DAY 1

An early departure sees us travelling south, through the Andean mountain range towards the Chillo Jijon Hacienda for breakfast. Built in 1730 and originally belonging to the region’s textile manufacturers, the site has now become an attractive tourist spot.

We then continue our journey to another country estate, the Antisana, whose owner proudly shows us around his manor from where we are afforded a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside and the lifestyle of the famous chagras (horse riders).

The rest of the morning is spent relaxing, horse-riding or fishing. Close by, the hut where the scientist Humboldt once spent the night has been preserved as a historical monument and is well worth a visit.

We lunch at the estate before continuing our trip to the Papallacta Thermal Baths to unwind and explore the celebrated natural thermal spas that flow down from the snow-capped Andean mountains.

We then check in at the SPA Termas Papallacta resort for a well-deserved respite and to enjoy nature at its finest, or just to wallow in the numerous thermal pools and soak up the medicinal waters.

Dinner and lodgings.

DAY 2

After breakfast we set off for Baeza, the gateway to the Amazon jungle, where the population claims the oldest ancestry in Ecuador. The town has now been divided into two, the modern and the old. The old part of town remains untouched by time, conserving its architecture as a remnant of times gone-by. Colonial Baeza’s only restaurant offers us an appetizing lunch typical of the area.

After lunch we continue on to Cosanga, one of the best spots for bird-watching and experiencing a sub-tropical climate.

In the late afternoon, we take a walk through the zone before dining at San Isidro Caucheras where we also spend the night…..

DAY 3

Rising at the crack of dawn, we take an early walk and relish the spectacle provided by the zone’s diversity of birds. An unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

Upon returning to our San Isidro base, we enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.

On our return journey to Quito, we stop off at the Guano Lodge with time to explore the resort and then enjoy lunch.

Continuing on the Pifo road, we arrive at Cumbayá, a fast-growing town where we make a brief stop to savour one of the famous ice-creams from the La Esquina Shopping centre.

Return to Quito.