ECUADOR

Travel dates: May 3 – 13, 2025

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Number of participants: 6 – 12

Cost per person:
• $2,850 with 12 participants, or
• $2,950 with 10 – 11 participants, or
• $3,250 with 8 – 9 participants, or
• $3,390 with 6 – 7 participants, based on double occupancy.


A 10% discount is available for early booking (by January 3, 2025)

All-inclusive except for:

• international airfare to and from Quito,
• medical insurance,
• meals not specified in the itinerary.

Estimated cost of airfare from Moscow to Quito and back: $2,000 – $2,500 (tickets purchased independently, consultation provided). Estimated cost of airfare from Cusco to Quito: approximately $300 – $400 (tickets purchased independently, consultation provided).

Single occupancy supplement: $320 (single occupancy is available throughout the itinerary).


TRAVEL ITINERARY: ECUADOR TOUR


Day 1. May 3, 2025 (Saturday). QUITO

We arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, located at an altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level. Quito is one of the highest cities in the world and is famous for its well-preserved historic center. It is no coincidence that Quito was the first city in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a transfer that takes about an hour, we check into our hotel. This day offers free time to acclimatize to the altitude, explore the surroundings, and enjoy the atmosphere of this colonial city.

Accommodation: Ikala Quito 4*, Junior Suite
Meals: No

*Recommended flights:
– LATAM Chile via Lima, departing from Cusco on May 3 at 6:05 AM, arriving in Quito at 12:20 PM on May 3,
– or any other flight from Cusco to Quito, arriving at any time on May 3, – or any other flight from any city arriving in Quito at any time on May 3.


Day 2. May 4, 2025 (Sunday). QUITO

After breakfast at the hotel, we have an action-packed day exploring Quito. We start with a ride on the Teleférico—one of the highest cable cars in the world, which will take us to an altitude of about 4,000 meters above sea level. Here, on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and the majestic surrounding volcanoes: Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe.
Next, we head to the historic center of Quito, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. We will visit the famous San Francisco Church, one of the oldest churches in South America, and La Compañía de Jesús Church, renowned for its magnificent golden altar. Surrounding the main square, Plaza Grande, are the country’s key buildings: the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the City Hall.
We will also visit the finest example of colonial art in the city—a Jesuit temple with an intricately carved façade. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors exemplify the Quito School of Art, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish arts, and indigenous artistry.
We will visit the Pre-Columbian Museum and have lunch in the central square of Quito. In the afternoon, we will travel to Mitad del Mundo—the place where the equator runs through. Here, we will visit the Intiñan Museum, where we can learn about the culture of Ecuadorian indigenous peoples and conduct intriguing experiments related to the equator, such as observing how water swirls in different directions on either side of the equatorial line.
After a long day (about 10 hours), we return to our hotel.

Accommodation: Ikala Quito 4*, Junior Suite
Meals: Breakfast


Day 3. May 5, 2025 (Monday). QUITO – COCA – GABA FAMILY OF THE WAORANI TRIBE ON THE SHIRIPUNO RIVER

Transfer to Quito airport for a 9:13 AM flight with LATAM Chile or another airline (departure time may vary) to the Amazon region of Ecuador, arriving in Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca), located at the confluence of the Napo and Coca Rivers.
Arrival in Coca at 9:50 AM. Meet with the guide and enjoy breakfast. We will transfer by car from Coca to the bridge over the Shiripuno River (approximately 2 hours), where we will board a small motor canoe and travel downstream along the Shiripuno and Cononaco Rivers towards the Tiro and Buanamo communities of the Waorani tribe. After about 4-5 hours, we will reach the home of the Waorani family of Gaba, located along our route.
We will also have the opportunity to observe birds, river turtles, monkeys, and other wildlife. Here, near the Waorani family, we will set up our base camp for the night.
The Waorani (Huaorani) are an indigenous people living in eastern Ecuador, in the area between the Napo and Curaray Rivers. Their total population does not exceed 4,000 people. They speak the Waorani language. The self-designation "Waorani," as in many other indigenous languages, means "people."

