Russell Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Quito
Upon arriving at Quito Airport, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall to take you to your hotel to relax this evening.
Overnight in Quito
Day 2
Biosphere Reserve and Middle of the World
Just an hour's drive north of Quito lies the Chocó Andino de Pichincha Biosphere Reserve. This biodiversity hotspot spans an impressive altitude range from 1,180 to 14,698 feet (360 to 4,480 meters) above sea level. This variation creates diverse ecosystems, including lowland humid forests and Andean mountain forests. The reserve is home to approximately 10,000 plant species, 270 mammal species, 200 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Along with your guide, you can hike along the trails into the cloud forest and experience the beauty of this expansive 708,000-acre reserve.
This afternoon, travel north to Mitad del Mundo, also known as the Middle of the World City. The grounds feature the Monument to the Equator, which marks the exact location of the Equator, essentially giving the country its name. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.
Overnight in Quito
Day 3
Cable Car and Downtown Quito
Today, your guide will take you to the Teleférico Cable Car, which is 12,900 feet (3,947 meters) above sea level, making it one of the highest cable cars in the world. The ride lasts approximately 20 minutes and offers stunning views of the city. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a short hike or take photos at the famous "Swing of the World." You might even spot the Cayambe, Antisana, and Cotopaxi volcanoes on a clear day!
This afternoon, your guide will take you on a tour of Quito's historic downtown, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito is Ecuador's capital and the best-preserved and least-altered historic center in Latin America. A stroll of downtown Quito captures the essence of Ecuador with a fusion of history, architecture, and local culture.
Overnight in Quito
Day 4
Waterfall Hike and Pachamama Gratitude Ceremony
Today's journey begins with a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the starting point of your hike on the slopes of Pasochoa Volcano. The trek will follow the Pita River, which flows from the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano. Along the trail, you'll encounter cascading waterfalls and unique landscapes, with opportunities to take refreshing swims during the hike. A packed lunch will be provided for you.
After your hike, enjoy a drive to Hacienda El Porvenir, where you will participate in a gratitude ceremony dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Hacienda El Porvenir is a historic eco-lodge located on the slopes of Rumiñahui Volcano, near the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park. This working ranch is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, cattle farming, conservation, ecotourism, and producing milk, cheese, and vegetables for its on-site restaurant. Situated at 11,811 feet (3,600 meters) and surrounded by four volcanoes, Hacienda El Porvenir offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and natural beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes. It provides a serene escape from the noise of daily life, allowing guests to reconnect with nature. Staying at Hacienda El Porvenir is one of the best ways to experience the traditional Andean way of life.
Overnight Hacienda El Porvenir
Day 5
Horseback Ride and Cooking Class
After enjoying a delicious breakfast on the farm, you will receive a brief riding lesson from your guide before setting out on horseback. Dressed in the traditional attire of the Chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), you will ride across the slopes of the dormant Rumiñahui volcano. A legendary Chagra from the area will accompany you, sharing his extensive knowledge of rural life. The ride will last 2 to 4 hours, depending on your preference.
In the afternoon, you will participate in a traditional cooking class. The class will start with making famous cheese empanadas, followed by preparing aji, a chile sauce that is a key element of Ecuadorian cuisine. The recipe for aji varies from home to home. At Hacienda El Porvenir, you will learn to make it traditionally, using a stone mortar and seasoning it with various herbs and spices. Finally, you will learn how to prepare the delicious canelazo, a traditional hot drink served during celebrations in the Highlands of Ecuador. After the class, enjoy your creations near a crackling fireplace.
Overnight Hacienda El Porvenir
Day 6
Choose Your Adventure
After a morning helping the Chagras to feed the llamas and move the horses, it is time to pick your adventure:
Bike Trails
Ride along 7 miles (12km) of single-track trails through lush forests of native trees, breathtaking viewpoints, and woodlands. You can try different trails depending on your physical and technical level. This activity is suitable for teens and adults only.
Ropes Course
The high and low ropes course offers an exhilarating adventure in the treetops with minimal environmental impact. Navigate through ladders, nets, tightropes, swinging logs, and wobbly bridges 20 feet (6 meters) above the ground! You can still enjoy the low-height course if you're scared of heights.
This afternoon, you will learn the art of lassoing a wooden bull like the skilled Chagras! You’ll discover their techniques, understand the history behind this skill, and get hands-on experience as you practice your lassoing skills.
Overnight Hacienda El Porvenir
Day 7
Fishing in the River
This morning, after breakfast, you will transfer to Hacienda El Tambo.
Today is about taking it slow. Relax by the river and cast your fishing line into the water, patiently waiting for a bite while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Later in the evening, gather around a crackling campfire to listen to stories of this land and sing songs under the starlit sky.
Hacienda El Tambo is located on the slopes of Quilindaña Volcano and serves as an excellent base for those seeking authentic experiences in remote areas. It is situated within the Condor Bioreserve, a conservation area dedicated to protecting the endangered Andean condor. The hacienda is steeped in history, preserving its Inca heritage as an ancient Tambo—an inn that provided shelter for travelers on their journeys to the Amazon basin. Originally constructed centuries ago, the hacienda was destroyed during the Spanish conquest but was rebuilt over 500 years ago using traditional Inca techniques and the original stone. At Hacienda El Tambo, you are invited to experience the rugged Andean terrain through comfortable guided excursions.
Overnight Hacienda El Tambo
Day 8
Trek through the Páramo Plains
Today’s hike will have you traversing through the páramo plains, an alpine tundra ecosystem. As this is a natural corridor for wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for rabbits darting through the underbrush, deer grazing on the vegetation, and the condors soaring overhead on thermal currents. If you are lucky, you may even spot the elusive spectacle bear.
Overnight Hacienda El Tambo
Day 9
Cotopaxi National Park
As you arrive at Cotopaxi National Park, your adventure begins with a trek to the José Ribas hut, also known as the “Refugio” in Spanish. This shelter sits at an elevation of 15,744 feet (4,800m), providing a perfect vantage point of the snow-capped Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. After soaking in the views, you and your guide will descend from the Refugio. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park, such as Andean condors and wild horses. Once you reach the valley floor, your guide will bring you to Limpiopungo Lake, the perfect setting for a packed lunch.
This afternoon, your guide will take you to Pucará del Salitre, an ancient Inca fortress that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. This archaeological site gives you insight into the incredible architectural knowledge of the Inca civilization.
Overnight in Quito
Day 10
Departure Day
It's time to say "adios" to your adventure in Ecuador. Your trip has supported local people and entrepreneurs committed to practicing sustainable tourism for a better present and future.
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home or onward to the Galapagos Islands.
