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Native Ecuador

( 17 days, 16 nights )
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Day 1: Quito (Friday)
Arrival in Quito, reception and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Quito - Otavalo - Cotocachi
After.breakfast, we head north for a visit to the colourful Indian market of Otavalo, some two hours drive from Quito. With its many impressive arts and crafts of the local people, especially weavings, the market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products from the east were traded with highland products. Traditional dress is observed throughout the market. The trip continues to Cotocachi, where you will have ample opportunity to purchase fine leather products. Accommodation at the fabulous Pinsaqui Hacienda, which dates from 1790.

Day 3: Cotocachi - Quito
After breakfast, a visit to San Antonio de Ibarra, renowned for its handmade wood crafts and stone sculptures before continuing onto the beautiful Cusin Hacienda for a delicious lunch. After lunch, return to Quito and accommodation at your hotel.

Day 4: Quito
After breakfast, a half day visit of colonial Quito, including the Plaza de San Francisco which was constructed by the Spanish in 1553 with its high altar made of gold and beautifully carved ceilings. A visit to some of the markets including the Indian market at Avenida de 24 de Mayo at the base of El Panecillo and the Ipiales market.

Day 5: Quito - Cotopaxi
After breakfast, we start our journey south through the spectacular avenue of the volcanoes towards Cotopaxi, the most famous of all Ecuatorian volcanoes. We shall pass Pasochoa, Ruminahui and Corazon volcanoes along this spectacular journey. Arrival to the fabulous colonial Cienega Hacienda, located close to Cotopaxi and our accommodation for the night. After lunch, visit to the Hacienda of San Agustin de Callo, at the very foot of Cotopaxi. The Hacienda has been written about by the Spanish chronicler, Cieza de Leon (1553) and is one of only two major Inca sites in Ecuador. This temple or palace was built around 1440 AD by one of the last Inca emperors, Huayna Capac, and to this day the remaining rooms prevail as a magnificent sample of the unique style of Inca construction. The site is currently being investigated by Dr. David Brown of the University of Texas, the funding of which was provided by the National Geographic Society. Previously unknown portions of Inca walls and foundations have been discovered throughout the restoration process of the house. Return to the Cienega Hacienda for dinner and accommodation.

Day 6: Pujili
After breakfast, a visit to the village of Pujili when each Wednesday and Sunday there is an Indigenous market with traditionally dressed villagers offering colourful local handicrafts. Here the specialty is artistic works made from clay, but also include spices, fruits and hand woven ponchos.
Lunch at the Hacienda before a free afternoon to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Cotopaxi National Park. Dinner and accommodation at the Cienega Hacienda

Day 7: Saquisili - Cuenca
After breakfast, a visit to the small village of Saquisili. Each Thursday, Saquisili hosts the region's largest Indigenous market. The market is divided into five different squares, each square with its own special name according to the product, for example: the Potato Plaza. In these squares you can find virtually anything you might need--potatoes, clothes, tools etc. We continue south until we reach the most beautiful city in Ecuador, Cuenca. Transfer to the beautiful Mansion de Alcazar, a turn of the century Mansion which was completely restored during 2000 and 2001. It is located in the heart of the city of Cuenca, within walking distance from art shops, galleries, churches and the main Plaza.

Day 8: Cuenca
After breakfast, a visit to the famous Inca ruins of Ingapirca, the most important and the best-preserved Inca ruins of Ecuador. Visit to the local nearby museum before lunch. Return to Cuenca for a guided sightseeing tour through colonial Cuenca. Founded by the Spanish in 1557, Cuenca is the third-largest city in Ecuador and the finest. The old centre has many churches and homes dating from the 16th and 17th centuries lining its cobblestone streets. With many beautiful churches and handicraft stalls as well as the famous flower market, Cuenca is also the cultural and arts centre of Ecuador. Home to many beautiful buildings with fabulous façades and splendid balconies. Dinner and accommodation at your hotel.

