Ecuador: Culture & Biodiversity

Upon your arrival at Guayaquil airport, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide, and taken to a comfortable hotel in the city center for well-deserved rest! You can also take advantage of this first evening to discover the nightlife of the country's most populated city.

If you prefer to arrive in Quito (international round-trip flights from/to the same destination), you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide, and taken to a comfortable hotel in the city center for well-deserved rest!

This first day will be an opportunity to visit Guayaquil: stroll along the malecón beside the rio Guayas, treat yourself to a fresh fruit juice made before your eyes, visit the art galleries of Las Peñas, admire the city from Santa Ana lighthouse, encounter freely roaming lizards and iguanas at Seminario Park or visit the crocodiles of Isla Santay…There are many possibilities! The largest city in the country by population, Guayaquil is a port city with a very dynamic economy. Full of life, its streets filled with music and colors will give you a beautiful glimpse of Équateur's Costa region.

Not far from Cuenca, you set off to discover the Andean páramo, in the Cajas National Park, known for its trails winding through misty forests, its hundreds of lagoons, and its very diverse wildlife. You may perhaps observe condors, giant hummingbirds, as well as coatis. Near the park, the Sanctuary of the Virgen de Cajas is a pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1989.

In the afternoon, you can also meet the artisans who make the famous panama hats (Équateur products despite their misleading name!). And take advantage of the afternoon to stroll through flowered squares or explore traditional markets.

The next day, you will set off to discover the Ingapirca archaeological site, north of Cuenca. Perched at 3,100 meters altitude, this political and religious complex was founded by the Incas and Cañaris in the early 16th century.

Restored in the 1970s, the Ingapirca ruins are among the best-preserved Inca sites in Équateur. According to historians, this site is believed to have had a military role as an outpost during the territorial expansion of the Inca Empire, but was primarily an ancient ceremonial site dedicated to the worship of the Sun and the observation of the stars. Furthermore, some of the ruins are believed to be those of a funerary monument.

Today, under the watchful eye of llamas, visitors can admire certain architectural specificities of Inca constructions: trapezoidal windows, polished stones, etc.

Visit to the famous traditional market of Guamote, the most typical and certainly one of the most beautiful indigenous markets in Latin America. Products from the Coast, the plains, and the Sierra are sold and exchanged there. You will find animals, clothing, as well as all types of objects. A wonder that is anything but touristy, this market is a true little paradise for those who wish to feel the atmosphere of the Andean countryside, as well as for photographers.

This day begins with a visit to Baños, a city suspended at 1800 meters altitude above waterfalls, in a lush environment. You can enjoy a moment of relaxation in its thermal baths, whose hot waters come from the sources of the Tungurahua volcano (5,016 m).

Other outdoor and leisure activities are possible (for a small additional fee): paragliding, horseback riding or mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, bungee jumping, massages, spa, etc.

In the morning, you will head toward the Amazon and take the "Waterfall Avenue", along the Pastaza river gorge. The trail crosses a valley dotted with numerous waterfalls, each more surprising than the last, including the famous Pailon del Diablo. The mist that envelops the forest testifies to the proximity of the Amazon.

Arrival in the afternoon at your lodge located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

On this first day of adventure in the Ecuadorian Amazon, you will set out on a hike through the tropical rainforest to admire its amazing biodiversity. The sounds of insects and the cries of monkeys will tickle your ears, while you will be able to observe the multicolored parrots above your heads, while remaining on the lookout for more discreet animals that will sometimes appear before you…

In the afternoon, at your convenience, you can go to meet a native community to learn about their know-how, traditions and spirituality, visit an animal protection center or even participate in the transformation of cocoa into chocolate.

If you prefer a moment of relaxation, certain spots on the river are suitable for swimming, in complete safety. Canoe trips to observe aquatic wildlife, and in particular caimans, are also possible.

Day dedicated to visiting the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. The city is nestled on verdant hills and benefits from privileged climatic conditions. Its numerous churches and colonial buildings bear witness to a long history of struggles and cultural syncretism. From the viewpoints, you will have a breathtaking view of the city. In the heart of its historic center, inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage, you will discover the Jesuit church of the Company, the San Francisco cloister and the national cathedral, which are all pearls of baroque art. This exploration of Quito's streets will also give you an insight into the incredible cultural diversity that the city hosts, in an environment full of life and color.

1200 butterflies of more than one hundred different species live in the mariposario of Mindo. With varying sizes and colors, they will surprise you and this visit will be an opportunity to learn more about their way of life, reproduction, as well as their different evolutionary phases, from caterpillar to butterfly.

You will also be able to admire the splendid waterfalls of Mindo, thanks to the system of tarabitas, small cabins suspended in the air, which get your adrenaline pumping and allow for excellent photo opportunities.

Finally, you will be able to admire the orchids of Mindo at the Orchid Garden, which has more than 400 species. At the national level, there are approximately 4000 different species, of which 30% are endemic. These surprising flowers greatly contribute to making Équateur a megadiverse country. Present from sea level up to 4500 meters, they have particularly well adapted to the different Ecuadorian climates.

The next day, our exploration of Ecuadorian biodiversity continues: at the Hummingbird Garden, you will be able to observe these fascinating little birds, typical of Ecuador, which flap their wings between 25 and 80 times per minute!

At the organic coffee plantation in Mindo, you will discover the coffee transformation process, from seed to your cup. You will be able to participate in it, taste different coffees made in Mindo, accompanied by local desserts, and observe the birds on the plants.

A few kilometers from Otavalo, around the lagoon of Cuicocha, the slopes of the Cotacachi volcano offer unique natural scenery. Perched at 3100 meters altitude, this crater lake 3km in diameter was born following a volcanic eruption, as were the two islets in its center. One of them, which would have the shape of a guinea pig - cuy in Kichwa - gave its name to the lagoon. On a loop of several hours, this very varied trail allows you to discover very diverse flora and breathtaking views of the Imbabura region.

In the afternoon, we set out to discover the sacred waterfall of Peguche, a place of ritual purification for the indigenous people of the Imbabura region. You will also be able to meet weaver artisans, and discover several local craft factories, using traditional methods or the most recent technologies.

You will then spend the night in Otavalo. Depending on the time of your trip, it is possible that you may be able to attend one of the traditional festivals that mark the solar cycle, and join the crowd to dance in honor of Pachamama while tasting the famous chicha (corn alcohol).

In the morning you will take full advantage of the famous Otavalo Saturday market.