Footprint Expeditions in South America

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Day 01, 02 Quito.

Arrive in Quito at anytime throughout the day. Transportation is included from the airport to the corresponding hotel, and there are no activities planned for this day until our first welcome meeting in the late afternoon, most likely in the hotel lobby.

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, located in north-central Andes of Ecuador, close to Pichincha volcano, this city is the second largest city in Ecuador with one and half million of inhabitants. Located at (2850m. /9350f.)

San Francisco de Quito, was founded in 1534, by Diego de Almagro. Quito’s main square is located (25Km. / 15 Miles) south of the equator line at zero latitude.  It is worth visit the monument and museum marking the location of the equator, locally known as La Mitad del Mundo (the middle of the world), a visit tour is included.

Quito down town is known as the Historic Centre, it has the largest, best-preserved historic centre in Latin America, and at the same time the first registered onto UNESCO World Heritage List 1978, visit the principal temples and churches like: Cathedral of Quito, Church and Convent of Saint Francis, Saint Dominic and La Merced.

There are many attractions to like the Teleferiqo, an aerial tramway between down town to Cruz Loma Station (part of Pichincha Mountain). The ride takes visitors to an altitude of about (4,100 m / 13400f.) where they find a number of restaurants, coffee shops, and a variety of stores. There are also trails for hiking and areas where pictures can be taken of Quito. Because of the increased altitude and the wind on the mountain, it is considerably cooler.
Meals Included: Breakfast (01)

Day 03, 04.- Otavalo.

Return to Quito’s  bus station to board a bus to head north direction to the picturesque town of Otavalo indigenous market. The locals are famous for their weaving textiles, mostly made of wool, which are sold everyday in the biggest indigenous handicraft market of South America, and the main Market is on Saturdays.  At the same time there are nearby there are other small towns popular for their own particular crafts, like leather, wood carving, ceramics, etc… all sold in Otavalo market. The market has two different functions: market for handicrafts for tourist and local market for buying and selling food, animals and livestock.

Plaza de Ponchos is where you will find most of handicrafts, colorful textiles such as hats, embroiled shirts, shawls, ponchos, gloves, bags and more.  Local traders expect you to bargain, if you are good on that, have fun.!!! It is cultural experience do not miss it.

Local people dress typically, women wear distinctive white handmade embroidered blouses, with flared lace sleeves,  black skirts, strings of gold beads around their necks and men wear white trousers and dark blue ponchos.

Music and musicians from Otavalo are worldwide known for traveling and promoting the Andean New age music, this style of music has had a remarkable success around the world.
Meals Included: Breakfast (02)

Day 05. – Patallacta Hot Springs.

A short journey to the village of Papallacta, located  at an altitude of (3300m / 10824f)  in the Andes, on the road from Quito which leads into the jungle. It has a great scenic drive before ascending to a high pass at (4000m / 13120f) where its possible to observe mountain peaks and glaciers.  The village is located close to the cloud forest.

The main attraction of Patallacta are hot springs pools and spas, most known as termas de Papallacta. These pools are really neat and well maintained. Relax and enjoy yourself at any of these spas for few dollars.
Meals Included: Breakfast (01)

Days 06-09.- Amazon Jungle Trip / Tena.

Travel by bus to the rainforest of Napo province, immerse in a fantastic three day tour in the Amazon jungle discovering the wonders of this magic land. Melted snow and ice from the glaciated peaks of the Andean volcanoes Quilindaña, Antisana, and Cotopaxi supply the water that fills the Napo river. This region is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Amazon basin, harboring at least ten percent of the world's plant species and fifteen percent of its bird species.

Spend two nights in a Jungle Lodge, experience the surrounding indigenous communities (Quichuas), spot wild fauna, and sight amazing landscapes.

On day one, horse back riding for beginners and experienced ones, the trip goes through river streams and along sloping hills, enjoy wonderful views of the rainforest and the surroundings of Hacienda Hakuna Matata.  Next day early in the morning we will drive two hours to Rio Arajuno, then travel by canoe through Arajuno and Napo rivers. Hike jungle trails in primary and secondary forests, spot wild flora and fauna, native guides will teach the medicinal properties of plants and herbs, at the same time he will tell stories and legends of the jungle and their people. Spend the night in small cabañas for 2 persons with private bathroom and hot shower. The third day raft the upper Napo river, get ready for big waves and tons of fun, no rafting experience is necessary to enjoy this ride, a perfect combination of exciting rapids and calm natural pools, not to mention the wonderful surrounding jungle scenery. Picnic lunch is included at the river beach. Return to the lodge in the afternoon.
Meals Included:3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners.

Day 10-12.- Baños.

Jump on a local bus and ascend from the rainforest to the majestic mountains to the town of Baños, located on the beneath of Tungurahua volcano. Baños is a place for outdoor activities and relax in the hot springs.

There are several hot spring pools in and around the town, relax in the thermal waters or get a massage after have done any of the several outdoor options, like: hiking, bungee jumping, horse back riding, biking or river rafting on the River Patate.
Meals Included: Breakfast (03)

Day 13, 14. - Cuenca.

Depart early in the morning from Baños to Ambato city to catch the local bus heading south, as part of the ¨ Avenue of the Volcanoes¨. Arrive to Cuenca, (full name Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca) is the third largest city in Ecuador in terms of population, located at about 2500m (8200 ft) above sea level.

Cuenca was founded on 1557 by the Spanish explorer Gil Ramírez Dávalos, The city has red-tiled buildings, museums, domed churches, beautiful plazas, cobblestone streets and vibrant busy markets.  The center of the city is listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites

The city has a mild climate year-round, days are generally warm and nights are cool enough that sweaters or jackets are needed, the landscape remain green most of the year.

Explore the main landmarks of the city center, like the Church of EL Sagrario, built in 1557, The Cathedral Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepcion built in 1880, infamous because the architect made a calculation error and the tower is truncated, it has a Neo-Gothic style. Do not miss the museums and monasteries around down town.

Visit the nearby ruins of Ingapirca or hike around Cajas National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast (02)

Day 15.- Quito.

Flight back to Quito for a last taste of this colonial city. There are no planned activities for this day, it can be good time for to buy some souvenirs or last minute shopping.
Meals Included: Breakfast (01)

Day 16.

Departure day.

There are no planned activities for today. Have a safe journey whether you are headed home or to explore another destination!
Meals Included: Breakfast (01)