12-Day Ecuador Mainland Highlights

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It's time to enjoy the attractions and history of Guayaquil, the economic capital city of Ecuador. From the view of Cerro Santa Ana to the traditional Las Peñas neighbourhood and the Malecón 2000 Simón Bolivar, this port city is vibrant. Then, you will continue the journey for about an hour to Hacienda La Danesa, a charming farmhouse hidden in the forest that connects to the Andean mountains. At the hacienda, you will enjoy a series of experiences like river tubing, biking or chocolate making.

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After enjoying a succulent breakfast, you will continue the journey up to Cuenca by passing through the Cajas National Park. Once you arrive in Cuenca, you will visit the most iconic sites that characterise this city known as the "Athens of Ecuador". Discover the Old and New Cathedral, the Municipal Building, the flower market and the Turi Lookout. Lunch will be served in a traditional local restaurant. At the end of the afternoon, you will check-in to your hotel.

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Today, after breakfast, you will continue your journey up the Andean mountains. The next stop is the Ingapirca Ruins, the final and largest vestiges of the Inca and Cañar cultures in Ecuador. This site is an Ecuador highlight that can't be missed for travellers that are looking to understand the culture. Afterwards, there will be time to visit one of the local traditional haciendas for lunch and then you'll continue the journey to Alausí, where you will stay overnight.

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You will journey across one of the toughest railways in the world, the Devil's Nose Train. This railway is a masterpiece of engineering due to the difficulty to build it in the early 20th century when thousands of workers died during the construction. You will experience the zig-zags that the train does when descending or ascending the mountain. You can observe the local communities along the train's route during the journey. Then, you will continue towards Cotopaxi Park to stay overnight.

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After breakfast, you'll travel south of the Andes cordillera toward the Cotopaxi National Park. After enjoying the sunrise view of the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, you will visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon for the breathtaking closing view of the volcano. If the weather allows it, you will hike from the parking lot to the Cotopaxi's refuge at 4800 metres. Later on, you will have lunch in a local hacienda with a marvellous view of the volcano. Then, you will arrive in Quito for the night.

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Today, you'll visit the Middle of the World monument to take the iconic picture with one foot in each hemisphere. Then, you will visit the Intiñan Museum for more fun. Lunch will be served in the Crater Restaurant with a view to the Pululahua Crater (depending on availability). Then, it will be time to discover the historic city centre of Quito, starting with the iconic churches of San Francisco, La Compañía and the Basilica. At the end of the tour, there will be a chocolate tasting.

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Today you will travel into the Amazon Rainforest. Among the Ecuador highlights, this is a crowd favorite. You will be transferred to Quito's airport to catch the domestic flight to El Coca. Once you arrive there, your adventure begins. First, you'll take a boat ride up the Napo River to the Napo Cultural Center, an eco-lodge run by the local community at the Napo river basin. In the afternoon, there is time for an introductory bushwalk in the rainforest as well as a kayaking experience.

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Early in the morning, you will visit the parakeet clay lick. After a 30-minute walk through the “pericos” trail, you'll reach a break in the forest with a direct view to the amazing parakeet clay lick, which brings visitors face to face with up to 11 species of parrots and parakeets. Later, you'll visit the intercultural interpretation centre "Kuri Muyu" that is managed by the women of the community, and have the chance to learn about the Kichwa culture.

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Today, you'll visit the sustainable community projects to talk about the worldview of the Kichwa. Then, you'll take a medicinal walk on the Mama Cuna road, which is an excellent opportunity to see more wildlife. In the afternoon, you'll paddle around a black water ecosystem where you can spot monkeys jumping from tree to tree. Later, you'll enjoy a traditional typical dinner to taste local flavours of the Amazon. The day ends with a nocturnal walk to spot more wildlife in the rainforest.

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Take part in the optional “wayusa” ritual which will be at dawn around 4:30 am. You will be able to share traditional chants and have the chance to “interpret dreams” with the wisest “mamakuna” at the community. Then, you'll head back for breakfast while the staff pick up your luggage ready for your return to Coca. You will then board the motorboats and soak up your last chance to appreciate the Ecuadorian rainforest landscape while you travel to the river port and then to the airport.