Dates: May 2 - 11, 2026

*This itinerary connects seamlessly with the expedition to Peru (April 25 – May 2, 2026) and the expedition to the Galapagos Islands (May 11 – 15, 2026).

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Number of participants: 6 – 12

Price per person:

• USD 3,890 with 12 participants, or
• USD 4,090 with 10 – 11 participants, or
• USD 4,450 with 9 participants, or
• USD 4,650 with 7 – 8 participants.

*10% early booking discount (in case you book before December 2, 2025)

**Children under 12 receive a 10% discount (this can be combined with the early booking discount).

All-inclusive except for:

• International flights to and from Quito,
• Medical insurance,
• Meals not specified in the program.

Supplement for single occupancy: USD 550 (single rooms are provided throughout the itinerary).


TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Ecuador

Day 1. May 5, 2027. QUITO

We arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, a city perched at 2,850 meters above sea level. Quito is one of the highest-altitude capitals in the world, celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved historic center — and it was no coincidence that Quito became the first city in the world to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After a transfer of about an hour, we check into our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to acclimatize to the altitude, explore the neighborhood, and soak in the atmosphere of this extraordinary colonial city.

Meals included: none
Accommodation included: Ikala Quito or similar

*Recommended flights:
– any flight arriving in Quito at any time on May 5.


Day 2. May 6, 2027. QUITO

After breakfast at the hotel, a full day of exploration awaits. We begin with a ride on the Teleférico — one of the highest aerial tramways in the world — which carries us up to around 4,000 meters above sea level. From the slopes of Pichincha volcano, the views over the city and the surrounding peaks — Cotopaxi, Antisana, Cayambe — are simply breathtaking.

Next, we head into Quito's historic center, one of the largest and best-preserved colonial old towns in Latin America. We visit the famous Church of San Francisco, one of the oldest churches in South America, and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, renowned for its magnificent gilded altar. Around the main Plaza Grande stand the country's most important buildings: the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, and City Hall. We also take in the finest example of colonial art in the city — the Jesuit church, whose façade is covered in intricate stone carvings.

Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite the earthquake of 1917, it retains the most intact and least-altered historic center in Latin America. Its architecture and richly decorated interiors exemplify the Quito School of Art — a unique fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, and Flemish traditions with indigenous craftsmanship. We also visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and enjoy lunch on the city's central square.
In the afternoon, we make our way to Mitad del Mundo — the site of the equator. Here we visit the Intiñan Museum, where we learn about the culture of Ecuador's indigenous peoples and take part in fascinating equator-related experiments — including watching water drain in opposite directions on either side of the line.

After a full day of around 10 hours, we return to the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Ikala Quito or similar


Day 3. May 7, 2027. QUITO – SHELL – KAPAWI (AMAZON)

We set off early from Quito, heading south through a scenic valley and onto a new bypass road, leaving the city plateau behind. The route winds through high-altitude valleys past volcanic silhouettes and Andean towns: Tambillo, Latacunga, Ambato, Baños. The journey takes several hours.

At 11:00 we arrive in the town of Shell, where representatives of the Achuar people — the guardians of these lands — will be waiting for us. Together we board a small propeller plane and fly over the vast canopy of the rainforest to Kapawi Ecolodge.

On arrival, we settle in and take an easy walk through the jungle with local guides. For the first time, we hear the forest sing — buzzing, whistling, rustling, stirring — and begin to read the Amazonian ecosystem like a living map. The walk lasts one to two hours, depending on the weather.

In the afternoon, the choice is yours: swim or paddle along the river from the lodge's dock, rest in a hammock in your waterside cabin, or explore the main area of the camp, where the bar, dining room, and lounge are located.

In the evening, dinner prepared from local ingredients — fresh, fragrant, with an unmistakably Amazonian character. Afterward, a meeting with our guide to discuss plans for tomorrow and take our first steps into understanding Achuar culture.

