Nature exploration in Ecuador, between zip-lining and rafting

Quito is distinguished by its sprawling topography from north to south, in an Andean corridor flanked by the Pichincha volcano and the valley where the airport is located. But above all, it is the largest and best-preserved colonial city on the continent .

You will visit the colonial and republican center of Quito:

1. the Panecillo , the statue of the Virgin of Quito, located on top of a hill overlooking the city;
2. the church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the most laden with gold in South America ;
3. the church of San Francisco (of the Franciscans) and its convent/museum;
4. the Plaza Grande where the Presidential Palace (Carondelet) and the Quito Cathedral are located;
5. the La Ronda district , particularly for its artisans;
6. the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito, designed by a French architect;
7. the Alabado Museum , of archaeology with its classification of pieces according to the worlds of the indigenous cosmovision.

Overnight stay at the Ikala Hotel in a Junior Suite room.

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Departure from Quito to reach Tandayapa, heading towards Mindo.

In the morning, you arrive at the Bellavista lodge . Its dome, immersed in the middle of this forest which fills with clouds depending on the time of day, immediately offers an almost mystical experience.

You will begin the day by exploring one of the many trails around the lodge in search of toucans, quetzals, tanagers, or other bird species . Your observant guide will explain the flora and fauna found in this unique ecosystem.

Then, you will be served a delicious lunch with a view of the mountains.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a second walk , accompanied by your guide, to discover a magnificent viewpoint and encounter birds.

Before leaving this bird paradise, you can get close to the hummingbirds that have made their home in this haven of peace.

Departure from Tandayapa to reach Mindo.

Overnight stay at the Terrabambu Lodge hotel in a Suite room (Standard category).

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Mindo Waterfalls Hike:

Head to the Nambillo Reserve where you'll take a cable car to the other side of the valley and begin your hike, which will lead you to three of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. There's an opportunity to swim amidst this lush natural surroundings and observe numerous birds. Depending on your preference and fitness level, this hike can be adapted to last from 1 to 3 hours.

Difficulty: easy hike: weekend athletes welcome!

You will visit the El Quetzal artisanal chocolate factory where you can taste some of the best chocolate in the country after observing its production process. In short, a stop for chocolate lovers and an opportunity to bring back unique souvenirs for your family and friends.

Visit a butterfly greenhouse where you will discover the process of butterfly metamorphosis with the opportunity to appreciate the different stages: eggs, larvae, chrysalides... and finally the multicolored butterflies in flight: the famous blue morpho, the "owl eyes", the papilionids, etc.

Overnight stay at the Terrabambu Lodge hotel in a Suite room (Standard category).

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

This is sure to satisfy adrenaline junkies with a zipline circuit accessible to all ages. You'll stop in the hills above Mindo to experience the thrills of this enjoyable circuit, accompanied by experienced guides on completely safe equipment thanks to its double ropes and regular inspections.

On the way to the eastern mountain range towards Papallacta. You will cross a pass at 3200m, with the Antisana volcano on your right if the weather is clear.

"Agua y Vida" hike:

You leave your vehicle at the Papallacta Antennas, at the entrance to Cayambe-Coca Park. Then, you take the "Water and Life Trail," where your hike begins. You will pass by several small lagoons. Weather permitting, it is possible to see the Antisana volcano.

Difficulty: Easy trek: Weekend athletes welcome!

Departure from Papallacta towards San Isidro.

Overnight stay at the San Isidro Lodge in a Standard room.

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Departure from San Isidro towards Misahualli.

A short walk through the jungle will take you to this magnificent waterfall which falls into a large natural pool, the perfect place for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Along the way you can enjoy the flora and some animals and insects typical of the jungle.

Arrival at the lodge is by motorized canoe. During this journey, you will be able to appreciate a part of the Amazon rainforest relatively untouched by humans.

Enjoy the lodge and set off on a night walk to discover the surprising vitality of the forest. Your guide will surprise you by spotting all kinds of insects and small animals hidden under the dense foliage.

Dinner and overnight stay at Sayani Lodge.

NOTE : 5-minute motorized canoe trip. Entrance fees to communities and visits planned during these days are not included (unless otherwise indicated below) as Sayani Lodge prefers that these payments be made directly to the interested parties for reasons of transparency.

The program includes a walk in the primary forest . You will be able to observe numerous animal species, including birds and monkeys. You will also learn more about this ecosystem by discovering the local flora and medicinal plants.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out to meet a local community.

In the afternoon, the cultural session will take place. A Kichwa community from the Amazon will welcome you to share their way of life and explain their interaction with the forest.

Return to the lodge for some relaxation by the river. You can swim and use the provided inner tubes to float down part of the river.

The day will conclude with a ceramics workshop. This ancient art will be taught to you by Amazonian women, experts in this ancestral craft. Unleash your creativity to create your own ceramic piece, a unique souvenir to take home.

Dinner and overnight stay at Sayani Lodge.

Today, another walk in the primary forest . You will be able to continue observing the animal species living in the area and continue to discover this rich ecosystem.

Return to the lodge for lunch, then you will meet the shaman of the local community.

This afternoon will be an opportunity to learn more about the Kichwa culture of the Amazon through a unique encounter with the shaman and thus understand the worldview of the inhabitants of the forest.

You will return to the lodge to enjoy the river and swim in it if you wish. Inflatable tubes will be available for you to float down part of the river.

You will then attend an Amazonian cooking class and participate in the preparation of typical dishes. You will taste regional specialties while discovering local cooking techniques.

Dinner and overnight stay at Sayani Lodge.

You will have had a quick glimpse of the Amazon rainforest.

Around 9am, you will need to get back in the canoe to return to your vehicle.

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Day of rafting on the Jondachi River.

Jondachi Canyon is one of the most beautiful surprises and experiences in the Amazon. The trail begins at the foot of a massive cliff pierced by a cave into which a waterfall plunges. The canyon then becomes a wild gorge with waterfalls and lush vegetation. The route is more technical and, of course, dependent on the water level.

NOTE : Class IV river (> 14 years) - Duration: approximately 5 hours. Mandatory safety instructions at the start of the day.

You will spend the night at the Hamadryade Lodge. You will have various activity options:

- Relaxing by the pool;

- Walk on the lodge trails;

- Visit the village of Misahualli on the banks of the Napo River;

- Undertake a walk to the Latas waterfalls;

- Dinner at the lodge's panoramic restaurant where you can enjoy views of the jungle and the Napo River.

- Place an option on a relaxing massage by the fire in the outdoor massage room.

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

At daybreak, yoga becomes a communion with nature. The postures flow together to the rhythm of the breath and the sounds of the Amazon rainforest, while the golden light pierces the canopy, awakening the body and mind.

You will take the road that goes up the entire eastern cordillera up to 4000 m allowing you to observe the evolution of ecosystems as you go from a tropical environment to that of the Andean páramo before arriving in Quito.

Included: French-speaking guide, guide fees, private transportation, yoga session