Dru Lindgren
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN QUITO
On arrival into Quito Airport, your guide and driver will be waiting to collect you for the transfer to your boutique hotel in Quito.
Settle in and use the rest of the evening to relax after your flight.
Overnight: ILLA Experience Hotel
Day 2
QUITO
This morning after breakfast, your guide will take you through Quito to see the city’s colonial downtown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through iconic churches and monasteries, admiring the architecture and learning about the history of Ecuador’s capital. You will also have the opportunity to climb the stairs to the top of the domes for panoramic views of Quito – you may even be able to catch a glimpse of the nearby volcanic peaks.
The next stop is Casa del Alabado — a privately owned museum with a collection of over 5,000 pre-Columbian archaeological pieces. The museum is unique in its display as the artifacts are organized by theme, rather than chronological order.
Continue walking to reach La Ronda, a revived neighborhood full of art and traditional crafts. This area of Quito’s Historic District is home to numerous artisans who upkeep their ancestral trades. After admiring their craftsmanship, stop by the local ice creamery to taste their unparalleled flavors and other local specialties. Then, do a little more exploring around the Historic District before arriving at a restaurant for a delicious lunch.
This afternoon, your guide will bring you to the modern section of Quito to visit The Chapel of Man, a space that shows history from Latin America’s point of view, from achievements to suffering, and how they wish to advance into the future.
Overnight: ILLA Experience Hotel
Day 3
QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Today will be a day by the lake to go fishing, paddle a boat or canoe, or have a nice swim in the refreshing water.
Warm up with a sauna at the lodge afterward, or make your own handcrafts using traditional Sámi culture techniques.
Overnight Amazon Cruise
Day 4
YASUNI NATIONAL PARK
Early this morning, visit the relatively undisturbed section of the jungle in Yasuni National Park, home to the legendary pink river dolphin! Here, you can also see anacondas, river turtles, and several species of primate. You’ll also see, or smell, the colorful Hoatzin, an unusual bird with the apt nickname of “stinky turkey.”
After lunch, join in canoeing on a blackwater lake, where giant otters and the beautiful, but elusive manatee reside. Following will be an enjoyable hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where you can see the elaborate organizational skills of the leaf-cutter ants near the majestic giant fig tree.
Overnight Amazon Cruise
Day 5
KICHWA FAMILY & LIFE ON BOARD
Immerse yourself in the local culture when you visit an authentic Quechua family who live on the banks of the Napo River. Learn from the members of this community about the Amazon and their way of life.
Re-board the Amazon cruise and continue upstream while eating lunch and having some free time. There are many activities on board to keep you entertained. Participate in a cooking class with an expert chef and learn how to make Ecuadorian dishes, or try creating traditional handicrafts. If you’d prefer to unwind, perhaps a relaxing massage at the Rainforest Spa, a soak in the hot tub, or a delicious cocktail at the bar and lounge is more your style.
If you’re the adventurous type, a kayaking trip can be arranged to explore the surrounding environment.
Overnight Amazon Cruise
Day 6
FOREST ADVENTURE AND OBSERVATION CANOPY TOWER
This morning, enjoy the facilities on the cruise ship before disembarking to take part in a forest walk to discover a variety of animal and plant species, specific to the region.
Later, gain a new perspective of your surroundings from the top of a canopy tower built against a giant Kapok tree. From here, you can truly appreciate the sheer size of the Amazon basin.
If you’re game this evening, bravely venture alongside your guide in a canoe with flashlights to search for the stealthy black caimans.
Overnight Amazon Cruise
Day 7
RETURN COCA – QUITO
Reflect on your days in the Amazon before saying farewell and boarding the motorized canoe which will return you to Coca on the 90-minute journey.
Your guide will bring you to the airport to catch the 30-minute flight to Quito, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: ILLA Experience Hotel
Day 8
OTAVALO MARKET AND SHOPS
After breakfast, your guide will bring you to the indigenous market of Otavalo, world-famous for the quality of woven textiles. You’ll have a chance to purchase a variety of Ecuadorian handicrafts such as ponchos, fabrics, and other unique souvenirs.
After all that shopping, satisfy your appetite at your hotel for lunch. This afternoon will be free time to explore what interests you most in this fascinating area.
Overnight Hacienda Zuleta
Day 9
Departure Day
After a delightful farewell breakfast, you’ll be transferred via private car to the airport to catch your international flight home.
