Ecuador Multisport Tour - 10 Days
DAY 1: Arrival – Quito
On arrival at Quito airport your driver and English speaking guide will be waiting for you and bring you to your hotel in the city, where you will have some time to settle in.
Depending on your arrival time, we could make a panoramic city tour during the evening.
A guided tour to the historical centre of Quito is a must-see when visiting Ecuador (first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site). The highest capital in the world (2,850m/9,350ft; over 2.2mln inhabitants) is also affectionately known as La Carita de Dios (=The face of God), thanks to its high number of skilfully ornamented colonial churches and monasteries, including finest of South America. Its lively cobblestone squares and narrow streets are lined with the monumental facades of recently restored neoclassical mansions. At dark the architectural facades of Quito’s historical centre are beautifully lit and their detailed art deco and neoclassical ornaments are emphasized. At the end you can marvel the illuminated metropolis in all its glory from the panoramic viewpoint of El Panecillo hill.
A special diner can be added that day.
Meals: Not Included
On arrival at Quito airport your driver and English speaking guide will be waiting for you and bring you to your hotel in the city, where you will have some time to settle in.
Depending on your arrival time, we could make a panoramic city tour during the evening.
A guided tour to the historical centre of Quito is a must-see when visiting Ecuador (first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site). The highest capital in the world (2,850m/9,350ft; over 2.2mln inhabitants) is also affectionately known as La Carita de Dios (=The face of God), thanks to its high number of skilfully ornamented colonial churches and monasteries, including finest of South America. Its lively cobblestone squares and narrow streets are lined with the monumental facades of recently restored neoclassical mansions. At dark the architectural facades of Quito’s historical centre are beautifully lit and their detailed art deco and neoclassical ornaments are emphasized. At the end you can marvel the illuminated metropolis in all its glory from the panoramic viewpoint of El Panecillo hill.
A special diner can be added that day.
Meals: Not Included
DAY 2: Quito – Otavalo (Trekking - Cuicocha lake) – San Pablo (Biscocho’s testing) - Quito
Early morning we depart Quito and head north to the Lake province of Imbabura. After a two-hour drive we reach Cuicocha, a crater lake and a nature reserve located on the slopes of the Cotacachi Volcano. Cuicocha Lake is surrounded by rim walls and its name translates to Lake of the Guinea Pigs due to the shape of its two center islets. This combines paramo and Andean forest covered by species such as Pumamaqui, Quishuar, chilca, bromarea, fushia, lupins, calcelaria, and colorful flowers of the Andes. This hike known as the Orchid Trail runs around the crater rim with stunning views to the lake and the Cotacachi, Mojanda and Imbabura volcanoes. We watch for rodents, mammals, marsupials and birds such as guans, hummingbirds, tanagers, wild turkeys, ducks, buzzard eagle and the great Andean Condor. A healthy, refreshing picnic lunch awaits us along the trail. In the afternoon we visit the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather market. We’ll also visit the village of San Pablo to have a tasting of the really delectable ‘’biscochos’’ which can be mixed with the famous ‘’Doulce de leche’’ or ‘’Queso de hoja’’.
Afterwards we are coming back to your hotel in Quito for the Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Early morning we depart Quito and head north to the Lake province of Imbabura. After a two-hour drive we reach Cuicocha, a crater lake and a nature reserve located on the slopes of the Cotacachi Volcano. Cuicocha Lake is surrounded by rim walls and its name translates to Lake of the Guinea Pigs due to the shape of its two center islets. This combines paramo and Andean forest covered by species such as Pumamaqui, Quishuar, chilca, bromarea, fushia, lupins, calcelaria, and colorful flowers of the Andes. This hike known as the Orchid Trail runs around the crater rim with stunning views to the lake and the Cotacachi, Mojanda and Imbabura volcanoes. We watch for rodents, mammals, marsupials and birds such as guans, hummingbirds, tanagers, wild turkeys, ducks, buzzard eagle and the great Andean Condor. A healthy, refreshing picnic lunch awaits us along the trail. In the afternoon we visit the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather market. We’ll also visit the village of San Pablo to have a tasting of the really delectable ‘’biscochos’’ which can be mixed with the famous ‘’Doulce de leche’’ or ‘’Queso de hoja’’.
Afterwards we are coming back to your hotel in Quito for the Overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Quito – Papallacta resort – Tena
We drive early morning through the Inter-Andean valleys for a great 2 hour hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, located across the Atlantic – Pacific continental divide. The reserve is composed of endemic highland paramo with cloud forest patches. The large amount of water retained in this sponge-like environment is the source of the largest water system in the world. We return to a rewarding hot spring soak at Termas de Papallacta, where we can relax in any of the 9 different thermal pools, ranging in temperature from 97ºF to 104ºF (36ºC to 40ºC). Cloud Forest Mountains and an occasional snow-capped volcano surround these pools, with their mineral rich waters from underground geothermal springs. After lunch we travel to the Amazonian town of Tena where we enjoy a peaceful evening listening to the sounds of the rain forest.
