with Maquita, ..the magic of our country, its people, its culture and its landscapes, are closer!
Coast, Andes, Amazon and Galapagos
Megadiverse Ecuador 2
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Arrival to Quito and transfer to the hotel. Welcome and briefing. Overnight in Quito.
Day2:Quito City tour- Middle of the world
Tour of Quito (FIRST HERITAGE OF MANKIND DECLARED BY UNESCO), began visiting the Culture House and the Legislative Palace where we can appreciate the rock murals that tell the history of Ecuador. Continue on Av. Gran Colombia to reach the Basilica del Voto Nacional.
We continue to the Independence Square for seven Cruces Street, on a walking tour visited the Catedral, the Government Palace and Archbishop , the Jesuit church , the Tabernacle, the City Museum and the church of San Francisco built in the seventeenth century and to continue the journey we went through the streets of the traditional sweets of the city.
Visit to the Mirador del Panecillo, a renowned place for its beauty, where you can admire a beautiful landscape of Quito Colonial and modern. We continue north towards the Middle of the world monument that divides the northern and southern hemispheres of the planet and his interpretive rooms. It was built in the eighteenth century when a French Expedition defined the position of the Ecuador line that divides the world. Then visit the Inti Nan museum.
Day3:Otavalo
Departure from Quito through the Panamerican speedway North Head through an arid area with subtropical dry forest surrounded by carob trees, to get to our first stop Quitsato , interpretation center to the equatorial line, then continue the road to admire and photograph the beautiful valleys and towering snowcapped Cayambe surrounding this place.
Before Otavalo, we make a short stop at Mira lago (viewpoint) to photograph the beautiful San Pablo Lake and landscape, we continue to reach Otavalo where natives of the area, "Otavaleños" produce their tissues. Later we visit the market or square ponchos, where artisans display their crafts. We continue to Cotacachi, place well known for its leather shops. Return to Quito for the route of Cajas-Tabacundo
Day 5:Quito-Tena-Shandia/ Amazon
We left towards the Amazon region to reach the indigenous community Shandia where Quichua receive us with a delicious natural juice fruit typical of the area. Accommodation and Lunch. In the afternoon we will walk through the waterfalls Pimpilala where our experienced native guide will explain the uses of medicinal plants of the area and the natural attractions of the place.
Also visit the natural pools of Yaku Guayusa located next to the river where we can take a refreshing swim. Return to the lodge. Overnight in Shandia. Night Campfire at JatunYaku river beach.
Day4:Quilotoa
Departure from Quito through the Panamerican Speedway to south, road and go towards the indigenous community of Quilotoa , who maintain their crops to more than 4000 m high, admire the paintings of Tigua and one of the main attractions of the area, the lake, located in the crater is characterized by the contrast between the turquoise waters and volcanic rocks.
The lunch will be in the restaurant Kirutwa (community tourism project supported by MCCH). Return to Quito.
Day 6:Shandia / Amazon
Breakfast and trek through the jungle bound to parrot salt lick , where dozens of parrots gather to eat at a crag of Amazon , then go along a path near the community to learn about their farms and whole crops of cocoa, banana and cassava Lunch at the Lodge , in the afternoon we will learn with the community about their craft, one of the daily tasks of men and women, we can understand its value, its meaning, its importance and above all be able to participate in its preparation, dinner and overnight in Shandia .
Food: breakfast lunch and dinner
Day 7:Shandia - Baños - Riobamba
We head to the city of Baños, have the opportunity to go through the route of the waterfalls including knowing the Manto de la Novia , the Pailón del Diablol, Agoyán , among others. In the afternoon we drive to the city of Riobamba seated at the foot of Chimborazo volcano, can be fully appreciated around other volcanoes such as the breast Tungurahua, Altar and Carihuairazo.
Day 9:Cuenca City Tour
We started touring the city of Cuenca (CULTURAL HERITAGE) visiting the Calderon Park, new and old Cathedral , Museum of Religious Art, Flower Park, House Craft Center of Women, City Market ) de Octubre, River Canyon of Tomebamba, Market 10 de Agosto, Museum and Shop cap straw hat.
In the afternoon we walked out the street Loja, typical for its traditional wooden buildings bound for Guayaquil to make a navigable tour by the Guayas River in Morgan Sailboat with an onboard cocktail
Day8:Riobamba- Alausi-Nariz del Diablo
We leave in the direction of the station Alausí to take the train and perform route of La Nariz del Diablo to station Sibambe, one of the best engineering, particularly because of its difficulty. This will be an unforgettable experience in a landscape unique. At the stop station Sibambe, visited the Condor Puñuna coffee, a venture-backed for Maquita and the communities Nizag,
Return to station Alausí to visit the community Tolte for lunch at their restaurant La nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose) viewpoint, and then go to the ruins of Ingapirca, which are the most representative of the Inca culture in our country, in the afternoon transfer to the city of Cuenca is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador and also cultural heritage of humanity
Ingapirca - Cuenca / Andes
Flight to the Galapagos Islands, Arrival in Baltra Island (arriving at 12:00) and transfer to Puerto Ayora and lunch. In the afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where observed land iguanas, the breeding center for baby turtles, an overview of the islands. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 10:Guayaquil - Galapagos
Download the itinerary Tour
Day 11:Isabela island
We went by boat from Puerto Ayora to the island of Isabela (2 hours). Visit to a path where you can see the different types of lava, marine iguanas, birds like the famous blue-footed piqueros, sea lions, fish varieties and sometimes rays and manta rays.
Visit a breeding center for giant turtles. After lunch we go to Concha Perla lagoon is a small shallow bay located near the landing dock of Puerto Villamil. It is a cozy place where locals and visitors can enjoy snorkeling or swimming in its calm and clear waters. Access is by road by a wooden bridge which allows us to see sea lions, penguins, variety of fish and birds framed in a unique ecosystem. Return to Puerto Ayora. Dinner and overnight.
Day 12:Highlands and Giant Turtles
Output to High part of Santa Cruz (40 minutes), visit the Primicia Ranch where you can observe the Galapagos turtles in their natural state, lunch. Visit the beautiful beach garrapatero, unspoilt beach where you can enjoy the turquoise water. Behind the beach lies a lake where there are flamingos, black neck ducks. Galapagos finches and migratory birds of the coast are easy to find. Return to hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 14:Seymour island
We leave to sail to the island North Seymour, which is known to be one of the biggest breeding grounds of blue-footed Piqueros and the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate. It also has two endemic species of marine and land iguanas.
It is also a great place for different activities like hiking, swimming and of course for watching exotic birds. During the treks tourists will have the opportunity to observe sea lions and marine iguanas, nests of blue-footed piqueros that are near the road where couples perform their courtship dance.
Day 15:Galapagos - Quito
A visit to the Twin Craters and flight toward the city of Quito.
Day 13:Tortuga Bay
Morning visit the most famous beach Galapagos (Turtle Bay) and beach time, afternoon visit to the cracks to snorkeling and then the beach Los Alemanes
Spanish version