Day 9: Cuenca - Quito - Coca - Yasuni National Park
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito and onwards for the flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca). Arrival and transfer to the Napo River port before the motorized canoe ride downstream for approximately two hours. During the trip enjoy a box lunch and listen to important information about the region. Arrival to the Manatee Amazon Explorer River boat, complete with private,a ir conditioned cabins.  We will start navigating down the Napo River for the whole afternoon. At night our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin which will include a night walk or canoe ride, depending upon the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behaviour and accessibility to a location.

Day 10: Yasuni National Park
On the second day of our cruise, we will explore one of the fantastic tributaries of the Napo River that originates from the core of the Yasuní National Park. At this river, we will navigate upstream in search of the evasive Giant River Otter, the mysterious Jaguar and the timid Spider Monkey. After our return from the excursion, we will continue our navigation to arrive near the international boundary with Peru. At night, there will be an excursion into the Yasuní National Park to look for Capybara and Caiman (South American alligators). We may stay camping overnight to enjoy the jungle at night.

Day 11: Peruvian Border & Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
After a morning excursion to observe plants, birds and more wildlife in the Yasuní National Park, we will navigate into the Aguarico River, the largest tributary of the Napo River to get through the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, one of the highlights of our exploration. On our way to Cuyabeno, we will visit a Peruvian town and meet some local people.

Day 12: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve - The Forest Dwellers
A full day visit today to the Indian Community will give as an idea of how indigenous people live in the forest. At the community, a local guide accompanied by our expedition leaders will enlighten you with the use of plants for medicinal purposes.
After a walk, we will stop at a local house where these true forest dwellers will bring into the light their way of life and traditions. There will also be an opportunity to buy handicrafts made by the local people and enjoy plenty of traditional food and hospitality.

Day 13: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve - Lagartococha
This remote area is accessible only through the Lagarto (Alligator) River, a black water river surrounded by freshwater mangroves (Coussapoa trinervia), Macrolobium trees, and Palm trees adapted to flooding conditions. Lagartococha (Alligator Lake) is not one but a system of lakes situated along the Ecuadorian-Peruvian boundary. This black water system is the home of the legendary Pink River Dolphins, River Turtles, Black Caimans and the enigmatic Amazon Manatee.
Moreover, if we look at the vegetation on the shores, we may well see Red Howler Monkeys, Three-toed Sloth, the leaf-eating bird locally known as Stinky Turkey (Hoatzin) and other wildlife. The canoe trip upstream will reveal the overwhelming beauty of this aquatic region. An overnight in the forest could be arranged for this day.

Day 14: Napo River
From this day, we will start our return to the point where we boarded the Manatee Amazon Explorer for the first time. There will be navigation throughout the entire day to relax and observe the Napo River banks, the forest and perhaps some wildlife. Late in the afternoon, after a relaxed morning, we will explore the Napo River banks and tropical river islands in quest of birds like the ornamented Umbrella Bird, the colorful Blue-Gray Tanagers, Kingbirds, Social Flycatchers and many more.

Day 15: Napo River - Panacocha (Piranha Lake)
Today  we will continue our navigation upstream to arrive at the mouth of the Pañayacu (Piranha River). After arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a possibility to observe Pink River Dolphins, the agile Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. The Piranha Lake area, contrary to Lagartococha, is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place are perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caiman. At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and river banks.

Day 16: Yasuni National Park - Cicame Museum
The Manatee Amazon Explore will arrive to the point were we started our adventure. Early morning, we will visit the most accessible Parrot and Parakeet clay licks in Ecuador. There are blinds or hides to watch and enjoy this nature show so close! It is difficult to imagine hundreds, sometimes thousands of parrots and parakeets coming all together at once into the clay licks. This area is also located inside of the Yasuní National Park.
In the early afternoon, we shall visit the CICAME Archaeological Museum that preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture, one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin. After the visit continue to the city of Coca to take the flight back to Quito. Transfer to your hotel for your last night’s accommodation.

Day 17: Quito
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Quito and your connecting flight home.