HIKING THE HACIENDAS

This tour was designed to give you a fantastic and memorable time in Ecuador. Trekking Haciendas. Where the objective of this tour is to know the wonderful life of the Haciendas where you can experience first-hand the historical and cultural wealth that each of the places keeps for you. The haciendas are usually located outside the urban perimeter, so the life of the people who inhabit these fantastic places is totally different.
A Working Ranch: The ranch is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, ranching, conservation, and ecotourism. We produce milk, cheese and grow some vegetables for our own kitchen. The farm is a meeting point between cultures, traditions and legends.

COLONIAL HACIENDAS

HISTORY

LIVESTOCK CULTURE

NATURE

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Quito: The Historic Center of Quito was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on September 8, 1978. It is the least altered and the best preserved in America.
Cotopaxi National Park: In it we can find the largest active volcano in the world (5897 mts.) Also a lagoon where we can see animals typical of the Andean area and with luck the most emblematic animal of Ecuador, the condor.
Lodge in Cuyabeno: Close to the Colombian and Peruvian borders, it contains a spectacular nature reserve. This reserve is accessible from Lago Agrio. It has become a popular tourist destination due to its lakes, swamps and the incredible diversity of animals and plants.
Papallacta: famous for its hot springs and pools, as well as its beautiful hilltop setting.
Otavalo: It is called "Intercultural Capital of Ecuador" for its cultural and historical richness.
Baños: Also known as "Piece of Heaven", "Gateway to the Amazon", "Puerta de El Dorado" or "City of the Volcano". It is the land of rivers to practice extreme sports.
Ingapirca: which means "Inca Wall" was, above all, an astronomical observatory of the movement of the sun and the moon, it was also a sacred space dedicated to the worship of their gods built by the Incas on the basis of a first Cañarí settlement, which populated the southern Ecuadorian.
Quilotoa: The popularity of Quilotoa is due to the beauty of its landscapes and the spectacle of the calm waters. In the community of Quilotoa, also known as the "Summit" Route and accessed by bus from the town of Zumbahua, visitors can do ecotourism and adventure tourism with a high dose of adrenaline or simply contemplate the nearby landscapes.
Cuenca: it is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It was declared a World Heritage Site for its unique beauty.
Los Frailes: is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador, due to its extension, white sand, the tranquility it offers as it is separated from the road and because it is usually empty. It belongs to the Machalilla National Park and is surrounded by cliffs and a viewpoint.
Puerto Lopez: It is known as "Ecological and tourist city", it has beautiful white sand beaches, and the privilege of having the Machalilla National Park. It is a canton in the province of Manabí considered by nature a fishing port, tourist and agricultural center.

ITINERARY DAY BY DAY

Below you can review the description of this magnificent tour.

DAY 1: TRANSFER AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL

Welcome to Ecuador, a small but certainly charming country full of adventures. Our Guide will meet you at the Airport, welcome you and give you an introduction about the Natural Ecuador tour - 20 days. You will be transferred to your hotel in Quito where you will spend the night.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (- / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (- / - / -)

DAY 2: CITY LINE (QUITO COLONIAL + MITAD DEL MUNDO)

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit some of the most famous squares, churches and colonial buildings in the city of Quito. The Plaza de la Independencia with its Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Building, the Statue of Independence and the Cathedral. We will continue to the churches of El Sagrario and La Compañía, and then the church and convent of San Francisco. We will take a look inside the church and be amazed at the amount of exuberant gold that was used to decorate the oldest church in Quito. Then we will move to Panecillo and the statue of the Virgin of Quito. From here we will have the opportunity to see both parts of Quito and the surrounding snow-capped volcanoes! We will continue to the Middle of the World which is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, located about 10 km north of the capital of Ecuador. There is an interesting open-air museum called Inti-Ñan. It explains the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator has on gravity among other effects that exist given the location in which our country is located. You can also get to know a bit of Ecuadorian cultures such as their customs and traditions. Definitely worth a visit! Then we will be taken back to Quito and dropped off at our hotel.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (B/ - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)

DAY3: FREE DAY IN QUITO - MEETING POINT TO TAKE THE BUS TO CUYABENO

Today you will have time to relax and explore Quito on your own. For example, you can visit the Cable Car, museums or do any other type of activity that the capital city of Ecuador offers. It is also possible to take an optional day tour. (You can request more daily tour options). At night You must go on your own to the meeting point assigned by the guide. to take a bus that will take you directly to Cuyabeno where the adventure through the Amazon jungle will begin the next day.