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents in jungle camp


Day 4. May 6, 2025 (Tuesday). JUNGLE CAMP ON THE SHIRIPUNO RIVER – TIRO COMMUNITY OF THE WAORANI TRIBE

On this day, we will travel downstream along the river (approximately 5-6 hours) until we reach the Tiro community. We will visit the Tiro community of the Waorani tribe, learn about their culture, and join the hunters in exploring the local flora and fauna. The Waorani are characterized by their short stature (averaging about 150 cm), making them ideal hunters adapted to jungle life.
Over the last 40 years, a significant portion of the Waorani have left their nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering and now live in permanent forest villages, such as the Tiro community. Meanwhile, nearby, there are several tribal groups within the Waorani, such as the Tagaeri and Taromenane, who avoid contact with the outside world and continue their nomadic life in the forests, representing some of the last uncontacted tribal groups in Ecuador.
In 1990, the Waorani received rights to a designated reservation of approximately 6,000 square kilometers for indigenous peoples. The status of Yasuni National Park, part of which overlaps with this reservation, ensures the preservation of the biological environment.

We will spend this night in our camp at the Tiro community.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: tents in Tiro community camp


Day 5. May 7, 2025 (Wednesday). TIRO COMMUNITY OF THE WAORANI TRIBE – BUANAMO COMMUNITY OF THE WAORANI TRIBE – TIRO COMMUNITY OF THE WAORANI TRIBE

We will travel by canoe to the Buanamo community. In this surreal village, we will meet the well-known Waorani, whose dwellings coexist with newly built modern houses. These houses were constructed by the government as a gesture of reconciliation following inter-clan wars instigated by uncontacted tribes like the Taromenane. However, the Waorani refused to move into them, and they remain empty.
We will spend time in the Buanamo community, learning about Waorani culture and exploring the jungle while familiarizing ourselves with the local flora and fauna. We will fish for piranhas and other fish using rods, search for palm worms, and have the opportunity to taste this local delicacy.
We will learn more about plants. Plants, especially trees, hold immense significance for the Waorani. They possess extensive botanical knowledge, from materials to poisons, hallucinogens, and medicines. We will discover what the peach palm, balsa, and ayahuasca are and why they are important to the indigenous peoples.
As the Buanamo community lies within Yasuni National Park, its wildlife is unique and extraordinarily rich. Yasuni, being the largest of Ecuador’s 11 national parks, boasts immense biodiversity. In one hectare of the park, one can find more than 100,000 species of insects (more than in all of North America!). Covering less than 0.15% of the Amazon basin, Yasuni is home to about a third of all species of amphibians, reptiles, and birds in this region. Yasuni is also home to 43 endemic species of vertebrates and several hundred plant species.
We will return by canoe to the Tiro community. In the evening, we will observe alligators. Dinner and overnight in our camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents in Tiro community camp


Day 6. May 8, 2025 (Thursday). TIRO COMMUNITY OF THE WAORANI TRIBE – GABA FAMILY OF THE WAORANI ON THE SHIRIPUNO RIVER
In the morning, we continue our immersion in the culture and daily life of the Waorani people. We will venture into the jungle, where the Waorani will demonstrate their hunting skills. The Waorani's existence is deeply intertwined with the forest, a relationship reflected in their culture, where the words “forest” and “world” are synonymous. They regard the forest as their home and feel unsafe beyond its borders.
Hunting forms the foundation of the Waorani diet and holds significant cultural importance. Before embarking on a hunt or fishing expedition, the shaman often prays for a successful outcome. Traditionally, the Waorani hunted monkeys, birds, and wild peccaries, while terrestrial predators and birds of prey were off-limits. The Waorani adhere to many hunting taboos; for example, they refrain from hunting deer, believing that their eyes resemble those of humans.
Although they must kill animals to survive, the Waorani believe that the spirits of the slain must be appeased; otherwise, they may retaliate with anger. Thus, the shaman performs rituals to respect future prey by preparing curare poison (which paralyzes the animal's muscles) used in blowgun darts. Hunting with these darts is not viewed as killing but rather as a form of “harvesting” from the trees.
The Waorani primarily use a blowgun, measuring 3 to 4 meters in length, as their main hunting weapon. However, firearms are increasingly common today.
We will travel by canoe (approximately 5-6 hours) upstream on the Cononaco and Shiripuno rivers to the Gaba family.
Overnight in a camp near the Waorani tribe.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: tents in a jungle camp

Day 7. May 9, 2025 (Friday). JUNGLE CAMP ON THE SHIRIPUNO RIVER – COCA

After breakfast and bidding farewell to the numerous Gaba family parrots, we will leave the Waorani and head upstream on the Shiripuno River in our motorized canoes. The journey to the starting point of our route will take 4-5 hours. After that, we will transfer to a minivan and return to the city of Coca (estimated arrival time – 8:00 PM), where we will check into the Gran Hotel de Lago 4*.
After a long journey, we can enjoy dinner at the hotel and share our impressions of the grand Amazonian adventure.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: Gran Hotel de Lago 4*, junior suite or deluxe twin room


