Awaken company

Free Spirit
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP ?

Are you looking to take time for personal reflection and to connect with nature? Are you wanting a travel experience where you can mix personal awareness and fun-filled adventures? Then the Free spirit program is for you. Participate in ancestral ceremonies, take a dip in natural hot springs, hike unknown trails, and go on many adventures such as surfing in the bright blue waters off the Ecuadorian coast.

About the trip :

For those who want to connect with nature, this adventure is for you. This journey encompasses ritualism, nature, self-awareness and fun-filled experiences.

Physical rating :

Your tour will include yoga, kayaking, hiking ands snorkeling.

Number of days :

14 days 

Starting at $2,450

CHECK OUT THE DIFERENT REGIONS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Quito

↝ Straddle the equator at the Middle of the World
↝ Hike volcano, Rucu Pinchincha
↝ Learn how to make traditional Ecuadorian meals
↝ Visit the Panecillo, a large statute of the Virgin Mary overlooking Quito – climb inside to the top of the statue for one of the best views of Quito
↝ Tour the historical center, the first UNESCO world heritage site and known for its colonial architecture and ornate cathedrals

Highlands

↝ Enjoy a short hike up to Peguche waterfall – we’ll take you on a trail that not many people know about! 
↝ Swim below waterfalls
↝ Visit the town of leather
↝ Hike around Cuicocha crater lake – this hike is a bit challenging but so worth it . . . we promise this will be one of the best views you have ever seen! 
↝ Take a dip in natural hot springs
↝ Shop in South America’s largest artisanal market
↝ Connect with community members and spend one night at a homestay
↝ Horseback ride up a mountain and take in the view of the little village below

Coast

↝ Explore the magnificent beaches of Ecuador
↝ Go surfing
↝ Meet local friendly fishermen and eat fresh fish
↝ Stay at a hostel with a sustainable vision: for every plastic bag you bring in from the beach, you receive a free beer! 
↝ Visit a coastal national park, Machalilla
↝ Take a boat out to go whale watching (mid-June – October)
↝ Take a boat to Isla de las Platas, a beautiful island inhabited by blue-footed boobies
↝ Snorkel in the ocean where fish, turtles, and manta rays will greet you in their home
↝ Take on extreme sports, such as parasailing and tubing
↝ Enjoy the beach night life

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito : Arrive Quito. Transportation from the airport.

Day 2 Quito : Visit Mitad del Mundo (equator) and Intiñan Museum.

Day 3 Quito : Visit Centro Historico, the largest and most well-preserved historic center in South America, and artisanal markets. In the evening, watch the sunset from Panecillo. Farewell dinner in Quito.

Day 4 Peguche : Enjoy a short hike up to the Peguche waterfall off of the typical tourist path

Day 5 Cuicocha/Chichimbiro : Visit Atuntaqui. Arrive to the crater lake of Cuicocha where you will hike for around 4 to 5 hours while enjoying the challenge of completing the loop of the whole crater lake! In Chachimbiro you will have the chance to relax in the hot springs that sit on top of the mountain.

Day 6 Otavalo : Today will be a day of relaxation in order to reenergize after your hike and get ready for the rest of your adventure. Wander around Otavalo Market, the largest artisan market in South America! Get lost in the colors of the textiles and other hand-made goods waiting for you in the Plaza de Ponchos.
 
Day 7 Cayambe and Paquiestancia Comunity : Explore the village of Paquiestancia where you will learn how the community goes through their daily life. At the top, you will get to spend time with another family where they will show you how they farm !

Day 8 Quito : Take a cable car part way up and then hike Rucu Pichincha Vulcano, an active volcano flanking Quito, to an elevation of 4,698 m (15,413 ft). 

Day 9 Canoa : Start your beach exploration in the city of Canoa. Perfect to relax and meet friendly local fishermen coming back from their long fishing trip. This city has amazing waves to start learning how to surf, as well as delicious sea food, fresh from the ocean.

Day 10 Playa de los Frailes : Enjoy the beauty of this well-known beach, one of the most beautiful in Ecuador. In the evening, continue your journey to the beautiful city of Puerto Lopez.

Day 11 Puerto Lopez : Begin your day with an amazing boat trip to see the whales. These marvelous animals will take your breath away as they wave hello to you. The cliff at the edge of the island gives you an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean.
Your journey won’t be done yet! Next: snorkeling. Fish, turtles and even Manta rays will greet you in their home. You will be amazed by what nature has to offer you. 

Day 12 Montañita : Enjoy your final days in the well-known city: Montañita. This city offers many extreme sports as parasailing, tubing and more! Fight your fear and take advantage of the adventures offered by Montañita. Artisanal jewelries are sold in the street, as well as the typical plate: Ceviche. End your night admiring the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Day 13 Montañita : Spend the morning at the beach or exploring the city. In the afternoon, head back to Quito – enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at the Awaken House.

Day 14 Quito : Spend your last day relaxing in Quito before flying home.