Day 01: Quito, Ecuador
Arrive Quito and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Dann CarltonDay 02: Quito
City tour of Quito. This morning's sightseeing demonstrates some of the reasons why Ecuador's capital has earned its honor as a world cultural site. Marvel at the city’s ornate churches, cathedrals and baroque architecture, and experience a long history of local culture in Quito’s “Old Town” and in the San Francisco Church and Monastery. Rich in art treasures, fine woodcarvings and an altar of gold leaf, the church is an historical icon dedicated to Quito’s patron saint. Continue on to Panecillo Hill topped with a statue of Quito’s ‘Winged Virgin’ visible from almost anywhere in the city. Next, visit the Equatorial monument - an irresistible opportunity to straddle both hemispheres. Continue to the city’s aerial tram for an ride. From the top passengers feel as though they can reach out to the summit of nearby Pichincha volcano (4784m) as well as take in breathtaking views of the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes including Cotopaxi (5897m), Antisana (5752m) and Cayambe (5790m.) Dann Carlton (B,L)Day 03: Quito - Coca - Napo Reserve
Transfer to the Quito airport. Your journey to the Amazon basin begins with a 45-minute flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana. After a short drive from the airport to the dock, board a large, motorized, covered canoe for a scenic two-hour trip down the Napo River. Upon arriving at the entrance to the NWC Reserve, we switch to smaller, dugout canoes and are paddled up the blackwater creek to the lake and lodge. Later, there is usually time to take a walk, swim, birdwatch or visit a small lookout with a scenic view of the lake and cabins before sunset. Napo Wildlife Center (B,L,D)Day 04 & 05: Napo Reserve
Enjoy two full days at the lodge. Guests will be divided into small groups for activities, which will be led by both a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest’s medicinal and other useful plants, and a bilingual naturalist guide educated in the biology and ecology of the area. Featured at Napo is the 120-ft. (36m) high canopy towers and the constructed blinds at two of the clay licks of the Napo Wildlife Center Reserve Area – the most accessible parrot and macaw clay licks in Ecuador. Napo Wildlife Center (B,L,D)Day 06: Napo Reserve - Coca - Quito
Return by boat on Napo River to Puerto Francisco de Orellana, and board your flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of your day at leisure in Quito. Dann Carlton (B)Day 07: Quito - Otovalo
Early in the morning departure to the Otovalo region, and the Hacienda Cusin. Enjoy balance of your day at leisure or book an optional (fees may apply) excursion such as horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, or visit Agato and Peguche communities to witness the ancient weaving methods still used in this area. Hacienda Cusin (B,L,D)Day 08: Otovalo - Quito
Morning visit to the indigenous markets of Otovalo and finish the day with a late lunch at an old millhouse. Afternoon return transfer to Quito for overnight. Dann Carlton (B)Day 09: Quito - Depart
Transfer to the Quito International Airport for your departing flight. (B)
