Day 1 Arrival • Day 1 Arrival Quito • Welcome to Ecuador! After landing in Quito, you will be warmly greeted by your German-speaking tour guide and escorted to your hotel. Nestled in the majestic Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito is the highest capital city in the world, offering a fascinating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking mountain panoramas. Accommodation in Quito.
 

Day 2 Quito - Middle of the World – Papallacta • In the morning, you will take a guided city tour of Quito. The magnificent historic old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, drive to the Equator Monument 'Mitad del Mundo,' the center of the world, where you can literally stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere and test the laws of nature. Visit the ethnological museum. We continue through the western Andes at an altitude of 4,000 meters to visit the most beautiful volcanic hot springs in Ecuador, where body, mind, and soul can rejuvenate in the Papallacta thermal baths. Accommodation in Papallacta.

 

Day 3 Papallacta – Amazon rainforest • Journey into the lush Amazon Basin with impressive viewpoints over the biologically richest area in the world. Along the way, you will visit the mysterious Jumandy Caves, where you will be taken on a journey into the past of the indigenous culture to learn about the stories and legends of these caves. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, you will be greeted with the traditional Guayusa drink and introduced to the unique variety of plant and animal life.

For the night walk, flashlights and rubber boots will be provided, before your guide introduces fascinating reptiles, insects, birds and the legendary Paiche fish. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Day 4 Amazon rainforest • Today awaits you a very special Amazon adventure, the "Full Day Amazoonico 360°." You can choose to enjoy the refreshing waters while tubing on the peaceful Arajuno River or to relax as you drift along in a canoe before reaching the animal sanctuary. It is the perfect opportunity to observe local animals while contributing to their well-being. Later, in the motorized canoe, you will visit Anaconda Island, where you will encounter an authentic indigenous tribe to learn about blowpipe techniques, traditional dances, the extraction of fibers from the pita plant, as well as the preparation and tasting of chicha, a fermented drink made from yuca – a type of rainforest potato. Lunch on the riverbank. Afterwards, we will watch for the iconic bird, the hoatzin, in the swamp while observing caimans up close. Return by motorized canoe to the lodge. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Day 5 Amazon rainforest • This morning you are invited on a short hike and a quiet canoe tour in the lagoon of a unique nature reserve. A local guide will introduce you to the harmonious coexistence with the rainforest as you immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife of the jungle. In the afternoon, the tour continues with a presentation and tasting of cocoa—the food of the gods. An interactive cocoa-making experience with hot chocolate, fruits, and a chocolate face mask awaits you. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Day 6 Amazon rainforest – Baños • In the morning, we will visit the first highlight of the day: the majestic waterfall "Pailón del Diablo" - Devil's Cauldron - where we can feel the power of nature. Breathe in the cool breeze and listen to the water crashing onto the rocks. Access is via an ecological hiking trail, where you can admire the beauty of the orchids. Afterwards, we will reach your accommodation in Baños de Agua Santa, which is known for adrenaline activities that are optional and can be booked on-site. For example: canyoning, bungee jumping, canopy tours, and "tarabitas". We will also visit the local products market, where you can buy specialties made from pure, local sugarcane and souvenirs. An optional visit to the hot springs of Baños is also recommended. At the end of the day, we recommend visiting the Basilica of Baños de Agua Santa. The locals use it to devoutly present their requests to the Virgin of Baños.

 

Day 7 Baños – Ingapirca - Cuenca • On this day, the journey continues southward to Ingapirca, the most important archaeological site in Ecuador. The impressive Inca ruins, located at an altitude of 3,100 meters, are the most significant religious monument of the Inca era and testify to many pre-Columbian cultures that lived in this area. Accommodation in Cuenca.

 

Day 8 Cuenca • Cuenca is one of Ecuador's colonial jewels. The neatly laid cobblestone streets, the beautiful houses and buildings with unique metal balconies and floral decorations are a feast for the eyes. Typical markets and shops reveal the cultural richness of the region, a legacy of the indigenous ancestors. Your tour will take you to the most important and interesting sights, such as the quaint and traditional neighborhoods, museums, Calderon Park, the Flower Market, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In the afternoon you will enter a hat factory where you will learn the process of making Panama hats out of Paja Toquilla.

Accommodation in Cuenca.

 

Day 9 Cuenca - Cajas National Park - Guayaquil • On the way to Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil, you will visit Cajas National Park, which features numerous lakes and is known as the land of the llamas. Then drive to Guayaquil through constantly changing landscapes along the coast. Upon arrival in Guayaquil, city tour of the main attractions such as Malecon 2000, Seminario Park, and the Las Peñas district with its charming colorful houses. Lodging in Guayaquil.

 

Day 10 Guayaquil - Puerto Lopez • In the morning, we will head towards Puerto Lopez, where you will learn more about the origins of the high cultures on the coast of Ecuador. Afterwards, drive through numerous small fishing villages until we reach our destination Puerto Lopez. The afternoon is at leisure on the beautiful sandy beach. Lodging in Puerto Lopez.

 

Day 11 Puerto Lopez - Isla de la Plata • Today you will take a boat trip to “Isla de la Plata” – Little Galapagos. With your tour guide and a local naturalist, you will hike across the island and see blue-footed and masked boobies, albatrosses, and with some luck, even sea lions. Also, chances are high, the massive humpback whales can be observed off the coast of Ecuador here. Afterwards, there will be time for swimming and snorkeling, where there is a high likelihood of encountering sea turtles. Lodging in Puerto Lopez.

 

Day 12 Puerto Lopez – Los Frailes Beach in Machalilla National Park • In the morning, drive to Machalilla National Park. The national park mainly consists of tropical dry forest and, at higher elevations, humid tropical rainforest. Typical vegetation includes kapok trees, fig cacti, and 'Palo Santo' trees, which lead us to Los Frailes Beach, winner of the best beach on the Pacific coast 2025, it offers a winding horseshoe-shaped bay with clear blue water and soft yellow sand. Lodging in Puerto Lopez

 

Day 13 Puerto Lopez – Guayaquil Airport • Transfer to the airport Guayaquil with your tour guide for your international return flight or to continue your onward journey.