Itinerary

DAY 1: CLOUDFOREST ZIPLINE & HORSEBACK RIDING IN COTOPAXI VOLCANO

We depart from Quito through the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes towards Cotopaxi National Park. We reach a private cloud forest reserve where we begin a nature interpretation hike to learn about this highly endemic ecosystem. This hike ends when we reach the edge of the Pita River Canyon. Here we prepare our safety gear to experience an incredible zip wire adventure. We jump across the gorge and get spectacular aerial views of the cloud forest canyon below. We continue on to Hacienda El Porvenir, a 3000-hectare hacienda that has been in the same family for seven generations. This was the first hacienda to raise fighting bulls in Ecuador and is still a strong representative of the Chagra cowboy culture. As we arrive we are greeted with a welcome highland tea followed by a locally grown Andean gourmet lunch. After lunch we gear up in style. With ponchos, chaps, and cowboy hats we set out to explore the expansive hacienda grounds on horseback. We learn about the potato, lima beans, quinoa, and other high altitude crops while we ride with spectacular volcano scenery. Our Chagra guide will help us learn about the local use high altitude plants and safely admire the brave fighting bulls. As we gain altitude we will seek for wildlife and birds including the Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world. The evening is spent relaxing in the hacienda living room and fireplace. (L, D)

DAY 2: COTOPAXI MOUNTAIN BIKING & SALSACA INDIAN COMMUNITY

After breakfast, we drive towards the base of the imposing snow capped Cotopaxi Volcano. We set up our mountain bikes and explore the park's highland plateaus, endemic highland vegetation and wildlife. On our way we encounter llamas, wild horses, ducks, highland gulls and hawks. We ride mostly downhill to compensate for the high altitude until we arrive to the Pucara Inca Ruins where we learn about the Inca presence in the Cotopaxi area. We also visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake before we continue our journey through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. We arrive to the Salasaca community who are are easily recognized by their distinctive colorful ponchos and dress. We meet a Salasaca family to share and learn about their way of life and millenary weaving techniques. The Salasaca have a long relationship with the Agave cactus which is used in the making of clothing, drinks, ropes, and other daily essentials. We continue on to the subtropical Patate Valley and Hacienda Manteles where we dine and relax for the evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: PATATE MOUNTAIN BIKING & RAINFOREST HIKE

In the morning we drive through a scenic road with impressive views to the often fuming Tungurahua volcano. We set up our mountain bikes and begin riding through highland paramo. As we descend the environment gradually melds into mountain cloud forest and later rainforest. We ride through a dry basaltic gorge which is a hot spot for wild orchids. The canyon widens and deepens as we reach the Pastaza River Gorge which forms spectacular waterfalls. We stop to visit two of these waterfalls, Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride's Veil). We continue our drive down into the Amazon Basin. At the 600 meter level we reach Puyo, an Amazon frontier town where we will learn about balsa, bamboo and ceramic products. We continue through the Amazon highway until we reach our riverfront jungle lodge. In the afternoon we head out for a jungle walk. We will interpret the ecosystem and search for species particular to the tropical lowland rainforest. We explore under the canopy for trees such as balsa, cedar, rubber, kapok and cinnamon, as well as many bromeliads, orchids, vines, ferns, insects and even reptiles. The evening will be spent surrounded amazing jungle sounds while we relax in our river front cabins. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: JUNGLE RAFTING AND PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS

We drive to the Llanganates National Park which is part of a United Nations Biosphere Reserve. The water collected from the many streams in the eastern Andes slopes form the Jatunyacu River. We begin the day with a short jungle hike to reach some incredible naturally-formed swimming pools. Here we can jump, slide and swim in these incredible rock formations. We return to our put-in and begin our whitewater journey. Jatunyacu which is means "Big Water" is considered one of Ecuador's best one-day river runs. It has lots of big waves and fun play holes. The river is flanked by spectacular jungle scenery, birdlife, and Kichwa Indian families that live along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. In the afternoon we begin our return up the Andes, but will first stop to meet the meet Waira Churis, also known as the "Wind Dancers". They are an extended Kichwa family, guardians of vast botanical knowledge and traditional music lore. Through their music and dance they express the harmonious balance between human and earth. Many of these nearly forgotten songs are played with animal and plant instruments. We continue our journey up the Andes as we enjoy fantastic vistas of tropical valleys, natural waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. We arrive to the Papallacta Hotsprings Resort where we can choose to relax in any of 9 different thermal pools, ranging in temperature from 97ºF to 104ºF (36ºC to 40ºC). The pools are surrounded by cloud forest mountains and an occasional snow capped volcano. The mineral rich Papallacta water comes from underground geothermal springs. Spa services such as massages, aromatherapy, or other treatments can be provided at an additional cost when arranged in advance. Lodging at the Papallacta Hotsprings Hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: CAYAMBE COCA HIKE AND OTAVALO INDIAN COMMUNITY

