AROUND CUICOCHA LAGOON- OTAVALO

After a delicious breakfast, you will head to the famous Cuicocha Lagoon, a little bit North of Otavalo. On the trail around the crater lagoon, your guide will explain to you the high-altitude flora and fauna and the history of the once-active volcano (duration of hike: approx. 5 hours). Alternatively, if you don’t feel like hiking, you can just take a short walk and take some pictures, or ride in a boat around the two islands.

In the afternoon, you can make a stopover in the leather town of Cotacachi – maybe you find some souvenirs.

OTAVALO MARKET- PEGUCHE

Today, you will visit to the market of Otavalo. Otavalo features one of the most important traditional markets of South America. Here, the indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade anything from animals over handicraft to fresh vegetables and fruits. Take a stroll through the streets and maybe try some of the local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote, fried pork with cooked corn.

Afterwards, you will head to the small waterfall Peguche, formed by the river of the same name. This waterfall is considered as an indigenous ceremonial site. After visiting the waterfall, you could also stop by the local artisans who live and work in this area.

For your overnight stay, you return to Quito.

ALPACA ENCOUNTER AT QUILOTOA LAGOON

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, accompanied by an expert guide, visit Quilotoa Lagoon—a blue-green volcanic crater lake that sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. Make stops at a quiet village and local markets along the way.

Once you arrive, you have the option to walk along the crater’s rim or hike for 45 minutes down a path to the lake, where you’ll get the chance to see the shimmering green waters up close and enjoy the beautiful weather from a kayak. If you wish, there is a jetty here that you can walk on, or you can just sit on the beach and take in the view. The return journey can be a bit longer, so you have the option to rent a mule for the uphill hike.

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE AT BAÑOS DE AGUA SANTA

Early in the morning, you will head towards the «Devil’s Cauldron» (In Spanish, Pailón del Diablo) which is located specifically 17 kilometers from the city of Baños de Agua Santa, on the road from Baños to Puyo. After a hike down towards the waterfall, you will be amazed at its height which is approximately 80 meters high and without a doubt one of the most important waterfalls in Ecuador, as it is awe-inspiring, in addition that its location on Rio Pastaza guarantees a constant water supply for the surrounding areas.

Afterwards, next on your agenda, you will visit, the most famous treehouse in the world, the Casa del Arbol, which is home to the Swing at the End of the World, a simple playground ride perched on the edge of a mountain overlooking Baños, Ecuador, you will have the chance to see all of this from the Swing at the End of the World is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

CANYONING IN BAÑOS

For a more adventurous day, consider going canyoning at Casahurco outside of Baños. Professional guides will show you the ropes, so to speak, of this multi-faceted activity. You’ll get to jump from waterfalls, rappel down the sides of the canyon, slide down natural chutes, and swim in freshwater pools.

JUMANDY CAVES- CHOCOLATE SESSION

In the morning, after breakfast, you will drive to Archidona, following the Pastaza River on its way through the valley. Along the journey, you’ll pass waterfalls and incredible landscapes.

Arrival to the lodge and lunch. After a short break we will head to the caves of Jumandy, where you will enjoy the mysticism of this fabulous underground world. After this trip we will return to the lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits us accompanied by the singing of the toads of the lagoon in front of the restaurant. Afterwards, you will be the protagonist of a chocolate session where you will get to know the whole elaboration process, starting with the toast, continuing with the grinding until tasting a delicious dessert with fruits.

FULL DAY RAFTING JATUNYAKU RIVER

After breakfast we set off for Tena to the Jatunyaku River (Type 3+) where we will make a 23 km full rafting trip (about 3 hours) through the Llanganates National Park, loaded with adrenaline and adventure. This activity has: first aid training, rafting protective equipment and box lunch. Back to the lodge where you can enjoy the pool and whirlpool and then an exquisite dinner awaits you.

PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS – TRANSFER TO QUITO AIRPORT

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast and the sounds of the rainforest, before checking out and heading back to Quito.

On the way back we make a stop at the Papallacta Hot-springs to refresh and relax on the way in one of the most fantastic volcanic waters. It is also a great spot to have lunch with local dishes such as fresh-grilled trout before you end your trip at Quito Airport to catch your night flight back home.