Ecuador: From the Andes to the Amazon, Culture and Biodiversity

Day dedicated to visiting the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. The city is nestled on verdant hills and enjoys privileged climatic 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, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, you will discover the Jesuit Church of the Company, the San Francisco cloister and the national cathedral, which are veritable pearls of baroque art. This exploration of Quito's streets will also give you a glimpse of the incredible cultural diversity that the city harbors, in an environment full of life and color.

More than 1200 butterflies from over a hundred different species live in the mariposario of Mindo. Varying in size and colors, they will amaze you and this visit will be an opportunity to learn more about their lifestyle, reproduction, as well as their different evolutionary phases, 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 photographs.

Finally, you can 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 particularly well adapted to the different Ecuadorian climates.

A small paradise of cloud forest, Mindo lends itself to adventure activities to be carried out in the great outdoors. Here are some of them described and all can be booked the day before, upon your arrival or even improvised the same morning:

• Zip-lining (Canopy) : over 3000m of cables spread across several lines to fly over the jungle canopy (from ~$10 to $20)

• River Tubing : Descend the rapids of the Mindo river sitting on a raft made of large tires tied together (approximately $6).

• Tarzan Swing & Ciclo Canopy : Launch yourself into the void like Tarzan or pedal on a bike suspended above the forest.

Or even for chocolate lovers: The Chocolate Tour : Visit an artisanal factory (such as Mindo Maya Chocolate or Yumbos) to follow the cocoa process from bean to bar, with tastings and chocotherapy (approximately $7.50 to $10).

The next day, our exploration of Ecuadorian biodiversity continues: at the Hummingbird Garden, you will be able to observe these fascinating small birds, typical of Équateur, that flap their wings between 25 and 80 times per minute!

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

On all other days of the week, many permanent shops offer a wide range of local handicrafts. The beating heart of the city is the Plaza de Ponchos, an open-air market that bursts with colors and activities every day of the week.

In the afternoon, transfer a few kilometers from Otavalo for an excursion around the lagoon of Cuicocha, the slopes of the Cotacachi volcano offer unique natural scenes. Perched at 3,100 meters altitude, this crater lake 3km in diameter was created 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.

To experience a truly authentic experience and understand the cultural richness of the region, you absolutely must visit the workshops in the surrounding villages, mainly Peguche, Agato and Iluman. This is where artisans open their doors to showcase their ancestral weaving techniques, spinning and natural dyeing.

The Cotopaxi Volcano National Park opens its doors to us! As we enter, the Andean páramo immediately transports us elsewhere. We hike through lands of tall grass spread at the foot of Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano, whose snow-capped cone rises to 5,897 m. It will not be uncommon to see wild horses on these high plateaus.

This day is dedicated to an in-depth discovery of the Cotopaxi Volcano National Park. At our own pace, we traverse the Andean páramo, this high-altitude steppe with varied flora that stretches at the foot of Cotopaxi, whose glaciated cone rises to 5,897 m.

We drive by vehicle to the high-altitude parking area, before beginning a foot ascent over the last 200 meters, taking us to the refuge located at 4,800 m.

If weather conditions and desire permit, there is the possibility of continuing to the Cotopaxi glacier, for an immersion into the heart of this spectacular glacial landscape.

Visit to the thermal spa town of Baños. Located at 1800 meters altitude in a subtropical zone, the city benefits from numerous hot spring pools due to its proximity to Tungurahua volcano. In the morning, explore the tropical fruit plantations. Then enjoy a relaxing bath in the town's thermal springs.
Other outdoor activities are available as optional paid activities: zip-lining, 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 gorge of the rio Pastaza. The trail crosses a valley dotted with numerous waterfalls, each more surprising than the last, including the famous Pailon del Diablo. The mist that envelops the forest testifies 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 Ecuadorian Amazon, you will set off on a hike through the rainforest to admire its amazing biodiversity. The sounds of insects and the cries of monkeys will tickle your ears, while you can observe colorful 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 skills, 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 trips to observe aquatic wildlife, and especially caimans, are also possible.

Full immersion day in the heart of the Amazon

A full day dedicated to discovering the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants, at your own pace and according to your interests. You can choose from various activities to explore this exceptional environment from multiple perspectives:

• Trekking in the tropical forest: a walk on foot through lush vegetation, heading towards a viewpoint offering panoramic views over the canopy, a river suitable for swimming or even a waterfall.

• Canoe navigation: discovering the forest from the river, to observe nature, fauna and flora from another angle.

• Visit to Amazoonico: discovery of this rescue and rehabilitation center for Amazonian wild animals.

• Meeting with a local community: participation in their daily activities, discovery of their way of life and sharing privileged moments with its inhabitants.

• Cultural immersion: discovery and demonstration of traditions, ancestral knowledge and cultural heritage of Amazonian communities.

An authentic and enriching experience, to discover the Amazon differently, between nature, human encounters and ancestral traditions

Depending on your international flight times, last free moments to enjoy the capital, its colonial center, the craft market, the botanical garden, the Wikiri center or its beautiful museums,

Then transfer to Quito international airport.

We hope you had a wonderful stay in Équateur and thank you for your trust in our agency.

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