7 Days Biking in the Amazon of Ecuador - Amazing Adventure

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO QUITO 

We have nothing planned for today, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport in order to take you to your hotel in Quito.
Accommodation: Hotel Dann Carlton or similar.

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DAY 2: DISCOVERING QUITO

Today, after breakfast, our guide will be waiting for you at the lobby of the hotel at 09:00. From there, you will start a biking city tour that will show you the central-north part of the city. Riding your bike along the city will allow you to experience it like a real local. Driving through the streets of Quito can be challenging yet rewarding.

Spots to be visited:

• Mariscal Neighborhood
• Carolina Park
• Financial district
• Old Airport in Quito.

In the afternoon, after lunch, we will visit the old town of Quito, a magical colonial place.

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DAY 3: TO NEW HEIGHTS - SOAR ABOVE BAÑOS 

Today, we head southbound, passing rolling pastures of green and gold shadowed by the impressive peaks of surrounding volcanoes towards our first stop in Baños – the door to the Amazon. During our first pit stop, we take flight at the Swing of the End of the World, a place well known to wanderlust-filled individuals as it was featured in NatGeo Magazine in 2014. Fly high into the clouds towards the Tungurahua volcano, the gentle giant that watches over the town of Baños, nestled at its feet! Later in the day, we will head back down the riverside to Bridal Veil Falls. There, we will have the chance to take a cable car over the Pastaza river canyon - truly a jaw-dropping sight to behold.

Accommodation: La Floresta or similar.

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DAY 4 - BIKING IN LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK

In the morning, after a full and nutritious breakfast, we will go by car up through the mountains of the Llanganates National Park. Legend has it there is a hidden Incan treasure in this area. Although many explorers venture in trying to find it, it has yet to be found. We will start biking on asphalt road a bit up the hill to warm up and then descend about 1,500 m (5,000 ft). Catch the light breeze as we go from the impressive heights of the majestic Andes down to the entrance of the lush Amazon Basin. Afterward, we will visit Pailon del Diablo Waterfall, the highest falls in the country, so we can refresh a bit.

Accommodation: La Floresta or similar.

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DAY 5 - ENTRANCE TO THE AMAZON

Today, we follow the pulse of the Amazon into the heart of the Pastaza province. Starting our day with a quick 1-hour drive, we will then hop on our bikes and make our way down a leisurely road towards a regional fish farm. Here, we will be able to see one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. Holding the title of the biggest in the Amazon region, the Paiche or Arapaima, is a mind-blowing 3-m (10-ft) long fish and a whopping 230 kg (500 pounds). As it goes, this majestic beast is unfortunately endangered. One of the tasks of the farm is the propagation of the species for eventual release into the wild. After our educational experience at the fishery, we will continue to the Hola Vida Waterfall. A 30-minute jaunt through the woods takes us to this spectacular single-drop falls. Gently crashing into a cool jade-green pool, we will be able to enjoy some time swimming and relaxing before mounting our bikes again to carry onwards to our next stop! Our exploration takes us to a reserve run by a local family where we will enjoy a freshly made lunch of delicious regional cuisine. After lunch, we will go up to the local mirador or lookout. This spot is perfect for enjoying a rest in one of its many hammocks or to bask in the view of the Pastaza River with its flowing veins bringing life into the region. In the afternoon, we will visit the Shuar indigenous community, one of the fourteen distinct indigenous groups in Ecuador. Here, we will learn about their culture and traditions, which have been richly preserved despite the developments of the country over the last decade. In the late afternoon, we will drive to the banks of the Napo River where we will stay overnight.

Accommodation: Selina Lodge or similar.

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DAY 6 - ANIMALS & ANCESTORS 

Today’s adventure is truly special, as we will be spending time not only with local people but local wildlife too! Our ride takes us to AmaZoonico, a locally run animal rehabilitation center, and NGO. Founded in 1993, the center focuses on the rehabilitation of animals that have been illegally taken from their natural habitat in order to be able to reintroduce them back into the wild. Here, we will hike in the jungle to see a variety of species of animals that reside at the center, including monkeys, tapir, and ocelots. After a morning spent learning about rescue, rehabilitation, and release of animals from the region, we will head to visit a local family from another indigenous group here in Ecuador: the Kichwa. They will teach us about their culture and customs for an afternoon filled with captivating stories of their people before heading back to the lodge.

Accommodation: Selina Lodge or similar.

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DAY 7 - HOT SPRINGS & DEPARTURE

Today is all about relaxing and unwinding! The morning calls for lounging poolside before packing up and heading for a drive back into the Andes, towards our second stop at the world-renowned Papallacta hot springs. Here, you can take a refreshing dip into varying pool temperatures of hot and cold volcanic waters as well as reinvigorate your body, mind, and soul. If you wish to, there are also optional services offered at the facility such as massages and facials, which can be reserved in advance. After an afternoon of full-body recharge, we will head back to Quito. As you depart, we thank you and wish you safe travels to wherever your final destination may be! If you wish to continue exploring more of Ecuador we can help you organize an extension trip to places you did not see during this trip. We thank you for choosing Ecuatraveling and hope to see you soon!

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Min 2 people