Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat) QUITO   View Quito accommodations picture gallery  Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours of the city and surrounding sites.
View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions

Day 2 (Sat) QUITO - COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK View Cotopaxi accommodations picture gallery In the morning, travel to Cotopaxi National Park where you'll hike with magnificent views of snow-capped Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano at 19,225 feet. You'll observe diverse flora and fauna, including perhaps a majestic condor. Visit the sparkling Andean lake Limpiopungo and some of the small villages nearby, before making camp for the night and enjoying a rewarding dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 3 (Mon) COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK - BAÑOS View Banos accommodations picture gallery Explore Ecuador - CLICK TO ENLARGE After breakfast, travel to the colorful colonial village of Baños, nestled within a cloud forest. By bicycle, explore the town and surrounding mountains, stopping for a refreshing dip in the thermal baths and a waterfall along the way. Dinner and accommodations will be provided at a cozy hotel in the area. (B,L,D)

Day 4 (Tue) BAÑOS - El PUYO View Tena accommodations picture gallery Travel on a beautiful winding road out of Baños to reach El Pailon del Diablo. Called the gateway to the Amazon, this road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Continue to Puyo and then on to a rehabilitation center for animals of the Amazon such as capybaras, sahino boars, tapirs, water turtles, caimans, boas and parrots. You'll become familiar with Amazon wildlife and be supporting the Center's work. The night will be spent in a relaxing hotel in the Amazon town of Puyo. (B, L, D)

Day 5 (Wed) PUYO - TENA View Tena accommodations picture gallery Travel early in the morning to Tena, the starting point of our day's adventure. Today, you'll hike through the Amazon with a knowledgeable local guide who will explain the many medicinal plants, insects and exotic jungle flowers you see in the area. Lunch will be under the waterfall of a beautiful blue lagoon followed later in the afternoon with a refreshing swim before the hike back. A hearty dinner awaits you at the comfortable jungle cabins that are your accommodations for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6 (Thu) TENA View Tena accommodations picture gallery Explore Ecuador - CLICK TO ENLARGE Today offers a simultaneously challenging and rewarding adventure. Begin with a short hike to the river pools of the Llangantes National Park, where you'll relax and enjoy the warmth of the Amazon sun. After a short safety briefing, raft one of Ecuador's best whitewater rivers, the Jatunyacu. On this exciting excursion, you'll encounter the class III rapids of Pimpilala, Boulder Garden, and Guides Revenge. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on a riverbank before returning to the Amazon cabins. (B, L, D)

Day 7 (Fri) TENA - PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS View Papallacta accommodations picture gallery Early in the morning, meet the indigenous Quechua guide who will lead you through primary and secondary rainforests, explaining the fascinating surroundings. Rushing waterfalls, interesting wildlife and vibrant flora provide added excitement on this captivating Amazon trek. Along the way, speak with local citizens, learning more about what it takes to survive in the Amazon. After lunch, travel to Papallacta to relax in one of Ecuador's most picturesque hot springs. These springs are renowned for their rich mineral content and the Inca legends surrounding them. Stay overnight at this mystical spot. (B, L, D)

Day 8 (Sat) PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS - QUITO View Quito accommodations picture gallery The morning begins with a soak in the invigorating hot springs cabanas, amidst views of the striking Antisana Volcano. In late morning, hike the surrounding trails to explore more of this impressive area. After lunch, return to Quito for the night. (B, L)

Day 9 (Sun) QUITO - RETURN HOME Transfer to the airport for your international departure home, marking the end of Southern Explorations services. Galapagos adventures, trip extensions to other regions, or extra days in Quito can also be arranged. (B)

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