Off to Ecuador (Student Tour)

Arrival in Quito, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and only 22km away from the “Middle of the World”, the Equatorial Line. Remaining day at leisure.

City tour through Quito, to give a first impression of the variety there is regarding religious and cultural sites. During the visit in the old part of the city, guests can still breathe the colonial history of Ecuador. Visit of a traditional market with exotic fruits and herbs. Continue to the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” to visit the monument and the museum with interactive experiments.

Flight to Lago Agrio and transfer to the Cuyabeno Lodge. During this journey the richness of the wildlife can be observed. In the afternoon an exploratory tour of the lagoon to observe animals. Time to take a swim in the lake and to enjoy the sunset from the canoe.

Rise at dawn to watch birds before breakfast and spot river dolphins. Jungle hike through the “tierra firme forest” with a naturalist guide who will explain the wildlife, medicinal forest plants, the forest ecosystem and indigenous life. In the afternoon excursion by dug-out canoes to the flooded igapó with Macrolobium trees covered with abundant epiphytes to spot monkeys and birds.

Visit the Siona Village by following the Cuyabena River downstream after breakfast. The villagers will explain their traditions and living habits. Lunch at the lodge and time for a refreshing bath in the Cuyabeno lake. After dinner night excursion to spot caimans, insects and nocturnal birds.

Transfer to the airport in Lago Agrio and flight to Quito. Continue to the hotel in Ibarra. Box-Lunch included.

In the morning short introduction about the area of Cotacachi and visit of a textile workshop in Carabuela. Afterwards learn something about medical plants and Andean agriculture in an organical garden. Visit of a local school and a working family doing embroidery in La Calera. Continue to the lagoon Cuicocha to do a short walk or a tour in a speed boat.

Visit to the Indian market to enjoy the unique variety of handicrafts that this giant colourful market offers. Transfer to the Cotopaxi region, one of the most attractive ecological reserves of the country with the typical vegetation of the so-called “Páramo”. Gaze in wonder at the beautiful view of Cotopaxi (5897m) in the background.

Visit to the typical indigenous market Saquisilí or Pujilí to learn about the life of indigenous people. The excursion continues to Quilotoa, the lagoon inside a crater, located at an altitude of 3900m. Besides the wonderful lagoon, discover the big variety of crops and different species of animals, and get to know the lifestyle of the inhabitants.

In the morning, transfer to Quito airport to take the international flight or a flight to Galapagos for an extension program.