In the morning we hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve which is located across the Atlantic - Pacific continental divide. The environment in this reserve is endemic highland paramo combined with cloud forest patches. The great amount of water retained in this sponge-like environment is the source to the largest water system in the world. Our hike through this reserve features a great number of lakes and wildlife such as dear, the elusive spectacle bear and the Andean Condor. We continue our drive north though the Inter Andean valleys until we reach Latitude 0. Here we arrive to a middle of the world monument which is shaped as a star of eight points. This monument which is aligned with the solstices was established to recover the powerful ancestral symbol of the Quitu-Caranqui culture. We will learn about how Ecuador's geographic position influences food, traditions, diversity, industry and even ancestral politics. We spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the famed Otavalo market which is filled with colorful textiles and skillful handicrafts. We return to our hotel in Quito in the late afternoon to prepare for our Galapagos Adventure. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: GALAPAGOS TRANSFER AND HIKE IN SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND

We embark on a morning flight from Quito to San Cristobal Island. Once we arrive we are briefed on the details of our trip as we have lunch at an ocean front restaurant. Our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galápagos archipelago and the unique evolution of life on the islands. We continue our hike towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, while we explore dry forest and observe cacti, acacia, palo santo, Galápagos cotton, and other endemic vegetation. This is also a good time to enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since Frigate Hill is often visited by Galápagos species such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons, and numerous other land birds, including Darwin finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. On our way back we may stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach. In the evening, we explore town and dine at a waterfront restaurant. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: SEA KAYAK & SNORKEL IN THE NORTHERN COAST

The northern coast of San Cristobal Island is protected form the currents and offers the best sea kayaking in the archipelago. We set out in our expedition kayaks paddling north along the coast, exploring bays and coves filled with wildlife. We visit Darwin Bay, site where the HMS Beagle landed when Charles Darwin first arrived to Galapagos. Along the route we find colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds along the cliffs. We reach Playa Ochoa and continue on to nearby Isla Lobos on the lookout for marine iguanas and sea lions. Isla Lobos forms a clear water channel where we can enjoy excellent snorkeling and the best sea lion encounters in the entire archipelago. We continue on to Leon Dormido, the jagged remains of an old tuff cone whose flanks are home to thousands of sea birds. At Leon Dormido, we enjoy exceptional snorkeling. Here we can see white-tipped, Galapagos and hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, golden rays, marine turtles and dozens of species of tropical fish, clams, starfish, and marine invertebrates. In the afternoon we return to port for dinner and our last evening in our San Cristobal hotel. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: MOUNTAIN BIKE & KAYAK IN ISABELA ISLAND

In the morning we take a small aircraft inter-island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest Island in the archipelago, formed by 6 shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except one remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. When we arrive we set up our mountain bikes to explore the beautiful coastline for its scenery and wildlife treasures. We begin with a visit to El Muro de las Lágrimas which means Wall of Tears, a historic site that dates back between 1946 and 1959 when Isabela Island was used as a penal colony. The wall was built with lava blocks and had no other purpose than of keeping prisoners busy from the madness of isolation. We continue riding along the coast as we explore expansive white sand beaches, mangroves and brackish lagoons. This area is filled with birdlife such as American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many shore birds, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. In the afternoon we take our ocean kayaks and paddle out to Tintoreras, a set of small Islets within Isabela bay. The Islets are filled with wildlife and are home to the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin that lives in equatorial region. We will also see sharks, marine turtles, sea lions and much more wildlife as we explore its many small coves and beaches. We receive the sunset in Isabela's white sand beaches and spend the evening in this tranquil port town. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: VOLCANO DISCOVERY HIKE IN THE ISABELA HIGHLANDS

From Puerto Villamil, we drive up to the highlands to where the road ends. Here we prepare our day backs and walk into an amazing geological world. We walk on dirt trails until we arrive to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005. We explore along the rim of the huge 6x5 mile-wide (9x8 kilometer) lava-filled crater. We may also get views of the Perry Isthmus and the other Isabela volcanoes. We continue our hike all the way to Volcan Chico, an area of puffing fumaroles and extraordinary lava formations. These are dramatic geological examples of the forces that created the Galápagos Islands. In the afternoon we return to Puerto Villamil for our last afternoon in the Isabela beaches. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: FLIGHT TO BALTRA & RETURN TO QUITO

In the morning we embark in a small aircraft flight (or boat ride) from Isabela to Baltra Island and continue with a flight back to the continent. (B)

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