Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Quito
Casona de La Ronda
Arrival in Quito and transfer to Casona de La Ronda, a boutique hotel.
Day 2: Quito
Casona de La Ronda
Enjoy a mystical tour of Quito with lunch. Visit La Ronda colonial street, San Augustin Church and chapter house, Casa del Alabado Museum, and La Compania Golden Church.
In the afternoon, visit Guayasamin – Chapel of Man – House and Museum. Enjoy a private visit to the house and museum of one of most important painters in Ecuador and Latin America. This is a fascinating glimpse into Ecuadorian history.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Travel to Sachatamia Reserve
Sacha Tamia Ecolodge
Depart from Quito heading northwest, where you will pass by the equator line. Stop to visit the impressive Pahuma Private Orchid Reserve, home to an amazing array of these fascinating flowers. Afterward, continue to the Tulipe Archaeological Site, which belongs to the Yumbos Indigenous People (500 AC). Admire the ceremonial pools and walk through coffee, cacao, and banana plantations.
If you’d like, you can also volunteer on a farm and learn how to harvest coffee, cacao, and corn, and learn how to make chocolate.
In the afternoon continue to Sacha Tamia Ecolodge for your overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Cloud Forest – Avenue of the Volcanoes
Hacienda La Algeria
Starting in the early morning, you’ll have the option to see the famous and colorful red bird, known as “cock of the rock” for its entertaining courtship displays. You will also see hundreds of colorful hummingbirds and take a hike through the canopy of this private reserve.
You will also have the chance to zipline through the lush cloud forest.
In the afternoon, drive towards the La Alegria working farm located in the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: La Algeria
Hacienda La Algeria
In the morning see a local Ecuadorean rodeo, with some of the most experienced Chagras – “Ecuadorean Cowboys.” After the rodeo, take a horse riding lesson and riding excursion.
Stop and enjoy a picnic lunch at the base of Corazon Mountain, located in the Central Andes. Take in the magnificent landscapes across the “Avenue of the Volcanoes.”
In the afternoon, volunteer at a local school in the Andes. Bring materials and work on projects including English and art.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Antizana Volcano – Quito
Casona de La Ronda
Begin this morning at 6:00 am with the option of learning how to milk cows. It’s not as easy as it looks! This is followed by breakfast and a trip to the Antizana Volcanoes and Reserve. Take a beautiful hike to learn about the local, Paramo vegetation, with the possibility of spotting condors and other impressive Andean raptors.
Enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, head back to Quito.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to Quito International Airport or onward to your exciting Galapagos Adventure!
Meals: Breakfast