Meals: Breakfast
We drive early morning through the Inter-Andean valleys for a great 2 hour hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, located across the Atlantic – Pacific continental divide. The reserve is composed of endemic highland paramo with cloud forest patches. The large amount of water retained in this sponge-like environment is the source of the largest water system in the world. We return to a rewarding hot spring soak at Termas de Papallacta, where we can relax in any of the 9 different thermal pools, ranging in temperature from 97ºF to 104ºF (36ºC to 40ºC). Cloud Forest Mountains and an occasional snow-capped volcano surround these pools, with their mineral rich waters from underground geothermal springs. After lunch we travel to the Amazonian town of Tena where we enjoy a peaceful evening listening to the sounds of the rain forest.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: El Tena – Jungle Rafting on the Jatunyacu River
After breakfast we head to Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes to the Amazon basin. This area is considered a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. The water collected in this area forms the Jatunyacu River, considered one of Ecuador´s best one-day river runs. We begin with a short walk through rainforest scenery and reach incredibly beautiful natural swimming holes and waterslides. After a safety brief, we take a trip down the crystal clear Jatunyacu River and glimpse into indigenous communities living along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. Jatunyacu is famed for its big waves, fun holes, and high water volume (Class III – III+).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we head to Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes to the Amazon basin. This area is considered a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. The water collected in this area forms the Jatunyacu River, considered one of Ecuador´s best one-day river runs. We begin with a short walk through rainforest scenery and reach incredibly beautiful natural swimming holes and waterslides. After a safety brief, we take a trip down the crystal clear Jatunyacu River and glimpse into indigenous communities living along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. Jatunyacu is famed for its big waves, fun holes, and high water volume (Class III – III+).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: Tena – Jungle Rafting on the Upper Missahualli River
This is the most technically challenging rafting trip offered in Ecuador. Crystal clear water surging down a narrow, boulder-strewn course makes this an exceptional jungle experience. Ready for a non-stop class IV adrenaline rush?
The trip begins at 8.30am when we pick you up after breakfast at Café Tortuga on the waterfront in Tena. We pass through the neighboring town of Archidona on a twenty five minute drive to our put-in site near the village of Cotundo. Before setting off we will fit you with a life jacket and helmet, give you a comprehensive safety briefing, introduce you to your guide, and then train your team in the paddling techniques needed to navigate our way down the river. Because of the difficulty of the trip and the fact that the rapids start immediately after setting off your guide will continue paddle training until confident that the team responds quickly to the commands and is paddling effectively. Once your team pumped and primed it'll be time to put the training into action as your raft careens down rapids, plunges over drops and bounces off boulders like a pinball.
A delicious picnic lunch will be served at the end of the trip. It includes fresh tropical fruits and is served with soft drinks, juice, water, or ice-cold beer. The drive from the take-out back to Tena takes about fifteen minutes. Arrival time is approximately 3pm but may be earlier or later depending on the river level. Afterwards you’ll be taken to your hotel for a really deserved night of rest..
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This is the most technically challenging rafting trip offered in Ecuador. Crystal clear water surging down a narrow, boulder-strewn course makes this an exceptional jungle experience. Ready for a non-stop class IV adrenaline rush?
The trip begins at 8.30am when we pick you up after breakfast at Café Tortuga on the waterfront in Tena. We pass through the neighboring town of Archidona on a twenty five minute drive to our put-in site near the village of Cotundo. Before setting off we will fit you with a life jacket and helmet, give you a comprehensive safety briefing, introduce you to your guide, and then train your team in the paddling techniques needed to navigate our way down the river. Because of the difficulty of the trip and the fact that the rapids start immediately after setting off your guide will continue paddle training until confident that the team responds quickly to the commands and is paddling effectively. Once your team pumped and primed it'll be time to put the training into action as your raft careens down rapids, plunges over drops and bounces off boulders like a pinball.
A delicious picnic lunch will be served at the end of the trip. It includes fresh tropical fruits and is served with soft drinks, juice, water, or ice-cold beer. The drive from the take-out back to Tena takes about fifteen minutes. Arrival time is approximately 3pm but may be earlier or later depending on the river level. Afterwards you’ll be taken to your hotel for a really deserved night of rest..
