The Andean Adventure: A Multisport Escape in Ecuador

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

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.

Yumbos Chocolate is an initiative that promotes so-called "fino de aroma" cocoa , certainly the best in the world, and mostly produced by Ecuador.

You will visit their shop in the historic center of Quito , opposite the San Francisco Church. A guide will explain the entire transformation process, from fermentation to the making of the chocolate paste. Then, you will taste several chocolates of varying strengths and flavors, as well as cocoa-based products, such as a syrup of

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

You will take the road towards Cochasqui.

Trek from Mojanda and around Fuya-Fuya:

You will visit the Mojanda Lagoon, at an altitude of approximately 3700 meters. It is surrounded by meadows of yellow or green grasses, sometimes swept by powerful winds, with the Fuya-Fuya volcano as a backdrop.

You will trek around this beautiful lagoon.

Difficulty : Easy trek: Weekend athletes welcome!

Estimated duration : 3 to 4 hours - Elevation gain/loss : +300m/-300m - Max altitude : 3800m - Distance: 8 km.

You will take the road towards Cochasqui.

Visit the pyramids of Cochasqui , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the most important archaeological site in the northern equatorial Andes. This site comprises 15 pyramids and 20 burial mounds. The history of Cochasqui, whose construction is attributed to the Quitus Cara Indians, dates back to the 9th century. Depending on the interpretation, it may have been a place of ceremony and/or residence for the elite, or even an astronomical observatory. Many questions remain about the site's purpose… you will try to learn more on site… amidst the many llamas roaming freely. Also, be aware that Cochasqui was ruled by Princess Quilago, whose life is also shrouded in mystery.

On the way to Otavalo.

Overnight stay at Hacienda Pinsaquí in a Suite room.

Please note that this place is steeped in rich history, with the pa

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Departing on horseback from the Pinsaqui hacienda, the ride takes approximately two to three hours along the trails bordering the property. You'll pass close to farms where farmers are busy at work, allowing you to observe them in their daily tasks. The region remains very traditional, and many houses are built using the traditional method of adobe.

You will visit the famous indigenous market of Otavalo, the most well-known Ecuadorian craft market in the Andes .

There you will encounter the Otavaleño indigenous people, wearing espadrilles, brown felt hats, and blue ponchos. They are the most prosperous indigenous people in Ecuador and are formidable traders.

Obviously this market has a very developed tourist aspect but it is one of the must-sees of the country.

Overnight stay at Hacienda Pinsaquí in a Suite room.

Note that this place is steeped in history, with the passage of illustrious figures like Simon Bolivar, the Liberator, enough to fuel your dreams!

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Visit the Cuicocha Lagoon where you will discover the sparkling blue waters of one of Ecuador's most beautiful high-altitude lakes. Located in the center of an ancient crater at 3064m altitude, it's a haven for nature lovers with its extremely diverse flora (orchids, elephant ears, etc.); more than 400 species have been recorded there.

For the more athletic, you can go around the lagoon, provided you have at least 5 hours available.

You will then resume your journey past Quito and continue towards Cotopaxi Park.

Horseback riding in El Porvenir:

Your two-hour show will begin on the slopes of the dormant Rumiñahui volcano, following exclusive trails within the hacienda. You will be completely captivated by the surrounding Andean landscapes, and if the weather permits, you may even catch a glimpse of 13 volcanoes in total.

Video Páramos de Cotopaxi

Overnight stay at the Hacienda El Porvenir in a Junior Suite room.

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Visit Cotopaxi National Park , home to the volcano of the same name, the second highest peak in Ecuador at 5,897 meters. It is also the highest active volcano in the world. Most of the time, it only emits a few fumaroles visible from the edge of its ice-covered crater, but sometimes it sends a spectacular column of smoke and ash above its cone. You will visit the park and take a short walk around Limpiopungo Lagoon, enjoying magnificent views of Cotopaxi and discovering the unique wildlife of the páramo (these typical Andean plains swept by cold winds). You will then drive up to the parking area at 4,600 meters and continue on foot to the José Rivas Refuge, 200 meters higher. The most adventurous can hike to the first snows.

Overnight stay at the Hacienda El Porvenir in a Junior Suite room.

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Exiting Cotopaxi Park towards Quilotoa Lagoon.

Stop in the village of Pujili to discover its market (Wednesdays and Sundays) and, above all, products that are unfamiliar to you. This ordinary and typical Andean market attracts a large number of locals who come to sell or buy everything from livestock to basic necessities.

Arriving in the small village overlooking the Quilotoa Lagoon , whose shores reach an altitude of 3,914 meters, this crater lake , undoubtedly the most spectacular in the entire country , will surprise you with its waters that oscillate between emerald green and turquoise blue . The reflections of the clouds and the colors of the sky are generally a spectacle that will keep your camera busy. The lagoon is nestled in the crater of a volcano that is considered still active.

Legend has it that the Inca Atahualpa hid a treasure in the lagoon, which gives it an added dimension…

If you wish, you can hike down to the bottom of the crater and down to the edge of the lagoon in about 2 hours round trip. Alternatively, you can hike the trail around the lagoon if you have 5 to 6 hours available.

You will then continue your journey south to Riobamba.

Overnight stay at the Hacienda La Andaluza in a Standard room.

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

You will then resume your journey north towards Chimborazo from Riobamba, a quiet little Andean town entirely rebuilt after the 1797 earthquake.

Mountain biking down Chimborazo is undoubtedly one of the most intense and unforgettable ways to appreciate the beauty of the country's highest peak, and the closest to the sun if you're looking at the Earth's center! You'll reach the first refuge at 4850m altitude. From there, you can hike up to the second refuge at 5060m. However, the bike descent will begin from the first refuge.

You will therefore cross typical landscapes of the Andean plateaus, often desert-like, but with llamas and vicuñas roaming freely .

You will descend to an altitude of 3100m, over 8 km of track and then 29 km of paved road, to Riobamba.

You will be accompanied by a local mountain biking specialist guide who will explain this very special ecosystem to you.

Difficulty: Moderate: High mountain biking with challenging descents. Therefore, a good level of fitness, the ability to control speed, and prior mountain biking experience are necessary. (Mountain bike).

Estimated duration: approximately 2 hours of mountain biking - Elevation change: -1750m - Maximum altitude: 4850m - Distance: 33 km.

NOTE: All protective equipment is included.

You will then continue your journey to Baños.

Overnight stay at the Hotel La Floresta in a Standard room.

Accompanied by a French-speaking guide in private transport.

Departure for "La Ruta de Cascadas" along the gorges of the Pastaza river.

Visit the "Pailón del Diablo," the country's most famous waterfall . You'll explore it by descending to a viewpoint offering a stunning view of the waterfall, which is made up of three sections, the highest of which is 80 meters. From its vertiginous staircase, try to find the shape of the devil's face that gave the waterfall its name.

A little further along the road, like the Incas of old, you can take a suspended gondola called tarabita here to cross the gorges and reach the waterfall called "el Manto de la Novia".

You will then continue your journey to Misahualli, a river port from which most of the lodges in the Near Amazon can be accessed.

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.

Join an hour of yoga with a certified instructor to reconnect with yourself in the heart of this unique environment.

Overnight stay at Hamadryade Lodge.

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.

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 Papallacta. Along the way, you can appreciate the diversity of the landscapes of the Amazon basin at an altitude of approximately 900 meters up to a pass at over 4000 meters.

"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!

Estimated duration: 2 hours - Elevation gain: +150 m - Maximum altitude : 4160 m - Distance : 3 km.

Free time then return journey to Quito, passing through a mountain pass which will reveal a magnificent paramo landscape.