Welcome to Ecuador and Quito - the second highest city in the world! After arriving at our hotel consider heading out to explore the city on foot before our group welcome meeting later this evening. Overnight - Quito

Quito - Otavalo – Quito. Heading north, our journey begins with a visit to the famous market town of Otavalo. The colourful market where the local people come from their villages to sell livestock, produce and textiles, is the perfect place to stock up on gifts and souvenirs. From Otavalo you could also visit Laguna Cuicocha, an extinct volcano famous for the deep lake in its crater before returning to Quito. Overnight - Otavalo (1), Quito (1)

Quito – Amazon Jungle - Misahualli - breakfast. On day 4 we begin our descent into the Amazon Basin on the banks of the Rio Napo. Spending one night in the jungle town of Misahualli, we continue downriver deep into the Amazon by motorised dugout canoe. In the jungle we will stay in local huts made from bamboo and leaves and eat fresh jungle meals. During the day discover the plants, creatures and people of the region with guided walks. We may also enjoy a visit to a native animal reserve, tubing, panning for gold and floating down the river to hear the jungle sounds at night. After our fabulous excursions in the Amazon we head back to Misahualli for one more night. Overnight - Misahualli (1), Amazon Jungle (1), Misahualli (1) (B:2, L:2, D:3)

Amazon - Banos. Leaving the Amazon behind, we head by bus to the spa town of Banos, known for its hot springs. On the way we pass spectacular scenery. In Banos you are free to relax in the thermal pools or take leisurely walks amongst the surrounding mountains. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy horseback riding in the hills. Banos is a great place to buy beautifully painted balsa wood animals and try the local sweet, taffy. Overnight - Banos (3) (B:1)

Banos – Cuenca - Quito. Continuing on we reach the old colonial market town of Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city. Despite its size, the centre of Cuenca retains much of its colonial charm with cobblestone streets, open plazas and whitewashed buildings with ironwork balconies, and is even an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city is also the home of the Panama hat and you’ll have the chance to visit a factory where the hats are made. Whilst in Cuenca you have the option to visit the celebrated Inca ruins of Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important archaeological site. The original structures were made by the Canari people and you can still see the place where these pre-Inca people worshipped the moon.

A short flight takes us back to Quito where you will have more free time to discover the city. Wander around the UNESCO listed old town, a maze of colonial splendour where the vibrant indigenous character is still retained or head to the colourful Mariscal Sucre, the heart of the ‘new town’. Here you will find trendy cafes, international restaurants and lively bars. Overnight - Cuenca (2), Quito (1)

Our tour concludes today. Spend the day further exploring before making your way to the airport for your flight back home.