Best Amazon Trip Ecuador from Quito

Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Upon arrival at Quito's airport, you'll be warmly received and transferred to your hotel in the Quito district. After checking in (available from 15:00 hours), enjoy a restful evening preparing for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Quito City Tour, Teleférico, and Middle of the World Monument
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a comprehensive city tour. Visit the Basilica Church for a brief stop, then stroll through Quito's colonial streets, pausing at Independence Plaza to admire the Cathedral and the Government Palace. Explore La Ronda Street, The Company Church, Santo Domingo's Church, The Sagrario's Church, and San Francisco's Church, which dates back to the 17th century. After immersing yourself in the city's rich history, ride the Teleférico to enjoy panoramic views of Quito from over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters). Following lunch, head to the Middle of the World monument, where you can stand on the equatorial line and participate in interactive experiments at the Intiñan Museum. Return to your hotel in Quito for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Otavalo Market and Cuicocha Lake
After breakfast, depart early for Otavalo, an indigenous city renowned for its vibrant market filled with multicolored handicrafts. En route, admire the Andes Mountain range and stop at San Pablo's Lake viewpoint to capture stunning photos and sample traditional biscochos (buttery cookies). Upon arrival in Otavalo, explore the market's numerous stands, interact with local artisans, and perhaps purchase unique souvenirs. Visit a weaving workshop in Peguche to learn about traditional textile techniques. After lunch, proceed to Cuicocha Lake, a crater lake known for its scenic beauty, before returning to Quito for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897 meters)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing at 8 am towards Cotopaxi National Park. Along the way, take in the picturesque views of the Andes Mountains. Upon arrival at the park, visit the Interpretation Center and Limpiopungo Lagoon. Embark on a short hike in the Limpiopungo Valley before ascending by vehicle to the Padre Rivas Refuge at 4,830 meters. You may continue to the glacier at 5,050 meters, depending on your physical condition. Savor a traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Quito. In the evening, board a bus to Lago Agrio, a journey of approximately 8 hours.

Day 5: Quito to Coca
After a 30-minute flight over the Eastern Andes Mountain Range to reach Coca, take a 10-minute drive and a covered boat ride to the Napo Cultural Center. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a traditional Wayusa drink and provided with information about the hotel’s services.
After settling into comfortable rooms overlooking the jungle, visitors can do various activities, such as a hike to an observation tower to observe the fauna and enjoy an Amazonian sunset, or a sunset kayak ride along the Napo River. Finally, guests return to the hotel to refresh, rest, and enjoy dinner.

Day 6: Full day of activities
Start the day by enjoying the sunrise during breakfast and visiting sustainable community projects to learn about the Kichwa worldview. Explore trails in the terra firme forest, observing the diversity of flora and fauna, including ceiba trees and monkeys. After lunch, take a hike to the second observation tower to spot birds and other species. In the evening, relax and enjoy a typical Amazonian dinner, featuring dishes like maito and chontakuru (roasted chonta worms). After dinner, participate in an exciting night walk to observe insects, reptiles, and mammals active during the night.

Day 7: Full day of activities
After breakfast, embark on a motorized canoe journey to the Parrot Clay Lick in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. During the ride, various species of parrots can be observed. Then, walk the Parakeet Trail to observe up to 5 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws at the clay lick. The site also attracts mammals such as monkeys and jaguars.
The morning concludes with a visit to the Kury Muyu intercultural interpretation center, managed by women from the community, where you can learn about Kichwa culture and purchase handmade crafts. After lunch, take a boat excursion on the Añangu stream to observe wildlife. In the afternoon, board a catamaran on the Napo River to learn about the legends and traditional songs of the Kichwa community while enjoying snacks roasted over the fire.

Day 8: Return to Quito
To conclude your experience, you have the option to participate in the Guayusada ritual, starting early at 4:30 am. During this ritual, the Kichwa Añangu community shares the sacred guayusa, transmitting their ancient knowledge. The experience includes traditional songs and the possibility of a mamakuna interpreting your dreams.
Afterward, you will return to enjoy breakfast while the staff collects your luggage for the return journey to El Coca in comfortable motorized canoes, providing you with the last opportunity to appreciate the landscape of the Ecuadorian tropical rainforest.