Day 1
Upon arrival in Quito you will be greeted for airport reception and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Full Day Colonial Quito Tour & the Equator
The tour begins with a visit to Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral and El Sagrario Church are located. We will also visit the Church of La Compańia (1605), with its amazing gilt altars. This is considered the finest example of baroque art in America and the Moorish influence can also be noted in the intricate designs carved on the magnificent red-and-gold columns and ceilings. Afterward we will take you to the church and monastery of San Francisco (1535). This is the oldest Ecuadorian church, and the main altar inside is a spectacular example of baroque carving. There is also a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Finally we will drive up to the highest viewpoint of the city, El Panecillo, where we will have a spectacular view of Quito and the opportunity to see an old church with the famous “winged virgin” of Quito. After visiting the colonial and modern areas of the city, a 30-minute drive will take us to La Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) with its 30-meter-high monument marking the equatorial line and excellent ethnographical museum.
Day 3
Otavalo Indian Market, Cayambe and Cotocachi
Today you will drive north toward the Province of Lakes, Imbabura. Enjoy an exciting trip by visiting Guayabamba valley, taste its exotic fruits, cross the Equator Line and arrive at Cayambe, the world’s highest point where the Equator Line crosses. In Cayambe we will try its famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese. As we approach Otavalo, you will have stunning views of the San Pablo Lake with the high peak of Imbabura Volcano behind it. Next is the town of Otavalo, home of the largest indigenous market of its kind in South America. After lunch in one of the local haciendas (included), we head for Cotocachi, a town renowned for its handmade leather goods. Upon return to Quito, transfer to your hotel. Note: you may also spend one night at a hacienda near Quito. Please consult with your Yampu travel consultant.
Day 4
Quito - Cotopaxi NP – Baños
This morning you will be greeted at your hotel in Quito and transferred privately to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here you will admire the beautiful snow-capped volcano and will have an optional hike. Later, you will head to the Hacienda La Cienega, one of the oldest haciendas dating back to the seventeenth century, for a tasty lunch (included). After lunch, you will stop at Saquisili Market (if Thursday), or Latacunga Market (if Tuesday or Saturday), please see information on these markets below. Transfer to Banos for an evening at your leisure. Lunch included.
Day 5
Baños – Riobamba
After breakfast enjoy a visit to the Baños waterfalls including Manto de la Novia, Pailon del Diablo and Ines Maria. During your visit you will enjoy tastes of the local juice of sugar cane and melcochas. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Riobamba, visiting a local Indian Market en route (if open on that day).
Day 6
Riobamba – Devils Nose Train – Ingapirca – Cuenca
Early in the morning you will drive to the village of Alausí, enjoying spectacular mountain views on the way. Here you will take a ride on the famous "Devil's Nose" train. Return and travel south to Cuenca, visiting the ruins of the Inca fortress Ingapirca en route. This evening, you will overnight in Cuenca. Box lunch included.
Please note this train does not operate on Mondays.
Day 7
Cuenca
This morning you will enjoy a city tour of Cuenca visiting the Calderon Park, the new and old Cathedral, the Park of the Flowers, the City Museum and modern art, the Canari-Incas of all saints’ ruins, Canon of the Tomebamba and Turi River. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the airport to take your flight to Quito (you may also choose to spend an extra night in Cuenca, please consult with your Yampu travel consultant).
Day 8
Napo Wildlife Center
This morning, you will transfer to the Quito airport for a 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes at almost 10,000 feet to the Amazon Basin at only 820 feet. Upon arrival in Coca, you will be greeted and transferred via the Napo River to the Napo Wildlife Center. Your transfer will last approximately two hours during which you will enjoy a boxed lunch and view the exotic wildlife of the Amazon.
This afternoon you arrive at the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve where you will transfer to a smaller dugout canoe and enjoy a peaceful paddle up a small stream that connects to the lake on which the lodge is located (no motorized transport is allowed on the creek so wildlife isn't disturbed). After one hour you will reach the Ańangu Lake and get your firsts view of the striking lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink before settling into your accommodations. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to join a night excursion, taking in the nocturnal sounds and sights.
Day 9
Napo Wildlife Center
This morning you will wake early and transfer by canoe to one of the two best clay licks in Ecuador to witness the colorful whirlwind of activity beginning at 7:30am. Here you will be able to see 11 species of macaws, parrots and parakeets. The colorful birds arrive by the hundreds to eat the clay that is thought to detoxify certain nuts and seeds they eat. A specially designed viewing blind allows for close proximity and complete concealment so while the birds are performing their morning ritual, you can peacefully enjoy your coffee. As the activity at this lick begins to slow, you make your way to the second clay lick where you will be able to see different species of macaws, parrots & parakeets, weather permitting. Here you will enjoy a boxed lunch as you watch the avian activity. Late this afternoon you will return to the lodge and enjoy a siesta before dinner.
Day 10
Napo Wildlife Center
After an early breakfast, you will depart from the lodge for the finest experience at a canopy tower on the Napo. The 36 meter high canopy tour is the perfect way to view the wildlife above the forest floor. As you ascend the 12-story tower you will pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. Here, you cross onto a wooden platform that is actually built into the tree and experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds. The metal tower itself was constructed to the highest standards, galvanized, and carefully inspected by engineers; safety is the priority.
Day 11
This morning you will depart from the Napo Wildlife Center early in the morning for the return flight to Quito, and then connecting with the international flight home.
Ecuador
Cotopaxi Volcano
Napo Wildlife Center
Napo Wildlife Center Suite
