EXPLORING Ecuador: Between the Andes and Amazonia
Unique Experiences Between La Sierra and El Oriente
14-day
Quito – Saraguro – Cuenca – Ingapirca – Macas – Misahualli – Quito
Ecuador: An Adventure of Culture, Nature and Tradition
Experience 14 unforgettable days exploring the best of Ecuador, where the majestic Andes meet the lush Amazon. From the colonial charm of Quito to the cultural richness of Saraguro, the archaeological treasures of Ingapirca and the impressive biodiversity of the jungle, this trip has it all.
Share traditions and meals with Indigenous communities, hike ancient Inca trails and relax in natural hot springs. Each experience will connect you with the land and its inhabitants, creating unique memories. Find out more about this incredible adventure!
14-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Quito, Ecuador
– A Journey with Lasting Impact
Your arrival in Ecuador is not only the beginning of a journey, but the beginning of a deep connection with a country full of history, culture and warmth. From the moment your guide greets you at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you will feel welcomed by Ecuadorian hospitality. The journey to the heart of Quito is a magical introduction: as the city unfolds before your eyes, the first stories about its past and traditions open the door to a fascinating world.
Overnight: Quito
Day 2: Colonial Quito
– In the Footsteps of the Past
This day takes you into the heart of Quito’s historic center, where every cobblestone street is a bridge to the past. As you walk through the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the Plaza Grande and the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, you feel how the city’s cultural roots intertwine with its vibrant present. Lunch at a colonial restaurant connects you with the flavors of tradition, while the Panecillo, with its breathtaking view, closes the day with a new perspective of this city where modernity and the past converge.
Overnight: Bus to Saraguro
Day 3: Welcome to Saraguro
– Ancestral Spirit and Authentic Flavors
This day in Saraguro is a journey into the soul of a community that has preserved its traditions through time. Begin with an energizing ritual at the Baños del Inca, a sacred space that connects with nature and ancestral wisdom. Learn how expert hands bring wool weavings to life and delve into the art of the Saraguro hat, a symbol of cultural pride. Taste Pinzhi, a traditional dish, and close the day at the Tupay restaurant, where each organic ingredient reflects the authenticity of this land.
Overnight: Saraguro
Day 4: The Farms of Saraguro
– A Sensory Journey of Saraguro
Let yourself be enveloped by the aromas and flavors of Saraguro in an experience that awakens the senses. Discover the secrets of coffee on a finca cafetalera and enjoy a tasting that celebrates authentic flavors. Savor a traditional lunch with local ingredients before exploring a tropical farm, where fresh fruits and sugar cane reveal the agricultural richness of the region. Close the day with a memorable dinner, accompanied by live Andean music that connects the spirit with the essence of this ancestral land.
Overnight: Saraguro
Day 5: Welcome to Cuenca
– Where History Lives and Culture Inspires
This day transports you to the heart of Cuenca, a city where past and present harmoniously intertwine. Stroll through iconic squares and lively markets, experiencing the essence of the past. Delight your palate with a gourmet lunch at Curu, where Ecuadorian tradition is transformed into culinary art. Discover the cultural legacy in the making of toquilla straw hats and tour Pumapungo, an archaeological site that revives the grandeur of the Inca civilization in a setting of historic gardens.
Overnight: Cuenca
Day 6: Sisid Anejo and Ingapirca
– An Encounter with Living History
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable day as you discover the magic of Sisid Anejo, where the Kañari community welcomes you with traditional drinks and ancestral warmth. Explore Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important archaeological complex, and marvel at the grandeur of Inca and Cañari architecture. Learn how to make the ancestral machica, an Andean food full of history. Close the day with a traditional dinner, Andean dance and music, experiencing a cultural that connects deeply with the roots of this land.
Overnight: Sisid Anejo
Day 7: Culebrilla Lagoon
– Connection with Nature and History
Explore the mystical Culebrillas Lagoon and hike the historic Qhapaq Ñan, following in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as you discover the cultural richness of Paredones. Share an authentic pampamesa, a communal lunch celebrating Andean flavors. On the way back to Sisid Anejo, visit a medicinal plant garden and learn about local healing traditions. End the day with an organic dinner that honors fresh ingredients and the essence of the Andes.
Overnight: Sisid Anejo
Day 8: Welcome to Amazonia
– An Immersion in Shuar Culture
Embark on a transformative journey that unites the majestic Andean landscapes with the Amazon rainforest. Pass through picturesque towns such as Chunchi, Alausí and Guamote to the impressive Laguna de Atillo, where the serenity of the páramo marks the beginning of your descent into the Amazon. In Macas, enjoy lunch with the emblematic maito before arriving in Sevilla Don Bosco, where an ancestral Shuar greeting welcomes you. Close the day with an Amazonian dinner, surrounded by the magic of the jungle and the richness of two unique worlds.
Overnight: Seville Don Bosco
Day 9: La Huerta Shuar
– Ancestral Traditions of the Shuar Land
Live the essence of the Shuar land exploring the huerta (farm) of Aja Shuarin Sagrado Corazon, where you will learn ancestral agricultural techniques and the secrets of their gastronomy. Enjoy a lunch with traditional flavors before navigating the river and walking among the biodiversity of the jungle in La Esperanza. The day culminates with music, dance and a dinner that celebrates the cultural richness of this ancestral nationality, creating a unique bond and indelible memories.
Overnight: Seville Don Bosco
Day 10: Landscapes of the Ecuadorian East
– From the Shuar Culture to the Quichua Culture
Travel from the Shuar community to Machacuyacu, home of the Amazonian Quichua nationality. Along the way, enjoy the landscapes and flavors of the region with a lunch prepared with local ingredients. In Machacuyacu, the hosts will welcome you with the traditional drink guayusa, a symbol of cultural connection, before closing the day with an authentic dinner celebrating the gastronomic richness of the community. This encounter will immerse you in the essence of Amazonian Quichua culture, leaving you with unforgettable memories in an authentic and vibrant environment.
