Step into the vibrant tapestry of Ecuador, where Quito’s rich history and modernity intertwine with the lush majesty of Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge’s rainforest. The expert itinerary design creates an exceptional Ecuadorian experience through the combination of cultural elements and natural surroundings, and adventurous activities.
- Immersive cultural and sensory experiences in colonial Quito.
- Stay in a peaceful rainforest lodge surrounded by tropical gardens, rivers, and wildlife.
- Visit the colorful local market in Tena and experience authentic Amazonian culture.
- Join an optional chocolate-making workshop — from cacao bean to bar.
- Close encounters with wildlife in the Galápagos Islands
- Enjoy an experience in Galapagos 360.
- Discover Uninhabited Islands and pristine beaches.
- Transfer in/out,
- Accommodations in double rooms
- Guided tours
- Indicated Meals
- Transportation
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Emergency contact 24/7
- Tips
- International Flights
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Meals not described in the program
Itinerary
Day 1 : Wednesday. Arrival In Quito.
Upon arrival at Quito airport, you will meet with your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel, where you will have time to relax before starting your adventure in the rainforest the next day.
Situated in a circle of Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital, with arguably one of the finest settings in the world. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was an important part of the Inca Empire before being destroyed and re-founded by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534.
Day 2 : Thursday. Hakuna Matata
In the morning, you will leave Quito and travel east toward the Andean cloud forests. Your next destination is the Ecuadorian Amazon region, starting with Archidona town near Tena. The staff at Hakuna Matata Lodge will greet you with a warm welcome when you arrive in the afternoon, before you start your guided nature walk. Your professional guide will share knowledge about medicinal plants and trees, traditional practices, and Kichwa forest relationships during this three-and-a-half-hour tour. The soft adventure lets you experience your first time under the jungle canopy.
Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Overnight Hakuna Matata
Day 3 : Friday: Local Market – Canoe Ride – Jungle Hike – Animal Rescue “amazoonico” And Local Community
The morning meal sets the stage for your visit to Tena’s active marketplace, where you will find numerous native items. The market offers an array of local fruits and vegetables, which include mangoes and bananas and cassava and guayusa, and the protein-packed chontacuro worm prepared through grilling or raw consumption. The protected forest of “Selva Viva” becomes your next destination after the two-hour canoe journey, which includes a guided hike to observe exotic plant species and interesting insect life.
The AmaZOOnico animal rescue center serves as a sanctuary for about 200 species, including monkeys and ocelots and tapirs and peccaries, and other animals, which receive care before potential release back into their natural habitats. The indigenous community welcomes visitors to experience their traditions and everyday existence after they enjoy a traditional lunch of arroz con pollo wrapped in bijao leaves. The canoe excursion provides an opportunity to master blowgun techniques before you get a chance to spot caimans in the lagoon close to the lodge. The peaceful jungle environment sets the perfect background for your next gourmet meal.
Overnight Hakuna Matata
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4 : Saturday: Hakuna Matata To Papallacta
As our time at Hakuna Matata Amazon Lodge comes to its end, it is still possible to take a last dip in the pool or just an early walk around the lodge.
Then, our guide will meet you and take you to a natural spring between the Andes and the Amazon, called Papallacta. If you are lucky, you can see the beautiful Antisana Mountain while you are taking a bath in the hot spring.
You will enjoy the landscape as well as treat yourself to a massage at the spa or have some rest.
Overnight: Termas de Papallacta hotel
Day 5 : Papallacta To Quito
The guide will pick you up from the hotel lobby after an exciting morning and a nutritious breakfast you will return to Quito, where your tour will finish.
