Ecuador: Cotopaxi & the Amazon Jungle

Rolling mountains and snow-capped volcanoes pop into view as you descend into Quito. As you step off the plane, take in a lungful of fresh mountain air and notice it's a bit thinner than what you may be used to. Home to a spectacular variety of people, geography and biodiversity, Ecuador ignites the senses while beckoning your sense of adventure. We welcome you to Ecuador, and invite you to experience the crossroads of cultures, traditions and landscapes within its borders. Arrive to Quito at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious first dinner with new friends.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Heading out of Quito you will soon reach the imaginary line that runs around the centre of our planet, both an important geographical marker as well as the name of the country. Scan the scenic landscape and watch as towering volcanoes come in and out of view, or peek out of the clouds as you drive south. You'll be warmly welcomed at our cozy lodgings perched on the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, surrounded by stark and incredibly picturesque scenery. Drive to the Intiñan Museum where you can try experimenting with gravity along the equatorial line. Lunch will be had at a cozy, local restaurant with impressive views of a volcano. Arrive in Cotopaxi in the afternoon to your OMG Stay property where you will be welcomed with a traditional canelazo before dinner. Weather permitting, enjoy a bonfire in the evening with some tasty s'mores.

Included Experiences

• Intiñan Museum Visit: Visit the Intiñan Museum (Intiñan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures. There is also a chance to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named.
• Lunch at El Crater Restaurant: Sit down for a delicious lunch at a restaurant located on the edge of the crater of the Pululahua volcano. The interior offers panoramic views of the constantly changing landscape and was handmade using only local materials to create an inviting space that is in harmony with the natural land surrounding it.
• Bonfire and S'mores: Weather permitting, sit around a bonfire to stay warm in the cool mountain air. Eat some tasty fresh s'mores that are toasted on the fire and gaze up at the stars.

Immerse yourself in the volcanic landscape of Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Breathe in the thin mountain air as you hike and explore this stunning area, home also to a small Inca archaeological site. Back in the warmth of the lodge, you'll savour a delicious meal and learn how to make a tasty regional treat. Leave the hotel after breakfast for a full-day exploration of Cotopaxi National Park, including a visit to Limpiopungo Lake, a high-altitude hike, lunch, and the Refugio del Cotopaxi mountain hut. End the day with a cooking class at the lodge where you’ll learn how to make a traditional Ecuadorian sweet.

Included Experiences

• Full-Day Cotopaxi Experience: Spend a full day immersed in the wilds of Cotopaxi National Park and the high Andean ecosystem. Begin with a visit to Limpiopungo Lake, featuring amazing views of the Cotopaxi volcano. From the parking lot of the lake, the group will embark on a steep 1-hour hike up to the Refugio del Cotopaxi, which serves as basecamp for those hiking the volcano. When you reach the 4864m high hut, it won't just be the hike that took your breath away—but the stunning views of the Andes Mountains. A boxed lunch will be included and eaten overlooking some of the best vistas in the park.
• Cooking Class at the Lodge: The restaurant at your OMG Stay lodge offers on-site regional cuisine and a local chef who will regale you with delicious homemade meals. During this cooking class you will learn how to make a traditional pastry from Ecuador called Quimbolitos. This pastry contains raisins and is steamed in an achira or plantain leaf to keep the moisture in the dough, and to add flavour. The batter is a mix of cornflour, wheat flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and creamy cheese.

Imagine plunging waterfalls, lush forests, steep gorges and steaming thermal springs, and you’ll have conjured Baños in your mind. This incredible setting sits in the shadow of one of South America’s most active volcanoes and begins your time in an adventurer’s paradise. From gorgeous scenery to a demonstration of the best handmade candy in Ecuador, this introduction to Baños will captivate your senses at every turn. Travel to Baños. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant upon arrival to Baños before an orientation walk through the city with a melcocha demonstration. The evening is at your leisure.

Included Experiences

• Orientation Walk in Baños and Melcocha Demonstration: Enjoy an orientation walk in Baños with your CEO, followed by a Melcocha demonstration and free time. Baños is a city in Ecuador's Tungurahua province, considered the gateway to the Amazon Basin and known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and active volcano to the south. Walk about the town, pass by The Church of Our Lady of Holy Water, and watch a special kind of Ecuadorian candy be handmade before your eyes— mostly produced in this small highland town. The process requires strength for squeezing the sugar cane and kneading it into the correct shape and consistency.

