Quito

On the first part of the journey, we will head out to the Eastern Andes. The pick-up can be from the hotel or the International Airport of Quito city. As the valley passes, the scenery will change with elevations that are part of the Highlands. We will drive in the middle of Cayambe Coca and Antisana National Parks.

Termas de Papallacta

After one hour of driving, we get in the village of Papallacta that in local language means "Father of the Land". 15 minutes away from this village, we get into the best lodge in the area called "Termas Papallacta" that means Hot Springs. Upon arrival, we will prepare our backpack to start a small walk along the paths, where plants, rivers, streams, animals and a mountain formation will be observed. Then, it is time to plunge into the pool, this is a moment to relax in the hot springs and after a break continue the descent to the Amazon. By traveling in the middle of the dense cloud forest and turbulent rivers, the history and culture of these village will make us go back in time.

Parque Nacional Cayambe - Coca

We will visit the lower part of the Cayambe Coca National Park. Enjoy a perfect place to learn more about the Andean Paramo one of the important ecosystem that protects hundred of species such as the Andean Spectacled Bear, wild rabbits, deer, birds among others.

After a tasty Breakfast, we depart for a long walk through the primary and secondary forest. This activity lasts about three hours, it depends how active you are in the hiking. At the end of the activity, we will return to have the lunch. The main things will observe in the forest is the dense vegetation that covers this place, where we will observe some giant trees and lianas that hang from these and the king of the jungle adventures will come to our minds. Occasionally, it is possible to observe the Tití pigmeo monkeys, who shyly approach this forest to be caught by our cameras. Remember that the animals that inhabit this area will not always be able to be spotted, it will depend on various geological or climatic factors.

In the afternoon, it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Indigenous Kichwa community will receive us and we will learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. In this reunion, that part of the Amazon that is not found on the maps. the Amazon people in their daily lives. Part of our visit to the community is to share the famous "chicha", a fermented cassava drink that has become part of their parties and daily consumption and be part in the traditional drink elaboration. We will participate in the preparation of this drink and try some of the traditional dishes. The visit will end with a traditional dance, performed by the children of the community and we will also have time to buy some handicrafts made by the natives of the area. Many members of this kichwa community work in the eco lodge where you stay, this is one of the ways to support these ancestral peoples. The donation to the community is 5 USD per person.

After breakfast, we take the canoe for about 40-minute sail to visit the "Anaconda Island". We can observe the prehistoric bird "Hoatzin", monkeys, squirrel monkeys, just to mention a few. We also visited a family in one of the indigenous communities to learn about their cultivation habits, medicinal plants, as well as the ancestral form of hunting with blowguns and handmade traps in the forest. The Anaconda Island is located by the Napo river one of the main tributaries of the Amazon.

After lunch, we will go to the Amazonico Park which is protecting a wide range of animals that are on endangered. Amazonico is not a zoo, it is a rescue center for animals that are living in the Ecuadorean amazon rain forest. We can observe some animals in their natural environment at close range. After this, we will return to the Eco-Lodge to enjoy the hotel facilities. Entrance fee is not included; 5 usd per person

Early departure to visit Parrot Clay Lick. This activity performance depends on weather conditions. After 15-minute canoe ride upstream, we arrive in the Parrot Clay Lick to admire a unique place where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that will help them digest the fruits or seeds that have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the canopy and then go down to the clay wall to eat this mineral-rich land. It is essential to have some binoculars to enjoy this magnificent natural act. We return to have the breakfast and we take our luggage to return to the pier and from there to Quito. The drop-off will be at a hotel in the city or at the airport by Quito.