Day 1 Arrive Quito Arrive in Quito at any time.
Day 2-3 Santo Domingo (B,2L,2D) Head onto the Avenue of Volcanoes, and watch the landscape change as we approach Santo Domingo nestled in the lush cloud forest. Spend a day with the indigenous community of Tsachilas, learning about their culture and sharing in their traditional meals.
Day 4 Guayaquil (B) Drive through plantations of bananas, cocoa, pineapples, mangoes and oranges. The rest of the day is yours to explore Guayaquil at your leisure.
Day 5-6 Machala Stop at a fascinating agri tourism hacienda en route to Machala. Once in Machala, explore the Archipelago of Jambeli by canoe and wander the seaside markets.
Day 7-8 Zaruma (L) Start the day off with an included tour from Machala to the Puyango petrified forest - the largest on the continent! Then head off to the small mining town of Zaruma, known for its charming wooden houses and narrow steep streets.
Day 9 Zamora Take a very early bus with some breathtaking views of the Andes into the city of Loja, where we will connect to our final destination of the jungle city of Zamora.
Day 10-11 Nangaritza River (B,2L,2D) Discover the Podocarpus National Park, a haven for wildlife and biological diversity. Overnight in an indigenous community.
Day 12-13 Vilcabamba (B) With its tranquility, temperature, pure water and striking mountains, the Vilcabamba Valley is paradise. Optional activities include hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
Day 14 Loja (B) Explore this Spanish colonial city with its beautiful parks and churches at your leisure.
Day 15 Quito Morning flight back to Quito. Take the rest of the day to enjoy the sights and sounds of Ecuador's capital city. Enjoy one final evening on the town.
Day 16 Depart QuitoAccommodation: Hotels and eco-lodges (13 nts), Jungle lodge (2 nts).
Group Size: Max 15, Avg 10
Highlights: Quito, Tsachilas indigenous community, "The Cacao Route", Machala, Mangroves in Jambeli Archipelago, Puyango petrified forest, Zaruma, Podocarpus National Park, Zamora, Vilcabamba "Valley of Longevity", Loja.
Meals Included: All meals included while at the Santo Domingo Cloud Forest and as otherwise indicated by itinerary.
Transport: Public buses, Taxis, Motorized canoes, Local flight.
Trip Reference: SESE
