A cultural trip par excellence!
FERNANDO’S WORD OVER THIS TOUR
Go on a trip and discover the Ecuadorian people (s)… This is the goal of the ” Ecuador Authentic Encounters ” tour that I have created for you. In the Amazon and the Andes, you will meet Indian communities where cultural exchange is real. Always in exceptional sites, you will learn the customs and traditions of each family with which you will be in constant contact. Alongside them, you will also take part in daily activities (agriculture, cooking, etc.).
We absolutely wish to let you know their current daily life even if the communities will certainly tell you their ancestors’ way of life. Ecuador is one and the same country, but the people living there each have their own particularities from one region to another. On one and the same trip to Ecuador, you will meet different and endearing people.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer-in to Quito | Quito visit | Quito > Cuicocha > San Clemente | San Clemente |
| Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 |
| San Clemente > Otavalo (market) > Cotopaxi National Park | Cotopaxi National Park > Tigua | Tigua > Zumbahua > Quilotoa > Chugchilan | Chugchilan > Isinlivi > Riobamba |
| Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | Day 12 |
| Riobamba > Chimborazo reserve > Salinas de Guaranda > Riobamba | Riobamba > Baños | Baños > Tena > Amazon rainforest (Tena region) | Amazon rainforest (Tena region) |
| Day 13 | Day 14 | ||
| Amazon rainforest (Tena region) > Papallacta | Papallacta > Quito Airport (departure transfer) |
Tour highlights :
– Completely private tour in Ecuador with English-speaking guidance in the Andes.
– 4 nights in indigenous communities –and 2 at a homestay in Quito-.
– 5 days in the heart of the primary Amazonian forest.
– Discovery of 2 indigenous markets.
– 2-day trekking near Cotopaxi Park.
Rates/per person:
| 2 People | 4 People |
|---|---|
| $3076 | $2335 |
– The rate decreases/increases according to the group size. The prices provided are based on the “Comfort” 2/3*** category. Let us know if you would like this program in the “Superior” 3/4**** or “Luxe” 4/5***** category. The final cost of this trip depends on the way we personalize it specially for you. The exact price will be provided in your personalized quote when you BOOK THIS TRIP.
Rate Includes
– All transfers, vehicles, drivers and their costs and fees.
– Accommodation
– National-licensed guides as indicated in the Guides & Drivers.
– Meals as indicated in the program (13 Breakfasts / 11 Lunches / 10 Dinners).
– Entrances to sites, museums and national parks specified in the program.
– Licenses (ITK travel agency and our guides and drivers).
Rate Doesn’t include
– International flights
– Individual equipment
– Visits indicated as “Optional” or “at an additional cost”.
– Drinks in bars, hotels, restaurants or villages.
– Not indicated meals
– Tips
Explore in more detail :
Day 1 : Transfer-in to Quito
Arrival to Quito. Transfer to your hotel.
Meal
D
Visit
No
Hike
No
transport
1h00
Day 2 : Quito visit
Visit the colonial and capital of Ecuador city, Quito. With your English-speaking guide, you will visit this city classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Between the churches, the colonial streets, and El Panecillo hill, you will appreciate one of the most beautiful capitals of Latin America.
