4-day Ecuador Amazon and Andes

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Quito – Papallacta Pass - Baeza - Archidona - Tena
5 stops
1
Quito
Early departure from Quito city to connect with an Andean scenic view in some minutes. We stop in a viewpoint to see the Antisana Volcano (If weather allows). We´ll drive on the inter-oceanic highway to reach out Papallacta thermal springs. To cross over the highest part of the eastern Andes and continue towards the lowlands.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Start the trip from the top of the eastern Andes (4,100 m/13,451 ft high). This is the highest point on the roads of Ecuador. On the way, we will observe low vegetation accompanied by lagoons, slopes and snow-capped mountains. Normally, the temperature in this pass is 7° C/44°F. The landscape presents a dramatic change as the Papallacta pass is in the middle of two national parks, Cayambe-Coca and Antisana. The latter is home to the emblematic Andean condor.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
3
Tena
Observe three waterfalls called "Las 3 Marías". Feel a warm weather that occurs after descent from the Andes mountain range to lower areas. See stormy rivers by the highway come from the upper parts of mountains. Shortly break to enjoy a delicious lunch on the way down. We´ll stop in the Tena city, just for walking around or do shopping.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
Puerto Napo
After a 5-hour drive, we will be able to feel the pleasant climate that oscillates between 20°C and 25°C (68° F and 77° F). The humidity of the rainforest is around 85%. Eco-lodge staff will be waiting for to take us by a motorized canoe that goes down river for 20 minutes through the tropical forest to Eco lodge. At the Eco-Lodge, the host will welcome us with a refreshing drink from the Amazon. To then go to the cabins where we can take a bath and make ourselves comfortable. Or if the weather and conditions allow it, you can bathe on the banks of the river. Turn on your lamp and do a nocturnal hike by the Eco-Lodge trails. On the walk, you can find tarantulas, spiders, frogs, insects and sometimes snakes. The species that it is possible to observe in this activity are: fake coral, monkey frog, Amazonian terrestrial toad, rainbow boa among others. Eco-Lodge is a simply place, that focuses on minimizing the negative effect lodging has on the environment. Cabins are lit by candles.
Admission ticket free
5
Its history is intertwined with the routes of Spanish explorers and adventurers. Baeza is a strategic point for adventure and ecological tourism, offering routes for rafting, hiking and bird watching.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Hiking in the jungle and meeting the magical Kichwa community
2 stops
6
Napo Province
After breakfast, we´ll visiting a protector forest which is located crossing by canoe the Arajuno river. In the forest, we may be able to observe monkeys, native jungle plants and birds that are typical of this ecosystem. The native Guide will give you the jungle interpretation, its medicinal plants and uses that were once given to leaves or lianas that were found in the place. This activity lasts about 2 to 3 hours. The species that it is possible to observe in this activity are: spider monkey (on endengerd of extinction), chorongo monkeys (sometimes near by lodge), gecos (Hemidactylus mabouia), conga ants, gray fronted dove, zigzag heron, morpho butterfly, black-fronted nunbird, Termite nest, Oropendolas, Hoatzin (prehistoric bird) among others.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
7
Napo Province
In the afternoon, it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community passed us by and we will learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the jungle. In this meeting, that part of the Amazon that is not found on maps will be shown: the Amazonian people in their daily lives. Part of our visit to the community consists of sharing the famous "chicha", a fermented yuca (manioc) drink that has become part of their festivities and daily consumption. We will participate in the preparation of this drink and try some of the traditional dishes. We will end the visit with a traditional dance performed by the children of the community and have time to buy some handicrafts made by the indigenous people of the area. This small company is of great help to support the daily life of the indigenous people.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
San Pedro de Arajuno - Santa Clara town - Puyo City - Baños City
3 stops
8
Puerto Napo
It is time to start the second part of the journey. Driving up to the Puyo City. We will visit the Casa de la Balsa, a store and artisan workshop where hundreds of products are made with this soft and light wood.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
9
La Casa del Arbol
This day, we´ll visit La Casa del Arbol. This spot is a lookout point used by locals to observe the Mama Tungurahua Volcano activity from 1995. This activity, which is one of the most enjoyable to carried out by people who visit Baños, it is located at a height of 8,727 feet above sea level. You can do the end of the world swing, enjoy the view and take nice pictures.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
10
Banos
Upon arrival at the hotel, you can rest or go out to enjoy and get to know the famous adventure capital in Ecuador. In the city, you can enjoy the hot springs by yourself. Or take a good massage in one of the Spas of the city. Stroll the city of Baños to see the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa. These mentioned activities will be by yourself. Also, you can enjoy the night life in Baños.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Baños - Quito City
4 stops
11
It is a waterfall that has an impressive fall with a water volume capable of filling up an Olympic swimming pool in at least an hour. Here, you can walk along the paths that are next to the green river that forms the waterfall. You will descend along a trail that will take you to a suspension bridge more than 328 feet high. Further, you can practically admire the full force of the waterfall whose drizzle will envelop you. It will be the perfect place to take photos and make spectacular videos.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Cascada el Manto de la Novia
The Bride's Mantle is a waterfall found in the lower area of the Llanganates National Park. To be able to observe it, we will have to cross over the Pastaza River in Tarabita (cable car). Upon reaching another side, we can see orchids and other local plants that are usually cared of by farmers of the area.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
13
Banos
Before leaving Baños, if you are a candy lover, we can stop at a "melcochas" store (sugar cain tuffy), here, we will observe its manufacture and packaging before being distributed in the city of Baños or exported to various cities in Ecuador.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
Quito
After a memorable trip, we will start our journey back to Quito. We can leave you at any point in the Quito city or at the airport.
3 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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