Ecuador Amazon Rainforest Eco Lodge & Quito Tour

Arrive in Quito and transfer from the airport to the hotel. Quito is set in a hollow at the foot of the volcano Pichincha, and in addition to its gorgeous landscape, surrounded by hills and several snowcapped mountains, Quito is known for its treasures of Colonial churches, monasteries, paintings, sculptures and carvings and the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish, Moorish and pre-Columbian architecture. In 1978, it has been declared by UNESCO "Patrimony of Mankind." Altogether the city has to offer 86 churches and monasteries of the 16th and 17th century. This attractive city is surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes and is located only 22 km away from the "Middle of the World," the Equatorial Line. Due to its beautiful churches and monasteries, Quito is called and known as the "Convent of America."

Today, we will have a sightseeing tour of Quito to see the religious and cultural sights. During your stay, you can still breath the colonial history of Ecuador as you explore the streets of Quito. Your guide will take you to the Church of San Francisco, which is said to be the first religious building constructed in South America. Along the way, you will pass the church of La Compañia, which has the most ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior. Have a closer look at the heart of the city of Quito: the Independence Square with the Government Palace and the Cathedral (outside).

Then visit the modern part of the city where you will see the stone-carved front of Ecuador's House of Congress. This façade shows the history of Ecuador, from the first natives, the conquer of the Incas and then the Spaniards, the Independence, and the new Republic. Your guide will take you to Guapulo, a natural terrace where you will learn about the location of the city, in the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano. Admire the spectacular views of the Valleys of Cumbayá and Tumbaco and the Eastern Chain of Mountains. On a clear day, you can see Cayambe, the Antizana and Puntas Volcanoes.

The tour continues to the Equatorial Line Monument called the 'Middle of the World.' Here you get a truly rare experience to stand in both, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument marks the spot where an 18th-century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. You can also visit the monument and the Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador.

Today you enter the Amazonia region. Here you will see exuberant tropical vegetation with unspoiled and unexplored green wilderness. Only sparsely populated with indigenous settlements along the tributaries of the Amazon. For the tourist, it is a relatively accessible destination to visit if you are staying at the Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve. Fly from Quito to Shell (30 minutes) and take a connection flight to Scharamanetsa (30 minutes). Once in Kapawi, you will be miles away from what you know as civilization, the nearest town being a 2-week walk through the forest for the local people. The remote location is what makes Kapawi a special and unique place. The Kapawi Project began in 1993. The goal was to commence a new trend in eco-tourism, in partnership with theOINAE, by providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar located in Kapawi as well as communities. The lodge accommodates up to 40 visitors and was built in accordance with the Achuar concept of architecture (not a single nail was used!).

There are three excursion options, according to your physical condition. All groups will have expert guides with them at all times.

EASY: The easy programs include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 3 hours), visits to the Achuar communities as well as using the canoes. Meals are served at the lodge, or light meals are taken for the trip. Typical Achuar meals are offered in their communities.

MODERATE: The moderate program includes medium-distance hikes in the rainforest (up to 5 hours), sometimes crossing flooded areas. Trips in the canoes and visits to the Achuar communities. Light meals are taken for the journey, or typical Achuar dishes are served in their communities. Overnight stays include the lodge, in the Achuar communities and occasionally in tents.

DIFFICULT: Demanding hikes of many hours or days in poorly defined and often flooded trails. Porters will carry food and supplies. Overnight stays are in tents or in the Achuar communities. An exploration journey to virgin areas is occasionally offered. Trips on inaccessible rivers are done in inflatable rafts. Excellent physical condition is required!

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Quito.

After arriving in Quito transfer to your hotel. The afternoon will be at leisure. You may walk around the occupied streets to explore the beauty of this city on your own.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination in South America.