Ecuador Big Five 18 Days Tour

This is the arrival day for all of our tour participants and depending of your flight arrival times you can have a day exploring one of the UNESCO heritage sites in world (Quito's Old Town) or simply rest at the Hotel before our Tour Guide meet you at the Lobby at 6:30 pm for our Orientation meeting and briefing before the starting of the tour. During this meeting you can clarify everything as you might be concerned or curious to know about the tour overall. We can still assist you arranging a full day in Quito or surroundings if you let us know in advance.

Early in the morning we will start our city tour at Panecillo viewpoint to admire the Quito´s wonders from above, then we will walk around two hours visiting the highlights of the old city such as; San Francisco Church, Compañía de Jesús Church and Sagrario Church located on “Calle de la Siete Cruces” or Garcia Moreno Street. Then we will visit the Presidential Palace lobby at Quito´s main Square. Finally we will visit the first Gothic Church of Ecuador, considered the highest one in the city. This is another beautiful viewpoint to observe “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Then we will drive 2 ½ hours to the northern side of the Ecuadorian Andes, where we will tour one of the most visited areas by foreigners and local tourists; the area is known as Imbabura, also called ´The Lakes Province´. We will then begin our journey going across the Guayllabamba Valley (Green Valley) where we can enjoy delicious fruits, typical of the area, such as Cherimoya and Lima. We will then continue our trip through an area with several viewpoints – these are the perfect places for people who like photography, finally arrival in Otavalo for overnight.

Duration: 7 hours

In the morning ,we will visit Otavalo Indian Market, which is very famous for its quality handicrafts, and its exportation to all over the world. Then we will take you to visit a wonderful waterfall known as Peguche, it’s a sacred place where the locals renew their energies and you will also do!!! After it, It is time to stop at Cotacachi Area, which is known for its famous-quality cow and sheep leather articles and also we can have a stop for lunch, there are several typical dishes and you can have a chance to try guinea pig if you desire…. Finally we will visit Cuicocha well known as Guinea Pig Lake for awesome pictures, then we will drive towards Papallacta hot springs for overnight.

Duration: 7 hours

After breakfast , it is time to return back to Quitos airport for a short flight to Coca ( Jungle City) Then you’ll get on board a motorized canoe that will take us to the welcoming area of the Napo Wildlife Center. During the 2-hours ride you will have the opportunity to see some aquatic birds and nature surrounding the Napo River. Upon arriving to the Napo Cultural Center, located in the Kichwa Anangu community, guests are welcomed with a nice and refreshing traditional drink and then shown to their cabins with stunning views of the wilderness and natural gardens bordering the lodge. In the afternoon, you can join us in a short walk to the Napo river bank to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beaches and natural islands of the Napo river bank. Then, we’ll return back to the lodge to have a delicious traditional typical dinner at the restaurant. You are welcome to see how the meals are cooked by the chef since the kitchen area is open to visitors.

Duration: 8 hours

We get up early in the morning at 4:30 am before sun rises to participate in one the most ancient customs of the Kichwa Anangu community, making the wayusa tea to energize the body and then follow the ritual of listening to kichwa songs and mind and meditate about life and important issues in a peaceful way.
After a buffet-style breakfast at the restaurant we’ll visit the Canopy observation Tower, a place where you’ll experience the life in the jungle atop the trees.
The 36-meter Canopy tower is about 30 minutes from the lodge deep in the forest. A place as any other! Get a close up view of colorful birds such as tanagers, toucans, macaws, parrots, flycatchers and some monkey species as Spider or Howler monkeys that feed with the fruits and seed found in the nearby trees.

In the afternoon, you’ll go hiking through a stunning terra-firme forest where you will discover the complex ecosystem living in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, vines, orchids, bromeliad, ancient rees and different animals such as insects, spiders, mammals, birds, monkeys, etc. After the hike, you’ll ride on the surrounding creeks on paddle-canoe to explore the aquatic wildlife. Dinner at the lodge at about 7:30pm.  to have a delicious typical Ecuadorian local lunch at the restaurant of the lodge that features a 360° view of the Anangu Lake and surrounding nature. After lunch time, you can choose from the many options the NWC offers you: relaxing on the hammocks, read a book or climbing the dining room observation tower for birdwatching. In the afternoon, you’ll go hiking through a stunning terra-firme forest where you will discover the complex ecosystem living in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, vines, orchids, bromeliad, ancient rees and different animals such as insects, spiders, mammals, birds, monkeys, etc. After the hike, you’ll ride on the surrounding creeks on paddle-canoe to explore the aquatic wildlife. Dinner at the lodge at about 7:30pm.

