HIGHLIGHTS
A balanced and varied program to optimize the stages, including a night in Papallacta between the Andes and the Amazon to shorten the travel time to the Amazon.
Time for yourself with 2 nights in the Amazon and 2 nights in Cuenca, time to walk, rest and enjoy the places (swimming pool in the Amazon, picturesque alleys, cafes and craft shops in Cuenca…)
An extension optional to Galapagos
Carefully selected hotels on online review sites (always above 4/5 and 8/10)
Convenient hotel locations in charming historical places (the Abraspungo, a magnificent hacienda and the Carvalho boutique hotel, an old colonial house)
Diversity (colonial cities, lakes, volcanoes, ancestral gastronomy, Amazonia, canoe rides, waterfalls, zip line, Inca site, vicuñas, local communities, hat factory, pre-Hispanic art, national parks.
Departures year-long
Price to come
INCLUDED
All hotel nights in a double room (breakfast included) in the hotels mentioned or equivalent. Depending on the category of hotels you choose
All ground transfers in private service on the mainland. Ext Galapagos in private and shared service.
Private English–speaking guide for continent. For Galapagos Shared Service
Guides
All the activities mentioned in private service on the mainland according to conditions and availability. For Galapagos some activities in shared services.
Entrance fee (continent)
Meals mentioned: Continent. 2 lunches/ 2dinners in the amazon. Ext Galapagos: breakfast only
Assistance from our Office and our operators along the entire route.
EXCLUDED
Drinks (meals included).
Meals not mentioned in the program
Visits mentioned as “optional”.
Domestic flights to Galapagos (530 USD) (reference price) Please note: the price will be reconfirmed at the time of ticket issuance.
Galapagos migration card if they take the extension (20 USD)
Entrance fee to the Galapagos National
Park if you take the extension (200 USD)
International airfare.
Personal equipment: sunglasses, sunscreen, warm clothing (windbreaker and fleece, hat, gloves, socks), walking shoes, hat and personal first aid.
Luggage carriers
Tips to guides and drivers.
Travel Insurance
-
Destination
1
Day 1: Quito
Arrival at Quito International Airport.
Meeting and welcome by your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel.
Advantages of Latin Xplore:
- Delivery of your welcome kit
- Dinner on your own. Due to the time difference and late arrival, many passengers prefer to sleep
directly after the snack provided by the airline.
- Early check -in option with extra charge for passengers who arrive earlier
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 38 km / 40 min – Altitude 2850 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Welcome kit
Meeting and welcome by your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel.
Advantages of Latin Xplore:
- Delivery of your welcome kit
- Dinner on your own. Due to the time difference and late arrival, many passengers prefer to sleep
directly after the snack provided by the airline.
- Early check -in option with extra charge for passengers who arrive earlier
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 38 km / 40 min – Altitude 2850 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Welcome kit
2
Day 2: Quito - Otovalo
Breakfast at the hotel
Advantages of Latin Xplore:
- Go through a typical market
Departure to the historic center with your English-speaking guide. You will visit the unmissable
sites of the largest colonial urban center in South America, witness to the indigenous, colonial,
Inquisition and Republican eras.
Lunch on your own
Departure towards the north of the city, towards the town of Half the World, where the equinox
line that divides the northern hemisphere from the southern hemisphere passes. Also visit the
Intiñan Museum, an ethnographic and recreational museum that traces the history of Ecuador,
from the French geodesic mission to the process of the shrunken heads of the Amazon.
Travel to the Great Lakes region, check -in at the hotel.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 133 km/ 3h min – Altitude 2530 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites.
Advantages of Latin Xplore:
- Go through a typical market
Departure to the historic center with your English-speaking guide. You will visit the unmissable
sites of the largest colonial urban center in South America, witness to the indigenous, colonial,
Inquisition and Republican eras.
Lunch on your own
Departure towards the north of the city, towards the town of Half the World, where the equinox
line that divides the northern hemisphere from the southern hemisphere passes. Also visit the
Intiñan Museum, an ethnographic and recreational museum that traces the history of Ecuador,
from the French geodesic mission to the process of the shrunken heads of the Amazon.
Travel to the Great Lakes region, check -in at the hotel.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 133 km/ 3h min – Altitude 2530 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites.
3
Day 3: Cuicocha - Pegucha - Papallacta
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit the town of Otavalo and Lake Cuicocha, located in the heart of a crater that has collapsed in
on itself. Stop in the town of Cotacachi, time to enjoy the shops of this town specialized in leather
work.
Lunch on your own
Visit the town of Peguche and its sacred waterfall, then departure to the nearby Amazon with an
overnight stay in the town of Papallacta.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 172 km / 3h20 min in 3 trips – Altitude 3300 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English -speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites
Visit the town of Otavalo and Lake Cuicocha, located in the heart of a crater that has collapsed in
on itself. Stop in the town of Cotacachi, time to enjoy the shops of this town specialized in leather
work.
