Welcome to Ecuador to all participants to the 3rd IAA Latin American Symposium on SmallSats & the 5th IAA Latin American CubeSat Workshop – Space Technology, Culture, and Society.
Enjoy Ecuador while you visit with the handpicked tours below, or contact us for personalized options.
March 8-11, 2022
day tours & extra servIces
Tours exclusive for participants in the IAA and may be combined with other participants from the event.
TRANSFERS
Dates available: As needed
Transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Quito, or vice versa. Look for a sign with your name on it. The airport is located in the town of Tababela, about 43 km from Quito and it will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to arrive.
- Assistance upon arrival with an English-speaking guide
- Private transportation from Quito Airport to your selected hotel.
- Transfers might be subject to be shared with other participants of the event.
TRANSFERS
Dates available: As needed
Transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Quito, or vice versa. Look for a sign with your name on it. The airport is located in the town of Tababela, about 43 km from Quito and it will take approximately 45 minutes to one hour to arrive.
- Assistance upon arrival with an English-speaking guide
- Private transportation from Quito Airport to your selected hotel.
- Transfers might be subject to be shared with other participants of the event.
EVENT DINNER
Dates available:
Join us on an unforgettable experience with a farewell dinner of our IAA event. Taste local flavors among colleagues while reminiscing the highlights of this conference and the destination, Ecuador. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
OTAVALO
OTAVALO MARKET
You´ll be picked up from your hotel to head towards Imbabura known as “The Province of the Lakes”. The highway offers a lovely view passing through Calderón and Guayllabamba valleys.
We will make a short stop here to get to know more about local culture. Passing through Cayambe we can get a sight of the snow-capped volcano (5,790m.), the world´s highest point crossed by the Equator Line. This small town is also famous for its salt biscuits with “leaf cheese” and “manjar”.
We can make a stop here to try this delicacy before we continue to the Imbabura province, named after the Imbabura Volcano, where we will first head to the largest lake in Ecuador, the San Pablo. We will then enter Otavalo City which holds a local market every day, the biggest are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, an ancient tradition and cultural exchange site among the Otavalo community. Furthermore, we visit the peaceful Cotacachi Village, famous for its leather, and meet the local craftsmen. After a last visit to the charming Cuicocha Crater Lake, we will head back to Quito in the late afternoon.
INCLUDED: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, lunch.
Per Person
Minimum of 2 travelers on each tour to confirm
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
QUITO
QUITO CITY TOUR, MIDDLE OF THE WORLD & VISIT TO LOCAL BREWERY
During the historical city tour of Quito, you will explore the best-preserved colonial center of all of South America. As one of the first World Heritage Sites, it will be an unforgettable experience as if you …
were stepping back in time. The first stop is the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Due to its size and style, it is considered the largest neo-gothic temple in the Americas, and the most important piece of neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. You will continue to the Plaza Grande or Independence Square. Admire the historical buildings surrounding the square and its important history! Located here are the Presidential Palace, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace.
Another visit you will enjoy is the most impressive of all churches, the San Francisco de Quito. The church houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artists from the famous methods of “Escuela Quiteña” Quito School, which are the artistic traditions associated with the 17th and 18th centuries. Walk through the lively colonial streets of the old town to visit other historical highlights such as the Panecillo, from where you will have an amazing 360-degree view of the city.
A must-see stop during your visit to Ecuador is the Middle of the World. Here an Equator Monument was built to honor the 18th century French Geodesic Mission, led by French scientists Condamine, Bouguer, Godin, and the Ecuadorian geographer, Pedro Vicente Maldonado, who studied the curvature of the planet and determined the supposed location of the equator. This unique place allows you to be a part of a historic landmark in what was once thought as the exact equator line. Have fun with the family taking playful photos with the monument in the background, such as the popular takes with one foot in each hemisphere or pretending to hold the monument ball in your hands! Additionally, the complex offers an Ethnographic museum, a planetarium, artisanal stores, great for picking up souvenirs, coffee shops, and restaurants that serve local food.
We end the tour at a local brewery, the first beer is on us!
INCLUDED: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance to La Compañia, Panecillo, and Middle of the World, 1 beer.
Per Person
Minimum of 2 travelers on each tour to confirm
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- One glass of beer included at the local brewery.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
COTOPAXI
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Today’s adventure starts early in the morning when you drive south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Today’s destination is one of the highest active volcanoes. in the world and one of Ecuador’s most…
popular highlights: the elegant Cotopaxi Volcano, with an altitude of 5897 meters above sea level. This impressive, snow-capped volcano stands proudly in the middle of the beautiful national park that bears its name.
Upon arrival at the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, your guide will explain the unique flora and fauna of the area and the history of the volcano. Subsequently, you’ll continue to the Limpiopungo Lake (altitude: 3850 meters), to enjoy a hike through the stunning “paramo”, or grassland, a landscape where you can see hummingbirds, wild horses, and other wildlife. All this time, the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano is just a few steps away and on a clear day, you can admire its full glory.
