Day 1 Arrival – Quito • Welcome to Ecuador! After landing in Quito, you will be warmly welcomed by your German-speaking tour guide and escorted to your hotel. Located in the majestic Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito is the highest capital city in the world and offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and spectacular mountain panoramas. Overnight in Quito.
Day 2 Quito – Middle of the World – Papallacta • In the morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Quito. The magnificent historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, transfer to the Middle of the World Monument, 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 then continue through the western Andes at an altitude of 4,000 meters to visit Ecuador’s most beautiful volcanic hot springs, where body, mind, and soul can be rejuvenated in the Papallacta thermal baths. Overnight in Papallacta.
Day 3 Papallacta – Amazon Rainforest • Journey toward the lush Amazon Basin with impressive viewpoints over the most biodiverse region in the world. Along the way, you will visit the mysterious Jumandy Caves, taking a journey into the past of indigenous culture to learn about the stories and legends of these caves. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, you will be welcomed with the traditional guayusa drink and introduced to the unique variety of flora and fauna.
For the night walk, flashlights and rubber boots will be provided before your guide introduces you to fascinating reptiles, insects, birds, and the legendary paiche fish. Overnight in the Amazon rainforest.
Day 4 Amazon Rainforest • Today a very special Amazon adventure awaits you: the “Full Day Amazoonico 360°.” You may choose to enjoy the refreshing waters while tubing down the peaceful Arajuno River or relax as you drift along in a canoe before reaching the animal sanctuary. This is the perfect opportunity to observe local wildlife while contributing to their well-being. Later, by motorized canoe, you will visit Anaconda Island, where you will meet an authentic indigenous community and learn blowgun 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 look for the iconic hoatzin bird in the swamp while observing caimans up close. Return by motorized canoe to the lodge. Overnight in the Amazon rainforest.
Day 5 Amazon Rainforest • This morning you are invited to a short hike and a peaceful canoe ride on the lagoon of a unique nature reserve. A local guide will explain the harmonious coexistence with the rainforest as you immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife of the tropical forest. In the afternoon, the tour continues with a presentation and tasting of cacao, the food of the gods. An interactive cacao-making experience awaits you, with hot chocolate, fruits, and a chocolate facial mask. Overnight in the Amazon rainforest.
Day 6 Amazon Rainforest – Baños • In the morning, we will visit the first highlight of the day: the majestic “Pailón del Diablo” waterfall, where you can feel the power of nature. Breathe in the fresh mist and listen to the water crashing against the rocks. Access is via an ecological trail, where you can admire the beauty of orchids. Afterwards, we arrive at your accommodation in Baños de Agua Santa, known for its adrenaline activities, which are optional and can be booked on site, such as 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, as well as souvenirs. An optional visit to the Baños hot springs is also recommended. At the end of the day, we suggest visiting the Basilica of Baños de Agua Santa, where locals devoutly present their petitions to the Virgin of Baños.
Day 7 Baños – Ingapirca – Cuenca • On this day, the journey continues south 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 the many pre-Columbian cultures that once lived in this region. Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 8 Cuenca • Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s colonial jewels. Its neatly laid cobblestone streets, beautiful houses, and buildings with unique metal balconies and floral decorations are a true feast for the eyes. Typical markets and shops reveal the cultural richness of the region, a legacy of indigenous ancestors. The tour will take you to the most important and interesting sites, such as traditional neighborhoods, museums, Calderón Park, the Flower Market, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In the afternoon, you will visit a hat factory where you will learn about the process of making Panama hats from toquilla straw.
Overnight in Cuenca.
Day 9 Cuenca – Cajas National Park – Guayaquil • On the way to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, you will visit Cajas National Park, which features numerous lakes and is known as the land of llamas. Then continue to Guayaquil through constantly changing landscapes along the coast. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of the main attractions, such as Malecón 2000, Seminario Park, and the Las Peñas district with its charming colorful houses. Overnight in Guayaquil.
Day 10 Guayaquil – Puerto López • In the morning, we head toward Puerto López, where you will learn more about the origins of the high cultures along Ecuador’s coast. Afterwards, travel through numerous small fishing villages until we reach our destination, Puerto López. The afternoon is free to enjoy the beautiful sandy beach. Overnight in Puerto López.
Day 11 Puerto López – Isla de la Plata • Today you will take a boat excursion to “Isla de la Plata,” known as the Little Galápagos. Together with your tour guide and a local naturalist, you will hike across the island and observe blue-footed and masked boobies, albatrosses, and, with some luck, even sea lions. There is also a high probability of spotting massive humpback whales off the coast of Ecuador. Afterwards, there will be time for swimming and snorkeling, with a strong chance of encountering sea turtles. Overnight in Puerto López.
Day 12 Puerto López – Los Frailes Beach in Machalilla National Park • In the morning, transfer to Machalilla National Park. The park is mainly composed 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 award for the best beach on the Pacific coast in 2025. This beach features a horseshoe-shaped bay with crystal-clear blue waters and soft yellow sand. Overnight in Puerto López.
Day 13 Puerto López – Guayaquil Airport • Transfer to Guayaquil Airport with your tour guide for your international return flight or to continue your onward journey.