Lunch on your own
Visit the town of Peguche and its sacred waterfall, then departure to the nearby Amazon with an
overnight stay in the town of Papallacta.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 172 km / 3h20 min in 3 trips – Altitude 3300 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English -speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites
4
Day 4: Papallacta
Breakfast at the hotel
Advantages of LatinXplore:
-Depending on the category of lodge you choose (3* and 4*) the itinerary may vary a little.
Departure towards the Amazon, descent of the slopes of the Andes.
Arrival at La Punta Ahuano beach. Get off the bus for the short canoe ride to the Lodge. The
objective of this day is to enjoy the Amazonian atmosphere and relax an afternoon by the pool
offered by the Lodge.
Lunch included at the Lodge with stunning views of the Napo River, a tributary of the
Amazon River
In the afternoon relaxation and exchanges. The Lodge also has an observation tower, a swimming
pool, games and relaxation areas, and the possibility of massages.
Dinner included
Accommodation at the Lodge
Possibility of night walk to observe wildlife
Driving time 170 km/ 3h15 – Altitude 600 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites ☒ Lunch and dinner ☒ Accommodation
Advantages of LatinXplore:
-Depending on the category of lodge you choose (3* and 4*) the itinerary may vary a little.
Departure towards the Amazon, descent of the slopes of the Andes.
Arrival at La Punta Ahuano beach. Get off the bus for the short canoe ride to the Lodge. The
objective of this day is to enjoy the Amazonian atmosphere and relax an afternoon by the pool
offered by the Lodge.
Lunch included at the Lodge with stunning views of the Napo River, a tributary of the
Amazon River
In the afternoon relaxation and exchanges. The Lodge also has an observation tower, a swimming
pool, games and relaxation areas, and the possibility of massages.
Dinner included
Accommodation at the Lodge
Possibility of night walk to observe wildlife
Driving time 170 km/ 3h15 – Altitude 600 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites ☒ Lunch and dinner ☒ Accommodation
5
Day 5: Amazonia
For this second day in the Amazon, you will leave early in the morning to the Island of La Isla, to
observe the endemic birds. Afterwards, return to the Lodge for the buffet breakfast.
Breakfast at the Lodge
The morning will be dedicated to a walk through the jungle with a native guide, accompanied by
your English-speaking guide. An opportunity to observe the flora and fauna and learn about the
medicinal plants and the way of life of the indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest.
Lunch included at the Lodge
The afternoon will be dedicated to meetings, with the presentation of a community and its
inhabitants. The principle is to share their way of life, with two highlights, the blowgun, a hunting
weapon, and chocolate, extracted from their jungle plantations.
Dinner included
Accommodation at the Lodge
Canoe rides / 2 hours of walking – Altitude 600 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Lunch and dinner ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fee to visiting sites
observe the endemic birds. Afterwards, return to the Lodge for the buffet breakfast.
Breakfast at the Lodge
The morning will be dedicated to a walk through the jungle with a native guide, accompanied by
your English-speaking guide. An opportunity to observe the flora and fauna and learn about the
medicinal plants and the way of life of the indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest.
Lunch included at the Lodge
The afternoon will be dedicated to meetings, with the presentation of a community and its
inhabitants. The principle is to share their way of life, with two highlights, the blowgun, a hunting
weapon, and chocolate, extracted from their jungle plantations.
Dinner included
Accommodation at the Lodge
Canoe rides / 2 hours of walking – Altitude 600 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Lunch and dinner ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fee to visiting sites
6
Day 6: Amazon - Yanacocha - Banos Town
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer by canoe and then by bus, for a slow and gradual ascent to the Andes Mountains. This
route is rich in contrasts, going from the heat and humidity of the Amazon to the intermediate
vegetation located at an altitude of 1,820 m.
Yanacocha Animal Shelter, where you will discover many collected endemic species.
Continuing the ascent, after passing through long tunnels, you will discover on the so-called
Cascade Route, a small river that is very agitated and at the end of its course. It ends its long
descent into a deep hole, surrounded by basalt, and then falls again from a height of 80 meters.
This wonder of nature is called Pailon del Diablo.
Free time to discover the different viewpoints.
Lunch on your own
You will continue this magnificent Waterfall Route with a stop at the tarabita that crosses the
Pastaza River, to get closer to the waterfall called Manto de la Novia.
Your guide will show you the town so you can easily orient yourself during your stay in this small
town.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Travel time 160 km / 3 hours in 5 trips – Altitude 1820 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites.
Transfer by canoe and then by bus, for a slow and gradual ascent to the Andes Mountains. This
route is rich in contrasts, going from the heat and humidity of the Amazon to the intermediate
vegetation located at an altitude of 1,820 m.
Yanacocha Animal Shelter, where you will discover many collected endemic species.
Continuing the ascent, after passing through long tunnels, you will discover on the so-called
Cascade Route, a small river that is very agitated and at the end of its course. It ends its long
descent into a deep hole, surrounded by basalt, and then falls again from a height of 80 meters.
This wonder of nature is called Pailon del Diablo.
Free time to discover the different viewpoints.
Lunch on your own
You will continue this magnificent Waterfall Route with a stop at the tarabita that crosses the
Pastaza River, to get closer to the waterfall called Manto de la Novia.