Meals included: breakfast (breakfast boxes), lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Kapawi Ecolodge

*The Amazonian climate is unpredictable and may require adjustments to our itinerary. If weather conditions prevent the flight to the lodge on this day, we will accommodate you in a comfortable hotel in Puyo, the nearest town (just 10 minutes from Shell), and the flight will be rescheduled for the following morning. Similarly, if weather prevents a timely departure from Kapawi on the return leg, you will stay an additional night at the lodge at no extra charge.


Day 4. May 8, 2027. KAPAWI

Before the first light of dawn, we take part in the Wayus tradition — a ritual that begins around 4:00 a.m. in a special hut by the dock. This is more than tea. The Wayusada is a ritual of awakening, inner cleansing, and family conversation. Each morning the Achuar gather to drink the bitter Wayusa infusion, share their dreams, and speak of the future. It is a rare and precious opportunity to touch the morning spirit of this people.

After sunrise, a walk along the river or through the trails around the lodge: we look for birds, monkeys, and traces of the night's visitors. Breakfast at 8:00, outdoors, to the calls of toucans.
After breakfast, we venture into the tropical forest through Achuar eyes — learning how roots and canopies become medicine, food, tools, weapons, and shelter. Our guide carries knowledge passed down through generations.

Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, we kayak along the Kapawari River, exploring inlets and lagoons in search of the pink river dolphin — a sacred creature in Achuar mythology. The water is still as a mirror. Sometimes the dolphin appears; sometimes it does not. But the journey itself is worth every stroke.

After dinner, an evening walk through the jungle. The Amazon does not sleep — it sheds its skin. In the darkness, neon-bright frogs emerge, armored insects take the stage, and nocturnal predators begin their watch. The walk lasts about an hour.

Optional this day: ayahuasca ceremony (available at an additional cost). We offer the opportunity to take part in a ceremony led by an experienced Achuar shaman.

Important! Preparation is required before the ceremony — for 7 days prior, please avoid coffee, spicy food, red meat, and alcohol. On the day of the ceremony, fasting is required. The ceremony begins at around 19:00 and may continue late into the night. The experience is deeply personal. We will share guidance on how to approach it with awareness and respect.

Please note: participation in ayahuasca ceremonies may involve psychological and physiological reactions. We strongly recommend consulting a doctor or relevant specialist before making your decision.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Kapawi Ecolodge


Day 5. May 9, 2027. ACHUAR COMMUNITY OF WAYUSENTS

Early morning — optional Wayus time. New dreams, new stories, new conversations: each session brings us closer to understanding the Achuar worldview.

We continue our introduction to the Achuar people — known in Russian ethnography as the Shuar (Jivaro). This legendary nation of the western Amazon is considered one of the most formidable warrior peoples in history. It was they who practiced the ritual of shrinking enemies' heads — tsantsa — believing it preserved the soul of the defeated and strengthened the power of the victor.

Some studies suggest that up to 70% of Shuar men died in battle — the highest recorded rate of combat mortality in the world. These facts have made the Shuar a symbol of defiance and strength throughout Amazonian culture.

After breakfast, we travel by canoe for about an hour to the community of Wayusentsa — the heart of the Achuar people. This ancient riverside settlement is home to around 180 people. Our visit includes a walk through the village and a visit to an Aha — a traditional family farm or garden.

We are treated to a traditional lunch cooked over open fire, using local ingredients, accompanied by stories about the meaning and spirit of food. Those who wish may support the community by purchasing handmade goods, textiles, and jewelry. We return to the lodge by sunset.

Weather permitting, we drift back on the water — slowly, without a motor. Or perhaps gather around a fire on the riverbank. Every evening at Kapawi we light a fire. Some come to warm themselves, some simply to sit in silence by the water. Others head for a swim in the Kapawari River — always safe, always accompanied by our guides.

