effortless way to immerse in Ecuador’s highland landscapes and capture unforgettable photos without strenuous climbing.

This afternoon we head to Banos, and check in to our hotel for a restful evening. 

The town of Baños, lies in the Tunguragua province just at the foothills of the active Tunguragua Volcano (5023 m). Baños is called the “Gateway to the Amazon” as It’s the last Andean town before reaching the Amazon basin. 

Due to its privileged location, this town offers a great deal of activities. The best known are the hot springs (baños), which we can enjoy in many places around town. 

In the morning, we will visit the iconic Casa del Árbol, the famous “Tree House” perched high above Baños. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, even glimpse Tungurahua Volcano while swinging at the “Swing at the End of the World”, a fun and unforgettable experience.

Baños also has some great scenery with the famous waterfalls that lie a few kilometers down the valley. The best known are “El Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s pot) and “El manto de la Novia” (the bride’s veil), which can be visited by taking a local taxi. The “Tarabita” (Cable-car) to cross over the Pastaza River and on the other side of the valley, it is possible to hike through the orchards and gardens of the local peasants.

There are plenty of options depending on how you feel on the day, maybe just take an easy going day and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Overnight in Baños.

After breakfast, we will travel by land (3 hours), descending through the Pastaza River valley into the Amazon basin, passing through the town of Puyo and continuing parallel to the Andean mountain range until reaching Tena. 

There will be a guided walk through Parque Amazónico La Isla, an excellent introduction to the Amazon rainforest. As we explore the trails, our guide will point out endemic plant species, medicinal herbs, towering trees, and native wildlife, while sharing insights into the region’s rich biodiversity and ecological importance. 

This walk offers great opportunities for nature photography and wildlife observation in a calm and immersive setting. Around midday,  we will check in to our jungle lodge, where we will be welcomed with a refreshing drink upon arrival. After room assignment and a short orientation, we will enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local and regional flavors, prepared with fresh ingredients.

In the afternoon, we will enjoy free time at our leisure, perfect for relaxing in a hammock, exploring the lodge surroundings, taking photos of the rainforest scenery, or simply listening to the sounds of the jungle. As evening approaches, we will gather once again at the lodge to enjoy dinner, rounding out a rewarding first day immersed in the Amazon rainforest.

After an early breakfast, our day begins with a transfer to Punta Barantillo, where we’ll board a motorized canoe tour to visit the Amazon Wildlife Rescue Center. After lunch, we’ll head to Misahuallí to visit the famous monkey beach and relax along its riverside boardwalk. 

In the late afternoon, enjoy a canoe ride through Paikawe Lagoon and a walk through a private reserve before sitting down to a traditional Amazonian dinner. 

The evening concludes with a marshmallow bonfire and a chocolate tasting.

In the morning, we’ll head into the lush Amazon rainforest for an unforgettable experience. Our first stop is the spectacular Yani Waterfall, reached by crossing the powerful Jatunyaku River aboard a traditional tarabita (cable car), a thrilling yet safe way to connect with the region’s local traditions. Once across, we’ll enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, surrounded by tropical vegetation, birdlife, and the sounds of the jungle, until we reach the waterfall. Here, we’ll have time to relax, take photos, and enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters, an invigorating highlight of the day.

Our journey continues to Laguna Azul, a serene and secluded natural pool known for its calm, turquoise-blue waters. This peaceful spot is ideal for a safe and relaxing swim, offering a perfect contrast to the energy of the waterfall. Take time to unwind, cool off, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Amazon before returning, feeling refreshed and connected to nature.

Our day starts with a short walk to the Pimpilala Waterfall, a beautiful place in the cloud  forest near Tena. The trail is calm and tropical, and you can enjoy small pools and clear water along the way.

Our journey continues with a scenic 3-hour drive from Tena into the Andean highlands. The road climbs from tropical rainforest through misty cloud forest before opening into vast páramo landscapes dotted with small lakes. As we approach Papallacta, the cooler mountain air and rising steam from the hot springs will announce our arrival in this peaceful high-altitude village.

Guests can relax in the thermal and swimming pools. Several beauty treatments are available at the spa, including aromatherapy, therapeutic massages, body treatments with mud and clay or chocolate, individual hydro massages, and Turkish baths at the Thermal Cave.

Overnight in the hotel.

After some free time in the morning to enjoy the hotel we will take our private transfer for our flight home. 

If you are not departing on the recommended flight please ensure that your flight is after 19.00 or alternatively you will need to arrange your own transport to the airport.