Équateur: Culture & Biodiversity

Upon your arrival at Guayaquil airport, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide, and taken to a comfortable hotel in the city center for well-deserved rest! You can also take advantage of this first evening to discover the nightlife of the most populated city in the country.

If you prefer to arrive in Quito (round-trip international flights from/to the same destination), you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide, and taken to a comfortable hotel in the city center for well-deserved rest!

This first day will be an opportunity to visit Guayaquil: stroll along the malecón along the rio Guayas, treat yourself to a fresh fruit juice made before your eyes, visit the art galleries of Las Peñas, admire the city from the Santa Ana lighthouse, encounter free-roaming lizards and iguanas at Seminario Park or visit the crocodiles on Isla Santay…There are many possibilities! The largest city in the country by population, Guayaquil is a port city with a very dynamic economy. Full of life, its streets filled with music and colors will give you a beautiful glimpse of the Équateur's Costa region.

Not far from Cuenca, you set off to discover the Andean páramo, in the Cajas National Park, known for its trails winding through misty forests, its hundreds of lagoons, and its very diverse wildlife. You may perhaps observe condors, giant hummingbirds, as well as coatis. Near the park, the Virgen de Cajas sanctuary is a pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in 1989.

In the afternoon, you can also meet the artisans who make the famous Panama hats (Équateur products despite their misleading name!). And take advantage of the afternoon to stroll through flower-filled squares or explore traditional markets.

The following day, you will set off to discover the Ingapirca archaeological site, north of Cuenca. Perched at 3100 meters altitude, this political and religious complex was founded by the Incas and Cañaris at the beginning of the 16th century.

Restored in the 1970s, the Ingapirca ruins are among the best preserved Inca sites in Équateur. According to historians, this site is believed to have had a military role as an outpost during the territorial expansion of the Inca Empire, but was primarily an ancient ceremonial site dedicated to the worship of the Sun and the observation of the stars. Furthermore, some ruins are believed to be those of a funerary monument.

Today, under the watchful eye of llamas, visitors can admire certain architectural specificities of Inca constructions: trapezoidal windows, polished stones, etc.

Visit to the famous traditional market of Guamote, the most typical and certainly one of the most beautiful indigenous markets in Latin America. Products from the Coast, the plains, and the Sierra are sold and exchanged there. You will find animals, clothing, as well as all types of objects. A marvel that is anything but touristy, this market is a true little paradise for those who wish to feel the atmosphere of the Andean countryside, as well as for photographers.

Visit to the thermal spa city of Baños. Located at 1800 meters altitude in a subtropical zone, the city benefits from numerous hot water pools due to its proximity to Tungurahua volcano. In the morning, explore tropical fruit plantations. Then enjoy a relaxing bath in the city's thermal springs.
Other outdoor activities are available as optional paid activities: paragliding, horseback riding or mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, bungee jumping, massages, spa, etc.

In the morning, you will head towards the Amazon and take the "Avenue of Waterfalls", along the Rio Pastaza gorge. The trail crosses a valley dotted with numerous waterfalls, each more surprising than the last, including the famous Pailon del Diablo. The mist enveloping the forest bears witness to the proximity of the Amazon.

Arrival in the afternoon at your lodge located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

On this first day of adventure in the Équateur Amazon, you will set out on a hike through the tropical forest to admire its amazing biodiversity. The sounds of insects and monkey calls will tickle your ears, while you can observe the multicolored parrots above your heads, while remaining on the lookout for more discreet animals that will sometimes appear before you…

In the afternoon, at your convenience, you can go to meet a native community to learn about their craftsmanship, traditions and spirituality, visit an animal protection center or even participate in the transformation of cocoa into chocolate.

If you prefer a moment of relaxation, certain spots on the river are conducive to swimming, in complete safety. Canoe rides to observe aquatic fauna, and especially caimans, are also possible.

Day dedicated to visiting the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. The city sits on lush hills and benefits from privileged climate conditions. Its numerous churches and colonial buildings bear witness to a long history of struggles and cultural syncretism. From the viewpoints, you will have an unobstructed view of the city. In the heart of its historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, you will discover the Jesuit church of the Company, the San Francisco cloister and the national cathedral, which are all pearls of Baroque art. This exploration of Quito's streets will also give you an insight into the incredible cultural diversity that the city houses, in an environment full of life and colors.

Over 1200 butterflies of more than a hundred different species live in the mariposario of Mindo. Of varying sizes and colors, they will surprise you and this visit will be an opportunity to learn more about their lifestyle, reproduction, as well as their different phases of evolution, from caterpillar to butterfly.

You will also be able to admire the splendid waterfalls of Mindo, thanks to the system of tarabitas, small suspended cabins in the air, which get the adrenaline pumping and allow for excellent photo opportunities.

Finally, you will be able to admire the orchids of Mindo at the Orchid Garden, which has more than 400 species. At the national level, there are approximately 4000 different species, of which 30% are endemic. These surprising flowers greatly contribute to making Équateur a megadiverse country. Present from sea level up to 4500 meters, they have adapted particularly well to the different Équatorian climates.

The next day, our exploration of Équateur's biodiversity continues: at the Hummingbird Garden, you will be able to observe these fascinating little birds, typical of Équateur, which beat their wings between 25 and 80 times per minute!

At the organic coffee plantation in Mindo, you will discover the coffee transformation process, from seed to your cup. You will be able to participate in it, taste different coffees made in Mindo, accompanied by local desserts, and observe birds on the plants.

A few kilometers from Otavalo, around the lagoon of Cuicocha, the slopes of the Cotacachi volcano offer unique natural scenery. Perched at 3100 meters altitude, this crater lake 3km in diameter was born following a volcanic eruption, as were the two islets in its center. One of them, which is said to have the shape of a guinea pig - cuy in Kichwa- , gave its name to the lagoon. On a loop trail of several hours, this highly varied path allows you to discover very diverse flora and stunning views of the Imbabura region.

In the afternoon, we set off to discover the sacred waterfall of Peguche, a place of ritual purification for the indigenous people of the Imbabura region. You will also be able to meet weaver artisans, and discover several local artisanal factories, using traditional methods or the most recent technologies.

You will then spend the night in Otavalo. Depending on the period of your trip, it is possible that you may be able to attend one of the traditional festivals that punctuate the solar cycle, and join the crowd to dance in honor of Pachamama while tasting the famous chicha (corn alcohol).

On Saturday, Otavalo comes alive with its weekly market, where Quechua Indians, wearing their felt hats and traditional ponchos, come down from the hills to trade.

The morning is devoted to discovering the animal market, the local market and the craft market.

In the afternoon, an excursion to Laguna Cuicocha, located at 100 m altitude, on the slopes of the Cotacachi volcano. This crater lake 3 km wide offers a panoramic trail allowing you to admire unique landscapes and diverse flora.

A hike along the lagoon allows you to admire varied flora and spectacular panoramas of the Imbabura region.