DAY 1: QUITO – CUICOCHA LAKE TREK – OTAVALO MARKET
Early morning we depart Quito and head north to the Lake province of Imbabura. After a two-hour drive we reach Cuicocha, a crater lake and a nature reserve located on the slopes of the Cotacachi Volcano. Cuicocha Lake is surrounded by rim walls and its name translates to Lake of the Guinea Pigs due to the shape of its two center islets. This combines paramo and Andean forest covered by species such as Pumamaqui, Quishuar, chilca, bromarea, fushia, lupins, calcelaria, and colorful flowers of the Andes. This hike known as the Orchid Trail runs around the crater rim with stunning views to the lake and the Cotacachi, Mojanda and Imbabura volcanoes. We watch for rodents, mammals, marsupials and birdlife such as guans, hummingbirds, tanagers, wild turkeys, ducks, buzzard eagle and the great Andean Condor. A healthy, refreshing picnic lunch awaits us along the trail. In the afternoon we visit the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather market. We also visit the Otavalo Indian Market, one of Ecuador´s most important indigenous bazaars brimming with handmade arts, clothes, tapestries, jewelry, ceramics and wood carvings. This colorful market now runs every day of the week and is considered one of the most important ethnic markets in South America. (L, D)

DAY 2: PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS TREK – RAIN FOREST
We drive early morning through the Inter-Andean valleys for a great 2 hour hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, located across the Atlantic - Pacific continental divide. The reserve is composed of endemic highland paramo with cloud forest patches. The large amount of water retained in this sponge-like environment is the source of the largest water system in the world. When return to a rewarding hot spring soak at Termas de Papallacta, where we can relax in any of the 9 different thermal pools, ranging in temperature from 97ºF to 104ºF (36ºC to 40ºC). Cloud Forest Mountains and an occasional snowcapped volcano surround these pools, with their mineral rich waters from underground geothermal springs. After lunch we travel to the Amazonian town of Tena where we enjoy a peaceful evening listening to the sounds of the rainforest (B, L, D)



DAY 3: JUNGLE RAFTING ON THE JATUNYACU RIVER
After breakfast we head to Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes to the Amazon basin. This area is considered a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. The water collected in this area forms theJatunyacu River, considered one of Ecuador´s best one-day river runs. We begin with a short walk through rainforest scenery and reach incredibly beautiful natural swimming holes and waterslides. After a safety brief, we take a trip down the crystal clear Jatunyacu River and glimpse into indigenous communities living along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. Jatunyacu is famed for its big waves, fun holes, and high water volume (Class III - III+). (B, L, D)

DAY 4: BAÑOS & WATERFALL EXPLORATION
In the morning, we drive to the edge of Llanganates National Park, gaining altitude until we reach one of the best views of Tungurahua, Ecuador´s most active volcano. This is an especially scenic route, where high rock walls give way to deep cloud forest canyons. We reach the colorful town of Baños, known for its hot springs and rugged landscape where we have lunch. Afterwards, we take a cable car across amazing gorges to explore the trail of waterfalls, as this is the only way to reach them. We´ll see the most scenic ones: Pailon del Diablo (Devil´s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride´s Veil). (B, L, D)

DAY 5: MOUNTAIN BIKE & HIKE AT COTOPAXI VOLCANO
After breakfast, we drive to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, where we start our adventure journey. We hike to pre-Incan ruins while crossing highland plateaus populated with typical highland wildlife and vegetation – all with stunning volcanic scenery as a backdrop. We grab our mountain bikes and go downhill on a side trail of the majestic Cotopaxi. We pass by Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, a crystal-clear lake that often paints mirror-like reflections of the snowcapped Cotopaxi in its azure waters only to be interrupted by ripples from Andean waterfowl. We make a quick stop at the park´s Interpretation Center to learn about Cotopaxi´s wildlife and natural history. We head back to Quito where you may explore the landmarks and night life of this incredible colonial city. (B, L)