Duration: 8 hours

Get up early in the morning to visit the most stunning parrot clay licks in the Amazon jungle in Ecuador!! We’ll paddle downstream on the Anangu creek until reaching the Kichwa Anangu community. Then, after a 10 minutes ride on a motorized canoe we’ll get to the parrot clay licks where hundreds of wonderful colorful birds gather to lick the mineral contained in the soil that help them to digest the fruits and seeds they feed up with. Then, back to the community welcoming area we’ll go on a short walk to the parakeets clay lick to see hundreds of parakeets atop the trees waiting for the best time to eat the minerals and salt contained in the soil. Lunch will be served in the welcome are and then, in the afternoon, we’ll visit the Interpretative Centre where you will be welcomed by women of the community. Learn about their customs and traditions at the same time you enjoy from community the typical rituals and dances. Late in the afternoon, we’ll go back to the Napo Wildlife Center lodge to have dinner and rest for the next day adventure.

Duration: 8 hours

After an early breakfast we’ll go they way we came back to Coca city. In this last excursion upstream the Napo River you may see some new sights of the Amazonia flora and fauna. Upon arrival in Quito Airport , we will drive you through the Avenue of the Volcanoes until Cotopaxi Province for overnight.

Duration: 8 hours

After breakfast we will drive towards Cotopaxi National Park, which consists of 34,000 hectares, and has a large variety of trails, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and, of course, it’s Volcano, which will captivate you with its majesty and beauty. In the area of the lagoon, Limpiopungo, at 3830 meters above sea level, you will find an enormous diversity of flora and fauna – it is also possible to hike around the lagoon´s shore, where native birds of the Andes are plentiful. Then we will drive higher up to Cotopaxi Staging Area, at 4500 masl.  In the Staging Area, it is often possible to admire a Condor in flight. From this point it is possible to climb to the basecamp. Finally we will drive to Baños City for overnight.

Duration: 8 hours

Early in the morning, we will start our tour visiting some Banos City sights like the local market, the main Church , the Melcochas tasting. Then we will continue towards the Famous Waterfalls Avenue ( it is the route to the Jungle with more than 30 waterfalls) on this tour we will visit the most beautiful ones as follows: Agoyan ( here you can do zipline with an extra cost ) , Manto de la Novia ( here you can go across Pastaza Canyon by cable car , known as Tarabita ) , Pailón del Diablo ( at this point we will walk down to see the largest waterfall and discover its 6 balconies few feet away the water). Then we will transport towards Riobamba City for overnight.

Duration: 8 hours

The main attraction today will be the Train ride from Alausi to Sibambe Station. It is one of the Engineering Marvels of the twentieth century. The entire ride is breathtaking, and you will definitely admire the beautiful scenery which displays the ethnic and natural richness of the country. On the final section of tracks, you will experience what is known as the Devil’s Nose, where the actual shape of the mountain is similar to a nose. At the end of the train ride, we will continue our journey towards to Ingapirca Archeological Complex, the most important Pre-Inca stop in the entire Ecuador finally we will drive to Cuenca city for overnight.

Duration: 8 hours

In the morning, we will visit Cuenca City (declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO). The most representative sites in Cuenca are: Calderon Park (Central Square), the Modern and Old Cathedrals, the Flower Market, and Larga Street with its colonial houses, all of which are unforgettable. We will also visit the Tomebamba River and the Broken Bridge, since they are famous landmarks. Of course an attraction impossible to skip is the Ethnographic Museum (Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes).  The Ethnographic Museum is a must-see because of its unique art collection from across the country.

Duration: 6 hours

After breakfast , it is time to continue enjoying the Andes !!!  we will drive towards to Loja City ( the last city in the south the Ecuadorian Andes ) as people say there if you have not seeing Loja - you don't know Ecuador.... Upon Arrival , we will walk around the City visiting some interesting places such as: San Francisco Church , Main Square , the City Museum & The City Gate. Then we can grab something to eat along the way towards to Vilcabamba Valley. Finally , the rest of the afternoon , you can relax at the hotel pool or just walk around the Hotel Garden.