NIGHT TRIP TO CUYABENO

DAY 4: LAGO AGRIO – LODGE IN CUYABENO

Your tour begins at the entrance of the Cuyabeno River where we will meet the guide of the Lodge of your choice and where we will begin to enjoy a delicious box lunch. (Depending on the lodge of your choice) Later, our naturalist guide will provide you with information about the Reserve and important recommendations to start the two-hour navigation on the Cuyabeno River to the Lodge.

THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE OF A 4-DAY TOUR AT ANY LODGE IN CUYABENO.

DAY 1: During the canoe ride you get a first look at the jungle and you can observe different types of birds such as caciques, orioles and the prehistoric Hoatzin bird. You may also be able to see a variety of monkeys and other jungle animals, depending on the weather and weather conditions. We will arrive at Nicky amazon lodge (or similar) around 4:30 pm. At that time, you will be shown to your rooms and you can relax for a bit. After the nap we will leave the lodge to swim in the lagoon and see a beautiful sunset in the middle of the Laguna Grande. Then you will return to the lodge for dinner, and you can finish your first day in the jungle, relax in a hammock or have a drink at the bar.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Nicky amazon Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (-/ L /D)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Jamu Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (- / L / D)

DAY 5: FULL DAY LODGE IN CUYABENO

DAY 2: Your second day begins with a delicious breakfast, then we will take a walk of approximately 3 to 4 hours through the primary forest, where the guide will explain to us about a tropical forest and medicinal plants.You can also see large trees like the CEIBO or small insects like ants.We will return to the lodge to have lunch and take a break and in the afternoon we will go out to see the beautiful butterflies and swim in the lagoon. If possible we will be able to observe the beautiful brushed dolphins and enjoy the impressive sunset. Then, we return to the lodge for dinner.At night we carry out a nocturnal activity, focused on the search for alligators on the banks of the river.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Nicky amazon Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (B/ L /D)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Jamu Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (B / L / D)

DAY 6: FULL DAY LODGE IN CUYABENO

DAY 3: After breakfast we set off in a canoe down the river for about an hour to visit a family from the Tarapuy community.We will be able to learn to prepare Casabe, a traditional Yuca bread, where we will help in its elaboration. We will learn to use the materials of the jungle to make bread, in this we spend the whole day. We will return to the Lodge at approximately two in the afternoon.After lunch we have relaxation activities; To end the day we will have a short walk through the primary forest focused on observing nocturnal insects, such as spiders, gekos or scorpions and listening to the noises and sounds of the night.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Nicky amazon Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (B/ L /D)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Jamu Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (B / L / D)

DAY 7: DEPARTURE OF CUYABENO - TAKE THE BUS TO QUITO

DAY 4: The fourth and last day of the 4d/3n tour In the Amazon jungle we will look around and try to find species of monkeys and birds and maybe sloths on the way around this spectacular place. After breakfast, you will have time to pack your luggage for the return trip. We offer a box lunch for the return trip. The trip takes you upriver back to the Cuyabeno Bridge 'El Puente de Cuyabeno at 10:30am. Where a tourist bus will take you back directly to Quito. you have to go to the hotel on your own.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)

DAY 8: QUITO - PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS - OTAVALO

Today you can enjoy the hot springs of Papallacta and its surroundings. The Papallacta hot springs are one of the highlights of this relaxing tour of Ecuador. There are excellent self-guided walks and there is a complete spa where you can enjoy some beauty treatments or massages (Not included). This is well deserved after the adventure in the Cuyabeno jungle. At the end of the afternoon we will travel to Otavalo, a magical city where the indigenous community is the predominant one and the next day you will realize the cultural richness that this city offers.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Hacienda Pinsaqui (Suite room) or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)

DAY 9: OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET -COTACACHI - CUICOCHA LAKE - QUITO

