-
Day One – Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Old Colonial Quito City Tour & Middle of the World - La Mital del Mundo, (equator line) We will explore the Capital of Ecuador, considered part of the Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO. During your visit you will learn about the colonial art in the churches, history, archaeology and folklore in the museums. Your private guide will provide complete information of the baroque colonial art. Visit the most important areas: Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Santo Domingo, La Merced, La Compania, Penecillo. Includes lunch at typical restaurant; overnight San Jorge/Quito (B,L,D)
-
Day Three – Medicinal Plants & Sacred Waterfalls. In the San Jorge Botanical Reserve (High Barren Plains/Highland Rainforest), we will trek to the highland tropical rain forest, visiting up to 5 sacred waterfalls. Here, we will learn about the medicinal attributes of the native plants and their useages, containing up to 250 varieties in the region, including an introduction to the flora and fauna of this area. Guided by Dr. Jorge Cruz. At the same time you will take in the fabulous 360 degree panoramic views of Quito, its valleys and mountains along with views of the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha and Illalo, observing 11 mountains from various points of San Jorge Botanical Reserve. Overnight San Jorge/Quito (B,bL,D)
-
Day Four – Botanizing and Birding at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve (CLOUD FOREST). Guided nature expedition/exploring/scientific studies of the flora and fauna inside the Cloud Forest, guided by local botanist; including bird identification along the way. Introduction to: Heliconia, Guarumo, Palmito, Anturio to name a few, plus over 40 varieties of orchids that grow in the tropical Cloud Forest. Overnight San Jorge/Milpe (B,bL,D)
-
Day Five – Birding San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST), optional swimming at San Claudio Waterfalls; overnight San Jorge/Milpe (B,L,D) (Bring swimsuit & watershoes)
-
Day Five – Evening Walk with wild voice in the Subtropical Rainforest – hearing nightjars, owls, insects, bats……(bring headlamp or flashlight)
-
Day Six – Botanizing at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST). Guided nature expedition/exploring/scientific studies of the flora and fauna inside the Subtropical Rainforest; guided by local botanist. Introduction to: Guanto, Bromelias, Supirosa Verbenacea and over 300 varieties of orchids. Later in the afternoon, transfer to San Jorge/Quito. Overnight San Jorge/Quito (B,L,D)
-
Day Seven – Choose one group option for today
#1 Otavalo Indian Market & Surroundings Visit the world famous Otavalo Indian Market. You will have the opportunity to shop for world famous handmade wool and alpaca products. Also, visit San Pablo Lake, Cotacashi (leather village), and Cuicocha (sacred Indian lagoon), OR San Antonia de Ibarra wood carving village. Lunch at typical Ecuadorian restaurant in Otavalo.
#2 Papallacta Cultural & Botanizing Tour (High Barren Plains) Journey through the High Andes Barren Plains (4000 mts. o.s.l). Drive the same route as Francisco De Orellana walked when he discovered the Amazon River. Visit Tumbaco, Cumbaya and Pifo Valley. We will climb up the Central Andes chain until we reach Papallacta Lake where we will stop at the thermal hot springs. During the trip, your guide will give you a botanical and ecological explanation of the Coca Cayambe Reserve, which is considered a Condors area. Learn about the flora and fauna in the higher area, such as: Paja de paramo, paramo daisy, chuquirigua, guishuar, pillow grass; including numerous orchids. In the lower area of Papallacta, we will find similar similar plants at San Jorge Botanical Reserve such as: pumamamqui, sacha capuli, chilc, verbena, arrocillo, shanshi, taxo, espino chinan, Andean rubber and more.
#3 Cotopaxi Volcano Sightseeing & Historial Tour. (High Barren Plains) Cotopaxi National Park is Ecuador’s oldest protected area, harboring the world’s highest active volcano Cotopaxi, which stands 5,887 mts high. Drive through the Volcanoes Avenue crossing all the southern area of Pichincha Province (on a clear day, great views). This tour will be a mix of volcanology, geography, anthropology, information on local animals/ farming/cattle and history of traditional living in Ecuador. Learn about the local plants, such as: Pinus, radiate, pinus radiate, pinus patula, cipres, polilepis or pantza. Take in distant views of Cotopaxi Volcano and learn about its surroundings; stop at Indian food market.
-
Overnight San Jorge/Quito; Farewell Dinner with Optional Folkloric Ballet Show at San Jorge Eco-Lodge (B,bL,D)
-
Day Eight – AM transfer to Quito Airport (B)