JOURNEY TO THE AMAZON

Welcome to Ecuador, the jewel of South America, with diverse  landscapes that stretch from the Andean highlands to the lush Amazon basin, and the coastal beaches. Located in the foothills of the Andes at 2,850m, the capital city of Quito is an eclectic mix of Spanish Colonial history, contemporary living and indigenous cultures.

During the day there are no planned activities so check into our boutique hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city. Evening welcome meeting followed by dinner. 

Together we’ll experience the beauty of the Andean highlands.

We’ll visit a colourful indigenous market, Andean villages and the turquoise Quilatoa crater lagoon.

Overnight at a historic hacienda, an Ecuadorian Cultural Heritage site.

Today we travel along winding mountain roads that take us from the Andean highlands into the lush Amazon basin. We’ll journey alongside the mighty Pastaza River stopping en route to visit the magnificent Pailon del Diablo waterfall.  Today our final destination is Puyo, the jungle town that is the gateway to our Amazon experience. Overnight at our hotel in Puyo.

Today we travel by motorized canoe along the Bobanaza river to the Kichwa community of Sarayaku. En route, we’ll stop to have lunch on the banks of the river and our local guide will point out flora and fauna along the way. Travel time is 4-5 hours depending on river conditions. We’ll arrive in Sarayaku by late afternoon where we’ll be welcomed by the community, eat a traditional dinner and enjoy a relaxing  evening with our hosts.

Our local guide will lead us on a hike into the Amazon, immersing us in the ancient old growth and beauty of the rainforest. Home to one-third of the world’s plant and wildlife species, there is no greater natural treasure on earth. We’ll learn about the fascinating uses of plants, observe birds, butterflies, orchids, and a panoramic lookout. We’ll swim and fish in the river, and visit a place in the jungle that is revered as sacred due to its spiritual significance for the community.

We’ll be welcomed into the village, giving us an opportunity to connect with and learn from the men, women, children, and elders. Their wisdom runs deep and there is much we can learn from engaging in meaningful cross-cultural interaction with the people of this community. We’ll visit with artisans that produce ceramics and handicrafts. We’ll participate in traditional activities like using blow guns and natural dye tattoos. We’ll visit community projects, the school and health clinic. An evening conversation with community leaders will inform us about their experience of resistance and the defence of their territory.

Today we bid farewell to Sarayaku, a community of proud defenders of the forest. We’ll board a chartered flight that takes us to Puyo with panoramic views of the Amazon and a birds eye view of the Sarayaku territory from above.

Overnight at the Papallacta thermal hot springs to relax, rejuvenate and experience the healing properties of the mineral hot springs in a lush, high altitude Andean landscape.

Today we return to Quito.

Enjoy a free afternoon exploring and perhaps a visit to the Mercado Artesenal, a colourful market that boasts some of the best souvenirs from Ecuador. Alpaca blankets, colourful scarves, silver jewelry, pan flutes, award winning Ecuadorian chocolate, bright paintings, woven bracelets, Panama hats and leather bags are just some of what this market has to offer.

In the evening we’ll gather for our last dinner and night on the town.

Bon voyage! Today there are no planned activities and you are free to depart at any time.

Want to stay longer?
If you’d like some advice about places to go and things to do in Ecuador, just ask. Visit the Equator, do a City Tour, take a day trip to visit the colourful Otavalo Indigenous market, bike down a volcano, and more!

Additional pre and post-trip accommodation in Quito can be arranged at the time of booking.

In Sarayaku, our meals will be prepared using fresh ingredients from community gardens and will typically consist of yuca, plantain, sweet potatoes, papaya, pineapple, as well as fresh fish, eggs and chicken. Meals in Quito and Puyo will be at friendly local restaurants.

 We’ll stay in hotel surrounded by lush vegetation on the banks of the Puyo river.  Enjoy a relaxing hot tub and a restaurant that offers a variety of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine.