Fruit Hunting In ECUADOR with Weird Explorer

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant, just a brief 20-minute transfer from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Ecuadorian flavors. Please note that the menu includes a soft drink, and additional beverages can be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Quito.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

A visit to Mercado Central in Peru is a sensory immersion into local life, offering a bustling and chaotic experience with a vast array of fresh produce, meats, textiles, and crafts, along with food stalls for authentic meals

Accompanied by your guide, traverse through bustling market stalls, engaging with local vendors and discovering the rich variety of fresh produce, herbs, and spices used in Ecuadorian cuisine. During the market visit, you'll pick up the essential ingredients for our upcoming recipe. Following this, a brief 15-minute transfer leads to Altamira, a restaurant nestled within a colonial building. This restaurant boasts a dedicated studio for cooking classes, focusing on Ecuador's most cherished dishes. Led by expert chefs, immerse yourself in a hands-on session crafting a traditional 3-course menu. Once your culinary masterpieces are ready, delight in a memorable lunch alongside your fellow travelers, relishing the flavors of your own creations. Following lunch, a short 20-minute transfer returns you to your hotel, allowing time for refreshment before continuing your exploration of Quito.

It's time to savor your own creations! Lunch features a delightful 3-course menu: starters include manioc tortilla and zesty shrimp ceviche. For the main course, choose between fish or shrimp served with coconut sauce, accompanied by potatos filled with cheese and meat. Conclude with a delightful dark chocolate dessert soup. Please note, beverages are not included and can be purchased at the venue. Additionally, the menu may vary based on seasonal availability of products.

In the early afternoon, a quick 20-minute transfer will whisk you away to the historical heart of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries of culture and architectural splendor. Your journey begins at the vibrant Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande, a bustling square steeped in history. Here, the Cathedral of Quito stands proudly, showcasing a fusion of Gothic, Baroque, and Moorish influences in its stunning facade and intricate interiors, offering a glimpse into the city's spiritual heritage. Just steps away lies La Compañía de Jesús, a true gem among Quito's churches. This Jesuit marvel captivates with its opulent Baroque style, adorned lavishly with intricate gold leaf detailing throughout its ornate interior. Wandering through these architectural wonders, the cobblestone streets and colonial buildings transport you back in time, immersing you in the city's rich past. After exploring the main attractions of the old city, a transfer will return you to the hotel, granting you free time to savor dinner at your leisure. Please note that this tour covers a leisurely 0.5 to 1 mile on flat cobblestone streets.

A highlight of any Weird Explorer tour! During the fruit feast you will join your new fruit hunting friends in order to enjoy all the fruit that was found during the trip so far. Jared, the Weird Explorer, will lead you through the fruit tasting.

Overnight in Quito.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After a hearty breakfast and hotel check-out, embark on a captivating journey along the Volcano Avenue, a scenic route tracing the majestic Andes Mountain range. Along the way, be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring views of iconic snow-capped volcanos such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Antisana, among others. Gas station stops will be available for restroom breaks as needed. Please note that there may be an additional charge for using these facilities.

On the way, you’ll stop at the Saquisilí Market, one of the most authentic and colorful Indigenous markets in Ecuador. Here, you’ll have time to walk through the lively stalls filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, textiles, and local delicacies — a perfect opportunity to experience Ecuadorian culture up close and maybe pick up a few souvenirs.

Overnight in Baños de Agua Santa.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After your breakfast, embark on a 30-minute transfer to the mesmerizing 'Pailon del Diablo' waterfalls. Upon arrival at the gate, a short and enchanting hike awaits through cloud forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including orchids, ferns, and an array of bird species. The trail gives sneak peeks of the rushing river below, building excitement for the amazing view up ahead. One of the tour's highlights is the suspension bridge spanning the gorge, providing an exhilarating vantage point to admire the sheer power and beauty of Pailon del Diablo. Crossing this bridge offers stunning panoramic views up and down the river. The cascading waterfall's force, creates a dramatic and captivating ambiance. Vibrant vegetation adorns the surrounding cliffs, adding to the enchanting scenery. Close to the waterfall, there is a restaurant, offering restroom facilities and the option to purchase snacks and beverages. Throughout this tour, you'll cover a comfortable 2.5-mile walk on easy trails, stairs, and bridges. Upon concluding the visit, a transfer will whisk you directly to the 'End of the World Swing.'

