Compare 10 Day Classic Ecuador & Amazon Adventure 2017 Itinerary by Gate 1 Travel vs Ecuador Cuyabeno Adventure 6 Days Tour by Guidecuador

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Ecuador
Depart on your flight to Quito, Ecuador; arrive and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in this vibrant city aptly called "an urban jewel", with its priceless treasures of art and architecture. Tonight, get acquainted with Ecuadorian food at one of the town's wide choice of world-class restaurants and cafes
Overnight: Quito ▲

DAY 2, Sunday - Mindo Cloud Forest
An excursion this morning to the beautiful Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve, home to over 350 species of birds, including toucans, parrots, and golden tanagers. See the diverse natural landscape, gorgeous waterfalls and rushing rivers amid the tropical rainforest. During your walk, the expert guide will enlighten you about the flora and fauna - from the mossy forest floor to the colorful bromeliads. After lunch, on to the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve turned into an ecological center in the 1990s and now growing over 270 species of orchids. Enjoy the sight of these exotic flowers and the tranquil waterfalls. Visit the hummingbird sanctuary before returning to Quito. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for a Welcome Drink and briefing on the exciting adventure that lies ahead
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3, Monday - Middle of the World Monument
Today, a visit to the Middle of the World Monument at the Equator, which marks latitude "0". Here, you can stand with one foot in the Northern and one in the Southern Hemisphere! Then, on to the magnificent Peguche Waterfall, situated in a protected forest important to the local indigenous people who still perform sacred rituals here. Arrive in Otavalo, a bustling city filled with friendly people that take great pride in their heritage and still dress in bright traditional attire. Dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Otavalo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Tuesday - Otavalo Market, Transfer to Papallacta
Visit the lively Otavalo market, one of the largest in South America, run by the local Otavaleño Indians - a great way to experience Ecuadorian culture and the traditions of the Andes. Local people use the market the same way today as their ancestors did during Ecuador's pre-Columbian history. Time to browse the various stalls for traditional goods such as hand-woven clothes and rugs, jewelry, fruits and more. After, on to the surrounding town of Cotacachi, known for its leather handicrafts. Shop to your heart's content before embarking on the scenic drive through small towns and villages to Papallacta, tucked away in the Andes Mountains, known for its many hot springs and spas. After settling in, the remainder of the day is at leisure or join the optional tour to the Termas de Papallacta Spa. Indulge in a little relaxation and pampering and unwind in one of the thermal hot pools, the refreshing cold pool or opt for a facial or body massage
Optional: Termas de Papallacta Spa Package (PM)
Overnight: Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Wednesday - Amazon Lodge, Meet a Quechua Indian Family
A contrast in scenery as you reach La Punta Ahuano, a tiny port on the north bank of the Napo River, where you board a motorized canoe that takes you to the lodge in the Amazon Rainforest, where you'll spend the next two nights. Enjoy the sounds, the serenity, and the magnificent foliage as you begin your exploration of the unique Amazon culture. You may be able to spot many different species of birds along the way. After lunch at the lodge, a fascinating visit to Ahuano, a small riverside Quechua village. Meet a local Quechua Indian family and learn about daily life, education, and survival in the Amazon. Return to the lodge in time for dinner
*Please note: Upon arrival the lodge is approximately a 5-10 minute walk uphill from where passengers will exit the canoe
Overnight: Amazon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Hike in a Private Nature Reserve
This morning, after a canoe ride you can hike in the Misicocha Private Nature Reserve for approximately two hours while viewing the beautiful flora and fauna up-close. The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest ecosystem, so be sure to keep an eye out for the innumerable species of tropical plants and insects. Enjoy the views as you cross suspended bridges and fly through the jungle on a short zip line basket ride. At the end of the hike*, take a rafting trip on a traditional balsa log raft. The balance of the day is at leisure or, choose to participate in one of the optional tours, including the Butterfly Farm & Balsa Wood Carving Demonstration, Cacao Farm & AmaZOOnico Rescue Center or Canopy Adventure Park
*Please note: It is an active hike and sections of the path include steps. Also, those who participate in the rafting trip will need to step through the water to reach the raft and will get wet during the ride
Optional: Butterfly Farm & Balsa Wood Demonstration
Optional: Cacao Farm & AmaZOOnico Rescue
Optional: Canopy Adventure Park
Overnight: Amazon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - El Pailon del Diablo & Baños
This morning, board a canoe for the short trip to La Punta Ahuano, continuing by coach to Patate. Stop along the way to visit the powerful El Pailon del Diablo or "The Devil's Cauldron"*, one of Ecuador's most beautiful waterfalls. Drive to Baños, an idyllic little town known for its hot thermal baths and the sometimes-steamy Tungurahua Volcano. Watch a demonstration of a traditional craft that transforms palm nuts into jewelry and animal carvings before continuing into the valley of Patate to Hacienda Leito, for dinner and overnight
*Please note: It is an active hike to and from El Pailon del Diablo waterfall
Overnight: Baños
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Transfer to Cotopaxi
Drive this morning to Cotopaxi, known for its magnificent roses. After lunch, tour of the working Casa de los Perez rose plantation. Although roses are not native to Ecuador, the country has a perfect environment for rose cultivation, and is presently one of the world's major producers. On the plantation you'll learn more about the farming process, from planting to exporting. View the owner's artwork showcased at the plantation and meet a local artisan specializing in traditional painted sheepskin crafts on drums and masks. Visit a dairy farm to hear about farm life in the Andes before returning to Cotopaxi for an afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Cotopaxi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Sunday - Quito City Tour
Journey to Quito today, the historic masterpiece in the high Andes, at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. Upon arrival in Quito, tour of the colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved in Latin America, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at Independence Plaza, flanked by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop's Palace. Continue to the Metropolitan Cultural Center with its exhibits highlighting Ecuadorian culture and rich history. Visit the La Compania de Jesus Church, with its beautiful gilded interior, or the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World with its impressive façade and atrium. Tonight, say goodbye to your Tour Manager and new-found friends at the delightful Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Quito
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Depart Ecuador
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
*Please note: Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 10 and will require a transfer on Day 9. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time
Meals: Breakfast