Ecuador's Andes and the Amazon

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday March 16: Quito

Depart from the USA. Arrive in Quito, Ecuador's capital city located 9,350 feet above sea level, and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. (D)

Day 2, Friday March 17: Quito

Begin your day with a guided sightseeing tour of Quito, viewing Independence Square with its monument to the independence heroes of August 10, 1809, and visiting one of the colonial-era churches, which boast impressive exhibitions of architectural and religious art. Then travel just north of Quito to view the world from the equator. See the Mitad del Mundo monument as you drive to the Intiñan Museum for a visit. This interactive museum—which locals claim to be on the “real” equator (as determined by GPS)—is loaded with unique activities you can only do at the equator, like balancing an egg on a nail or watching how water spirals differently down a drain in each hemisphere. Then return to Quito.(B,D)

Day 3, Saturday March 18: Amazon Lodge

This morning's scenic drive from Quito takes you up the Eastern Cordillera and through a stunning mountain pass at 4065 meters high. If the weather is clear, soak in magnificent views of the Antisana Volcano and the surrounding high-altitude, Andean páramo ecosystem before reaching Termas de Papallacta, Ecuador’s most beautiful thermal hot springs Resort and Spa. You'll feel pampered and relaxed enjoying the medicinal waters of this steamy wonderland uniquely situated on the Eastern Andes slopes. Then continue, journeying through the lush and green cloud forests of the Eastern Andes to arrive at your Amazon Lodge in the afternoon. Begin exploring your jungle surroundings with an orientation of the eco-lodge reserve, walking primary and secondary forest trails and learning about the many species of birds, insects, trees and plants with traditional medicinal value and many other uses. You'll feel as though you've stepped into another world, viewing vines on which one could swing from tree to tree, gazing up the trunk of a giant Ceiba pentandra or marveling at the way a strangler fig envelopes its host. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 19: Amazon Lodge

After breakfast enjoy a boat ride on the Napo River as your guide highlights the aquatic birds and other creatures spotted along the way. You'll arrive at the famous animal refuge and rescue center known as AmaZOOnico. This refuge was founded for the purpose of protecting and caring for native and wild animals of the area that can no longer survive in their natural environment because they were injured, mistreated or confiscated from attempted smuggling, and it is a great opportunity to observe how creatures such as jaguars, ocelots, toucans or tapers live in their natural habitat (something which can be hard to do outside of the refuge given how elusive the animals are in the wild). Then board canoes for the return trip to your Amazon Lodge. En route, stop to visit a local indigenous community where a group of Kichwa women will speak of their customs, cuisine and everyday life. They have created a center that welcomes visitors in order to showcase their culture, and it is a unique opportunity to learn about traditional Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs before arriving back at the Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Monday March 20: Banos

Travel this morning to Baños de Agua Santa, a small and vibrant city located at the base of the Tungurahua Volcano, surronded by rivers and beautiful mountains. Start your exploration of this picturesque place with "The Route of Waterfalls." On this route you will enjoy several waterfalls, such as the Agoyan and the Manto de la Novia, ending with entrance to the famed 80-meter Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron). A short trail leads you to spots where you can admire the impressive falls from a small bridge, or from a viewpoint where you have to be prepared for a natural shower!(B,L,D)

Day 6, Tuesday March 21: Banos

Discover today why Baños has a reputation as an eco-tourism and adventure capital. Start with an exciting canopy tour Andean Canopy Tour Exploring the canopy via zip-lines, treetop bridges and other adventures will give you a bird's eye view of the Andean highlands.

Close high above the Andean landscape that includes zip lines, a Tibetan bridge and rock climbing. Then enjoy time to explore more at your own pace. Perhaps discover why it's also a center for relaxation with a dip in the naturally heated thermal mineral baths for which the town is named. Or shop for souvenirs like cane sugar taffy and balsa-wood parrots along a street in the town center that is lined with handicraft stalls and artisan shops. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday March 22: Riobamba

Journey to the small Ozogoche community, comprised of indigenous Puruhá residents. The Ecuadorian Puruhá are based mainly in the Chimborazo province, still conserve their traditional dress and are mostly agricultural, cultivating maize, beans, squash, and potatoes. Enjoy a cultural exchange Ozogoche Indigenous Community Exchange Enjoy a cultural exchange visit where you will be able to participate in a llama- or sheep-shearing with the assistance of a community member. Then join them for a traditional lunch prepared by the community and learn about their day-to-day lifestyle. In the afternoon, cooperate together on a service project that works towards the reforestation of their area.

Close visit where you will be able to participate in a llama- or sheep-shearing with the assistance of a community member. Then join them for a traditional lunch prepared by the community and learn about their day-to-day lifestyle. In the afternoon, cooperate together on a service project that works towards the reforestation of their area. As an alternative, a service learning project at the local school could be arranged from September through June. Today's final destination is the charming town of Riobamba. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Thursday March 23: Overnight Flight

Today visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to the spectacular Cotopaxi Volcano. Explore the museum and enjoy a hike through this unique, high-altitude, Andean páramo ecosystem. In the afternoon you will arrive back at the airport in Quito for your flight home. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Friday March 24: United States

Arrive in the USA.