Inspiring Ecuador Highlights 9 Days

We take an early departure from Quito and drive north through the majestic Andes. On our way, we will stop at a lockout to admire “el Pisque” Canyon. Once in Otavalo, you will have plenty of time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, filled with the Otavalo Indigenous people wearing the traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair. Learn all about their daily activities, typical food, and native language. Explore their famous handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing native paintings, ceramics, jewelry, tapestries, and more at bargain prices.

Then, we will head to Pijal Community located at a viewpoint to see the Imbabura Volcano and Lake San Pablo. Here we will visit the Sacha Warmy project, excusably powered by women and supported by Inspiring Ecuador, a place where we will be part of a beautiful culinary experience. Learn and try how to prepare “Aji ”, a local hot salsa prepared on a rock and you will taste a traditional delicious lunch in which locals have used the fresh products harvested the same day from the surrounding organic fields to share precious moments of conviviality with you. At the same time there will be a timeshare with the local people and to learn about the local lifestyle, their beliefs, their traditions, and main textile activity.

Later we will arrive at the beautiful, historical hacienda of Pinsaqui where we will stay overnight. Enjoy a typical Andean cocktail as a welcome, and learn about the history of this place.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Lunch.    Dinner

Early in the morning, we will drive down along a curved panoramic road towards the Amazon Rainforest; as we descend from an altitude of 3000 m to 500 m (9843 ft to 1640 ft), you will observe how the landscape and vegetation change drastically between climates. Our first stop will be the Guango Reserve (entrance fee not included), where we will have the unique opportunity to see many different species of hummingbirds in the wild. These small creatures are famous for their incredible ability to flap their wings rapidly, as well as for their bright colors.

Later, we also stop at the “Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout,” located between Antisana and Sumaco National Reserves (low-elevation cloud forest), to observe the magic blanket of clouds that covers the Amazon rainforest, until we finally arrive at the Arajuno River, where a motor canoe will take us 20 minutes up the river to the Eco Lodge.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

In the morning, we will hike to explore the Tropical Rainforest and have an interpretation from our guide and learn about medicinal plants and we will search for wildlife. Later, we will enjoy a cultural activity where an Amazonian Kichwa community will receive us and we learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. Appreciate the skills of the indigenous women manufacturing handmade pottery (ceramics). This little business helps to support the indigenous people in their daily lives. Today we will also have the chance to learn how to make our own chocolate from the raw fruit.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch.    Dinner

After breakfast, we will reach Rio Verde, located in the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sangay National Park. Here, we will hike down to the second-highest waterfall in Ecuador, the Pailon Del Diablo, where pounding water cascades on the rocks and mesmerizes you as you watch from a suspension bridge. You may also take an optional hike behind the falls. After another quick drive, we will arrive at another incredible waterfall called El Manto de la Novia, where we will ride in a cable car traversing the canyon of the Pastaza River.

In the late afternoon we will arrive in Baños, located right on the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, which has been active since 1999. It has some eruptions every few months which delights visitors with lava and steam displays that can be viewed from a number of safe viewpoints in the region. Here in Baños, you can also visit a spa or another place to enjoy the hot springs of the area.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Breakfast.

In the morning we will visit The Swing of the End of the World, where the winner of the 2014 National Geographic photo contest took his photo, you will have some time to take an amazing picture of the stunning landscape in the front.

We will have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy optional activities in this incredible town.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Breakfast. 

Early in the morning, we will drive through valleys and farming villages to reach the Chimborazo Volcano, the highest mountain in Ecuador with an elevation of 6310 m (20702 ft) above sea level; whose summit is also the furthest point from the center of the earth on the entire planet.

On a clear day, the majestic peak of Chimborazo dominates the view for many kilometers. There will be a short hike of 0.9 km (0.57 mi) to reach the elevation of 5000 m (16404 ft) where the glacier begins. On the hike, we will spot a few of the animals that inhabit this volcanic wonderland such as the Andean condor, caracara, hummingbirds, and the timid vicuñas. Once extinct in Ecuador, they have been reintroduced and are now protected; this beautiful animal is related to the alpacas and llamas.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Breakfast.    Lunch. 
Departure Day

After an early breakfast, we will take a scenic drive to the small town of Alausí. Here, we will board the train to the Devil’s Nose, where the tracks wind through the countryside in a zigzag formation, creating a travel experience like no other.

After the train ride, we will continue our visit to Ingapirca, the most impressive Inca ruins of Ecuador. We will spend the afternoon learning about this archaeological site, notable for its unique fusion of Inca and native Cañari architecture, as well as for its religious meaning. Later, we will head up to Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Breakfast.
Departure Day

Starting in the morning, enjoy a fantastic city tour, visiting the most important buildings and notable places in Cuenca, such as Calderon Square, the New Cathedral, El Barranco and El Turi lookout point. In the afternoon visit a famous Panama hat factory where we will understand the whole process of making this traditional Ecuadorian hat.

In the afternoon, we will visit the nearby towns of Chordeleg and Gualaceo, unique destinations that can be enjoyed on this tour. Chordeleg is well known for his jewelry, especially his silverware. And Gualaceo is a picturesque market, where locals gather to exchange their products and crafts. Here you can find traditional Macana shawls, fabrics with intense colors and folkloric designs.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Breakfast. 
Departure Day

You will have this free morning to enjoy the charming city of Cuenca and its surroundings.

In the afternoon you will take a short 45-minute domestic flight back to Quito. Today our trip will end. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”!.

Food & Accommodation

Hotel – Twin or Double
Breakfast.
Departure Day