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.

Catch an early flight from Quito to Coca. From there, take in the magnificent sights and sounds as you travel by private vehicle and canoe to your accommodations deep in the Amazon Rainforest. Imagine the wonder on your young explorers' faces as they encounter all the fascinating sights and experiences awaiting them along the way. Fill up on lunch at the lodge before an afternoon activity in the 5,000-acre ecological reserve where you’ll walk across a bridge suspended 94 ft (36 m) high over the jungle canopy. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of flora and fauna seldom seen from the ground. You may also hear the wildlife below including the roar of the howler monkeys echoing through the trees at sunset. *There may be activities available at the lodge that are not part of this itinerary

Wake early and join a local guide for a morning visit to a local community and learn about a project their working to support the females who are part of the nearby village. Witness their daily lives and learn about how they survive in harmony with the harshness of the jungle. As you walk through the community, you will witness firsthand how important it is for scientists to keep protecting this magnificent ecosystem to preserve the lives of the animals, plants, and humans that call this place home. After lunch back at the lodge, the group will visit Kapok Tower, a 135 ft (43m) observation platform built on the highest branches of a giant kapok tree. The panoramic views of the forest below are epic. Try spotting one of the 500 species of birds registered in the area including rainbow-colored toucans and parrots. Spend some free time at the lodge before dinner then set out on a night expedition to look for caimans on the lake. *There may be activities available at the lodge that are not part of this itinerary.

Your day begins with a creek paddling excursion by dugout canoe through the streams close to the lodge. The hanging branches over the water create a sort of tunnel, bringing you into what feels like a lost world. The sound of bird calls surround you as you keep a lookout for families of monkeys that may be seen leaping from the branches above. Later, your local guide will teach you how to fish for piranha, a thrilling chance for the entire family to learn about Amazon wildlife while having some hands-on fun during a catch and release activity. Then, head to Danta tower nestled within a swamp habitat offering a unique perspective of the rainforest’s mid-story canopy. Head up the 22-meter-high tower to experience the diverse wildlife that thrives just beneath the treetops. Afterwards, spend free time at the lodge before dinner then embark on a final night walk through the forest searching for nocturnal creatures that call the jungle home such as tarantulas, frogs, and boas. *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 to the airport via canoe and private vehicle. Fly from Coca back to Quito and arrive at your accommodations outside the city. Enjoy a free afternoon to utilize the activities at the hotel property 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 into the Amazon jungle, creating unforgettable memories for all.

Depart at any time.