Meal
b/l
Visit
6h00
Hike
0h00
transport
0h30
Day 3 : Quito > Cuicocha > San Clemente
Road to the north of Ecuador. You will go to the Cuicocha lake, you will be able to make the complete tour (4h). Then you will go to the San Clemente Andean Kichwa Indigenous community. You will share an exceptional moment with your family. Possibility to share daily activities if you wish.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
1h00
Hike
from 1h00 to 4h00
transport
3h30
Day 4 : San Clemente
A new day in the Indian community of San Clemente. Once again, you will share an unforgettable moment of life, to the rhythm of families.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
5h00
Hike
0h00
transport
0h00
Day 5 : San Clemente > Otavalo (Market) > Cotopaxi National Park
Visit the Otavalo market in the morning. It is the largest indigenous market in Ecuador. It is particularly beautiful and vibrant on Saturdays. At the end of the morning, you will visit a rose garden in Cayambe city. You will then descend to Cotopaxi Park where you will stay in a beautiful typical Andean hacienda.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
4h00
Hike
0h00
transport
3h45
Day 6 : Cotopaxi National Park > Tigua
In the morning you will visit the Cotopaxi National Park. Then you will go to the picturesque Tigua village where you will stay in a typical Andean inn.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
3h00
Hike
1h00
transport
2h30
Day 7 : Tigua > Zumbahua > Quilotoa > Chugchilan
In the morning you will get to the Zumbahua village to discover its typical Andean market small yet very authentic. Then you will take the direction to Quilotoa lake. You will start with the first stage of your 2-day trek.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
6h00
transport
0h45
Day 8 : Chugchilan > Isinlivi > Riobamba
You will continue your trek to Isinliví (2nd stage). This day, like the first, will be mostly downhill. Once your trek is over you will go towards Riobamba in an Andean community.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
6h00
transport
3h30
Day 9 : Riobamba > Chimborazo reserve > Salinas de Guaranda > Riobamba
Head to the second protected reserve of your stay in Ecuador. You will meet the vicuñas in this superb reserve. Then direction to Salinas de Guaranda to discover this community living in semi-autarky.
Meal
b/l
Visit
3h00
Hike
1h00
transport
3h00
Day 10 : Riobamba > Baños
Departure towards the Amazon on the way, Baños town discovery, which is a spa town before arriving in the Amazon. You can enjoy the many activities that the city offers.
Meal
b
Visit
2h00
Hike
1h00
transport
2h00
Day 11 : Baños > Amazon rainforest (Tena region)
You will have a free morning to enjoy Baños once again. You will then take the Tena road, the gateway to the Amazon. You will be in a pleasant lodge in the region.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
3h00
Day 12 : Amazon rainforest (Tena region)
You will have tours planned by the lodge.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
0h00
Day 13 : Amazon rainforest > Papallacta
You will leave your lodge at the end of the afternoon to reach Papallacta, a famous spa resort where you will spend the night.
Meal
b/l/d
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
2h30
Day 14 : Papallacta – departure transfer to Quito airport
Departure transfer to Quito International Airport.
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
1h00
B: Breakfast
L: Luch
D: Dinner
«Comfort » category : charming and comfortable accommodation 2/3*** category. Clean and offering an adapted-to-European and American customer service.
« Luxe » category: top of the range accommodations 4/5***** categoryoffering an irreproachable quality of service. The rooms are luxurious and spacious. .
« Superior » category : charming accommodation 3/4**** category. Top of the range quality infrastructure and personalized service. Spacious and tasteful rooms.
* Andes:
=> Driver (on Days 1 & 14) : private transfers accompanied by your local Spanish-speaking driver (Vehicle type: Kia Sportage or Hyundai H1). Your driver will understand English allowing you to communicate the essentials.
=> Private Guide/Driver (on Days 2-13) : private transfers, activities, and excursions accompanied by your local English-speaking guide with his own vehicle. (Vehicle type: Kia Sportage or Hyundai H1).
Note : for 4+ people you will be accompanied by both an English-speaking guide + your Spanish-speaking driver.
* Amazon rainforest:
=> Activities in the Amazon will take place accompanied by an local English or Spanish-speaking guide in groups (your private guide will remain available)
=> Physical : this trip is focused on Ecuador encounters. There are no major physical events even if you have to prepare to climb to 5000m altitude.
=> Technical : no technical level is necessary during this stay.
Clothing :
-1 or 2 light walking trousers
-1 or 2 warm walking trousers
-2 Fleece jackets
-1 breathable warm jacket (gore tex type)
-1 waterproof jacket (type kway)
– light t-shirts
– hike shoes
– casual shoes
-1 pair of gloves for high altitude walks
-1 warm hat for high altitude walks
– beach clothing -if necessary-
– cap
Additional :
-1 water bottle
– sunglasses
– solar cream
– hiking bag (between 25 to 45L)
– hike sticks
– camera
– binoculars
– Mosquito repellent
– Transfers and visits times are indicative.
– For every not included meal, foresee between $5 -popular- and $50 -gourmet- per person.
– Tips: we recommend between $ 10 and $ 20 per worked day for a guide, and between $ 5 and $ 10 per worked day for a driver.
– Have a look at our USEFUL INFORMATION page to better prepare your adventure!