Day 1 | Tumbaco (Quito)

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• Arrival and acclimatization day (Quito is at 2800 meters9186ft)

• Organized airport pick-up and hotel check-in throughout the day.

• Welcome dinner: 6:30 pm

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Day 2 | Quito – Fuya Fuya – Otavalo

 

We start our day early and drive towards Imbabura Province. We take this day easy and start our adventure for the day by driving toward the pristine Mojanda lagoon, a volcano that has been extinct for more than 200,000 years. We will start hiking to the short but steep summit of Fuya Fuya, perfect for acclimatization; from the top, we can observe the beautiful paramo landscapes of the surrounding Andes.

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• Distance 4.5km/2.8mi single trail. 

• Elevation +/- 500m/1640ft

• Route highest point at 4275m/14,000ft

• Estimated time 3 hours

• Sleeping altitude 2800m/9186ft - in a stunning hacienda

• Transfer to Mojanda Lagoon, 1h50

• Afternoon chill time with beautiful landscapes (needed for acclimatization!)

 

Day 3 | Otavalo – Cuicocha Lagoon

 

We begin our day with an Andean breakfast and then we will depart to Cotacachi volcano foothills where the beautiful Cuicocha lagoon is located. The lagoon is a large caldera of nearly 3 kilometers wide and is part of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. This is one of the most beautiful hike routes in Ecuador. An undulating route at high altitude, with majestic views of different volcanoes such as Cayambe, Imbabura and Cotacachi, and of course the crater’s sapphire-blue waters and vivid flora. After a well-deserved lunch, we will enjoy the charm of Cotacachi town famous for its leather products. In the afternoon we return to our hacienda and enjoy a relaxing afternoon and dinner.

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• Distance 13km/8mi

• Elevation +/- 600m/1968ft

• Route highest point at 3485m/11433ft

• Estimated time 4 hours

• Sleeping altitude 2800m/9186ft

• Transfer to Cuicocha Lagoon, 30 min

• Afternoon chill time and Andean music

 

Day 4 | Otavalo – Insinliví

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After spending some time in the north of the country we will drive towards the Central Andes to a small cozy lodge privileged located in a little Andean town called Insinliví. Along the way, we will enjoy changing landscapes and the beautiful Avenue of the Volcanoes, named in the early 1800s by famous explorer Humboldt, is a volcano-lined corridor stretching south through Ecuador. Many of these towering snow-capped cones are still active. Between the volcanoes lies the dramatic Toachi canyon, flanked by verdant valleys of tropical forest and farmland dotted with indigenous villages. This area is one of our favorites, not only for its landscapes but because of its peace and calmness. 

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As we arrived after lunch we will have time to chill and later on admire the sunset from the top of the pre-Columbian Ñuñurco. This hilltop was used by the Inca’s as a strategic viewpoint from where they could be on the lookout for intruders in their territory. From the top, you have an amazing view over the Toachi canyon and river as well as over Isinlivi village. 

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• Distance 1km/0.62mi

• Elevation +/- 67m/219ft

• Route highest point at 3017m/9896ft

• Estimated time 45 min

• Sleeping altitude 2900m/9514ft

• Transfer to Insinliví 5h30

• Afternoon chill time

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The cozy eco-lodge we have chosen for this night offers breath-taking views, delicious locally sourced food, a warm stove and a small spa.

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Day 5 | Insinliví – Toachi Canyon

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Start the day in the mountains filled with energy, strength and peace. Join an early yoga class or just use the yoga studio for your meditation practice

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After breakfast, we start the hike of the day that will take us to the Toachi Canyon. This loop has a bit of everything – gorgeous views, green valleys, and the beautiful Toachi river! The trail that leads down into the canyon has several great viewpoints and it’s possible to make a short detour to the Toachi Plateau for a magnificent view over the valley. You will be surrounded by bromelias, orchids and butterflies in the valley. The sound of the rapid river will relax your senses.

 

• Distance 10km/6mi

• Elevation +/- 523m/1717ft

• Route highest point at 2950m/9679ft

• Estimated time 4 hours

• Sleeping altitude 2900m/9514ft

• Afternoon chill time

 

Day 6 | Insinliví – Quilotoa Lagoon – Cotopaxi area

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Following a wholesome breakfast, we drive towards the Quilotoa Lagoon. Just imagine an azure-colored crater lake surrounded by steep shadowy mountains and (most likely) deep blue skies overhead. The landscape along the route and the views from the crater rim are amazing. 

