DAY 1, Monday – Depart for Ecuador, Arrive in Quito
Depart for Ecuador. Arrive in Quito, capital of Ecuador, founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with this lively city’s priceless historical treasures of art and architecture. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Ecuadorian food at one of the city’s world-class restaurants and cafes
Overnight: Quito▲
DAY 2, Tuesday – “Middle of the World” Monument, Amazon Lodge
Morning visit to the impressive “Middle of the World” monument at the Equator, which marks latitude 0º. Here, you can stand with one foot in the Northern and one in the Southern Hemisphere! From the top of this enormous trapezoidal building see stunning panoramas of the surrounding countryside. After a stop at a local restaurant for lunch, continue to Tena. Here, you board a motorized canoe that whisks you to your Amazon Lodge overlooking the river. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers, followed by a night walk that introduces you to the sounds, serenity and magnificence of the Amazon. Look out for tarantulas, frogs and other nocturnal creatures. The soothing sounds of nature will lull you to sleep on your first night in the Amazon
Overnight: Amazon
Me
als: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3, Wednesday – Amazon Adventure Day or Leisure Time
Arise early this morning, if you wish to join the excursion to the parrot clay licks, known as western Amazon’s most amazing spectacle. These unique walls of mud, rich in minerals, attract hundreds of colorful parrots every day; an astonishing natural phenomena. Later, a hike along the flourishing nature trail to view the gorgeous flora and fauna up close. The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest ecosystem, so be sure to keep an eye out for the many different species of tropical plants and flowers, insects, and butterflies. After lunch, you’ll be encircled by spectacular vistas as you float on inner tubes winding slowly down the Arajuno River. Return to the lodge in time for dinner, after a day of adventure
Overnight: Amazon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Thursday – Meet a Quechua Family, Papallacta Hot Springs, Farewell Dinner
Watch the magnificent sunrise over the striking river, one of the planet’s richest and most bio-diverse regions. Later, a fascinating visit with a local Quechua family – learn about their tribal customs and hear stories of everyday Amazonian life. After a tasting and demonstration of homemade chocolates, return to the lodge for lunch. Afterwards, travel to the small town of Papallacta, tucked away in the Andes Mountains, known for its legendary Hot Springs. Early evening arrival at your delightful hotel with opportunity to relax and unwind in one of the hot thermal pools. Tonight, bid farewell to your new found friends and Tour Manager, at a traditional Ecuadorian dinner
Overnight: Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Friday – Depart Ecuador
Transfer to the airport in Quito for your departure flight
*Please note: Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 5 and will require a transfer on Day 4. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 5 hours prior to flight time
Meals: Breakfast