Arrive To: Arrivals at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign (only applies to Road Scholar group flights).

Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day.


Lodging: Hotel Sheraton Quito

Quito -
Quito City Orientation/Field Trip to the Equator Line & Museo Intiñan.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.


Morning: Program Orientation.
Excursion to El Panecillo Hill.
Site lecture: From Quito to Ecuador – An Historical Overview.

Before the Spanish arrived, the hill known as El Panecillo (Small Bread Roll) was used by the Inca for sun worshiping. In the early 1800s, the Spanish military took advantage of El Panecillo's strategic location and elevation (9,843 ft), and built a fortress to protect and monitor the city. In present times, the hill is the site of a city monument and lookout point where visitors can get 360° views of Quito. On clear days, it is even possible to spot Cotopaxi's snowy peak in the distance.

City orientation including visits to Independence Square, La Compania Church (with Gold Interior) and San Francisco Church and Convent. Quito (9,350 ft) was once the capital of the Quitu Empire before it was conquered by the Incas. The Inca rulers later razed Quito to keep its riches from the Spaniards. Today, all signs of its pre-Columbian origins have been erased. The city is now divided between beautiful colonial architecture and the clean lines of its modern section.


Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant with an introduction to Ecuadorian food products and typical Ecuadorian cuisine.


Afternoon: Field trip to Museo Intiñan located on the Equator line. This museum has a permanent exposition about the Andean cosmovision of Ecuador's ancestral cultures. Learn in a didactic way about the indigenous calendar and its exactitude.
Visit an indigenous home dating back 120 years ago to learn about the way of living and traditions of the indigenous people. Learn about Amazonia's indigenous cultures and one of their main rituals, the "tzantza."

Return to the hotel.
Lecture: Ecuador - Present and Future of Ecuador.


Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.


Lodging: Hotel Sheraton Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Amazonia/Napo River -
Fly from Quito to Coca/Boat Transfer on the Napo River/Introduction to Amazonia.

Note: The flight from Quito to Coca has a 28lb weight limit, per person, for checked luggage.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.


Morning: Transfer to Quito airport for 45 minute flight to Coca (flight will depart at about 10:30 a.m.).

The town of Coca is also known as Puerto Francisco de Orellana. This port city is the capital of the Orellana province and one of the country's gateways to exploring the Amazon. It is located at the confluence of two important rivers, the Napo and the Coca.

Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel La Mision's dock on the Napo River (10-15 min drive).


Lunch: Boxed lunch en route.


Afternoon: Boat transfer on the Napo River (2.5 hours). Take the opportunity to look for wildlife along the way with the help of your experienced naturalist.

One of the Amazon's main tributaries, the Napo River is also Ecuador's longest river. These areas of rich jungle are constantly threatened by the discovery of oil and the clearing of lands for farming purposes. In an effort to retain some of country's rich natural heritage, Ecuador has established a number of parks and research stations in the Amazon.

Disembark at the La Selva dock. After taking a break to apply insect repellent and use the facilities, begin a 15-20 minute jungle walk to the edge of a local creek. Participants will be responsible for taking their carry-ons, the remaining luggage will be transported by the lodge's staff. The final stage of your journey (20 minutes) will be spent navigating across Lake Garzacocha in fiberglass canoes.

Arrive to lodge, check-in and orientation.

Enjoy a guided nature walk on the Matapalo Trail, named after the strangler fig tree that is found along this route. Learn about this and other unique flora during your walk.

This region of South America contains the world's largest tropical rainforest and is possibly the planet's most biologically diverse region, with many species still waiting to be discovered.

NOTE ABOUT LODGE ACTIVITIES: the group will be divided into small groups, each of which will be led by a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal and other useful plants, and a bilingual naturalist guide educated in the biology and ecology of the area. A typical day begins at sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest animals are most active. In the afternoon, visits begin between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins.


Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.


Evening: Night walk through the rainforest to view the hundreds of different species of nocturnal animals. Bring a flashlight.

Lodging: La Selva Amazon Ecolodge and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Amazonia/Napo River -
Observation Tower/Rainforest Walk/Garzacocha Lake/Nighttime Canoe Ride.

Breakfast: Early morning breakfast at the lodge.


Morning: Field trip to the observation tower--a viewing platform located up in a kapok tree,135 ft from the ground. Look for and observe the various birds and monkeys that frequent the rainforest canopy. Participants will need to walk for 20-25 minutes on a forest trail to reach the observation tower.

