quichua to quito - 16 days

Day 1: Quito Welcome to Ecuador and the beginning of your Ecuadorian adventure. Arrive any time today and transfer to your hotel, where a welcome meeting will be held this evening. Overnight – Quito. Day 2: Quito Spend some time this morning exploring Quito’s UNESCO-listed colonial old city. Wander the maze of streets and soak up the engaging and vibrant atmosphere, or grab a coffee, relax and do some people watching! This afternoon we travel by bus through the Andes to the village of Papallacta where we relax in the pools of Ecuador’s arguably most scenic and finest hot springs. Overnight – Papallacta. Days 3 - 4: Rainforest Homestay Leaving the mountains, we descend into the rainforest and head for the banks of the Napo River.

Want more Amazonian Wildlife? Check out Sacha Lodge and La Selva Lodge. All staffed with local naturalists guides, the lodges are the best place to encounter the amazing wildlife for which the Amazon is renowned.

Staying for the next 2 nights with a Quichua family, we have the opportunity to experience the culture and beliefs of the indigenous people first-hand. These people will also demonstrate many practical uses for the jungle’s products. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight (2) - Amazon Homestay.

Days 5 - 6: Jungle Lodge
Travelling to a Jungle Lodge, which rather than wildlife viewing, emphasises Amazonian education and cultural learning experiences. We spend the next two days exploring the area both on foot and by canoe and dscovering the region’s natural history. For the more adventurous, there is also the option to go white-water rafting down the Napo River. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight (2) - Jungle Lodge.

Days 7 - 8: Banos
Returning to the mountains, we head to the spa town of Banos. Popular with local and international tourists alike, Banos is set in a lush green valley and possesses steaming baths. We spend the next 2 days pursuing outdoor activities such as rafting, mountain biking & climbing. Afterwards, soak aching muscles in one of the town’s many hot-pools. Overnight (2) - Banos.

Days 9 - 10: Cuenca
Today we journey to the stunning city of Cuenca, winds along the spectacular and rugged scenery of the Avenue de Volcanoes and passes eight of Ecuador’s highest peaks, including Volcano Catopaxi. Reaching Cuenca in the evening, this city with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and finelooking plazas, is considered one of the most beautiful in Ecuador. Day 10 is free to soak up the colonial atmosphere, explore the city’s history, hike in nearby Caja National Park or visit the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Overnight (2) - Cuenca.

Day 11: Cuenca
Via a short scenic flight, we return to Quito, take the evening to enjoy as you please. Overnight – Quito.

Days 12 - 13: Cayambe
This morning, we head north through large bands of colour to the flower and dairy capital of Ecuador. Located at the foot of the now extinct glacial topped Cayambe volcano and near the village of Cayambe, our base for the next 2 nights is in the oldest Hacienda in Ecuador. Swim in the enclosed pool, rent horses and explore the Hacienda’s extensive grounds and nearby hills or travel to the base of the volcano’s glacier and hike down. Overnight (2) - Cayambe.

Day 14: Otavalo
Locals dressed in traditional costume, will be competing for your custom, so bargain hard for rugs and ponchos at the world famous Otavalo handicrafts markets. Souvenirs will not be the only thing to grab your attention, rise early on Saturday to experience the food and animal markets, which have been operating for centuries. Locals still use Otavalo as an important trading point for household goods, food and livestock; so although this area of the market is not set up for tourists, its authentic nature means that it is a definite cultural attraction. Overnight - Otavalo.