Russell Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to the city's historical center. Here, you'll find your award-winning hotel, Casa Gangotena. This restored colonial mansion is located right on Plaza San Francisco. Spend the evening relaxing, adapting to the altitude, and soaking in the elegant atmosphere of the old town.
Overnight Casa Gangotena
Day 2
Exploring Quito
Begin your morning with a guided walking tour of Quito’s historic downtown, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage site built over the ruins of an ancient Inca city. Walk through grand plazas and colonial streets, learning more about the history and culture of Ecuador's capital city as you go.
In the afternoon, make a private visit to a master art workshop inspired by the legendary Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín. Meet local artists and discover the vibrant colors, history, and techniques that make Andean art unique.
After your interactive session, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then, return to your hotel, with the evening at leisure.
Overnight Casa Gangotena
Day 3
Into the Amazon Rainforest
Leave the highlands behind for an early morning flight over the Andes into the Amazon basin city of Coca. From here, embark on a scenic two-hour motorized canoe journey down the Napo River, surrounded by the lush jungle canopy. A short walk through a rainforest trail and a tranquil dugout canoe paddle across Lake Pilchicocha will lead you to the hidden paradise of Sacha Lodge.
Sacha Lodge is designed to blend seamlessly into its jungle surroundings, so that you feel deeply immersed in this biodiverse landscape. Watch for monkeys swinging through the trees, caimans drifting under the walkways, and sloths munching on leaves near your eco-cabin. The lodge protects over 5,000 acres of rainforest and supports nearby Kichwa communities through meaningful work and long-term careers.
Take time to unwind in the hammock located on your private balcony or terrace, listening to the roars of howler monkeys and chirps of tanagers and toucans. Enjoy your lunch, and receive an introduction to the primary rainforest during your first sunset jungle excursion.
Overnight Sacha Lodge
Day 4 - 6
AMAZON RAINFOREST EXPLORATIONS
Take three full days to settle into the rhythms of the rainforest.
Accompanied by expert native and bilingual naturalist guides, explore the rainforest from every perspective, from the famous 940-foot canopy walkway and the observation tower built around a towering Kapok tree to peaceful blackwater creeks and winding jungle trails. Search for monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, caimans, and countless other species while learning about the region's unique ecosystems, indigenous traditions, medicinal plants, and wildlife. Between excursions, relax at the lodge, visit the butterfly house, paddle across the lake, fish for piranhas, or simply soak in the sounds of the rainforest. Cap off your stay with a memorable farewell dinner beneath the jungle sky.
Overnight Sacha Lodge
Day 7
DEPART FOR THE ANDES MOUNTAINS
Bid farewell to the Amazon as you travel by canoe and flight back up to Quito. From the airport, your private vehicle will transport you south along the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes toward Machachi. Watch the landscape transform dramatically from dense tropical jungle to rolling alpine tundra and windswept paramo plains.
Arrive at Hacienda El Porvenir, a historic eco-lodge nestled at 11,811 feet on the slopes of the Rumiñahui Volcano. Settle into this sustainable working ranch, warm up by the roaring fireplace, and savor a traditional Andean farm-to-table dinner.
Overnight Hacienda El Porvenir
Day 8
Horseback Riding & Cooking in the Clouds
Wake up to crisp mountain air and get ready for an equestrian adventure! Dressed in traditional Chagra-style wool ponchos and sheepskin zamarros, ride across the spectacular landscapes of the Andean páramo. Led by local expert Chagras, you will navigate exclusive trails on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, looking for wild horses, brave bulls, and soaring condors.
In the afternoon, experience a hands-on cooking class to prepare traditional cheese empanadas, classic volcanic-mortar ají hot sauce, and hot canelazo. Conclude this perfect day of relaxation with a luxurious volcanic rock massage, melting away any tension with the soothing heat of local thermal stones.
Overnight Hacienda El Porvenir
Day 9
COTOPAXI VOLCANO & PACHAMAMA CEREMONY
Venture into Cotopaxi National Park to witness the monumental beauty of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Explore the scenic Limpiopungo Lake and the high-altitude plateau, taking in dramatic views of the snow-capped peak. Amidst this tranquil landscape, participate in a private, sacred Pachamama (Mother Earth) gratitude ceremony led by a local guide.
To honor your family's connection with the mountains, you will take part in a beautiful ritual of planting a native tree from the area, leaving a meaningful, living legacy that will grow in the heart of the Andean highlands for years to come. After a delicious traditional lunch, enjoy a private transfer back to the capital for your final evening in the historic luxury of Casa Gangotena.
Overnight Casa Gangotena Hotel
Day 10
Departure
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home or onward to the Galapagos Islands.