We will continue our forest explorations with a walk on the Tucaneta Trail. Learn about the characteristics of a tropical rainforest and discover the diversity of insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals contained within this biologically rich environment.


Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.


Afternoon: Time at leisure to rest and prepare for afternoon activities.

Embark on a 2 hour canoe ride on Garzacocha Lake. During this activity we will search for herons, flycatchers, red howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and other interesting fauna that frequent the lake shore. Be on the lookout for Hoatzins!

Return to the lodge.


Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.


Evening: Nighttime canoe ride in search of nocturnal animals including caimans, boas, bats, and owls. Weather permitting, enjoy some star gazing.

Lodging: La Selva Amazon Ecolodge and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Amazonia/Napo River -
Yasuni National Park - Parrot Lick/Kichwa Family Visit/Medicinal Plants of the Rainforest.

Breakfast: Early breakfast at the lodge.


Morning: Field trip to Yasuni National Park and its parrot clay lick for a chance to spot flocks of parakeets and colorful parrots eating clay along the banks. Do not forget to bring your binoculars!

After a 20 minute canoe ride, disembark and walk for 15 minutes on the trail that will take us to the La Selva dock on the Napo River. From here we will enjoy a 10 minute canoe ride to the local parrot clay lick. Observe as hundreds of noisy parrots and parakeets congregate around the clay lick, waiting to get their daily dose of clay. This seemingly strange behavior, called geophagy, is fairly common among members of the parrot family. The mineral rich soil acts as both a vitamin supplement and a detoxifying agent.

After learning about the various parrot and parakeet species that frequent the clay lick, journey along the river to search for more bird life on the river banks.

Before returning to the lodge, enjoy some cultural interaction at the home of a local Kichwa family. Learn about your hosts' cultural and spiritual traditions and their simple way of life.


Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.


Afternoon: Walking field trip on the Chaguamango Hermano Trail. Learn about the medicinal properties of various neotropical plants as you follow the trail from its starting point, behind the lodge, all the way to its end at the edge of Garzachocha Lake. Return to the lodge by canoe.


Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.


Evening: Sit down for a final briefing on the next day's schedule.

Lodging: La Selva Amazon Ecolodge and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Otavalo –
Fly from Coca to Quito/Introduction to the Highlands.

Breakfast: Early breakfast at the lodge.


Morning: Board fiber glass canoes and navigate from the lodge to the trail head. Disembark and walk on the trail to the La Selva dock on the Napo River. Board a motor boat to Coca.


Lunch: Box lunch en-route.


Afternoon: Arrive in Coca and transfer to the airport for flight to Quito.
Upon arrival in Quito, board a bus and begin your transfer to Otavalo (approx. 2 hours).

Otavalo is a largely indigenous town in the Imbabura Province of Ecuador. The highland town is situated in a valley surrounded by imposing volcanoes. The Otavalo Indians have become famous for the weaving of textiles, a tradition that dates back more than 400 years. The town's famous market has traditionally been held on Saturdays, but its popularity has been so great that many local vendors set up their wares throughout the week in the Plaza de los Ponchos. The area was traditionally made up of farming communities but the focus has changed with the growth of tourism and the demand for handicrafts.

Arrive at the hacienda and check-in.
Time at leisure to rest, relax, and enjoy the gardens.

Lecture: A History of the Indigenous People of Otavalo - Independence and Entrepreneurial Expertise.


Dinner: Dinner at the hacienda.

Lodging: El Monasterio de Cusin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Otavalo -
Textile Market/Cultural Interaction with Indigenous Community.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hacienda.


Morning: Field trip to Otavalo textile market and site lecture.

Our day will continue with a visit to a local indigenous community. Meet one of the Quichua families who will share with us some of their native customs and traditions. Interact with locals while learning the traditional style of bread baking.

Enjoy a walk through the community and visit the gardens, orchards, medicinal plants, cuy farm and local honey project.


Lunch: Lunch with a local family, featuring traditional Ecuadorian food.


Afternoon: After lunch, delight in a dance performance by the local children.

Return to the hacienda.


Dinner: Dinner at the hacienda.

Lodging: El Monasterio de Cusin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Early morning coffee at the hacienda.

Transfer to Riobamba with a stop at Hacienda La Compañia for breakfast.

The Hacienda La Compañia is a traditional Ecuadorian hacienda which has been in the Jarrín family for more than a century. In addition to its famed hospitality and cuisine, the property boasts an extraordinary rose plantation which you will have a chance to see and enjoy. Also, pay a visit to the showroom to view and marvel at all the different varieties of roses produced in the area.