Day 8. May 10, 2025 (Saturday). COCA – QUITO – COTOPAXI

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport in Puerto Francisco de Orellana. At 10:40 AM, we will fly with LATAM Chile or another airline to Quito.
We will arrive in Quito from the Amazon at 11:15 AM, where we will meet our guide at the airport for a two-hour transfer to the atmospheric Cuello de Luna hotel, located at the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, at an altitude of 2900 meters above sea level, with a view of the majestic volcano of the same name.
The park was established in 1975 and spans the provinces of Pichincha, Cotopaxi, and Napo, located 60 km from Quito. The park covers an area of 33,393 hectares and is home to the Cotopaxi, Ruminahui, Sincholagua volcanoes, and the Limpiopungo Lake. During daylight hours, temperatures can reach 18-20°C, while at night, they drop to 3-4°C.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Cuello de Luna 3*


Day 9. May 11, 2025 (Sunday). COTOPAXI – QUILOTOA – BAÑOS

Today promises an exciting journey into the realm of nature and culture! We will start our day with a transfer to Cotopaxi National Park, located in the heart of Ecuador. In this picturesque corner, where the majestic Cotopaxi volcano rises to 5897 meters and Limpiopungo Lake sparkles in the sunlight, we will immerse ourselves in an atmosphere of pristine beauty. The park encompasses an impressive 33,393 hectares, with temperatures ranging from 18-20°C during the day to 3-4°C at night.
Records of Cotopaxi's volcanic activity date back to 1534, when conquistadors arrived in what is now known as Ecuador.
We will have the opportunity to walk along the shores of Limpiopungo Lake, where we can observe numerous birds, including 24 wetland species, 15 migratory species, and the critically endangered White-cheeked Ibis, with only 100 individuals remaining. The most common mammal found here is the wild rabbit. The national park features four distinct bioregions.
Next, we will head to the village of Tigua, renowned for its art. In a local workshop, you will have the chance to see and purchase unique naive-style artworks crafted on sheep hides. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with the local culture and bring home original souvenirs.
We will then continue our journey westward towards the Central Andes of Ecuador, following the route known as the “Pujili Road,” passing through the village of Quilotoa. Upon reaching the Quilotoa volcano crater at an altitude of 3914 meters, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the crater lake. Depending on your mood and time, you can either descend to the lake on mules or take a paddle and embark on a kayaking adventure.
After a day full of activities, we will travel to Baños, a picturesque town at the foot of the volcanoes. We will arrive and check into the designer hotel Miramelindo 3*.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Miramelindo 3*


Day 10. May 12, 2025 (Monday). BAÑOS – QUITO

Our day will begin with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a leisurely stroll through the tourist town of Baños — a scenic spot located in a valley filled with waterfalls and hot springs.
After exploring the town center, we will set off to see three stunning waterfalls: Agoyan, Bride's Veil, and Devil's Cauldron. Each one is unique and breathtaking in its power and beauty.
If desired, we can visit the famous “Swing at the Edge of the Abyss,” which offers incredible views of the surroundings, as well as zip-lining over the gorge of the Pastaza Canyon.
After lunch, we will begin our transfer back to Quito, a journey that will take approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in the city, we will check into the Ikala Quito 4*, where we can relax after our busy day and prepare for new adventures.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Ikala Quito 4*, Junior Suite

Day 11. May 13, 2025 (Tuesday). QUITO – RETURN HOME

After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Quito Airport for your flight home.
For those continuing their journey to the Galapagos Islands, a flight to the Galapagos (Baltra Airport) is available between 6:00 and 8:00 AM, arriving at the islands no later than 11:00 AM.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: none

*Recommended flights:
– Copa Airlines to Panama, departing from Quito at 2:28 PM, or
– Turkish Airlines to Bogotá, departing from Quito at 10:20 AM, or
– Iberia to Madrid, departing from Quito at 6:05 PM, or
– LATAM Chile to Bogotá, departing from Quito at 7:12 AM, or
– any other available flight departing from Quito at any time on May 13.

**Recommended flights to Galapagos:
– LATAM Chile at 6:48 AM, arriving at Baltra Airport at 9:23 AM, or
– any other flight arriving at Baltra Airport no later than 10:00 AM.

* The tour operator accepts no responsibility for any changes to local airline schedules that may occur after booking. We will do our best to mitigate any violation of the approved itinerary, but cannot be held responsible for any loss of funds, bookings, missed connections or other chargeable services. The itinerary is subject to change due to schedules and availability of domestic flights. Travel insurance is highly recommended