Andes and the Amazon + 5 Nights – Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge Cotopaxi

Adventures in the Cotopaxi & the Amazon

6 days/5 nights

$ 1946 + taxes (10% Service)

Price for 2 persons sharing one double room

Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge and Kuyana Amazon Lodge have joined forces to offer you this fantastic itinerary, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds: the grandeur of the Andes and the lush Amazon rainforest. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Ecuador’s Andean highlands and Amazon jungle. This journey is perfect for all adventurers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

Include:

Private transfer in-out Quito airport
Private transfer from Chilcabamba Lodge to Kuyana Amazon Lodge
Accommodation for two adults in one double room: 2 nights Chilcabamba-Cotopaxi + 3 nights
Kuyana Lodge – Amazon
Meals (starting with dinner on the day 1 – arrival until breakfast on day 7 – departure)
Scheduled excursions according to the itinerary with a Spanish speaking native guide
Transport to activities
Full use of all facilities
Unlimited filter water, coffee and tea
High Speed WiFi Internet
Daily Housekeeping
Poncho and helmet for the horseback riding activity
Rubber boots up to size 12 (UK) / 14 (US – men) at the Amazon activities

Not Include:

The rate does not included Taxes : 10% Service + 15% VAT (VAT exemption to foreign citizens)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses and tips
Spa treatments
Other services not specified in the program.

Day 1: Arrival and Cotopaxi Welcome

Meet and Greet: Your adventure begins the moment you land. Our driver will greet you at the airport and whisk you away to your first lodge nestled in the hills of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano.
Waterfall Hike: Along the way, and after 1.5 hours, we’ll stop at the stunning Cascada de Fuego. Stretch your legs with a 40-minute hike, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and refresh yourself by the waterfall.
Chilcabamba Lodge: After a brief 15-minute drive, we’ll arrive at the serene Chilcabamba Lodge, your home for the next three days. Nestled in a tranquil valley, this lodge is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andean highlands. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm canelazo, a traditional Andean drink, and settle into your cozy room, complete with a warm poncho.
Evening Activities: Spend the evening around a crackling bonfire, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. Indulge in s’mores or enjoy a happy hour featuring Ecuadorian spirits, followed by a delicious local dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Cotopaxi National Park

Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast.
National Park Guided Tour: Today we embark on an exhilarating adventure to explore its wonders.
Our journey begins at the lodge’s reception area, where a local guide will take us to the park in a 4×4 vehicle. We’ll enter through the park’s north entrance, just 6 km from the lodge. Our first stop is the breathtaking Limpiopungo Lagoon, followed by a 2-hour hike from the Refuge’s parking lot to the José Ribas Refuge at 4,800 meters. If conditions permit and you’re feeling up for it, we might even reach the glacier at 5,000 meters!
Box Lunch: Enjoy a scenic box lunch at the incan ruin of Pucara del Salitre.
Afternoon Options: After lunch, choose between a 1-hour horseback riding adventure within the national park or a cooking class back at the lodge.
- Horseback Riding: Begin this exceptional journey at Rumicorral, guided by an authentic local ‘chagra’. Traverse beautiful grasslands and enjoy stunning views of the nearby volcanoes. This experience is not only an opportunity to connect with nature but also a window into the rich ‘chagra’ culture.
- Cooking Class: Immerse yourself in the region’s gastronomic culture with a hands-on cooking class, learning traditional recipes from our talented kitchen staff.
Dinner: End your day with a delightful dinner at the lodge.

Day 3: Journey to the Amazon

Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast before meeting your driver for the next leg of your journey. The drive will take around 4.5 hours.
Scenic Drive: Travel through diverse landscapes, from the Andean páramo to the cloud forest, and finally to the lush Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for volcanoes like Antisana or Sumaco along the way.
Lunch Stop: We’ll stop in Baeza for lunch before continuing to Kuyana Amazon Lodge in Archidona.
Kuyana Lodge: Upon arrival, refresh with a native beverage and explore Kuyana Island and the Guitarracocha Trail, known for its enchanting night sounds. Enjoy a dip in the Hollin River before savoring a delicious dinner made from local ingredients.

Day 4: Amazon Exploration

Birdwatching: Rise early for a mesmerizing birdwatching experience. Marvel at the vibrant colors and diverse species as you explore the lodge’s nature trails.
Waterfall Hike: After breakfast, join a guided walk to the Ushpayacu waterfalls, exploring the natural springs and diverse wildlife.
Cooking Class: Later, participate in a traditional cooking class, creating local dishes like maito and chontacuro, and making your own chocolate.

Day 5: Amazon Adventures

Canoe Safari: Join a guided non-motorized canoe tour to a stunning lagoon, observing various bird species and playful monkeys. Then, embark on a motorized canoe journey down the Napo River to visit an indigenous community, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional dance and cultural insights.
Night Hike: As night falls, discover the rich nocturnal ecosystem with a guided hike, learning about the fascinating species that come alive after dark.

Day 6: Departure

Breakfast: Savor your last breakfast in the jungle.
Reforestation Project: Before you leave, contribute to our reforestation project by planting a tree, helping to preserve this precious ecosystem.
Departure to Quito Airport

At Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge and Kuyana Amazon Lodges, we firmly believe in the transformative power of ecotourism. It’s not just about enjoying the great outdoors; it’s about making a positive impact. By participating in our activities, you’ll not only create unforgettable memories but also contribute to sustainable development and support local communities. It’s a chance to share authentic experiences and uncover the traditional lifestyle of the people we proudly call our neighbors.