Morning: Continue your transfer through the famous "Avenue of the Volcanoes." Site lecture: Agriculture in the Ecuadorian Andes.


Lunch: Lunch at a local hacienda en route.

Afternoon: Continue with the transfer to Riobamba.
Arrive in Riobamba and check-in at the hotel.

The capital of the Chimborazo province, Riobamba, is a small town located in an important agricultural region of Ecuador. It was once home to the Puruhuá Indians before becoming part of the Inca Empire during the 15th century. The city’s current layout and Spanish architecture reflect its colonial past. Colorful buildings, tiled roofs, parks and plazas, are framed by scenic views of snow-capped volcanoes.


Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Abraspungo Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.


Morning: Rail excursion to "Devil's Nose."

Construction of the Guayaquil to Quito railway line began in 1899 with the help of American engineers. The ambitious project was delayed once the tracks reached the Devil's Nose; a large and very steep rock formation that stood in their way. However, a unique solution was devised to get past the sheer rock face that to this day is recognized as a masterpiece of engineering.


Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.


Afternoon: Field trip to Ingapirca Ruins with site lecture.
Site Lecture: Ingapirca Ruins and the Lifestyle of the Inca Royalty.

Ingapirca is the most important Inca complex in Ecuador, located in the southern Andean region of Cañar. The circular Temple of the Sun, which stands in the center of the complex, was once an important ceremonial center for the Cañari-Inca. The superior stone masonry skills of the Inca can be seen in the perfect cut and fit of the stones. In addition to the temple, excavations have uncovered observatories, storage rooms, priests’ quarters, a plaza, and cemeteries.

Transfer to Cuenca.
Arrive in Cuenca and check-in at hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.


Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Santa Lucia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.


Morning: Walking orientation through the Old City of Cuenca ending at the Tomebamba River.

Despite being the third largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca has managed to retain its colonial flavor and small town feel with 16th century buildings, churches, red tiled roofs, and narrow cobbled stone streets. Cuenca is also the heart of Ecuador’s artistic culture.

Transfer to Turi's Hill for breathtaking view of Cuenca.


Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.


Afternoon: Time at leisure.
Field trip to the Ortega Hat Factory.
Site Lecture: The Making of the Panama Hat.

The lightweight Panama Hats were a hit in the tropics because of their breathable weave and quickly overtook sales of the more traditional, and heavier, felt hats. In the early 1900’s Panama Hats became synonymous with linen suits and tropical seaside locations. Despite their name, the famous brimmed hats made of woven toquilla straw, originated in Ecuador. The misnomer comes from the fact that the straw hats were originally exported to the rest of the world via Panama.

Return to the hotel.
Time at leisure.
Lecture: The Inca Civilization and its Influence on Cuenca.


Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Santa Lucia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.


Morning: Begin transfer to Guayaquil.
En route excursion to a typical coastal farm.

Visit a local coastal hacienda with banana and cocoa plantations; learn about the sowing and harvesting process and what is needed to prepare the goods for export. Banana and cacao are some of the most exported products in the nation and an important source of revenue for Ecuador.


Lunch: Typical lunch at a local hacienda.


Afternoon: Continue with transfer to Guayaquil.

Established along the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and most important port. The city underwent a transformation considered short of miraculous centered around a two mile riverfront walkway, or Malecon, with restored historic buildings, gardens, museums, stores, and restaurants. Indulging in the locals' favorite pastime, take a stroll along the Malecon and visit a museum, Las Peñas Hill and local exhibits.

Excursion to local museum to learn about archaeology and how the pre-hispanic people lived in Ecuador thousands of years ago.

Visit to the Las Peñas neighborhood.

Las Peñas is a colorful historic neighborhood located at the base of Santa Ana Hill in Guayaquil. Las Peñas runs the length of Numa Pompillo Lllona, its only street, and exemplifies Ecuador's coastal colonial architectural style. From the top of Santa Ana Hill one can see panoramic views of the city and the Guayas River.


Dinner: Dinner at a local Malecon (waterfront) restaurant.


Evening: Depending on the international carrier used, participants will either check-out of the hotel and transfer to the international airport for a late night/early morning flight or spend the night at the hotel and depart in the morning.

Lodging: Hotel Oro Verde

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart from Guayaquil/International Flights
Arrive to the U.S.

Depart From: Transfer to international airport for flight to the U.S.

Participants enrolled in the Road Scholar extension (program #20185), will be transferred to the airport to catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day.


Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel (depending on flight time).

Meals Included: Breakfast