13-Day Meet the Ecuadorian People

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Today, you'll embark on a city tour in Quito’s old town with a local guide. You'll walk to the Independence Square to the archbishop’s palace, the metropolitan cathedral, and the municipal palace. You'll visit La Compañia Church, one of the most important Spanish Baroque works in Latin America dating back to the 18th century and other interesting sites. You'll then head to the Museum of the Agave to learn about this historic industry and taste some agave juice and honey.

In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your 30-minute flight to Coca. From the airport pier, you'll take a motorised canoe ride down the river. You'll journey for about two hours and appreciate the beautiful landscapes, the lush vegetation and observe wildlife. When you arrive at the Napo Cultural Center, you'll settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, you'll take a short walk along the Napo Riverbanks and appreciate a stunning sunset.

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In the morning, you'll visit a parrot clay lick to enjoy one of the most exciting and colourful spectacles in the Amazon as hundreds of parrots and macaws feed on the clay. Then, you'll visit the KuriMuyu Interpretation Center that is managed by the women of the community to learn about the Kichwa culture, their crafts and traditions. In the afternoon, you'll walk to the observation tower and climb up the 35-metre-high platform to observe a variety of birds, howler monkeys and more.

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After breakfast today, you'll visit the community projects and learn about the Kichwa people’s view of the world and the ways they use medicinal plants. Then, you'll take a walk along the Mama Cuna Trail and appreciate the fauna and flora along the way: kapok trees, strangler, vines, and shrubs that are endemic to the Yasuní National Park. After dusk, you'll take a small canoe ride down the river to appreciate the lively Amazon, search for caimans and listen to the sounds of nature.

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You'll wake up early for an ancient Kichwa tradition: making guayusa, a beverage that cleans and energizes the body. After breakfast at the lodge, you'll take a motorised canoe back to the city of Coca for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and you will drive north to Otavalo. With a bit of luck, you will have the opportunity to see the snow-capped Cayambe. In the afternoon, you will arrive at your lodge where you will spend two nights.

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This morning, you will go to the indigenous community of Peguche to visit a family and learn how the tapestries are handmade and woven in a loom. Then, you'll drive to Otavalo Market where residents have a long tradition as artisans and traders. You will enjoy the unique variety of textiles on offer at this giant colourful market. In the afternoon, you will meet an indigenous family from Otavalo who have decided to support the Kichwa culture by familiarizing tourists with traditional cuisine.

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Today, you will drive south, along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, which got its name from Alexander von Humboldt. On the way, you will stop to visit a rose plantation where you will see all the stages involved in the production of these beautiful flowers that are exported to many countries. Later on, you will visit Cotopaxi National Park where the highest active volcano in the world at 19,700 feet is located.

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After breakfast, you will drive towards Baños, passing wonderful landscapes with some of the highest and most beautiful mountains and volcanoes of the Andes. On the way, you will stop at the indigenous community of Salasaca where their members mostly dedicate themselves to agriculture and handicraft. You will learn about their culture and in a customised workshop, you will be able to make your own piece of art using dry leaves of the area. Once in Baños, you'll enjoy a short city walking tour.

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This morning, you will drive to Riobamba. On the way, you will observe how every single piece of land is being cultivated by the indigenous communities. With some luck, you will see the impressive Chimborazo volcano. You will visit Palacio Real Project before reaching Riobamba in the area of Calpi where the Puruha indigenous live. During your visit, you will learn about their ancient believes as you visit the Cultural Museum of the Llamas before you continue to Riobamba.

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Today, from Riobamba, you'll drive south towards Cuenca. First, you'll head to Ecuador’s most ancient Catholic Church: La Balbanera. On a clear day, you can appreciate the beautiful views of the Chimborazo volcano on the horizon. You'll also stop to visit a typical market and take in the lively bustle of workers. Continuing on to Cuenca, you'll visit Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins. Ingapirca is the most important archaeological site that belonged to two cultures: the Cañari and the Incas.

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You'll start your city tour in Cuenca’s main square, Plaza Mayor, surrounded by its two distinct cathedrals and city hall. You'll appreciate the historical centre and admire the colourful buildings that have maintained their colonial magnificence. You'll pass by the vibrant flower market, visit the eclectic style church, Todos los Santos, and end your tour at a Panama hat factory to learn about this handicraft.