A 40-minute transfer from Pailon del Diablo waterfalls leads you to a spectacular property atop a hill boasting unparalleled views of the mountain range. This is your chance to capture an incredible photo while swinging on the edge of a steep hill, overlooking the active Tungurahua volcano. And yes, it gets even more epic—the swing is attached to a cozy treehouse. Once there, enjoy free time to take turns on the swing with your fellow travelers, wander the surroundings, or simply relax in the gardens, soaking in the impressive views. After everyone has had their swing moment, a 30-minute transfer will return you to the hotel, granting you leisurely time for lunch at your own pace. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the town at your leisure. Kindly note there's only one swing available, so everyone will take turns! While waiting for your turn, feel free to explore other viewpoints on the property.

With the afternoon free, you can take some time to relax OR join Jared for an informal outing to a local market or other attractions in the area.

Again you will get a chance to sit down with the latest fruit hoard in order to enjoy it as a group.

Overnight in Baños de Agua Santa.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, begin a picturesque journey from the Andes to the Amazon, following a scenic route that leads to your hotel in Tena. Gas station stops will be available for restroom breaks as needed. Please note that there may be an additional charge for using these facilities.

Upon arrival at your hotel in mid-morning, take some time to freshen up and settle in. Later, embark on a brief 15-minute transfer to Misahualli, nestled in the dense rainforest along the Napo River in the Amazon jungle. Once there, join your guide for a jungle hike along well-maintained trails that wind through the lush rainforest, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Amazon. These trails cater to varying difficulty levels, accommodating both beginners and seasoned hikers. Your knowledgeable guide will lead the way, introducing various plant and animal species while offering insights into the rich ecology of the Amazon. The length of the hike will be tailored to the group's interests but typically covers approximately 1 to 1.5 miles. Should the rain create muddy terrain, you will be provided rubber boots for your comfort. Following this introductory hike, return to the hotel to savor a well-deserved lunch.

Lunch will be served at the hotel restaurant, offering stunning views overlooking the Napo River. The meal includes a main course and dessert, accompanied by one soft drink. Additional beverages are available for purchase at the venue.

After lunch, enjoy a brief 5-minute transfer to the Tiyuyacu community, a native group residing amidst the Amazon rainforest. This community belongs to the Kichwa nationality, where members primarily speak the Kichwa language. Your local guide will facilitate communication and offer insight into local words and customs. Ecuador is home to 14 indigenous nationalities, and the Kichwa community resides in the Amazonia region. Engage in an immersive experience with community members, delving into their traditional customs. Learn about ancestral gold-washing techniques, discover the diverse methods of preparing yucca, explore their use of medicinal plants, and more. This insightful visit will last approximately 1.5 hours before returning to the hotel. Please note that restroom facilities may not be available during the visit. It's important to be respectful toward the locals by asking for permission before taking photos. If you have any queries, always feel free to ask your guide for assistance.

Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant, offering stunning views overlooking the Napo River. The meal includes a main course and dessert, accompanied by one soft drink. Additional beverages are available for purchase at the venue.

Overnight near Tena.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast, join the group at the hotel's wellness area for an immersive journey into the world of cocoa, an iconic treasure of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This hands-on experience invites you to explore with all your senses. Holding the cocoa pods in your hands, dive into the rich world of flavor, discovering the process from pod to seed, understanding the art of drying, and roasting the seeds in a pan, filling the air with the delightful aroma of cocoa. Next, you'll use a mill to grind the roasted seeds. Finally, the ground cocoa will be mixed with milk and sugar, allowing each passenger to tailor the taste to their preference. The highlight? You'll savor your own creation, indulging in chocolates accompanied by fresh fruits. Following this delightful cacao adventure, it will be time to check out from the hotel and embark on your transfer to Papallacta.

Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant, offering stunning views overlooking the Napo River. The meal includes a main course and dessert, accompanied by one soft drink. Additional beverages are available for purchase at the venue.

Enjoy one last evening in Quito on your own or join Jared for another outing to local markets and other fruit related attractions in the area.

One last chance to sit down and taste all the fruit that has been found since the last feast.

Overnight in Quito

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.