Baños is a hub for adventure activities, and today is all about how you want to best experience it with two great options to choose from. Set out on a cycling ride through the landscape on winding trails and roads from the La Suiza area back to the city. Or if you would rather stay on foot, join a guided trek to the Casa del Arbol and Torre Al Cielo, where you will encounter remarkable views of Baños and the Tungurahua Volcano. Later, follow the Rio Verde to the Pailon del Diablo, a powerful waterfall in the midst of the jungle landscape. Decide between biking or hiking this morning to fully immerse yourself in the landscape surrounding Baños. Sit down for lunch prepared using traditional cooking techniques and local ingredients. Follow the Rio Verde to the Pailon del Diablo, a powerful waterfall in the midst of the jungle landscape. Choose between a range of optional activities in the area, and spend a free afternoon on your own. Dinner is at your leisure today.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Spend a free afternoon back at the hotel property in Baños. Opt to visit the spa, book another adventure activity through the hotel, or simply relax while staring at the impressive views of Tungurahua Volcano, Llanganates National Park, and the charming town below. From hot spring soaks to horseback riding there are plenty of options to be as active or leisurely as you wish.
• Bike Tour From La Suiza to Baños: Option 1: Start the day with a bike tour! Enjoy private transport from your hotel to the La Suiza area where the biking adventure starts. Then pedal through the stunning highland scenery on an exhilarating ride to Baños, travelling a total of 35km. Option 2: Begin the day with a trekking adventure. Board a short transfer to Baños where the hike starts to Torre Al Cielo (Tower to the Sky) and Casa del Árbol (Tree House). Here you'll find the famous 'Swing at the End of the World'. Torre Al Cielo offers great views of the Tungurahua Volcano. Total distance: 7km (4.34 miles) Total elevation: 762m (2,500ft)
• Pailon del Diablo Waterfall Visit: El Pailón del Diablo is located about 30 minutes outside of Baños. The Spanish name translates to "The Devil's Cauldron" in English. These powerful falls are 80m high and pull their strength from Rio Verde. The group will take a short walk to the falls before returning to the van. Total distance: 2km (1.3 miles) Total elevation: 148m (485ft)

Optional Experiences

• Horseback Riding - Baños: Hop in the saddle and explore Baños’ beautiful countryside by horseback. Check out the unique vegetation in the region, and, perhaps, trot over to Tungurahua Volcano for amazing views.
• Hiking - Baños: Head to the mountains for some amazing treks; Baños provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor adventure.
• Hot Springs - Baños: Soak weary muscles in the thermal baths that Baños is famous for. Head to hot springs at the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “little hell” in Quichua, or try some of the baths fed by the melt waters of Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Rise before the sun for an early soak – watching the sun peak over the mountains while relaxing in the warm waters is definitely worth the early start.

The Amazon has sparked the imaginations of curious travellers everywhere for centuries, conjuring up images of exotic wildlife and dense green leafy jungle. The biodiversity of plant and animal life is staggeringly varied, and the cultural traditions of those who live here are evident in the day-to-day responsibilities of life along the river, dependent on the changing land. Journey along the river by canoe and experience the true cacophony of sounds, sights, and smells in this abundantly beautiful place. Transfer to your lodge stay in the Amazon Rainforest. Travel by private vehicle to Punta Ahuano and then board a motorized canoe and sail along Rio Napo to the lodge where lunch will be served. Afterwards, visit a local family where you will learn about their day-to-day experiences and how the changing environment is posing a risk to their traditional ways of life. Have dinner back at the lodge followed by free time.

Included Experiences

• Canoe: From Punta Ahuano sail in a motorized canoe 15 minutes down the river to your lodge stay in the Amazon in a low-slung, lightweight boat.
• Visit a Local Family in the Amazon: This afternoon, you’re going to meet a Kichwa family and see what it’s like to live in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Your guide will explain how this family makes chicha, an Amazonian staple that comes from yuca and sweet potato. During this unique cultural experience you will discuss the family's traditions, beliefs and history. Then, hear about what daily life is like for them in such a unique environment with the modern world encroaching on their traditional ways of life.
• Free Time: Take advantage of a few hours of free time at the lodge located along the bank of the Arajuno River. From the balcony of your cabaña, you can relax in a hammock or deck chair and observe hummingbirds, or visit the open-air lounge with a pool and full-service bar.

Awake to the sounds of the forest, and listen for tropical birds and animals going about their daily rituals in the canopy above. Be fully present in this wild landscape while tubing along a river. Everywhere you go, the sights, sounds, and smells of the Amazon will follow creating a true sense of place. Your mind and body will be at complete ease in the middle of the jungle. Pass the morning tubing on the river, searching for wildlife along the way before refueling with lunch at the lodge. Then, expand your knowledge of local food production while you collect cacao pods and learn about their importance to the nearby communities. There will be free time at the lodge before dinner.

Included Experiences

• River Tubing in the Amazon: Float down the river near the lodge gazing at the sky and tree-lined banks. A guide will accompany you on a motorized canoe and pick you up at the end of the float.
• Cacao and Chocolate Experience: Expand your knowledge of local food production and learn everything there is to know about cacao. If it's in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants while learning about the history of the pods in Ecuador. The plant remains a key export and fundamental in supporting local communities across the country. Roast and de-shell the beans, then re-heat the beans with milk and cinnamon into a fondue to be eaten with local fruits. Then, enjoy a fire-side, traditional jungle snack!

Soothe your body and mind in some natural hot springs fed by a nearby volcano as you head back towards Quito. Your adventure comes to an end upon arrival to the airport. Travel back to Quito. En route the group will stop for a visit to the hot springs in Papallacta and have lunch at the nearby restaurant serving many delicious traditional Ecuadorian dishes. The tour will finish upon arrival to the Quito International Airport in the late afternoon.

Included Experiences

• Canoe: From the lodge, 30 minutes along the river to Misahualli Port in a low-slung, motorized boat.
• Papallacta Hot Springs Visit: Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance.