Discovering Ecuador’s Andes & Amazon

Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival at Quito Airport, you’ll be transferred to your selected hotel, Casa Ilayaku, located in Tumbaco, about 10 km from Quito. The transfer takes approximately 40 minutes. Once you check in and settle into your Standard Room, take some time to relax and acclimate to your surroundings.
Enjoy a peaceful evening at the hotel and join your group for a welcome dinner to kick off the retreat.

Begin your day with an invigorating wellness session with Judit, designed to align your body and mind. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a captivating city tour of Quito. Explore the historic colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, stroll through Plaza Grande, and admire the rich history of the Presidential Palace and Catholic Cathedral. Visit the San Francisco Church to view art from the "Escuela Quiteña," and bask in the golden splendor of La Compañía Church. Immerse yourself in a traditional cleansing ceremony at a local market. Experience the local healer’s ritual to cleanse negative energies and promote wellness with herbs, incense, and rituals.
Your tour concludes with a visit to the Middle of the World Monument and the Intiñan Museum, where you'll stand on the equator and explore interactive exhibits.

Start the day with a refreshing wellness session with Judit and breakfast. Today’s adventure takes you south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Upon arrival at Cotopaxi National Park, your guide will share insights into the unique flora and fauna of the area. Enjoy a hike around Limpiopungo Lake, where you might spot hummingbirds and wild horses against the stunning backdrop of the volcano.
In the afternoon, head to Hacienda El Porvenir for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes such as cheese empanadas and ají (hot sauce), and discover the cultural significance of these recipes.

Begin with a revitalizing wellness session with Judit and breakfast at the hotel. Today, you'll journey to Imbabura, known as "The Province of the Lakes." Enjoy scenic views as you pass through Calderón and Guayllabamba valleys, and make a brief stop in Cayambe to sample local salt biscuits and “leaf cheese.”
Continue to Otavalo to explore the famous local market, where you can shop for crafts and textiles. Visit Cotacachi Village, known for its leather goods, and then head to Peguche. Discover the beautiful Peguche Waterfall and learn about the indigenous Quichua community and their traditional crafts.
End the day with an Andean cleansing ceremony in Ilumán. Experience the ritual performed by a local yachak, using medicinal plants and water to cleanse negative energies and invite positivity.

After breakfast, depart Quito and ascend to Papallacta, where you’ll be captivated by views of the Antisana Volcano and the highland paramo. Enjoy the natural hot springs and spa treatments at Termas de Papallacta, offering a range of hydrotherapy experiences.
In the afternoon, transfer to Tena and embark on the Kuyana Lodge program. Explore Kuyana Island and the Guitarracocha Trail, enjoying a refreshing swim and taking in the breathtaking views of the Hollin River.

Start your day with a refreshing wellness session with Judit, amidst the Amazon’s natural beauty. Engage in a guided meditation to center your mind and spirit before setting out on a walk to the stunning Ushpayacu Waterfalls. Experience the tranquility and splendor of these sacred falls as you immerse yourself in the lush surroundings.
In the afternoon, join a traditional cooking class led by a local chef. Learn to prepare Amazonian dishes like maito and chontacuro, gaining insight into their cultural significance.
As evening arrives, take part in a spiritual cleansing ritual with a local healer. This ritual, held by the light of the campfire, will renew your energy and connect you deeply with the Amazonian traditions.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before participating in the Hollín River reforestation project, helping to preserve the rainforest ecosystem. Discover the art of essential oil extraction from Amazonian plants, and then relax with a refreshing bath in a healing waterfall.
After lunch at San Isidro Lodge, transfer to Quito Airport, concluding your journey with lasting memories of the Amazon’s wonders.