Quito & the Ecuadorian Amazon

Hotel Patio Andaluz, located in the heart of the historic "Quito Antiguo", declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, is surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments. Come and experience the colonial times through the corridors that have witnessed Ecuadorian history since the end of the XVI century. The exclusive restaurant El Rincon de Cantuna specializes in national and Spanish cuisine and classic international dishes.

Ecuador is history, fascinating indigenous cultures, slow winding rivers and lush tropical forests, spectacular snow capped volcanoes and some of the most exciting wildlife on earth.

The place to start is the 'Mitad del Mundo'; a site located just 30 minutes north of Quito, where a monument marks the equator at its closest point to the city. Archaeological evidence shows that both pre-Inca and Inca civilizations recognized and celebrated the equinox, the day the sun is directly over the equator.

In the morning we will make a 45 minute journey northwest to the equatorial line, where we will walk the rim of the extinct Pululahua volcanic crater. Later we will visit the "Ciudad Mitad del Mundo" a group of buildings designed to explain the significance of the site, as well as the Ethnographic or Intiñan Museum, located right on the Equator. Here you will have the chance to plant your feet in two hemispheres at the same time.

Back in Quito, after lunch we will visit the city's impressive colonial center, the reason Quito was the first city to be named a world heritage site by the United Nations. First on the agenda is a walk through the main plaza, the 'Plaza de la Independencia', where you will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and some of the most important churches built around the XVI and XVII centuries, including the San Francisco Monastery, a building begun only 5 days after the founding of the city.

Lunch included.

We will have the chance to enjoy a chocolate experience, which starts with a guided tour explaining the history of cocoa in Ecuador, followed by a chocolate tasting.

Ecuador's unique equatorial climate provides the perfect environment for growing the world's finest cocoa - Cacao Arriba. Cocoa has been revered in Latin America for over 5,000 years. Spanish explorers loved it so much they called it the 'Food of the Gods'.

The Republica del Cacao's founders began their voyage over ten years ago when they set themselves an ambitious mission: to produce the most authentic and delicious chocolate, while protecting and developing sustainable fine cocoa production.

Upon arrival to Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be greeted by representatives of the M/V Manatee who will assist with check-in. After a short flight from Quito to the Amazon city of Coca, you will be transferred to the dock to board motorized canoes and begin a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in your first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, you will reach the M/V Manatee and enjoy a warm welcome aboard. Once settled, join expert local naturalist guides for a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, and then relish your first opportunity to discover the exciting features of the vessel: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that allows you to admire the changing rainforest landscape as you glide down the Napo River. After dinner, plunge straight into the Amazon rainforest on a nighttime forest walk to observe the forest's nocturnal activity and experience the thrilling noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.

After a delicious breakfast, set out on a motorized canoe to spend some time exploring one of the large islands with an aim to spot eagles, oropendolas, woodpeckers, and many other birds. Back aboard for lunch and spectacular onboard experiences like watching the changing scenery of the Amazon from a hot tub, a delicious cocktail at the bar and lounge, or admiring the incredible landscapes from the observation deck. Later in the afternoon, visit Yasuní National Park, a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This is the home of the legendary pink river dolphin, and the area is also host to anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colorful hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the stinky turkey. Near Yasuní live the Secoyas, a minority community that you will have the opportunity to visit.

The day starts with a visit to a local Kichwa family located on the banks of the Napo River, where you will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. Following some leisure time as the vessel navigates upstream, participate in a cooking lesson with the ships expert chef who will share recipes and techniques using fresh and organic ingredients to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. After lunch, you are invited to try your hand at making traditional handicrafts and attend an ancestral cultures lecture with one of the M/V Manatee's local guides. For a more active adventure, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the surrounding nature. There is an option for everyone!

Relax and enjoy the sounds of the river during the morning. Later, disembark to visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers astonishing 360-degree vistas. The perspective at the top of this observation tower is truly glorious, looming above the lush treetops and providing a view of the sheer vastness of the Amazon Basin. This is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers will especially enjoy this outing. In the afternoon, explore the nearby forest for a walk to discover myriad animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin. A kayak activity is also available to explore this area. Back on board the M/V Manatee, get set for a delightful farewell dinner.

This is where your Amazonian adventure ends! Soak in the last leg of your journey onboard the M/V Manatee and then disembark onto motorized canoes which will return you to Coca (a 90-minute ride approximately). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport where you will board an outbound flight to Quito.

Hotel Patio Andaluz, located in the heart of the historic "Quito Antiguo", declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, is surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments. Come and experience the colonial times through the corridors that have witnessed Ecuadorian history since the end of the XVI century. The exclusive restaurant El Rincon de Cantuna specializes in national and Spanish cuisine and classic international dishes.

At just 50 km from the capital Quito, the Cayambe-Coca Reserve is well served by tourist infrastructure, and is a favorite with visitors attracted by its many fascinating features: the high latitude grasslands and hot springs, the wildlife, and the area's multitude of pristine lakes.

Papallacta, located just outside the southern border of the park, is surrounded by some 60 lakes. It also has an abundance of hot springs (whose source is the Antisana Volcano), that can be enjoyed after taking one of the many hikes into the Reserve to see waterfalls, birds and other local wildlife.

Lunch included and drive back to Quito.

Today we will visit the Quitsato Sundial, a cultural-tourist area located on the equatorial line near the Cayambe volcano, where you will learn about the astronomical knowledge of the region's pre-Hispanic cultures.

We will then head to the town of Otavalo, This is truly one of the most interesting towns in Ecuador, where the local Kichwa indigenous culture is not only plainly visible, but on their rise.

The town's famous craft market is one of the most visited sites in Ecuador, and with good reason. The market is filled with interesting colorful and sometimes rare objects and crafts. Do remember to bargain, but only if you're interested! The market is held every day on one of the town squares at the foot of the majestic Imbabura Mountain. And to help you navigate the market, you will be given a short explanation of the market and provided with a map of the area. The Local Indian Market has been an economic and social center for more than 4000 years.

As part of our day at the market we will visit the workshop of Master weaver Miguel Andrango, in the village of Agato. Miguel's art has taken him abroad, mainly to exhibitions and fairs in the United States where the quality of his work is widely acknowledged. In the small store in the courtyard of his Tawantinsuyo workshop, the walls are covered with bright designs, most with an indigenous motif; the designs are based on Inca patterns but are the work of Miguel and his family. The workshop uses only pure wool and Alpaca; the weavers card and spin it themselves and then dye it with natural inks made from mosses (for yellow) or seeds such as 'Achiote' (for red).

In the afternoon we'll drive to the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve for a visit to the interpretation center and an outstanding view of the Cuicocha lagoon, a deep-blue crater lake on the lower southern flanks of Cotacachi Volcano. After our hike we will stop at the picturesque colonial town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather work.