Itinerary

Day 1: Quito

Your trip starts today in Quito. No activities are planned, so you may arrive at any time. Quito is considered one of the world’s most beautifully located capitals, surrounded by towering snow-capped volcanoes. Situated 2850 metres above sea level on the eastern slopes of an active volcano, Mount Pichincha, it is the second highest capital city in the world. This evening there will be a tour briefing at our hotel – around 6 pm. If you are unable to make this meeting, please check at hotel reception for a message from your Gecko’s tour guide. Note: On arrival in Quito, you may experience some of the milder effects of altitude such as dizziness, insomnia and shortness of breath. If this is the case we recommend that you drink plenty of fluids, and avoid any strenuous activity. Perhaps a perfect opportunity to instead soak up the atmosphere in one of the many bustling cafes and watch the colourful street life pass by in the colonial centre.

Day 2: Quito

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Quito is not only the capital of Ecuador, but it also has one of the most impressive and well-preserved ‘old town’ areas in South America. In the morning we embark on a walking tour around the charming and evocative ‘Centro Historico’. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, there is much to discover, meandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets and exploring the lively Plaza Grande and Plaza San Francisco. The city is filled with Baroque art and architecture, as exemplified by magnificent churches, monasteries and public buildings. We visit the beautiful Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compania de Jesus). With its ornate facade and intricately decorated and gold-gilded interior, this is undoubtedly Ecuador’s most impressive church. Exploring further afield we head for one of the many viewpoints over the city. ‘El Panecillo’ (The Little Bread Loaf) offers sensational views of the city’s white houses and surrounding volcanoes. The 30-metre high statue of ‘La Virgen de Quito’ sits atop this small hill and can be seen from all over the city. The evening is free for us to dine out at one of the many great eating spots in Quito (optional).

Day 3: Equator Monument - Otavalo Market

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today we drive north of the city to visit ‘La Mitad del Mundo’ (The Middle of the World). This monument is built on what was claimed in 1736 to be the line of the equator. We also visit another smaller complex nearby called Museo Solar Inti Nan, which is supposedly where the equator actually runs through since re-measurements were made. This is an entertaining little place where experiments are conducted before our very eyes. We then continue on to enjoy the colourful indigenous town of Otavalo, where we find one of the best handicraft markets in the Andes. In the afternoon we visit the surrounding villages, where we can see the local indigenous communities at work making beautiful handicrafts. Cotachi village is well known for its leather whilst San Antonio is famous for its woodcarvings. There may also be time to visit a beautiful crater-lake known as Cuicocha before returning to Quito in the late afternoon.

Day 4-5: Papallacta Thermal Springs - the Amazon Basin

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

You leave Quito early and travel by road over the mountains and down to the Amazon basin. The highest pass is at 4060 metres before arriving at the volcanic baths at Papallacta. You'll break your journey here to relax and enjoy the hot thermal pools and the beautiful mountain scenery. The entrance fee is not included so you will need to pay locally for this. Continuing your descent the scenery changes rapidly to thick jungle vegetation. You arrive in the jungle town of Tena and continue on to your jungle lodge on the banks of the Napo River for a two-night stop. During your stay you'll explore the jungle with a local site guide who shares their extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna. This will include forest walks through both primary and secondary forest, canoe rides and a visit to the Amazoonico, a rehabilitation centre for injured jungle animals. Once again, there is a small entrance fee you will need to pay here. At the centre you will see some of the animals that live in the more remote areas of this immense rainforest.

Day 6-7: Banos (or alternatively Puyo)

Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Leaving the jungle you climb steeply into the Andes. Towering mountain peaks and deep gorges provide stunning scenery. You'll break your drive for a short trek to one of Ecuador’s most beautiful waterfalls, “El Pailon del Diablo”. You'll arrive in Banos in the late afternoon. The town of Banos lies in one of the loveliest settings in the Andes. Here you have time to explore the town or if you like, you can venture off into the surrounding countryside. There are many optional activities including mountain bike riding, white-water rafting and horseback riding.

Day 8: Cotopaxi Volcano - Quito

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today you will return to Quito, stopping to visit the Cotopaxi Volcano (5897m) the highest active, snow capped volcano in the world. Those who are keen for some physical exercise can climb to the refuge, a 200 metre steep climb (from 4600 – 4800 metres). Once you reach the refuge it is an easy hike to the snow line and the glacier. You will arrive back in Quito in the late afternoon for your final night together with your new friends.

Day 9: Quito

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Your short discovery trip of Ecuador finishes today after breakfast.

More information from Gecko's Grassroots Adventures:

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  www.geckosadventures.com/south-america-central-america/ecuado…
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