In the morning in approximately two hours we arrive at Otavalo. The town of Otavalo is the heart of its culture and in the market we will find all possible souvenirs at affordable prices. There is also an animal market on the outskirts of the city. Be a part and witness the trade between the indigenous people of Otavalo. In the afternoon we will visit the main sites around Otavalo and the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather products. Clothing, bags, belts, wallets, sandals, in Cotacachi we will find the best variety at the lowest prices. Later we will visit Lake Cuicocha. This lake is located in an old crater of the still active Cotacachi volcano. We can take an optional boat ride on the lake and observe the fumaroles. In the afternoon we return to Quito.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)

DAY 10: QUITO - COTOPAXI VOLCANO - LOCAL HACIENDA

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to transfer you to one of the most emblematic points of Ecuador, the Cotopaxi volcano, considered the largest active volcano in the world with 5897 meters high (19,347 feet high). During our stay in the National Park we will admire its natural environment, its Flora and Fauna with the explanations of your naturalist guide. We will try to ascend to the refuge located at 4,810 m (15,392 ft). Since the Cotopaxi Volcano is currently active, the ascent will be granted by the National Park authorities. We will also take a walk around the Limpiopungo lake that is located at the foot of the volcano to observe some birds of the Páramo region (Andean Grasslands). On a clear day, the view of the volcano reflected on the surface of the lake is magnificent. We make a short visit to the small museum that talks about the park, its nature, wildlife and the eruptions of the park's centerpiece. We will be able to visit the refuge where we will be able to enjoy the wonderful views that this place offers, be sure to bring warm clothes since the wind is strong in the thermo-stops, if we are lucky we will be able to observe the fauna that inhabits the Cotopaxi National Park. After this interesting visit we headed towards an old Livestock Ranch now converted into a hotel.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Hacienda Hato verde or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Hacienda la Cienega or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)

DAY 11: COTOPAXI - LAGUNA QUILOTOA - TRIP TO BAÑOS

After breakfast we go to the North Pan-American Highway to go to the Quilotoa lagoon, on the way you can see wonderful landscapes (depending on the climate) we will pass through small indigenous towns that are part of the great multiculturalism of Ecuador, then a tour of 3 hours we will arrive at the Quilotoa lagoon, this lagoon characterized by the turquoise color due to the volcanic minerals, gives it a pleasant and colorful appearance, we can do different activities such as a walk to the crater, or you can stay to observe and appreciate the wonderful view. In the afternoon we go to Baños we will have a trip of approximately 3 hours where we will spend the night.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: La Floresta or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Luna Volcan or similar (subject to availability) (B / - /D)

DAY 12: BAÑOS - ROUTE OF THE CASCADES

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit the surroundings of the town. We will take the "path of the waterfalls" where you will visit the different waterfalls in the area such as: Agoyan, Manto de la Novia and San Pedro, and you will also be able to enjoy the famous "Tarabita", a small cable car that crosses the great canyon over the Pastaza River. Then we will do a trekking to get to "El Pailon del Diablo"; a beautiful waterfall where we can have the opportunity to walk through the cloud forest.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: La Floresta or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Luna Volcan or similar (subject to availability) (B / - /D)

DAY 13: FREE MIDDAY IN BANOS - TRIP TO RIOBAMBA

You will have the morning free, in Banos the weather is very pleasant and being a small town, you have many activities to do on your own. You can take bicycle tours, or either relax in the thermal water pools. After noon our guide will take you to Riobamba.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Casa Real or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Andaluza or similar (subject to availability) (B / - / -)

