Ecuador Exploration and Amazon Cruise with the Climb for Cancer Foundation

Upon arrival into the Quito Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Check in starts at 3 pm.

In the morning, depart for Mashpi Lodge. Nature meets luxury at Mashpi, a breathtaking creation of steel and glass deep in the cloud forests of Ecuadorian Chocó, one of the planet’s biodiversity hotspots. With floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows throughout, nothing competes with nature here. Mashpi is a true wilderness retreat, set on 3,200 acres of cloud forest of which 80% is primary growth. This evening, take a guided night walk through the surrounding jungle. Tread amid bioluminescent fungi while keeping your eyes and ears open for the forest’s nocturnal residents, including frogs, owls, and kinkajous.

Today will be at leisure to enjoy the amenities at Mashpi.

Rise early to witness the early morning activity in the cloud forest. Enjoy a steaming cup of coffee on the hotel terrace as you watch birds and other species flit among nearby trees and then set off for a guided bird watching walk, where your guide will help you spot some of the more than 400 species that make their home in the forest. Return for breakfast and enjoy some free time, or take a hike past moss covered trees, orchids, and coiling vines to the 150 foot high Copal Waterfall. After lunch at the hotel you will return to Quito.

Early this morning transfer to the airport for a 30-minute flight to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana). Upon arrival you will be taken to the dock to embark on a motorized canoe, and navigate downriver about 1.5 hours to board the M/V Anakonda Amazon. Throughout the journey you will have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River. Immediately after boarding the M/V Anakonda, continue navigating downstream and have your first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of the cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views. An evening walk is organized after sunset that gives you the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the sounds of nature.

Continue navigation downstream to the Pañayacu River Delta, where you will canoe up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. Seek out nine species of primates, 500 species of birds, and more than 100 fish species. Pañacocha (which translates to Piranha Lake in the Quechua language) is an ecosystem flooded by black waters. The rivers and lakes here are the perfect habitat for the infamous piranha, as well as the water monkey fish (arawana) and white caiman. Take a nature walk and enjoy a delicious Amazon-style barbecue meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. After lunch, kayak and take a refreshing swim (for the courageous!).

After breakfast set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles this side of western Amazonia. Known as parrot licks, these unique pools of mud become rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazons every day. If weather permits, you will have a chance to marvel at this astonishing natural phenomenon. Later visit a Kichwa Cultural Center where members of the community will speak of their customs, cuisine and everyday life. They have created the center in order to showcase their culture, and it is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs.

Disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (90 minutes ride approximately). Fly back to Quito and transfer north towards Otavalo. Stop in Cayambe for lunch. While in Cayambe enjoy a visit to La Compañia Rose Plantation show room where you can see displays of Ecuador's most important export, roses. Upon arrival to Otavalo check into Hacienda Cusin, a restored 17th century estate located in the beautiful Andean countryside. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to relax and explore Cusin's winding cobblestone paths, fountain courtyards and perennial gardens.

This morning visit the town of Otavalo and the famous Otavalo market. The Otavalenos are a trader community by tradition, and are known worldwide for their wonderful work on textiles and tapestries. Visit Peguche where textiles are still woven using shuttle looms. After lunch at a local hacienda, head back to Quito. You will have a day room at Rincon del Puembo to freshen up and take your COVID tests. Dinner will be on your own. At around 8:15 pm you will be taken to the airport for your flight home.