EXPLORING AND KAYAKING AT QUILOTOA LAGOON

Wake up early in the morning, after a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will visit Quilotoa Lagoon, which is a blue-green volcanic crater lake, that sits in the rugged Andean countryside.

Your expert guide will lead you through tropical forests to one of the area’s most beautiful lagoons. Make stops at a quiet village and local markets as part of this incredible day away from the city. Once you arrive at this magical place, you have the option to walk along the crater’s rim to enjoy the splendid view or hike down a path to the crater lake. After about 45 minutes of hiking down the Lagoon, you arrive at the crater. From where the water shimmers in another, greener color and kayaks will be waiting for you to explore the lake and enjoy the beautiful weather.

If you wish, there is a jetty there that you can walk on, or you can just sit on the beach and enjoy the view instead. The return can become a bit longer, so you have the option to rent a mule for the uphill hike.

COTOPAXI FULL DAY

Visit the second highest volcano in Ecuador, the Cotopaxi, which has an altitude of 5,897 meters above sea level and is active. On our one-day tour, you can visit this protected area and climb to the first refuge at 4,864m above sea level where you will be closer to the snow.

In the day tour to Cotopaxi from Quilotoa we will do:

• Visit Cotopaxi National Park
• Visit Limpiopungo Lagoon
• Visit the Mariscal Sucre Interpretation Center.
• Hike to José Rivas Refuge 4864m.

Get ready for a full-day itinerary and live an unforgettable adventure in one of the most famous volcanoes in the world.

Difficulty Level: Low

Altitude: 4864 m

Recommended age: 8 years

VISIT BAÑOS & PAILÓN DEL DIABLO WATERFALL

This morning, ride along the scenic Ruta de Cascadas (Waterfall Route) toward the village of Rio Verde. Along the way, you’ll see the route’s namesake water features.

When you arrive in town, take a short hike to one of the better-known waterfalls in the area, El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron). Here, the water cascades 265 feet (81 m) down through the cloud forest. Then, head back toward Baños to check out its many Catholic churches, or visit the Casa del Arbol to soar on a swing placed at the edge of a mountain.

Hike Distance: 1.2 miles (2 km) roundtrip

Hike Duration: One-hour hiking (with additional time spent at the waterfall)

Difficulty Level: Low

RAFTING PASTAZA RIVER

Will begin with an introduction to kayaking to discuss the equipment and general safety guidelines. 

Once ready the boat will push off from shore and within moments you will find yourself being drenched in the first rapids, depending on the climate it can be in the high or low part of the Pastaza River. After this first shot of adrenaline, the fun continues as you crash through walls of the river and drift silently along sheer river cliffs. 

During the trip, you’ll stop on an expansive beach by the side of the river for a delicious picnic lunch that includes fresh tropical fruits and is served with soft drinks, juice, and water.

At the end of the adventure, your guide will share some photos and videos as a courtesy.

TREKKING TO CHIMBORAZO BASECAMP

Early in the morning, drive through valleys and farming villages to reach the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador (6310m). Its summit is the furthest point from the centre of the earth on the entire planet. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometres.

Visiting this spectacular national park includes a short hike to reach the elevation of 5000m, where the glacier begins. Keep your eyes peeled for the animals that inhabit this volcanic climate – such as Andean condor, caracara birds, hummingbirds, and timid vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, vicuñas were reintroduced into the wild and are now protected; they are a relation of alpacas and llamas.

Hiking: 2-3hrs

Distance: 9km

TRANSFER TO QUITO AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE

As your time in Ecuador draws to a close, it’s hard not to feel a sense of fondness for this remarkable country. From the awe-inspiring Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest, Ecuador offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural richness that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

But, alas, it’s time to bid adieu to this enchanting land and embark on your next adventure. Fear not, for a friendly representative will be there to ease the transition and make your departure as smooth as possible. They’ll fetch you from your accommodation and whisk you away to the bustling Quito airport for your onward journey.

As you wave goodbye to Ecuador and gaze out at the stunning vistas from your plane window, take comfort in the knowledge that your memories of this place will stay with you forever.