Enchanting Ecuador

Day 1 London to Quito, Ecuador.

Fly by scheduled indirect flight. On arrival transfer to the Swissotel Quito for a three night stay.

Day 2 Quito.

After breakfast at the hotel we depart for a tour of Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will stroll across Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace and visit the temple of La Compania de Jesus and its wonderful gilded interior. Also visit the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World with its impressive façade and atrium, and its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style. After lunch in a local restaurant the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to explore further at your own pace. (B, L)

Day 3 Quito.

This morning we drive to the Equatorial Monument, 16 miles north of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where we can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Return to the hotel for a free afternoon before we meet this evening for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 4 Quito to Coca.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for our flight to Coca. On arrival we will transfer to the dock where we will embark a motorised canoe and navigate downriver (approximately 90 minutes) to board the MV Anakonda. Throughout the journey we can admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River. After boarding the MV Anakonda we will cast off and continue navigating downstream. After dinner, you may wish to join a guided night walk allowing you to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature. (B, L, D)

Day 5 .

This morning, we explore the lower section of the Napo River, an area rich in birdlife where it is possible to spot species such as eagles, oropendolas, and woodpeckers along the riverbanks. In the afternoon, we visit Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and a natural habitat of the legendary pink river dolphin. Our visit will offer an insight into the pink dolphin conservation programme, developed in collaboration with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area, which has helped create a safe haven where dolphins can live and feed naturally, free from the risk of hunting. The day concludes with a visit to a nearby Secoya community. The Secoya people, one of the region’s ancestral cultures, will share their traditions and demonstrate the preparation of traditional cassava bread. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Meeting the Community.

This morning we visit a Kichwa family located on the banks of the Napo River where we will interact with the local community and learn about life in the remote jungle. We return to the MV Anakonda for lunch and some time to relax while we navigate upstream. Enjoy a cultural cooking demonstration and learn recipes and techniques used to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. After lunch there will be an opportunity to enjoy a lecture or learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. For those feeling active there will be an opportunity to go kayaking. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Observation Tower & Forest Adventure.

This morning we disembark to visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy which offers astonishing 360-degree vistas. From the top of the tower, we will benefit from this unique perspective of the forest, the treetops and the vastness of the Amazon Basin. This afternoon, we will explore the nearby forest by foot and discover a myriad of different animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Indillama & Napo Rivers.

We will begin the day kayaking on the Indillama River, one of the Napo River tributaries that will take us back into Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are comfortable, smooth, and silent, providing ideal conditions for wildlife spotting. We can also use canoes to travel in search of even more wildlife. After an adventure-filled day, you may wish to take advantage of the observation deck and experience a magical view under the stars. Those feeling energetic may choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle in search of nocturnal creatures. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Panacocha Lake.

We will travel downstream to the Panayacu River delta, where we will embark on a canoe trip to Panacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by water from a blackwater river. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot during a walk with our guides. It is also the perfect habitat for piranhas, the paiche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. We will then recharge our energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp and, after a short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as kayaking and/ or swimming. Back on board the MV Anakonda, we will build on what we have learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Parrot Clay Licks & Kichwa Community.

We will set out on our motorised canoes early in the morning to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon - the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colourful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds which gather here to feed on the mineral-rich clay which provides a healthy boost to their digestion. In the afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs. There will also be the opportunity to participate in an experience at the Charapas turtle conservation project. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Coca to Otavalo.

Disembark the MV Anakonda this morning and transfer by motorised canoe to Coca (approximately 90 minutes) for our scheduled flight to Quito. On arrival we will start our journey northwards on the scenic Pan-American Highway to the Imbabura Province. We will pass the charming town of Calderon and the Miralago lookout to soak in a spectacular, panoramic vista encompassing the majestic Mount Imbabura and the serene San Pablo Lake. Arrive at our hacienda this afternoon for our three night stay and spend the remainder of the day at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Otavalo & Lake Cuicocha.

After breakfast we visit the Otavalo artisan market. ‘Plaza de Ponchos’ (Poncho Plaza) is one of the most renowned artisan markets in Ecuador. Here, local artisans sell a colourful array of handicrafts including woven textiles, tapestries, sweaters and tablecloths produced using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Enjoy some time to roam around and haggle with the friendly Otavalenos. Returning to the hacienda for lunch we spend the afternoon at the truly remarkable Cuicocha Lake, a hidden gem nestled within the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Sitting comfortably at an altitude of 3,064 metres, this deep blue crater lake resides within the magnificent caldera of Mount Cotacachi. The area is a true haven for nature enthusiasts, offering delightful sightings of delicate orchids, charming Andean ducks, majestic llamas, and if we are really fortunate, the glorious Andean condor. After a brief yet insightful interpretive ramble, you may wish to enjoy a splendid scenic boat ride to truly appreciate the crystalclear waters of the crater. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Parque el Condor & Peguche.

Perched atop the Pucara de Curyloma hill at 2,800 metres, Parque el Condor offers a sanctuary with one of the most stunning backdrops in the Imbabura province. Founded in 2002 by Joep Hendriks, this refuge was born from a lifelong mission to rescue and rehabilitate birds of prey. Today, it remains a family legacy, led by the Hendriks family, dedicated to protecting the majestic Andean condor, one of South America’s most iconic birds and a central figure in Andean mythology. Visitors will experience a rare, close-up encounter with these raptors while supporting vital conservation efforts. Later we continue to the village of Peguche, home to a magnificent 18 metre waterfall. This site holds deep spiritual significance for the local indigenous communities, serving as a ceremonial centre for purification baths during the Inti Raymi (Sun and Harvest) festivities. Our journey concludes with a visit to Totora Wasi, where we will discover the ancestral art of weaving with totora reeds, a tradition passed down through generations. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Otavalo to London.

Check out this morning and drive to Cayambe for a truly special, private visit to the renowned Rosadex Plantation. Here, we will witness the meticulous care and passion that goes into cultivating Ecuador’s world-famous highland roses. From the sun-drenched greenhouse to the artistry of the final bouquet, we will see the behind-the-scenes process, uncovering why these magnificent blooms are a global benchmark for quality and export, a true testament to Ecuadorian craft. After our visit we will transfer to Quito Airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)

Day 15 London.

Arrive today.