Quito

We begin our journey driving south from Quito along the legendary Avenue of the Volcanoes. On clear days, the silhouettes of several snow-capped peaks accompany us along the way, setting the stage for an unforgettable Andean adventure.

Cotopaxi National Park

Upon arrival at Cotopaxi National Park, we start the day with a scenic horseback ride through the highland páramo, experiencing the landscape as the traditional Andean cowboys, known as chagras. Riding along ancient trails that cross open grasslands and descend into the dramatic Pita River canyon, we discover crystal-clear springs and the remains of pre-Inca pucarás, silent witnesses of the region’s ancestral past. Along the way, we may spot Andean wildlife such as hares, foxes, deer, or even herds of wild horses, all under the constant presence of Cotopaxi’s massive, glaciated cone dominating the horizon.

After the ride, we enjoy a traditional lunch in the park with spectacular views of the volcano. In the afternoon, we continue with a short interpretive hike around Limpiopungo Lake, home to highland waterfowl such as gulls, ducks, and falcons, while learning about the fragile páramo ecosystem. At the end of the day, we drive to a cozy Andean hacienda, where we settle in, relax, and enjoy dinner surrounded by the highlands

Pillaro

After breakfast, we depart the hacienda by vehicle and descend into the inter-Andean valleys toward the entrance of the Patate River canyon. From here, our cycling adventure begins.

Patate

We start riding from the small rural village of Plazuela, following secondary roads that wind through agricultural landscapes and along the dramatic Patate River gorge. The route gradually leads us deeper into the valley, passing small farms, traditional villages, and lush vegetation shaped by the river’s presence. Along the way, we enjoy sweeping views of the canyon walls and the contrasting ecosystems that define this unique region. The ride continues toward the Valle de Manteles, where the landscape opens up into fertile farmland surrounded by Andean hills. Our journey concludes at the historic hacienda located in the valley, where we arrive by bike and take time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, we settle in at the hacienda, enjoying a well-earned dinner and reflecting on the day’s ride through one of Ecuador’s most scenic river corridors.

In the morning, we drive to the edge of Llanganates National Park, gaining altitude until we reach an area with one of the best views of the - often fuming - Tungurahua Volcano. Here, we set up our mountain bikes for a scenic ride through highland paramo, which gradually melds into mountain cloud forest, and then lowland rainforest. We pass through a dry basaltic gorge that is a great spot to look for wild orchids. We continue our ride along the Pastaza River Gorge, one of the principal waterways that feed into the Amazon Basin. This is an especially scenic route, with high rock walls giving way to deep cloud forest canyons.

Cascada El Pailon

We stop to admire some of the spectacular waterfalls in the area, such as Pailón Del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride’s Veil).

Tena

Switching from 2 wheels to 4, we drive until we reach Puyo, an Amazon frontier town where we learn about the manufacture of products made from Balsa wood, bamboo, ceramics, and other local materials. We enjoy lunch in Puyo before setting out along the Amazon highway to reach our Jungle Lodge. Once we settle into our lodge, if time aloud we will visit a Kichwa indigenous community. Here, we learn about their way of life, culture, traditions, and customs of the Amazon. At the end of the day, we settle into our jungle lodge ready for a peaceful evening surrounded by rainforest sounds.

Laguna Azul

After enjoying breakfast in our lodge, we drive to Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes down into the Amazon basin and is part of an area declared a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. The water that collects in this area forms the Jatunyacu River, which is considered Ecuador’s best one-day river run. We begin the day with a walk in the jungle to reach naturally-formed swimming pools. Upon our return and after a safety briefing, our whitewater rafting adventure begins. A trip down the Jatunyacu River offers spectacular jungle scenery, crystal-clear water, and glimpses into indigenous communities that live along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. The Jatunyacu is also famed for its big waves, fun holes, and high volume of water (Class III - III+).

Termas de Papallacta

We’ll spend the rest of the day navigating the Jatunyacu, whose waters carry us through breathtaking landscapes with abundant bird life. In the afternoon, we drive back up into the Andes, climbing from 1,500 to 10,000 feet (500 to 3,000 meters) in altitude and passing through a national park and nature reserve until we reach the Papallacta Hot springs Resort & Spa. In the evening, we relax in the therapeutic alkaline-rich natural thermal waters of Papallacta while nestled in fantastic cloud forest scenery. Spa services such as massages, aromatherapy, and other optional treatments can also be arranged in advance. Lodgings at Papallacta Resort.

In the early morning, we visit the highland interpretation center and go for a guided nature hike in a private cloud forest and paramo reserve, where we seek out birds, highland plants, and other Andean wildlife species. Afterwards, we drive to a Middle of the World monument shaped as a star of eight points, representing pre-colonial and Incan indigenous beliefs that 0º latitude was the center of time and measurement. Here we learn about Ecuador’s geographic position and how its location on the equator influences its many cultures, climates, and biological diversity.

Otavalo

Lunch on route and then we spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the towns of Otavalo and Peguche, where Ecuador’s indigenous culture and heritage is visible in their famous markets full of colorful textiles, traditional handicrafts, and more. We spend time one-on-one with local weavers who share the secrets of their craft that have been passed down for generations, and visit a local Andean Music Workshop to hear the traditional instrumental and vocal sounds of the Andes. The evening is spent at a traditional colonial hacienda.

Cuicocha Lake

After breakfast, we drive up to Cuicocha Crater Lake, located 10,000 feet (3,068 meters) above sea level within the Cayapas-Cotacachi National Park. Cuicochoa Lake is the freshwater-filled caldera of a dormant volcano, located at the foot of a volcano of the same name, and surrounded by stunning cloud forest scenery. We hike around the shore of the Crater Lake, admiring the lava dome islands in the center and keeping an eye out for birds and other interesting wildlife. We enjoy a picnic lunch on the lake before departing for Quito in the afternoon. Upon our return, we have the evening free to explore the landmarks and night life of Ecuador’s capital city.