Arrival at Mariscal Sucre Airport, Quito. Transfer to Plaza Grande Hotel.

Adorning the Independence Square is located The Hotel Plaza Grande. With more than five centuries of history; during the Spanish founding of Quito, the lot where the house sits was given to the famous conqueror Francisco Pizarro, it was the first house to be built during the foundation of the city in the XVI century, later inhabited by the wealthiest and more recognized families of the city, in the early XX century, was the first luxury hotel in the city. From the beginning, this legendary building broke white the homogeneity of the surrounding colonial houses, and today is set apart because unique location in the historic heart of Quito’s main square – The Plaza Grande – boasting impressive views of the Government Palace, the Cathedral Church, and City Hall, as well as the Panecillo Hill in the distance.

Accommodation: Plaza Grande Hotel  5 *, Royal Suite

Check in – 14:00

Breakfast.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Coca.

Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board the M/V ANAKONDA AMAZON CRUISE. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River.

Immediately after boarding the M/V Anakonda, we continue navigating downstream. Passengers will have their first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views. An evening walk is organized after sunset; it gives us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.

Accommodation: M/V Anakonda 

(Breakfast, Box Lunch,Dinner)

Breakfast.

After a delicious breakfast, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience, where we will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn.

After lunch, the M/V Anakonda navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as “the Stinky Turkey”. The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.

Accommodation: M/V Anakonda 

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Breakfast on board. We visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.

We return on board the M/V Anakonda for lunch and a moment to relax while we navigate upstream. We will offer a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, we explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River.

Accommodation: M/V Anakonda 

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

In the morning after breakfast, visit an observation tower 100-feet high, built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, we will be blessed with this unique perspective of the forest, looming over the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon Basin.

In the afternoon, we visit Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. This activity will extend into the evening, when we will have a chance to spot black caiman with the help of our flashlights. Return to the M/V Anakonda for dinner.

Accommodation: M/V Anakonda 

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

In the morning, disembark the M/V Anakonda and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1-hour ride); flight to Quito.

Arrival to Quito.  Transfer to Papallacta Hot Springs.

Papallacta is famous for its hot springs,. Papallacta is a small village in Ecuador located at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. Descending from the peak to Papallacta, one passes through the portal where the ecosystems transform from alpine to tropical jungle.

There are three important reasons to visit “Termas de Papallacta”: Health, recreation & relaxation.
The thermal baths are located on the banks of the Papallacta River in a unique natural environment; here we can find nine hot thermal pools and three cold water pools. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odorless, colorless but have a slightly salty taste.
The baths’ curative properties are anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic.

Accommodation: Termas de Papallacta 4*, Suite

(Breakfast)

Breakfast.

After breakfast we will continue our trip to the province of Cotopaxi.

Travel through the amazing landscape of the Avenue of the Volcanoes towards San Agustin de Callo.  San Agustín de Callo constitutes the only lived in museum of Inca Imperial and Spanish Colonial style. This hacienda has been receiving guests since the 15th century, and therefore has a rich historical tradition. Built on the site of an Inca Palace (dating from 1440 and built by one of the last Inca emperors), the building today retains many examples of Inca stonework, along with colonial additions.

Accommodation: San Agustin del Callo 5 *

(Breakfast,Dinner)

Breakfast.

After breakfast, we will go to visit Cotopaxi National Park.

The Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. The evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands is one of the main attractions, along valleys and mountains covered by multicolored fields.
Upon arrival to the park there is an introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Center. Continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and occasionally wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows the observation of the Andean flora.

Return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon we will return to Quito.  Quito city tour is perfect for seeing fascinating panoramas, churches, domes and roofs that have an important historical value. You will admire and learn about colonial art, architecture, culture, legends, and traditions. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 9.350 feet. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic Center in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors, are pure examples of Quito School of sculpture, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. After four incredible hours exploring the Old Town, you’ll understand why Quito was the world’s first city named to UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage list.

Accommodation: Plaza Grande Hotel  5 *, Royal Suite

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Breakfast.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight.

(Breakfast)