DAY 14: RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA

We will enjoy a visit to the Colta and Balbanera lagoons located in a picturesque Andean town, where there is a peaceful lagoon in whose waters Chimborazo is reflected on clear and sunny days; the railway and the town of Cajabamba. This beautiful lagoon is known in the Puruhá language as “Kulta Kucha”, which means “Duck Lagoon”. The Colta lagoon is unique. It is a large elongated mirror of water, surrounded by exuberant vegetation. It can be seen from the road in all its splendor, adorned by the Chimborazo and by an impressive nature, with unique Andean landscapes. It is said that the first Spanish foundation of the capital city took place here, its founder, Diego de Almagro, this foundation was not recognized and gave rise to a later foundation at the foot of Pichincha in December 1534. Laguna de Colta allows activities such as: walks, photography, flora and fauna observation, landscape observation and adventure. Here the first church of Ecuador was built. Then we will take the most interesting and legendary train "Tren de los Andes" over the famous Devil's nose (3 hours approx.). **The train trip is not operating at the moment; the excursion will be included when the train company is back in operation**. Our journey continues to the most important Inca Archaeological Complex in Ecuador, the Ingapirca Fortress. In the surroundings, we will see how the famous artisans make what used to be known as "Panama Hats" since, due to an appropriation, they are now famously known as "Toquilla Straw Hats". After this interesting visit, we headed towards the beautiful city of Cuenca.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Hotel Carvallo or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: Mansion Alcazar or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 15: CUENCA CITY TOUR - GUALACEO AND CHORDELEG

City tour around the city visiting the most important churches and monuments of this beautiful city, cultural heritage of humanity. Then we will visit El Turi, a natural hill where we can have an incredible panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon we will visit Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two of the most important towns near the city famous for their crafts made with gold and silver, and for their colonial traditions.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Hotel Carvallo or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: Mansion Alcazar or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 16: EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK – GUAYAQUIL CITY

After breakfast we go to a short excursion to El Cajas National Park or the Gualaceo Valley (depending on weather conditions) and then we will travel to Guayaquil. El Cajas National Park has several small lagoons (more than 230). They are the remains of the last ice age. The lakes are connected by small rivers, whose crystal clear waters flow into the Pacific. We will have a short walk through this protected area. We will continue the trip to Guayaquil.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Unipark or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: Unipark (SUITE ROOM) or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 17: GUAYAQUIL - MONTANITA - PUERTO LOPEZ

Today we will have one of the most important routes of the tour we will take a part of the "Ruta del Sol". In Ballenita, you have a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from a high cliff. Small fishing villages can be visited during the complete tour and beautiful mostly rustic beaches will join us during our trip. Salango and Montañita. Then we continue to Puerto Lopez.
Puerto Lopez is one of the iconic places in Ecuador and has the privilege of receiving the humpback whale show every year, its main attraction. But there is also Isla de la Plata, the best place to practice scuba diving.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Mandala or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: La Terraza or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 18: ISLA DE LAPLATA (FULL DAY)

This day get ready because we will visit the fantastic Isla de la Plata. Known as the little Galapagos, it is the perfect destination for nature lovers looking for a unique adventure with incredible landscapes and diverse fauna. We will see species similar to those of the Galapagos, such as sea lions, blue-footed boobies and frigates, it is one of the most famous places to snorkel due to its richness and diversity of marine fauna. In the months of June to October this package includes the observation of humpback whales during their love rituals.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Mandala or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: La Terraza or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 19: PUERTO LOPEZ - PLAYA LOS FRAILES - TRIP TO GUAYAQUIL

This morning we will visit Los Frailes beach, part of the Machallilla National Park in the province of Manabí. A magical and quiet place, where you can enjoy unique landscapes and connect with nature at its best. In the afternoon we will travel to Guayaquil.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Unipark or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: Unipark (SUITE ROOM) or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 20: TRANSFER OUT - END OF OUR SERVICES

Breakfast at the hotel. Our guide will pick you up at his hotel to transfer you to the airport. This will be the end of our tour of Ecuador.

We have reached the end of our services for ECUADOR GREEN TRAVEL, it was a real pleasure to have shared the best of Ecuador with you.

END OF OUR SERVICES
HOTEL: Without hotel (-/-/-)

FOODS:
B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner

Natural Ecuador - 20 DAYS - RATES 2023

** All prices are per person. The tour can operate any date with a minimum of 2 people**

HOTEL CATEGORIES	PRICE PER PERSON
TOURIST CLASS	$3562 USD
FIRST CLASS

REQUEST INFORMATION

INCLUDED:

Meals according to the program
Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide - driver
Transfer airport – hotel - airport
Accommodation in hotels according to your choice in double rooms
Excursions according to the itinerary
Entrance fees to the museums during the program

DOES NOT INCLUDED:

Meals are not specified in the program
Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Gratuities
wire transfer costs