Ecuador Family Journey: Volcanoes and the Amazon

Welcome to Quito–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Head to the historical centre of Quito for a walking tour of some of the city’s important and historical sites like the main plaza and the beautiful church of La Compañía. Get ready for some sweet treats! Stop at a local artisanal chocolate shop for some samples and to learn about the cacao and chocolate making process. The earliest people known to have used the cacao plant are the ancient Mayo-Chinchipe people of what’s now Ecuador! Continue to the Yaku water museum for a visit with one of the local experts, who will guide you through the interactive and playful exhibits that encourage reflection on the importance of water to life and to our planet. It’s a great way for the family to learn about environmental conservation in an entertaining and memorable way. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day and evening with free time to explore or to relax.

After breakfast, travel north to the Middle of the World where you’ll stop for pictures at the iconic Ciudad Mitad del Mundo monument located at the equator line—a family photo opportunity that you’ll cherish forever. Continue to the Intiñan museum to learn about the significance of our planet's equator with fun experiments like seeing if you can balance an egg on a nail or walking along the equatorial line with your eyes closed. After playing scientist, have a delicious lunch overlooking the crater of Pululahua Volcano then travel to the village of Papallacta, nestled in the mountains. Take the rest of the day to soak in the hotel's restorative thermal springs. The warm, mineral-rich waters are perfect for relaxing and letting the kids splash around at the end of the day.

Enjoy a full free day in Papallacta to take advantage of the hotel’s hot springs and pools created by the area’s high volcanic activity, and combined with the glacial meltwater, creating the perfect natural spa. The area was discovered by the Incas, and recognized for its fertile volcanic soil, high altitude and cold year-round weather. You can also enjoy other optional activities like going to the spa or hiking nearby trails where it may be possible on clear days to see the imposing Antisana Volcano. Regroup in the evening for a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Travel by private vehicle from Papallacta out of the mountains and into the Amazon Jungle. Hop on a motorized canoe for a short ride to your rainforest lodge where you'll fill up on lunch before a visit to a local Kichwa family, and discover how daily life blends traditional indigenous knowledge with modest modern changes. Learn about local cooking, taste freshly prepared chicha, and experience how hunting is taught through blowgun practice—complete with a balsa wood target waiting for your best shot. Return to the lodge for a free evening and delicious dinner of local ingredients and drift to sleep with the sounds of the forest around you. *There may be activities available at the lodge that are not part of this itinerary

Set off after breakfast at the lodge on an exhilarating tubing adventure on the Arajuno River. Float down the river on an inner tube for a relaxing and peaceful ride, keeping an eye out for resident wildlife like monkeys and birds in the surrounding forest. Return to the lodge for another delicious lunch and some downtime during the hottest hours of the day. After, set off with your local guide on foot into the jungle to learn about the incredibly diverse plant life and its medicinal use–knowledge that has been passed down for generations. Return to the lodge, visiting the "Chocolate House" and discover the journey of the humble cacao from fruit to artisanal chocolate, in a hands-on experience led by local experts. Watch the transformation unfold as you roast, grind and melt freshly harvested beans into a velvety, bittersweet delight-an intimate celebration of tradition and flavor. The remainder of the evening is free to relax at the lodge. *There may be activities available at the lodge that are not part of this itinerary.

Your day begins with a hike through the jungle to the Misicocha Reserve. Trek along footpaths through secondary forest, keeping an eye out for wildlife like monkeys and tropical birds while learning more about the flora and fauna from the expert local guide. Make stops at areas of higher ground for scenic_panoramic views across the jungle canopy. In the afternoon after lunch and some time to relax, head to the river on a caiman-spotting excursion to hopefully observe smaller juveniles to the full-size adults. The rest of the evening is free to relax at the lodge and to enjoy another hearty dinner of fresh, local ingredients. *There may be activities available at the lodge that are not part of this itinerary.

Enjoy an early breakfast buffet at the lodge before transferring back to civilization by canoe and private vehicle. Continue to Quito and arrive at your accommodations outside the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to utilize the activities at the hotel like swimming or horseback riding. Tonight, sit down for a final group dinner together and share stories of your once-in-a-lifetime family journey to Ecuador and to the Amazon Jungle, creating unforgettable memories for all.

Depart at any time.