Your Travel Experience with Galapagos PRO
Day 1
Arrival at Quito
Welcome to Quito! The biggest and best-preserved colonial city of America, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.
The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and the second most important city of the Inca Empire. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. In the evening, your tour leader will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing and plenty of time to discuss details and answer any questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an informational and acclimation day.
Accommodation: NuHouse Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 2
Hiking at the Cotopaxi National Park
After breakfast, drive south from Quito along the beautiful Avenue of Volcanos, through the colorful Andean fields, headed for the snow-capped Cotopaxi.
Once you have reached the Cotopaxi National Park, you will make your first acclimatisation walk around Lake Limpiopungo at 3,800 meters. Here you will have the opportunity to observe wild horses, wild bulls and some of the local bird species. Expect spectacular views of the magnificent Cotopaxi volcano, the largest active volcano in the world.
In the afternoon continue on towards the Llanganates National Park, which is known as the sacred mountain, until the town of Baños. The small town at the foot of the active volcano Tungurahua is considered a mecca of adventure sports in Ecuador and is also called the gateway to the Amazon. Here we can enjoy Ecuador's best night life, drinking cocktails and dancing salsa.
Accommodation: La Floresta Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch
Day 3
Biking in the LLangatanes National Park
This morning, grab the mountain bikes and hit the trails from the Llanganates National Park down to the Pastaza River Canyon, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the cloud forest. The road winds through some Andean farms and a beautiful canyon with many waterfalls.
While descending into the jungle, you will catch a breath-taking view of Baños, very well known for its spectacular location right on the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, which is the main attraction of this region. In the afternoon there will be some time to explore the town before enjoying the best night life in Ecuador
Accommodation: La Floresta Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Road of Waterfalls and canyoning in the Amazon
This morning you will hit the road of the waterfalls. The first stop will be at the Bride's Veil waterfall, where the Tarabita cable car offers great views on the way across the Pastaza River. Hike down to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second highest in Ecuador before heading deeper into the jungle inside the Llanganates National Park.
The name “llanganates” comes from “beautiful mountain” in the local native language. 600 years ago, this park was the hiding place for the Incas golden treasure. Explorers spent many years looking for this treasure, but some of it has disappeared in this thick, pristine jungle.
During a 3 hour hike through the tropical jungle, you will climb along several white-water waterfalls. The humidity and warmth makes the experience a little more demanding, so get ready to wear your rubber boots and enjoy the magnificence of the Ecuadorean Amazon. Your local native guide will tell you about the incredible nature and wildlife found on the trails.
Accommodation: Amazon Home Stay Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Jatunyacu River Rafting and Volcanic Hot Springs
Greet the day by preparing to paddle the wild waves of the Jatunyacu River, located one hour away from the entrance of the Llanganates National Park. The beauty of this river will inspire you and reveal the magic of the Amazon rainforest. After a very important safety briefing from the expert rafting guides, you will be challenged with a class III rafting expedition down the Jatunyacu River, well known for its clean water and awesome rapids.
During this trip there will be some games to play and also exploring one of the canyons. The journey ends with a picnic, prepared by the guides. Drive back up to the Andes, stopping to visit the paradise of hummingbirds in Guango Reserve and finally continuing up to the volcanic hot springs resort.
Accommodation: Termas Papallacta Spa & Resort Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6
Birding tour and journey back home
Before your trip will come to an end you take a 2 hour bird-watching tour through the cloud forest.
Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart. Perhaps one day you will return to Ecuador to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "buen viaje"!