16-Day Active Ecuador

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Look forward to a morning of kayaking on Lake San Pablo, at the foot of the Imbabura volcano where you'll explore the area surrounding the lake. In the “Plaza de Los Ponchos”, wander around Otavalo’s famous handicrafts market. Here, the colourful stalls are filled with an excellent selection of handwoven crafts: belts, tapestries, ponchos, carpets, sweaters, and more. This is the perfect place to get yourself or your loved ones a souvenir!

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Today continue towards the Mojanda lagoons, located 15 km south of Otavalo, at an elevation of 3,700 metres (12,139ft.). Hike for approximately 2 km and appreciate the stunning landscapes, two smaller lagoons, and the crater lake “Laguna Grande de Mojanda". This is a spectacular landscape that has been formed by volcanoes where a total of five lakes can be found. Return to Otavalo later in the afternoon.

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Head to the quiet village of Peguche. Walk along the trail through the eucalyptus forest to the 18-metre high waterfall. For the Incas, this was a sacred location during Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) celebrated in June. Today, pilgrims still bathe here before religious ceremonies. Drive to Quito. Located near Cayambe, about 47km north of Quito, the Quitsato Sundial monument is situated exactly on the equator.

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Take a ride on South America’s highest cable car, reaching an altitude of 4,050 metres to appreciate Quito from above. Walk around the trekking routes by Pichincha volcano, or relax in a nice café. Afterwards, start your city tour in Quito’s old town. Walk to the Independence Square to the archbishop’s palace, the metropolitan cathedral, and the municipal palace. Visit “La Compañia” church, one of the most important Spanish Baroque works in Latin America dating back to the 18th century.

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From Quito, drive along the “Avenue of Volcanoes” with views of the Andes Mountains until you see Cotopaxi volcano in the background. Located 55km south of the capital, the “Shining Peak” (in Kichwa language), is the second-highest mountain in Ecuador with an altitude of 5,897 metres and one of the world’s active volcanoes. Go on a 2-hour horseback ride and enjoy the Ecuadorian highlands while you learn about “chagras”: the local cowboys who live in private properties known as “haciendas”.

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In the morning drive to the small village Isinlivi. Today you hike for about 5 hours from Isinlivi to Chugchilan and enjoy the picturesque Andean highlands. When you arrive in Chugchilan, you'll be free to explore or rest after your day of trekking.

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After breakfast, your 5 hours hike starts in the tiny village Chugchilan. You pass a few small villages on the way and can observe the living situation of the habitants. You will reach a pine forest and continue along a dirt road uphill. Finally, you reach the cráter rim and follow it to the village of Quilotoa, a spectacular crater lake.

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From Salcedo, drive down into the jungle. As the temperature decreases, appreciate the lush landscapes filled with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids as you arrive to Misahualli. As you go to the east of Baños, follow the river and admire the views over the Amazon basin. Then, take a short and easy hike for about 2km to the Devil’s Cauldron waterfall. Enjoy the verdant forest landscape, walk along the hanging bridge, and get splashed by the waterfall’s plunging water as you explore.

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After breakfast, go to the Misahualli about 4km from the lodge. Start your canoe tour to the “Misicocha” protected forest. Hike through the forest, keeping your eyes open for toucans, parrots, and small monkeys while learning about different medicinal plants. Enjoy lunch surrounded by nature. Then, ride the canoe upstream to an indigenous village. The community will teach you their traditional dance. Browse through their handicrafts and support their work before returning to the lodge.

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The Jatun Yacu River is a blast for experienced rafters and the beginning of a whitewater addiction for of first-timers. Flowing off the Amazon side of the Andes they have some of the longest navigable sections of whitewater in the country. Combine this with the sights and sounds of the rainforest and you are guaranteed a day to remember. We will fit you with life jackets and helmets, give you a safety briefing and train you in the paddling techniques needed. After rafting, return to Quito.

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Today you will be taken to the airport in Quito to take your flight to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are the highlight of every Ecuador trip; it is the most unique living museum of evolutionary changes in the world. Walk to Frigate Bird Hill, just outside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. From here, see some of the nicest views of the town and the bay. Keep your eyes out for the great and magnificent frigate birds and learn to differentiate them to begin your Galapagos adventure.

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From Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, take a 1h boat ride to Lobos Islet. This small, flat, peaceful island got its name from the sea lion colonies living here. Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies in their nesting areas or marine iguanas feeding on algae among submerged boulders. Dive into the crystal clear waters to swim, snorkel or dive with curious and friendly sea lions and explore the incredible marine life. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

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You will be transferred on a speed boat to Santa Cruz Island which is about 2 hours away. From Puerto Ayora, walk about 3.2km to Tortuga bay, one of the longest white sandy beaches in the archipelago. Along its shores, keep an eye out for marine iguanas, sharks, sea turtles, and migratory birds. On the west, a rocky edge divides the beach and creates a calm cove ideal to swim around the bay

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During a full day boat excursion you’ll visit one of the islands North Seymour, South Plazas, Bartholomew or Santa Fe. Each of the islands has its own significant beauty to offer and regardless which you’ll visit, you’ll definitely enjoy your time there are you witness the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos. Lunch on board in between explore the islands and snorkelling offshore.