Your guide will show you the town so you can easily orient yourself during your stay in this small
town.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Travel time 160 km / 3 hours in 5 trips – Altitude 1820 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites.
7
Day 7: Banos - Riobamba
Breakfast at the hotel
LatinXplore "advantages"
- Local experience with the Royal Palace community
The ascent to the Andes Mountains continues, reaching the Chimborazo Volcano National Park
and Fauna Reserve. You will be able to admire vicuñas and llamas on the way to the first shelter.
This refuge is accessible by vehicle and is located at an altitude of 4,850 m.
Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, your guide will explain their way of life, as well as their connection with the
llama, its meat, its wool, and the representation of this animal in its ancestral culture.
At the end of the afternoon, return to the hotel in Riobamba.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 142 km/ 3h – Altitude 2750 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites.
LatinXplore "advantages"
- Local experience with the Royal Palace community
The ascent to the Andes Mountains continues, reaching the Chimborazo Volcano National Park
and Fauna Reserve. You will be able to admire vicuñas and llamas on the way to the first shelter.
This refuge is accessible by vehicle and is located at an altitude of 4,850 m.
Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, your guide will explain their way of life, as well as their connection with the
llama, its meat, its wool, and the representation of this animal in its ancestral culture.
At the end of the afternoon, return to the hotel in Riobamba.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 142 km/ 3h – Altitude 2750 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites.
8
Day 8: Riobamba - Cuenca
Breakfast at the hotel
LatinXplore "advantages"
- Explore the archaeological site of Ingapirca
Visit what is recognized as the first Hispanic church in the country and discover the vegetable ivory,
the Tagua. Continue to Pitishi Viewpoint, weather permitting, to admire and understand the Devil's
Nose Railway. A true engineering feat of the time. It was here that the exchange of goods took
place between the cultures of the Andes and those of sea level.
Arrival in Ingapirca, a small town in the mountains next to the Inca site of Ingapirca.
Lunch on your own
Guided tour of the site. Continuation towards the city of Cuenca.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Travel time 274 km / 5h30 completed in 4 trips – Altitude 2560 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites
LatinXplore "advantages"
- Explore the archaeological site of Ingapirca
Visit what is recognized as the first Hispanic church in the country and discover the vegetable ivory,
the Tagua. Continue to Pitishi Viewpoint, weather permitting, to admire and understand the Devil's
Nose Railway. A true engineering feat of the time. It was here that the exchange of goods took
place between the cultures of the Andes and those of sea level.
Arrival in Ingapirca, a small town in the mountains next to the Inca site of Ingapirca.
Lunch on your own
Guided tour of the site. Continuation towards the city of Cuenca.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Travel time 274 km / 5h30 completed in 4 trips – Altitude 2560 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites
9
Day 9: Cuenca
Breakfast at the hotel
LatinXplore "advantages"
- Enjoy the afternoon and evening freely, and the numerous gastronomic options in the city
Visit to a Panama hat factory, originally from Ecuador, and then a brief guided tour of the city.
Lunch on your own
Free afternoon to enjoy this beautiful city of English architecture, very pleasant and well organized
for pedestrians. Your guide will remain at your disposal.
Dine on your own to enjoy the city's wide gastronomic offer
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 5 km / 20 min – Altitude 2560 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English -speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites
LatinXplore "advantages"
- Enjoy the afternoon and evening freely, and the numerous gastronomic options in the city
Visit to a Panama hat factory, originally from Ecuador, and then a brief guided tour of the city.
Lunch on your own
Free afternoon to enjoy this beautiful city of English architecture, very pleasant and well organized
for pedestrians. Your guide will remain at your disposal.
Dine on your own to enjoy the city's wide gastronomic offer
Hotel accommodation
Driving time 5 km / 20 min – Altitude 2560 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English -speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites
10
Day 10: Cuenca - Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel
LatinXplore "advantages"
-Visit the unique Cajas National Park with its paramo vegetation.
Passing and visiting the El Cajas National Park. Magical, wild, bewitching landscapes, with one of
its majestic lagoons – La Toreadora.
Continuation to Guayaquil.
Lunch on your own
Panoramic tour of the city, with the Malecón, the Iguana Park, the Cathedral and the La Peñas
neighborhood.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Travel time 203 km/ 4h in 2 trips – Altitude 0 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites
LatinXplore "advantages"
-Visit the unique Cajas National Park with its paramo vegetation.
Passing and visiting the El Cajas National Park. Magical, wild, bewitching landscapes, with one of
its majestic lagoons – La Toreadora.
Continuation to Guayaquil.
Lunch on your own
Panoramic tour of the city, with the Malecón, the Iguana Park, the Cathedral and the La Peñas
neighborhood.
Dinner on your own
Hotel accommodation
Travel time 203 km/ 4h in 2 trips – Altitude 0 m
Services included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide ☒ Accommodation ☒ Entrance fees to visiting sites
11
Day 11: Guayaquil - Return home or extension
Breakfast at the hotelLunch on your ownDepending on the departure time of your flight, transfer to the airport is coordinated.night on the planeAltitude 0mServices included: ☒ Transfer ☒ English-speaking guide.