After dinner, an optional night boat journey — a quiet, almost meditative trip up the Kapawari River. We drift through the darkness to watch the sky and listen to the jungle. Sometimes we catch the glint of a caiman's eyes in the water; sometimes bats and nocturnal birds pass overhead.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Kapawi Ecolodge


Day 6. May 10, 2027. KAPAWI – SHELL – BAÑOS

Before breakfast, we take a boat excursion to a parrot lick on the Pastaza River. Up to four to six species of parrots typically gather here in the early morning to feed on minerals and nutrients in the soil — chestnut-fronted macaws, dusky-headed parakeets, and Amazonian parrots are usually spotted from the boat. We return to the lodge for breakfast at 8:00.
After breakfast, we pack up and set off — at around 10:00 we head upriver by boat to the village of Kusutka, then board a small plane for the roughly 50-minute flight to Shell, before continuing on to Baños.

On arrival in Baños, we walk to the Pailón del Diablo — "Devil's Cauldron" — a waterfall named for the cauldron-like shape of its basin and the fierce, churning force of its water. We cross suspension bridges and follow trails that bring us safely close to the falls, revealing them from multiple angles.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel Miramelindo or similar


Day 7. May 11, 2027. BAÑOS – COTOPAXI

Breakfast at the hotel. We begin with a tour of Baños — a charming mountain resort town of around 20,000 people, set at 1,826 meters above sea level in a subtropical climate with average temperatures of around +20°C year-round.

Baños is famous for its hot springs and spectacular waterfalls, all in the shadow of the Tungurahua volcano, which rises to 5,016 meters. We visit the region's most impressive falls: Manto de la Novia, Agoyán, Casa del Árbol, and La Virgen — the last of which lies within the town itself.

We also stop at the famous "Swing at the End of the World," and those who wish may take a zip line over the Pastaza River canyon for an additional fee.

Lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, we drive to Cotopaxi National Park — about two hours away. Our overnight altitude is approximately 2,900 meters. Daytime temperatures are around +20°C; nights drop to around +10°C.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Hacienda La Cienega 4 or similar


Day 8. May 12, 2027. TIGUA – QUILOTOA – QUITO

Today takes us into a world where nature and culture meet.
On the way to the Quilotoa crater, we stop in the village of Tigua — the birthplace of the distinctive "Naïve" painting style. Local artists paint Andean landscapes of Ecuador directly onto sheepskin — a unique genre that emerged just a few decades ago and has since become the artistic signature of the region. At a local workshop, you can see the works in person and bring home an original piece.

We then continue west along the route known as the "Pujilí Road," passing through the village of Quilotoa. Arriving at the rim of an ancient collapsed volcano at 3,914 meters above sea level, we are met with a breathtaking view of the emerald crater lake. A walk along the viewing platform offers panoramic vistas, and there is time to explore the local indigenous community.
Optional: hike down to the water's edge, paddle across the crater lake by kayak, and ride back up on a mule. These services are offered independently by local residents, are not included in the program price, and are available until approximately 15:00.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Ikala Quito or similar


Day 9. May 13, 2027. QUITO – DEPARTURE FLIGHT (OR FLIGHT TO THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS)

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Quito airport at the designated time for your return flight home.

For those continuing to the Galápagos Islands: flights depart between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m., with arrival at Baltra Airport no later than 10:00 a.m.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: none

*Recommended departure flights:
– Copa Airlines to Panama, departs Quito at 14:52, or – Avianca to Bogotá, departs Quito at 10:15, or – Iberia to Madrid, departs Quito at 18:05, or – LATAM Chile to Bogotá, departs Quito at 07:12, or – any other available flight departing Quito at any time on May 13.

**Recommended flights to the Galápagos:
– LATAM Chile from Quito, departing at 06:51, arriving at Baltra Airport at 09:23, or – any other flight arriving at Baltra Airport no later than 10:00 a.m. on May 13.

* Visits and excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions (road conditions, ferry/airline schedules and actual weather). If some visits and/or tours could not be realized due to external reasons, they will be replaced if possible.