Overnight: Machacuyacu
Day 11: The Machacuyacu Community
– Connection with Nature and Kichwa Traditions
Venture into the Amazon rainforest with a hike that will take you to the largest tree in the community, while discovering the local flora. Learn how to make chicha de yucca and enjoy an organic lunch that celebrates the flavors of the region. Relax in therapeutic waters, participate in a handicrafts workshop and experience unique moments with the residents through traditional games. Close the day with a typical dinner, where the authenticity of the community will make this experience an unforgettable memory.
Overnight: Machacuyacu
Day 12: Around Misahualli
– Cacao, Nature and Amazonian Culture
Immerse yourself in the magic of chocolate with a tour of a cacao plantation, where you will participate in the chocolate making process, culminating with a tasting. Enjoy a typical lunch with fresh ingredients before canoing in a killa on the tranquil Paikawe Lagoon, surrounded by Amazonian flora and fauna. Experience the jungle with a walk to see monkeys and amazing birds, and relax in the crystal clear waters of the Misahuallí River. Close the day with a traditional dinner and a vibrant night of Amazonian music and dance celebrating the local culture.
Overnight: Machacuyacu
Day 13: Return to the Andean Highlands
– Relax and Renew Energies on the Road to Quito
Say goodbye to the community of Machacuyacu and start the journey to Quito, passing through the Amazonian towns of Tena and Archidona with landscapes that connect the jungle and the highlands. Pause in Papallacta, where a delicious local lunch gives way to an afternoon of relaxation in its famous hot springs. Let the hot springs and sauna renew your energy in the middle of the mountains. Close the day with a farewell dinner in Quito, remembering the unforgettable moments of this journey.
Overnight: Quito
Day 14: Cultural Farewell
– Artesenías and Warmest Farewell from Quito
Culminate your trip in Ecuador by visiting the Centro Artesanal La Mariscal, where you will find unique handicrafts created by talented local artisans. Stroll through the iconic El Ejido Park, enjoying outdoor art and the vibrant everyday life of the city. To close, relax as you take in the last views of Quito on your transfer to the Mariscal Sucre Airport, taking with you unforgettable memories of this unforgettable adventure.
Transfer to Mariscal Sucre Airport
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Important information for all our tours
Included in our tours
- Transportation throughout the tour.
- Professional and local guide.
- Lodging in hotels and local communities according to the itinerary.
- With lodging, breakfasts are included.
- Other meals specified in the itinerary.
- Basic beverages such as coffee, tea, juice and water.
- Local guides in English and Spanish.
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, parks and reserves.
- Cultural activities
- Excursions and guided walks.
Not included in our tours
- International and domestic flights.
- Lodging if not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional beverages or alcoholic beverages.
- Activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses and purchases of handicrafts.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Personal hiking equipment (shoes, appropriate clothing, etc.).
- Travel insurance.
Cancellation Policy
- To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 50% of the total cost is required.
- Payment in full must be made at least 45 days prior to the start date of the trip.
- Cancellations made more than 45 days prior to the trip start date are eligible for a full refund of the deposit, less a 10% administrative fee.
- Cancellations made 45 days or less prior to travel are non-refundable due to operational and logistical commitments.
- We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance that covers cancellations or unforeseen events to protect your investment.
Visas and Passports
VISAS:
No visa is required for citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada and Europe, to enter Ecuador for a stay of up to 90 consecutive days (three months). We recommend that you check the specific requirements for your country before traveling.
PASSPORTS:
You will need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity before its expiration date. At the time of your reservation, we will ask you for the expiration date of your passport.
Your passport must also have a minimum of two blank pages for entry and exit stamps for Ecuador. If your itinerary includes visits to other countries, make sure you have additional pages for those portions of your trip.
If you need a new or renewed passport, please do so well in advance, as processing times can vary considerably from country to country.
We recommend that you carry with you a color photocopy of the first two pages of your passport. Keep these copies in a safe place so that you will have proof of identification in case of loss.
Check with your country’s immigration authorities or local embassy for updated information on entry requirements for Ecuador.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of our travelers is our priority. Ecuador is an incredibly diverse and welcoming destination, but it is important to keep in mind some recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during your visit:
Health
Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Ecuador. However, if you plan to visit Amazonian areas, yellow fever vaccine and malaria prophylactic medication are recommended. Consult your doctor or a travel health center before your trip.
Altitude: Some regions, such as Quito and the Andes, are at high altitude. Take time to adapt, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24-48 hours.
Water and food: Consume bottled water and avoid drinking tap water. Opt for cooked foods and peeled fruits or vegetables to prevent stomach upset.
Climate and clothing: Ecuador has varied climates, from the cold of the Andes to the heat of the Amazon. Bring adequate clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent and a raincoat.
Hiking and outdoor activities: Always follow the instructions of local guides, especially on hikes or jungle activities. Wear appropriate footwear and stay on marked trails.
Personal Safety
Belongings: Keep your belongings safe and avoid carrying visible valuables in public places. Use a secure backpack or purse and keep your passport and money in a discreet place.
Transportation: Trust certified tour operators and avoid using informal cabs. We will provide safe transportation during your itinerary.
Travel insurance: It is mandatory to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation and any unforeseen event.
Emergencies
In case of emergency, our team will be available to assist you at all times. We will provide you with local contact numbers and guides who will be with you during every stage of the trip. Ecuador has medical services in all major cities and access to hospitals in case of need.
With these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and enriching experience while discovering the beauty and culture of Ecuador.
We are here to make sure your trip is unforgettable!
