Jan

7

Thursday

Arrive Quito

Hotel Vieja Cuba, Charles Darwin or equivalent

Surrounded by forested mountains and volcanoes at 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito is the second highest capital city in Latin America. Despite the fact that it’s only 15 miles south of the equator, Quito’s elevation gives it a wonderful spring-like climate year-round.  Upon evening arrival into Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will be met by Ecuadorian staff and transferred to your hotel to relax after the long flights. 

8

Friday

Quito

Hacienda      

El Porvenir 

or equivalent

Early rise and transfer south through the Central Andes to Cotopaxi National Park.  Cotopaxi Volcano (19,349 ft.) is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and renowned for it almost perfectly conical shape and glacier-clad peak. There have been more than 50 eruptions of Cotopaxi since 1738.  Numerous valleys formed by powerful lahars (volcanic mudslides) surround the volcano.  Cotopaxi is the second highest peak in Ecuador, after Chimborazo, and is one of the few equatorial glaciers in the world.  Today’s adventure in Cotopaxi National Park will take you over 12,000 feet above sea level.  Notice the landscape change as you enter into the Páramo, a fragile neo-tropical ecosystem and home to over 5,000 species of plants, many of which are endemic.  Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a delicious Andean lunch on the slopes of Cotopaxi.  After a horseback riding briefing, you will mount up and head east with your native Chagra guide (Ecuadorian cowboy) across the flanks of the extinct Rumiñaui Volcano (15,141 ft.).  Take in breathtaking views of Cotopaxi from its adjacent volcano and count numerous other volcanoes across the horizon, known as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Dinner at the lodge.

B, L, D

Jan

9

Saturday

Cotopaxi / Patate

La Posada del Arte

or equivalent

After a hearty breakfast, get your blood pumping with a moderate 1-hour hike to Refugio Jose Rivas, a warming hut at 16,100 feet above sea level.  After transferring by vehicle to the parking lot at 15,000 feet, continue toward the hut by foot, slowly but surely as your body adjusts to the thin air.  Opt to hike 15 minutes past the Refugio for an up-close look at Cotopaxi’s diminishing glacier cap.  Sip a hot cup of tea and make your way down the loose volcanic scree to the parking lot.  Descend the flanks of Cotopaxi by vehicle stopping at the high alpine Lake Limpiopungo. Late this afternoon transfer southeast to the cloud forest town of Baños (6,000ft.), which is located in a lush green valley on the slopes of Volcán Tungurahua.  Evening to relax and soak in the natural thermal baths heated by the volcano.

B, L, D

10

Sunday

Patate / Baños / Tena

Hotel Yutzos 2 or

equivalent

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to stroll around Baños on your own.  Later this morning, embark on an exhilarating descent into the Amazon Basin.  Surrounded by the towering walls of the Rio Pastaza Canyon, you’ll pass thundering waterfalls such as the spectacular Manta de la Novia.  Further down the canyon, enjoy a 45-minute hike that allows you an up-close look and a chance to get sprayed by the powerful Pailon del Diablo waterfall.  The dramatic rise in temperature and change in ecosystem is proof of your arrival into the tropical lowlands.  This afternoon transfer to your hotel located on the banks of the Tena River in a quiet residential neighborhood of Tena, a bustling river town where two rivers converge.  

B, L, D

11

Monday

 Tena /

Rio Blanco

Rio Blanco Cabañas or Home Stay

This morning in Tena you will meet member(s) of the Rio Blanco community and embark on an exciting journey to this remote jungle community.  The trip includes a 1-hour bus transfer, a 20-minute canoe ride across the Jatunyacu river, and a 3-4 hour trek through the rainforest.  During the trek, your native guide will explain about the rainforest’s complex ecosystem and show you medicinal plants that have been used for centuries by Amazon communities.  Upon arrival in the community, enjoy a traditional lunch and an orientation to this humble and friendly village. 

B, L, D

12

Tuesday

Rio Blanco

Rio Blanco Cabañas or Home Stays

Activities for the next two days may include hiking to a nearby sacred waterfall, learning about medicinal plants, swimming, interacting with the children of the community and teaching English, and learning about the indigenous cooperative, Kallari, and how it prepares world-class chocolate bars made from rainforest cacao. Meet and work with growers of cacao and community leaders.   In the evenings, you may opt to participate in shamanic healing ceremonies and cultural exchange with the community.   

B, L, D

Jan

13

Wednesday

Tena / Papallacta

Termas de Papallacta or equivalent

After breakfast, transfer to Tena to meet with AlliancExchange Scholars. Alternatively, we could meet with the Rainforest Scholars before entering the rainforest. Later this morning, transfer northwest over the Cordillera Oriental (eastern Andes) on dirt roads to the base of the Andean highlands. Notice the air get a little thinner and cooler as the vegetation adapts accordingly to the change in climate.  Upon arrival at Guacamayo Pass (7,417 ft.), take in awesome views of the snowcapped volcano, Antisana, and then descend on paved road to Baeza (6,412 ft.).  Lunch in Baeza and late this afternoon transfer from the cloud forest to the páramo ecosystem (moorland), Papallacta (10,350 ft.).  Your lodge in Papallacta has thermal pools heated naturally by the surrounding volcanoes, optional massages and body treatments, and is the perfect place to rest and relax after your stay in the jungle.

14

Thursday

Papallacta / Otavalo

In town hotel close to marketplace

After a leisurely morning in Papallacta, depart for Otavallo and shopping and shamanic ceremonies in the evening.

B, L, D

15

Friday

Otavalo/Quito 

Hotel Cuba or Chas Darwin or equivalent

Afternoon arrival in Quito for a tour of the chocolate factory, if possible.  Farewell dinner this evening at Kallari Cafe.

B, L, D

16

Saturday

Depart for U.S. or Samai

This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight or Flight to Guayaquil and transport to Samai Retreat Center for 3-4 days

B