10 Day Kaleidoscope of Ecuador with Andes Mountains & Amazon

Depart on your flight to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador and the country's main port. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in this energetic city with its lovely parks, botanical gardens and historic districts Overnight: Guayaquil

Begin your tour of Guayaquil at Seminario Park, famous for its many green iguanas living within the trees and ornate gardens. Then, view the contrasting architecture of the city's Neo-Gothic Cathedral, Moorish clock tower, La Rotonda Monument and climb up the 444 steps to Santa Ana hill in las Peñas neighborhood to enjoy panoramic views of the city. The afternoon is yours to explore Malecón 2000, the city's gleaming new riverside development, which incorporates shops, restaurants, a landmark museum, and several of the city's most famous monuments. Tonight, join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting on the wonderful tour that awaits you in Ecuador. Meet your fellow travelers and share a Welcome Dinner with delicious Ecuadorian food Overnight: Guayaquil Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel today from Guayaquil to Cuenca, one of the country's most beautiful cities. En route, stop at a Cocoa (Cacao) Plantation for a tour and demonstration of the process that begins after the beans are picked from the cocoa trees. Ecuador is a major producer of cacao worldwide with chocolate as one of their thriving exports. Afterward, drive up to Tres Cruces in the Andean mountains and savor lunch at a lodge nestled between lakes and mountains. Continue with a drive along the country roads, passing indigenous people in their colorful clothes wearing the customary fedoras. Arrive in Cuenca, set 8,400 feet up in the majestic Andes. Enjoy the rest of the day in this enchanting city with its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets and plazas adorned with flowers Overnight: Cuenca Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, in the small town of Gualaceo, attend a weaving and dying demonstration that will teach you about traditional textiles. Next, visit an orchid nursery and meet with one of the orchid growers that produces and exports thousands of orchids annually. Learn about the cultivation process and see the vibrant array of orchids that are raised here. Return to Colonial Cuenca, where your tour of the city begins at the Plaza and Church of San Sebastian, built in the 17th century, with its magnificent carved door. Arrive at the stark white Church of El Carmen de la Asunción, founded in 1682, an important historical building lovingly preserved in its original condition, with its beautiful baroque façade. See the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on the Plaza Calderón, considered the most important religious monument in the city. View the contrast between the two cathedrals when you visit the Old Cathedral which served as the main place of worship for the Spaniards during the colonial period and contains original paintings and sculptures from that era. Then, walk along the winding cobblestone lanes to the main square with its stunning architecture accented by wrought-iron balconies, tiny quaint parks, and romantic plazas. The center of Cuenca was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the day at leisure admiring the panorama of the city or enjoy the international restaurants, art galleries, and outdoor cafés surrounded by the magnificent architecture Overnight: Cuenca Meals: Breakfast

An adventurous day! Drive from Cuenca to the small town of Alausi. Arrive at the train station to board the world-famous "Devil's Nose" train that takes you on a thrilling ride that zigzags up and down steep slopes, through scenic river valleys and along the wall of rock named Nariz del Diablo, the Devil's Nose. Sit back, and enjoy this extraordinary experience. Return back to Alausi and have lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, travel to Riobamba for dinner and overnight Overnight: Riobamba Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, visit the powerful Devil's Cauldron (El Pailon del Diablo)* one of Ecuador's most striking waterfalls, hidden in the Ecuadorian rainforest. After a box lunch, travel to Ahuano. Along the way, stop for a fascinating visit at a local Quechua community interpretation center to learn about life and survival in the Amazon. Enjoy the sounds, the serenity, and the magnificent foliage as you begin your exploration of the unique Amazon culture. After, you travel to La Punta Ahuano, a tiny port on the north bank of the Napo River, where you board a canoe that takes you to your lodge** situated on the Napo River. You'll be able to spot many species of birds along the way. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the lodge *This is an active hike to and from El Pailon del Diablo waterfall **Upon arrival the lodge is approximately a 5-10 minute walk uphill from where passengers will exit the canoe. Passengers are required to transport their own carry-on luggage Overnight: Amazon Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, after a canoe ride you can hike in the Misicocha Private Nature Reserve for approximately two hours while viewing the beautiful flora and fauna up-close. The Amazon rainforest is the world's largest ecosystem, so be sure to keep an eye out for the innumerable species of tropical plants and insects. Enjoy the views as you cross suspended bridges and fly through the jungle on a short zip line basket ride. At the end of the hike, take a rafting trip on a traditional balsa log raft*. Balance of the day is at leisure or, choose to participate in one of the optional tours, including the Butterfly Farm & Balsa Wood Carving Demonstration, Cacao Farm & AmaZOOnico Rescue Center or Canopy Adventure Park *This is an active hike and sections of the path include steps. Also, those who participate in the rafting trip will need to step through the water to reach the raft and will get wet during the ride Optional: Butterfly Farm & Balsa Wood Demonstration Optional: Cacao Farm & AmaZOOnico Rescue Optional: Canopy Adventure Park Overnight: Amazon Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart the Amazon this morning by canoe. Then, continue by motor coach to the picturesque San Isidro Lodge, a paradise for hummingbird lovers and photographers. Walk along the scenic trails, stopping to see over 14 different species of hummingbirds. After lunch, head towards Quito, the historic masterpiece in the high Andes, at the base of the Pichincha Volcano. Arrive at the hotel in this city aptly called "an urban jewel", with its priceless treasures of art and architecture. Tonight, get acquainted with the city's wide choice of world-class restaurants, cafes and shops Overnight: Quito▲ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover Quito's colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved in Latin America, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at Independence Plaza, flanked by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop's Palace. Continue to the Metropolitan Cultural Center with its exhibits highlighting Ecuadorian culture and rich history. Visit the La Compania Church with its beautiful gilded interior, or, the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World with its impressive façade and atrium. Continue to the Middle of the World Monument at the Equator, which marks latitude 0 °. Here, you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Quito for leisure time. There is so much to see in this city with its lovely markets, shops, cafes and excellent local cuisine. Bid farewell to your Tour Manager and new-found friends on your last day in Ecuador at a Farewell Dinner Overnight: Quito Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 10 and will require a transfer on Day 9. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time Meals: Breakfast ▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Ecuadorian Andes may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider.