Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. Transfer to the hotel, located in a central area with easy access to restaurants, bars, craft shops, and parks. Quito is situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level, so we recommend taking this first day to rest and acclimatize before your upcoming adventure. Accommodation at Hotel Finlandia 4* – www.hotelfinlandiaquito.com Transfer duration – 1 hour. Check-in – 14:00 

 Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to the tropical forest of Mindo. Total duration of the excursion day (with transfers): 10 hours Transfer Quito–Mindo: approx. 2 hours each way We begin our journey heading north along the Pan-American Highway, passing the famous Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument. We will stop at the viewpoint of the extinct Pululahua Volcano, offering a magnificent panorama of Ecuador’s largest volcanic crater. After crossing the highest point of our route, we descend toward the Mindo Cloud Forest, admiring the beautiful scenery along the way. In Mindo, we’ll take a guided walk through the lush cloud forest. High above the canopy soar hawks, and among cedar and avocado trees, we can hear the distinctive tapping of woodpeckers in the distance. Other bird species commonly seen here include quails, kestrels, guans, hummingbirds, and the striking Andean cock-of-the-rock. The forest features a variety of tree species — cedar, white, yellow, and black cinnamon trees, avocado, red myrtle, cecropia, coriaria, and many more. Next, an exhilarating zipline adventure awaits us above the treetops. Steel cables span across the canyon, and we’ll glide safely through the air using certified harnesses and pulleys — a thrilling yet completely safe experience! After lunch (not included), we’ll enjoy tubing down a mountain river — floating along in interconnected inner tubes, guided by a professional instructor. Evening return to Quito. Free time. Accommodation at Hotel Finlandia 4* – www.hotelfinlandiaquito.com (Breakfast included) 

Breakfast at the hotel. TelefériQo Cable Car and Rucu Pichincha Volcano Hike Duration: 8 hours including transfers Morning transfer to the TelefériQo cable car station. There’s no better way to appreciate Quito’s unique location amid the Andes than from this stunning high-altitude viewpoint. The 20-minute cable car ride starts at 2,950 meters and reaches 4,100 meters over a distance of 2.5 km, where an observation deck offers panoramic views of nearly the entire city. From the top of Cruz Loma Hill, we begin a 5-hour hike up to the base of the dormant Rucu Pichincha Volcano (4,794 m). This moderately challenging trek rewards you with spectacular views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes — Cotopaxi, Antisana, Cayambe, and others — weather permitting. A boxed lunch will be provided. Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging Ascent duration: 4–5 hours Descent duration: 2–3 hours Evening return to the hotel. Accommodation at Hotel Finlandia 4* – www.hotelfinlandiaquito.com (Breakfast, lunch box included)

Day 1: Pasochoa Trek Pasochoa is an extinct volcano with very fertile lands enriched by prehistoric eruptions that released minerals and ash, now serving as excellent natural fertilizer. In the Andean forests and wetlands here, one can find a great diversity of plants, trees, animals, and insects. Our trek will take around 6–7 hours. After reaching the summit of Pasochoa (4200 m), we’ll head to our lodge for some rest. Free time and overnight stay. Accommodation: Hacienda Los Mortiños www.losmortinos.com Meals: Box lunch, dinner 

We continue our journey in Cotopaxi National Park. The trek begins along the edge of the scenic Limpiopungo Lagoon at 3900 m. Rumiñahui, whose name in the native language means “Stone Face”, is a beautiful rocky mountain. We’ll ascend to its summit and descend back to the lake over the course of about 4–5 hours, crossing beautiful marshy terrain. Just before the top, a short rocky climb awaits us. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the active Cotopaxi Volcano, Sincholagua, Pasochoa, and the surrounding valleys. Return to the lodge. Free time and overnight stay. Accommodation: Hacienda Los Mortiños Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner 

 We’ll drive for about 30 minutes to the Virgin Mary statue at 4000 m. The hike to the mountain refuge takes about 2 hours up and 1 hour down. Along the way, we’ll cross marshy areas and walk through a small polylepis forest, with spectacular views of the valley. If desired, you may continue climbing to the summit of the North Illiniza volcano, which takes about 2 more hours from the refuge. The descent from the summit back to the Virgin statue takes about 2 hours. Accommodation: Hacienda Los Mortiños Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner 

 We travel by vehicle into the Central Andes. Quilotoa Lagoon is one of Ecuador’s most impressive natural attractions and ranks among the top 10 most beautiful crater lakes in the world. The lake was formed inside the crater after a major volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Its average depth is 250 m, and its waters are famous for their stunning bright turquoise color. We will hike around the upper rim of the crater in approximately 4–5 hours. Afterwards, we’ll drive south to Chimborazo Province and check in at our hotel. Free time and overnight stay. Accommodation: Chimborazo Lodge http://chimborazolodge.com/ Meals: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner 

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic trek around the base of the Chimborazo volcano, crossing high-altitude wetlands surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Along the way, we may encounter native Andean camelids such as alpacas and vicuñas. We will reach the mountain refuge at 5000 m, and afterward, transfer to Papallacta hot springs (about 4 hours). Meals: Breakfast, box lunch **Safety and Health are top priorities in all our programs. If weather or mountain conditions are unsafe or not optimal, or if participants are not in good physical condition, the guide reserves the right to modify the route accordingly. Papallacta is famous for its thermal hot springs, the perfect place to relax and recover after four days of trekking. These magnificent springs are located along the historic Cinnamon Route, the same path taken by Francisco de Orellana in 1542 during his expedition across the Andes in search of gold and precious treasures — a journey that unexpectedly led to the discovery of the Amazon River. Situated in Ecuador’s highlands at an altitude of 3,220 meters above sea level, Papallacta serves as the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon region. The climate here is cool and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 14°C, depending on the season. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately feel the purity of the mountain air — a refreshing blend created where Amazonian winds meet the rocky slopes, forests, and rivers of the Andes. The Termas de Papallacta Resort promises its visitors Health, Rejuvenation, and Relaxation — three essential reasons to visit and enjoy this place of natural harmony. The thermal pools are located along the Papallacta River and include nine pools with hot thermal water and three with cold water. The spring temperatures vary between 30°C and 70°C, while the pool temperatures range from 36°C to 40°C. The waters are rich in sulfate, sodium, calcium, and magnesium chloride. They are colorless, odorless, and have a slightly salty taste. Bathing in these waters is believed to improve intestinal activity and has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and soothing effects, among others. Free time to enjoy the thermal springs. Accommodation at Hotel Termas de Papallacta – www.termaspapallacta.com (Breakfast, lunch box included) 

 (in a group of up to 6 people) Breakfast at the hotel. Departure toward the Quijos River — approximately 1 hour each way. In the morning, your guide will conduct a detailed safety briefing and a practice session before the actual rafting begins. You’ll then divide into groups and board your raft with your guide. The first part of the route includes a few easier rapids to warm up before facing the bigger ones in the upper section of the river. We’ll navigate the same rapids that once challenged 250 of the world’s best rafters during the 2005 World Rafting Championships. Don’t worry — our team has many years of experience on the Quijos River, and we invite all adventure-seekers to enjoy this truly spectacular river. You’ll be in the best and safest hands. Rafting duration: approximately 2½ hours. At the end of the rafting trip, we’ll stop along the riverbank for a delicious picnic with fresh tropical fruits, soft drinks, juice, and water. We’ll celebrate the end of our adventure with an ice-cold beer before returning to Papallacta around 5:00–6:00 pm. Quijos River – 16 km Class IV–IV+ The Quijos is an exclusive adventure, featuring world-class class IV rapids surrounded by breathtaking tropical rainforest and dramatic basalt canyon landscapes. You’ll encounter more rapids in one day here than on any other river in a week — a perfect experience for experienced rafters or adventurous beginners who are confident swimmers. Included: ✔ Internationally certified rafting guides ✔ Top-of-the-line rafting equipment ✔ Safety kayaker ✔ Riverside lunch ✔ Best quality gear Not included: o Personal expenses o Tips What to bring: Swimsuit / shorts, T-shirt, sneakers / sandals Sunglasses (with strap), cap Sunscreen, insect repellent Towel, dry change of clothes Requirements: No previous rafting experience required; however, participants must be comfortable in water and able to swim. Minimum age: 15 years. Evening at leisure in Papallacta. After rafting, you can relax in the thermal pools at your hotel. Accommodation at Termas de Papallacta – www.termaspapallacta.com (Breakfast, lunch box included) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the town of Baños. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see various handicrafts made by local indigenous communities. We continue our journey through the town of Puyo toward Baños, known as the “Gateway to the Amazon.” This road follows the famous “Avenue of the Waterfalls.” Baños is located in the mountainous region of Ecuador — an ideal place to relax and explore the Andean-Amazonian transition zone. This small town is world-renowned for its beautiful waterfalls. You’ll also witness the local art of making “melcocha”, a traditional cane-sugar candy that the locals skillfully prepare by hand. This journey is a delightful experience! In Baños, one of Ecuador’s main tourist destinations, you’ll find many ways to enjoy nature — hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and quad biking among them. Accommodation at Hotel Sangay 4* – www.sangayspahotel.com (Breakfast included) 

 Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Baños and visit to the waterfalls. Total duration of the excursion, including transfers – 8 hours. The tourist town of Baños lies in a lush valley of waterfalls and hot springs, at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano (5,016 m). With a population of about 20,000, Baños is located at an altitude of 1,826 meters above sea level and enjoys an average annual temperature of 20°C. The town invites you to relax amidst beautiful natural surroundings and offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family, including rafting, rock climbing, canyoning, canopy, trekking, mountain biking, and bungee jumping. After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a short city tour and explore the town center, which enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate. Later, we’ll begin our “Waterfalls Route”, visiting Agoyán, the Bride’s Veil (Manto de la Novia), and the spectacular Devil’s Cauldron (Pailón del Diablo) waterfalls. We’ll also have the chance to experience the famous “Swing at the End of the World” and try a canopy ride over the Pastaza Canyon (optional, not included – USD 15 per person). Free evening. Across from the hotel, there are public thermal baths, which guests may visit independently if they wish. Accommodation at Hotel Sangay 4* – www.sangayspahotel.com (Breakfast included) 

 Free morning in Baños. Time to relax at the hotel or join optional activities (your guide will provide full details). Return transfer to Quito – approximately 4 hours. Free evening. Accommodation at Hotel Finlandia 4* – www.hotelfinlandiaquito.com (Breakfast included) 

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Check-out – 12:00 (Breakfast included)