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Tena – Baños (Biking – The exploration route of the falls)
In the morning, we drive to the edge of Llanganates National Park, gaining altitude until we reach one of the best views of Tungurahua, Ecuador´s most active volcano. This is an especially scenic route, where high rock walls give way to deep cloud forest canyons. We reach the colorful town of Baños, known for its hot springs and rugged landscape where we have lunch. Afterwards, we take a cable car across amazing gorges to explore the trail of waterfalls, as this is the only way to reach them. We´ll see the most scenic ones: Pailon del Diablo (Devil´s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride´s Veil) during this amazing bike tour. Afterwards, we’ll take you to your hotel for the overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, we drive to the edge of Llanganates National Park, gaining altitude until we reach one of the best views of Tungurahua, Ecuador´s most active volcano. This is an especially scenic route, where high rock walls give way to deep cloud forest canyons. We reach the colorful town of Baños, known for its hot springs and rugged landscape where we have lunch. Afterwards, we take a cable car across amazing gorges to explore the trail of waterfalls, as this is the only way to reach them. We´ll see the most scenic ones: Pailon del Diablo (Devil´s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride´s Veil) during this amazing bike tour. Afterwards, we’ll take you to your hotel for the overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Baños – Quiltoa Trekking tour – El Pedregal
Early in the morning, we’ll take you to The Quilotoa’s Crater to start our trekking tour around the mouth of Quilotoa. One of the hidden gems of Ecuador, the Quilotoa Loop is a remote and isolated area located some 4 hours drives from Quito. The highlight of the loop is the Quilotoa Laguna - a spectacular extinct volcanic crater lake filled with emerald green waters. The Lake is one of Ecuador´s most mind-blowing sights and from the rim you can catch views of the snow capped peaks of Cotopaxi and Illinizas volcanoes on a clear day.
The surrounding area is renowned for its tiny traditional highland villages such as Chugchilan & Isinlivi and is an important centre for arts and crafts especially the town of Tigua, whose inhabitants produce distinctive colorful paintings of Andean life in sheepskin canvasses.
Afterwards, we’ll head to your hotel in el Pedregal for the overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
Early in the morning, we’ll take you to The Quilotoa’s Crater to start our trekking tour around the mouth of Quilotoa. One of the hidden gems of Ecuador, the Quilotoa Loop is a remote and isolated area located some 4 hours drives from Quito. The highlight of the loop is the Quilotoa Laguna - a spectacular extinct volcanic crater lake filled with emerald green waters. The Lake is one of Ecuador´s most mind-blowing sights and from the rim you can catch views of the snow capped peaks of Cotopaxi and Illinizas volcanoes on a clear day.
The surrounding area is renowned for its tiny traditional highland villages such as Chugchilan & Isinlivi and is an important centre for arts and crafts especially the town of Tigua, whose inhabitants produce distinctive colorful paintings of Andean life in sheepskin canvasses.
Afterwards, we’ll head to your hotel in el Pedregal for the overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: El Pedregal – Full day Horseback riding tour
We will leave the hacienda early in the morning and head towards. After a brief riding lesson, our ride begins towards the slopes of the dormant Rumiñahui volcano on exclusive paths inside the hacienda. As we travel across majestic Andean panoramas, we will see herds of wild bulls, birds and spectacular landscapes. We will eventually arrive near the rocky peaks of Rumiñahui where one can see 12 more volcanoes on a clear day. Additionally, we will stop by Chusigmachai, or the Owl Refuge, before riding back to the farm house. Riding Time 5 Hours.Pack lunch is included during the the trip. We will arrive at Hacienda El Porvenir for the overnight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We will leave the hacienda early in the morning and head towards. After a brief riding lesson, our ride begins towards the slopes of the dormant Rumiñahui volcano on exclusive paths inside the hacienda. As we travel across majestic Andean panoramas, we will see herds of wild bulls, birds and spectacular landscapes. We will eventually arrive near the rocky peaks of Rumiñahui where one can see 12 more volcanoes on a clear day. Additionally, we will stop by Chusigmachai, or the Owl Refuge, before riding back to the farm house. Riding Time 5 Hours.Pack lunch is included during the the trip. We will arrive at Hacienda El Porvenir for the overnight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 9: El Pedregal – Cotopaxi Down Hill (Biking) - Quito
After breakfast, we drive to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, where we start our adventure journey. We hike to pre-Incan ruins while crossing highland plateaus populated with typical highland wildlife and vegetation – all with stunning volcanic scenery as a backdrop. We pass by Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, a crystal-clear lake that often paints mirror-like reflections of the snow-capped Cotopaxi in its azure waters only to be interrupted by ripples from Andean waterfowl. We make a quick stop at the park´s Interpretation Center to learn about Cotopaxi´s wildlife and natural history. We grab our mountain bikes and go downhill on a side trail of the majestic Cotopaxi. We head back to Quito to your hotel for the Overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch |
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DAY 10: Quito – End of services
Private transfer from Quito to the Airport to take your International flight or an extension to the Galapagos Islands or Amazon or ......
Private transfer from Quito to the Airport to take your International flight or an extension to the Galapagos Islands or Amazon or ......
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Price per person*: (All hotels are subject to availability. Rates starting from – Rates subject to promotional dates):
tourist class - single = US$2298, double = US$1495 per person tourist superior class - single = US$2758, double = US$1700 per person Includes:
Hotels: (can use similar ones)
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