Welcome to Ecuador! Airport reception at Quito Airport upon arrival and private transfer to your hotel in the city’s historical center.

This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.

In the morning, take your private transfer back to Quito airport for your flight to Coca, gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. On arrival in the Amazon, transfer to the dock to embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down the great Napo River (approx. one hour) to board the Anakonda Amazon. An evening walk is organized after sunset to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.

Continue downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; take a canoe trip upriver (1hr) to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. Seek out pink river dolphins, common squirrel monkeys and much more. The rivers and lakes here are the perfect habitat for the infamous piranha, water monkey fish, and white caiman. After a refreshing swim, enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, head out on trails and return onboard for dinner.

Weather permitting, set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles this side of western Amazonia known as parrot licks. Unique pools of mud become rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots and parakeets every day. Later, visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center where Kichwa women speak about their customs, cuisine and everyday life. Have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs. After lunch, visit the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Center before concluding your day with an interesting evening walk through the forest (dependant on accessibility, river water levels and weather conditions).

In the morning, disembark the Anakonda and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1hr) for your return flight to Quito. Flight: Coca to Quito (40 min) Upon arrival in Quito, meet your guide for your private transfer into the northern highlands, where you will spend the next few tranquil days. The drive is approx. 1.5-2 hours and your guide will introduce you to the cultural and historical context of this rich area of the country along the way. At Hacienda Zuleta, you are welcomed by staff and shown around the property. The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy some activities on the property. Hacienda Zuleta offers a great variety of activities and places to visit; however, the specialty is horseback riding. Housing nearly 100 horses, from pure Andalusians to polo horses, horses are the mode of transportation for workers inside and outside the hacienda. Guests enjoy horse tours through the scenic Andean mountains, and a horse drawn carriage for trips on the hacienda grounds. The hotel also offers mountain bikes and knowledgeable guidance on hikes through the surrounding wilderness.

Spend the full day at Hacienda Zuleta, relaxing or enjoying the many activities offered on the property. Hundreds of winding roads through green pastures, pine and eucalyptus groves and native ecosystems make the Zuleta Valley a true paradise for outdoor activities and exploration. The property is also home to an Andean condor rescue and restoration project, a creamery where artisanal cheese is made, pre-Inca mounds from the Caranqui culture, an organic garden and an embroidery workshop. You are also welcome to experience everyday activities like farming, milking, cheese production, harvest from the organic vegetable garden, and share with the hacienda workers, who will enjoy showing you how to do their chores. At the end of the day, unwind with a glass of wine and some of Zuleta’s homemade cheese near the fireplace.

After breakfast and a leisurely morning, depart the hacienda to visit some highlights of the northern highlands en route back to Quito. Customize your afternoon to your interests. Dinner and overnight at a hotel near Quito airport.

In the morning or afternoon, take your private transfer to Quito airport for your flight home, or continue your trip to the Galapagos or Peru’s Machu Picchu.