If you're just joining us, your trip starts in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ecuador's Capital City. At over 9,000 feet, Quito is the highest capital city in the world, and it is likely you'll experience some symptoms of breathlessness as you walk around. The hotel is conveniently located and we will have a transfer arranged for the group on Day 1. You'll meet your fellow travelers, your AGC guide, and a representative from our local partner for a trip orientation. We'll eat dinner tonight at the hotel as a group.

Overnight: Hotel San Jose de Puembo or similar (D)

You'll first by driving from the Andes down to the upper Amazon Basin. Passing the Antisana Ecological Reserve and through the beautiful mountain sides until reaching the Arujano River in the community of Punin. The journey will take 2-3 hours, depending on the river's height, and the calm waters make it an easy route for beginners. Along the way, you'll stop at a local community to enjoy lunch and learn about the lives of the women and children there before continuing on to Itamandi Lodge.

Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed with your luggage waiting for you, ready to be taken to your room. You'll also be greeted with a refreshing drink and snack. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax—whether you choose to unwind by the pool or at the bar. In the evening, you can embark on a night excursion. A flashlight and camera are essential for this adventure, as you'll listen to the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs, and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, you may also have the chance to observe a stunning array of stars.

Overnight: Itamandi Lodge (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you walk through the primary and secondary forests. This activity lasts about 2 - 3 hours. In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community passed us by and you will learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the jungle. In this meeting, that part of the Amazon that is not found on maps will be shown: the Amazonian people in their daily lives. Part of our visit to the community consists of sharing the famous "chicha", a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivities and daily consumption. You will participate in the preparation of this drink and try some of the traditional dishes. You will end the visit with a traditional dance performed by the children of the community and you will also have time to buy some handicrafts made by the indigenous people of the area.

Overnight: Itamandi Lodge(B, L, D)

Early in the morning, you take a 15-minute canoe ride upriver to visit the Saladero de Parrots and appreciate a unique place where parrots and parakeets meet to obtain the minerals that will help them digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and then descend on the clay wall to eat this mineral-rich soil. Binoculars are essential to enjoy this magnificent natural cooperation. Back in the lodge you will have breakfast before you will be brought back to the Arajuno bridge (ride in a motorized canoe for 20 minutes). *The visit to the Saladero de Aves depends clearly on the weather conditions.

You will be provided with a private transfer from Itamandi Lodge and back to Quito. On the way back you will stop at the Archidona "Mercado Municipal Gastronomico" where you can taste all kinds of local flavors native to the area. Afterward, continuing back into the Andes, you'll stop at a site only known to locals, where you will experience the caves of "Elefante". You'll be accompanied by your guide, plus a native guide who knows the caves like the back of their hand. You'll learn about their importance while feeling like you're on an exploration with National Geographic! Finally, you'll stop at Papallacta Hot Springs to spend the night to wash up and relax in the thermal springs.

Overnight: Papallacta Spa Hotel or similar (B, L, D)

We'll conclude our trip on this day if you've joined us for our short exploration of Ecuador's Amazon Jungle, after breakfast, we'll transfer out to the Quito Airport. Best to have a flight that leaves anytime after 8:30 pm. If you've decided to join us for Exploring the Galapagos Islands by Land, this is when your trip will begin!
(B)