 

We will have lunch close to the crater and then drive towards our beautiful lodge in The Cotopaxi National Park area, which is centered around one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. We will arrive in the afternoon and get some time in for relaxing – the national park is considered one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador!

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• The route: 7m / 11km  - High gain/loss +2661ft/811m | -2661ft/811m approx.

• Approximate time 4 - 6 hours

• Highest point at 13,030ft/3,971m

• Transfer to El Quilotoa, 1 hour

• Transfer to El Cotopaxi, 3h00

• Afternoon relax

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Day 7 | Cotopaxi – Manantiales 

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Enjoy some early coffee with a fantastic view of El Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest volcanoes (199.347ft/5.897m). Since 1738, Cotopaxi has erupted more than 50 times resulting in the creation of numerous valleys formed by mudflows around the volcano, making the surroundings of El Cotopaxi, just amazing. A variety of wild animals live in the park such as wolves, pumas, bears, rabbits, Andean condors, horses, and foxes.

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After breakfast, an exciting horseback riding adventure awaits us. Before the ride, our guide will offer a quick lesson on riding but don’t worry, the horses are gentle and the trails easy, it’s a great place to have fun. This is an opportunity to rest our legs and the perfect way to explore the unique Andean landscape of the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. You will never forget these stunning landscapes full of wild horses, volcanic giant rocks, paramo terrain and all the spectacular views of the Pasochoa, Rumiñahui, Sincholagua, Antisana, Corazón and Cotopaxi volcanoes around. No experience is necessary. 

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• The route: 3 hours horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park

• Highest point at 12,467ft/3,800m

• Alternative activity: walk to the José Rivas Refuge situated at 4,810 m (15,760 ft)

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Day 8 | Cotopaxi – Rumiñahui Volcano – Tena (Amazon)

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After having spent some days at altitude, we are ready to hike el Rumiñahui. This, is an extinct volcano named after the loyal general of the last Inca Emperor, Atahualpa. After the Spaniards murdered the Emperor, Rumiñahui hid the famous treasure of gold that was to be paid for Atahualpa's freedom, and led the fight against the Spanish conquerors. In the local language Quichua, the name means "stone face". We start the hike from Limpiopungo lake located at 12,795ft/3,900 meters. Technically, it is a hike with some easy scrambling at the end. The mountain offers epic views of El Corazón, Los Ilinizas, Sincholagua, and Cotopaxi.

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After the hike, we will have a well-deserved lunch and continue our journey toward the Amazon.  

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• The route: 7m / 11km  - High gain/loss +2,526ft/770m | -2,460ft/750m approx.

• Approximate time 4 - 6 hours

• Highest point at 15,157ft/4,620 meters

• Transfer to Tena (4h00)

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After dinner, we will go for a night walk which is an extraordinary experience! what can be observed during the day, at the night changes totally. We will be able to observe tarantulas, insects, frogs, amphibians and more. The night walk allows us to get in touch with the most virgin and uninhabited jungle ever.

 

'Day 9 | Tena

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This day is one for resting our tired legs but not our sense of adventure as we will be rafting the Jatunyacu river, which is a majestic, friendly, fun, warm and pristine river. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and for sure one of the highlights of our journey.

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Before starting, our experienced guides will give us a safety briefing, train the team in paddling techniques and fit you with a life jacket and helmet. Here is where the adrenaline begins and you will be submerged in this magical experience. During the trip, we’ll stop on a beach by the side of the river for a delicious picnic lunch provided by our guides, to later continue our journey on the river back to Tena, arriving around 5PM. The rest of the late afternoon, you can just enjoy of the sunset in the basins of the river, read a book or if you are not exhausted go for an easy walk around the island.   

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• Transfer to from Tena to Cando where the Rafting starts (40 min)

• Safety briefing

• Rafting all-day 25 Km

• Highest point at 1,804ft/550m

• Back to lodge

 

Day 10 | Tena - Quito

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In the jungle, everything is alive and connected. You will be amazed by the sounds, the number of animals and the greenest of the forest.

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After early breakfast, we go on an excursion in the virgin jungle, where we will hopefully see animals in their wild state, large trees and beautiful landscapes that allow us to feel the vastness of the Amazon.

 

Having spent some memorable days in the jungle we head back to the Andes. We will be back at the International Mariscal Sucre Airport before 5 PM. If you have an earlier flight we can arrange a shared transfer from Tena to the airport for you, or if your flight leaves the next day we will help you to arrange accommodation.​

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• Hike time, 4 - 5 hours

• Transfer to the Airport, 4 hours

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​The entire tour is done in English.

*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, National Parks regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances

This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions

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