Ecuador and Amazon

Culture

40%

Nature

60%

History

30%

Adventure

60%

Upon arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will accompany you to the hotel. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is regarded as one of the most fascinating cities of the New World: it lies at over 2,850 meters above sea level and is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of high mountains.

The city preserves a remarkable historical and architectural heritage, so much so that in 1978 its historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at Hotel Rio Amazonas 3-star or a similar category property.

Culture

30%

Nature

60%

History

40%

Adventure

60%

Breakfast at the hotel and visit of Quito, declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.

Quito City, nestled in the Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level, reveals its charm starting from the modern residential area in the north, crossing wide avenues leading to the Modern Economic Center, ending with the Basilica del Voto Nacional, gateway to the “Old Quito” or colonial quarter, a historic and cultural jewel of Ecuador. Here you will visit Independence Square, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, La Compañía de Jesús Church and San Francisco Church, monuments reflecting the grandeur of the mestizo people.

The Cathedral, located on one side of the square, is the political heart of the city as it houses the President’s Palace. Inside, notable works of the Quito school of art include Caspicara’s masterpiece above the altar. General Sucre is buried here.

La Compañía, begun in the early 18th century and completed after 150 years, impresses with its baroque elegance. The interior, covered in gold leaf, is considered the most ornate in the country: columns, altars and doors shimmering with the gold of the conquistadors.

San Francisco stands on a charming square surrounded by colonial houses with balconies, creating a provincial atmosphere. The monastery dominates the square with its elegant towers. Its baroque interior features decorated arches, painted angels and a honeycomb dome reminiscent of Andalusian Mudéjar palaces. Lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, departure for the “Mitad del Mundo,” 30 minutes north of Quito, where the French Geodesic Mission established the exact location of the Equator in 1735. Visit to the monument with its small ethnological museum.

Stop in a village recreating the essence of the colonial style, with narrow streets, a central square, a church, a bullring and artisan shops.

Dinner at leisure. Overnight stay at Hotel Rio Amazonas 3-star or similar.

Culture

40%

Nature

70%

History

40%

Adventure

60%

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by car towards the province of Cotopaxi, home to Ecuador’s second highest peak, the Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world.

After a two-hour drive through natural landscapes of wide valleys lying at the foot of the Eastern and Western Cordillera, visit to Cotopaxi National Park. The volcano is permanently snow-capped, with its summit reaching 5,897 meters. The park is a vast ecological reserve, of great geological and botanical interest. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Visit to a rose plantation, as Ecuador is one of the world’s largest exporters of beautiful roses. Continue to Lasso, descending along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Arrival in Lasso in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Reec Latacunga 3-star or similar.

Breakfast, transfer to Quito airport, assistance with boarding formalities (return flight not included unless purchased separately).