Duration: 8 hours

On this day , you can choose between several options such as:  6 Hours Hike up to Mandango Hill ( demanding tour ) , 3 Hours Hike through the surroundings of Vilcabamba Village , Short walk to town , Relax  at the Pool and take yoga classes at the hotel  and  Biking Tour around  All these activities are included in program , but you can only choose 1 for the Day

Duration: 4 hours

Early in the morning , we will continue our drive towards down to the Coast of Ecuador. Along  the way , we will have several stops to admire,  this wonderful change in vegetation and altitude . This is a magical drive with many pictures opportunities , then we will stop at Cacao & Mango Farm near by Guayaquil , where you will learn how to make Chocolate and it's all process!!! , We will have lunch at the place , finally we will continue to Guayaquil ( the largest city in Ecuador ) for overnight.

Duration: 10 hours

Early depart to Quito's International Airport for your local flight to the Galapagos Islands , this flight takes 3 hours ( with an stop in Guayaquil ). Upon your arrival at Baltra Airport , clear customs and ready to meet your Naturalist Guide from Galapagos , who will conduct to trough the other part of the trip towards Puerto Ayora town at Santa Cruz Island. while in town you can have a quick snack or something to drink before , the speed boat towards Isabela Island ( public boat navigation 2 hours.) Finally we will check in at the hotel in Puerto Villamil , then you can enjoy a nice walk around the beach to admire the Galapagos sunset.

Duration: 8 hours

Today you will have 3 activities in once as follows: Early bus ride for 30 minutes towards Volcan Sierra Negra , hike up to the Volcano Caldera , along the way you can observe some plants and birds endemic from the Galapagos Islands and off course if the weather allows you will have a great Volcano View.  This volcano erupted on July 2018 , so you will see the reminds of the last eruption. Once we returned back to the Park control , you have two options #1 to take the transportation back to the hotel and get an snack before the next activity start  #2 Take a Biking down hill trough the island crops to and a famous Sucre Cave in the way down to town. ( THIS ACTIVITY IS NOT INCLUDED IN PROGRAM , HOWEVER YOU CAN DECIDE IT RIGHT ON THE DAY OF THIS TOUR , PRICE PER PERSON FOR MTB TOUR USD 70 box lunch included )After you return , you will have some time for rest , then we will take to you to another fantastic tour well known as TINTORERAS ISLET  At this tour, you will visit a next door islet full of baby marine iguanas , sea gulls , sea lions, blue footted bobbies , frigatte birds and some Galapagos Penguins. Also depending of the sea tide you will be able to see the TINTORERAS or The White Tip Reef Shark , who rest during day time at the Islet canals. Then you will go for a magic snorkel at La Calera area , where you will swim together with marine iguanas , sea turtles , sea lions and a great number of colorful fish. Finally you will return back to hotel.

Duration: 8 hours

Today you will take a speed boat towards Puerto Ayora , Santa Cruz Island ( it will take 2 hours approx.) Then you will get to the hotel for check in , after the guide will take you to Charles Darwin Research Station ( this is the most important research center of the entire Galapagos ) Then you will have some time to enjoy the town and have a quick lunch before the next activity. Later in the afternoon you will go to visit a Tortoise Ranch in the highlands of Santa Cruz , where you will see a very big land wild tortoises in natural state. Finally you will return back to town for overnight... Tonight Advise : Don't miss eating at the QUIOSKOS street a very fresh lobster and many different type of sea food caught in the morning. Also go at night to the Pier , where you can see babbie sharks , rays and many other animals very close.

Duration: 8 hours

Free  morning , 10:00 am check out and transportation to Baltra Airport to take a flight to Quito late in the afternoon , then transportation to the Hotel in Quito  Unfortunately we have to say good bye after we arrive in Quito and we invite you to see one of our other  tours in Ecuador Mainland and Peru Tours.. However if you desire to add one more night in Quito City or extend your staying in Ecuador , we can always help you out with free advise to make sure you optimize the time and continue exploring this paradise called Ecuador. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT  FOR NEXT DAY  CHECK OUT IS AT 11 am  TRANSFER OUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE