Venture from the historic streets of Quito to the deep, pulsing green of the Amazon rainforest before ascending into the dramatic Andean highlands. Encounter ancestral embroidery traditions, marvel at volcanic peaks, and unlock the secrets of the Equator alongside dedicated experts. Immerse yourself in the authentic soul of Ecuador.
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Sarah
Petra
CharlotteWelcome to Ecuador. Your expedition begins in Quito, a high-altitude capital nestled amid towering, cloud-shrouded Andean peaks. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in. This evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert, and fellow travellers for an engaging welcome that sets the stage for your upcoming exploration. Follow this with a celebratory welcome dinner at your hotel.
Awake to the morning light illuminating the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre. Navigate the iconic Plaza Grande, a square flanked by the Presidential Palace where the city's political pulse beats strongest amidst the fragrance of roasted coffee. Wander the historic San Francisco Church and Convent before stepping into the Antiguo Circulo Militar. Here, join a local artisan collective specializing in masapán. Paint traditional hummingbird figures alongside local women, directly supporting their community livelihood. As night falls, travel to the Intiñan Solar Museum for a private, after-hours tour. Try your hand at interactive experiments right on the Equator line, standing precisely between two hemispheres.
Leave the highlands behind and catch a flight inland to the sprawling Amazon Jungle. Board a motorized boat to glide along the wide Napo River, watching the vegetation thicken into an impenetrable wall of deep green as you enter the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve. Arrive at your lodge on the pristine shores of Lake Garzacocha. Later, step into the rainforest with a naturalist guide under the soft light filtering through the high canopy. Marvel at ancient mahogany trees towering over four centuries old and listen to the jungle as it shifts from day to night. Return to the lodge for dinner, relaxing to a symphony of wild, nocturnal sounds.
Rise early and travel along the river to a vibrant parrot clay lick. Witness a mesmerizing display as hundreds of colourful parrots and parakeets gather to feed on mineral-rich soil. Continue to the indigenous community of Pilche to learn about their daily life, traditional dress, and culinary customs sourced from the forest. In the afternoon, ascend a spectacular 120-foot observation tower, climbing above the treetops to spot canopy birds and primates through a telescope. Watch a breathtaking sunset paint the sky before venturing onto the Tucaneta Trail for an evening walk. Your guides reveal the secret world of amphibians, insects, and mammals that emerge only when darkness falls over the rainforest.
Travel by motorized boat out of the rainforest to catch your flight back to Quito. From there, drive north along the dramatic Avenue of the Volcanoes, stopping for a traditional lunch amidst the mountain scenery. Arrive at an historic estate situated within a vast, 4,000-acre working farm. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and cloud forests, this hacienda offers total immersion into its rural heritage. Settle in before taking a private tour of the property with a member of the family that has owned the grounds for generations. Conclude the afternoon with a tasting of artisanal local cheeses typical to the region. Enjoy a delicious farm-to-table dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients before relaxing by the fireside.
Immerse your senses in the vibrant colours and sounds of the Otavalo Market, renowned for its handmade textiles, intricate ceramics, and wooden musical instruments. Gain insights into the market from the President of the Zuleta Embroidery Association and visit a local artisan workshop for a private cultural exchange. Discover the rich history and storytelling woven into every traditional design, and participate in a hands-on demonstration of this delicate cultural heritage. Return to the historic hacienda to enjoy a peaceful afternoon at your own pace, perhaps strolling the green pastures. In the evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a grand farewell dinner, celebrating the rich traditions and unforgettable encounters of your Ecuadorian experience.
After breakfast, drive to the historic Hacienda La Compañia, a beautifully preserved private home held by the same family for five generations. Begin your visit at their rose farm, Rosadex, to see where the estate's spectacular blooms originate. Wander a vibrant showroom displaying dozens of exquisite rose varieties before enjoying a traditional snack in the old hacienda building. After lunch on the property, continue your drive back toward the capital to check into a comfortable hotel located near the airport, where the tour ends. Take advantage of the convenient day-use rooms to relax and prepare for your evening departure flight.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Amazon: • Knee-length socks • Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants • Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts • Pack liners to waterproof bags Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended) • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Hand sanitizer • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sturdy water shoes/sandals • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear
When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition.In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.
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