Ecuador: Andes & Amazon Adventure

Explore Ecuador's beautiful capital on this guided tour of Quito's downtown. Visit sites dating back to Spanish colonization, and continue to Panecillo where you will find an impressive panoramic view of the city and the surrounding valleys. Jump from the southern to northern hemisphere in an instant at Mitad del Mundo - the Equator Monument that marks the equinoctial line.

Explore the beautiful Plaza de la Independencia, the Old Town's main square. In the 16th century the Spanish were afraid that the Incas might poison their water supply, so they set up their own protected well here. This plaza subsequently became the social center of town. Here we will visit Guayasamin's mural of Orellana discovering the Amazon on the wall of Palacia de Gobierno; the City Hall; the Archbishop's Palace and the Cathedral.

The Palacio de Carondelet, or Presidential Palace, serves as the workplace of Ecuadorian presidents, and was opened to the public in 2007. Since then, the palace has suffered from looting, but no one has ever been charged for the thefts.

Visit Iglesia San Francisco, the first church built in Quito, begun in 1535 on the site of an Inca Temple. Inside we will view the baroque altar which has three important sculptures: the Baptism of Jesus; a representation of Jesus de Gran Poder; and one of the most important sculptures in Ecuador, the original La Virgen de Quito.

Stand at the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet, see the Equatorial Monument marking the spot.

We will visit Papallacta town to enjoy the divine pools that range in temperature from frigid to scalding hot. The pools which are rich in minerals and sulfates, and are said to provide numerous health and beauty benefits.

This Animal Rescue Centre rehabilitates endangered rescued animals from circuses, trafficking or households keeping them as illegal pets and reintroduces them, when possible, to their natural habitat.

Almost two billion acres large, the Amazon boasts over 2.5 million species of insects but does not stop there. Thousands upon thousands of fish, birds, mammals & reptiles also live here, making the Amazon home to more life than any other place in the world. Travel into the heart of the Upper Amazon Basin and enjoy an afternoon hike in the lush, tropical jungle.

Located in the heart of the Amazon Basin, let the powerful flow of the Upper Napo River take you—and your licensed guide—on a wild water ride through the jungle. Take in the lush, tropical landscapes as you travel fifteen miles down river through the Ecuadorian rainforest.

About half an hour outside the town of Baños you will find the powerful Pailon Del Diablo — or Devil’s Cauldron — waterfall. Observe indigenous wildlife and lush cloud-forest vegetation as you hike near the mouth of this impressive waterfall. Don’t forget your rain jacket!

Set on a hillside under the billowy smoke of Ecuador’s largest active volcano, Tungurahua, this Gothic-style basilica was named after the vision of the Virgin Mary seen in the nearby waterfalls of Baños, and has become a place for both tourists and locals to come thank her for her many miracles and to ask her for blessing. Built from volcanic rock, the inside of the impressive church is filled with paintings of the Virgin’s miracles, including saving the church from many volcanic eruptions.

Admire views of Tungurahua Volcano, one of Ecuador’s many active volcanoes.

Take a tour of Ecuador’s most visited national park, where you will see one of the world’s highest active volcanoes - towering at almost 20,000 feet! As you hike to the lodge, keep an eye out for Andean condors, seagulls, ducks and other endemic wildlife at Limpiopungo Lake.

Quito is one of the most compelling cities in Ecuador. Nestled in a long, narrow valley in the Andes, between the Volcano Pichincha to the west and the Machángara River Canyon to the east, Quito enjoys a spectacular natural setting. The Ecuadorian capital city's mix of colonial and modern architecture creates a fascinating built environment. In addition to being the site of the Ecuadorian government, Quito is also the nation's cultural capital, with an impressive selection of museums and festivals.

A visit to La Mariscal market is a must for anyone looking for a souvenir from your trip or a present to bring home. Packed with crafts and specialties from all around the country, enjoy the dazzling displays of blankets, paintings, jewelry, bags, flutes, chocolate and more.

In most cases, your flight home is overnight. You will return home on Day 10.