INCLUDED: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, lunch
Per Person
Minimum of 2 travelers on each tour to confirm
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
MINDO
MINDO CLOUD FOREST
Mindo is a natural paradise hidden amongst the clouds. The site is considered one of the most biodiverse places on earth and its protected forest Mindo-Nambillo is home to many…
species of birds, mammals, reptiles, orchids, and butterflies. You can visit this natural reserve through a ‘tarabita’ or cable car that will ride you above breathtaking scenery. Once there, you can choose to do a hike to visit 15 waterfalls of different heights and beauty.
On the way back you can visit one of the most touching experiences in Mindo; a butterfly garden. The place has an exhibition of 25 colorful butterfly species and you can observe them in their four stages of life. To experience 1,200 butterflies flying at the same time around or even landing on you is definitely a must! In the afternoon, you can delight your senses by taking a chocolate tour. A guide will teach you about all the necessary steps to produce the best chocolate in the world! At the end of the tour, you will be able to try and buy several chocolate products.
Zip-Line Through the Cloud Forest
In Mindo, you can experience the cloud forest like a bird, soaring above in the treetops. Before taking off through the forest with a new perspective, you will be given a briefing on the equipment. There is more than one zip-line and each is built under strict international safety regulations, hardy pulleys, and stainless steel that can withstand 11,000 lbs or 5,000 kg.
Included: private excursion, English-speaking guide, entrance to Butterfly farm, chocolate factory, and Zip-line
INCLUDED: Private excursion, English-speaking guide, entrance to Butterfly farm, chocolate factory, and Zip-line, lunch.
Per Person
Minimum of 2 travelers on each tour to confirm
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
ANTISANA
ANTISANA NATIONAL PARK
In the morning you leave Quito to travel southeast, to the Antisana Ecological Reserve. The impressive Antisana Volcano stands proudly in the middle of this beautiful reserve, creating stunning landscapes.
Because of the altitude of 4000 meters and the extreme temperature, the flora and fauna in the Antisana Ecological Reserve are truly unique. The plants in this area have adapted to the natural circumstances and make a mysterious and beautiful landscape. Your guide brings you close to the snow-capped top of the volcano by car, where you start to explore this special area. During the hike and car ride through the national park, you have the opportunity to see wildlife, such as horses, llamas, Andean gulls, black-faced ibises, and even condors, with some luck.
INCLUDED: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, lunch.
Per Person
Minimum of 2 travelers on each tour to confirm
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
PAPALLACTA
PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS SPA
You leave Ecuador’s capital in the morning to drive over the Eastern Cordillera, up to an impressive altitude of 4065 meters, before arriving at the small town of Papallacta (3300 meters).
On a clear day, you get amazed by magnificent views of the Antisana Volcano and the surrounding paramo highlands. In this beautiful region, you can spot birds, wild horses, and even spectacled bears, with some luck. Upon arrival in Papallacta, begin by exploring the area with a hike and then relax at the spa of Termas de Papallacta thermal hot springs that are naturally heated by the volcanic activity in the area. Thanks to the volcanoes, this water contains minerals that make bathing here benefit your mind and body. With this tour, you will experience ultimate relaxation in a beautiful environment. If you like, there is also time for a short hike to explore the area further.
INCLUDED: private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance to Termas de Papallacta (spa area)
Per Person
Minimum of 2 travelers on each tour to confirm
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Spa treatments, massages, etc.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
tour packages available
GALAPAGOS
Immerse yourself in a place where you are the guest among the wildlife, The Galapagos Islands. Explore the islands with the comfort of a hotel in the islands and enjoy at your own pace how you interact with the locals and the different tours.
Dates available: After March 12th, 2022
Rates per person based on double accommodation
3⋆ Category
$960 USD
4⋆ Category
$1155 USD
5⋆ Category
$1315 USD
Day 1: Santa Cruz Island Highlands
Today your Galapagos adventure begins! Your first stop on Santa Cruz Island will be Los Gemelos or the Twin Craters. They are not real craters, however, they were formed by the collapse of surface materials in underground fissures in an underground caldera from extinct volcanoes. Afterward, you continue through the highlands to visit a ranch with abundant green vegetation. You will be able to observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat.
INCLUDED: Transfers, English-speaking guide, lunch, and accommodation.
Day 2: Charles Darwin Station & Tortuga Bay
After breakfast visit Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. The interpretation center carries out education and developmental projects in support of the National Park Service, such as conservation programs and sustainable management of flora and fauna. The aim is to preserve this natural habitat in every aspect, allowing visitors to appreciate the original and endemic ecosystems. In the afternoon visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago: Tortuga Bay. The walk in the sun is rewarded with a spectacular white sand beach stretching across the southern coast of Santa Cruz. Tortuga Bay beach is famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline that gradually descends into the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
INCLUDED: Excursions, English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, and accommodation.
Day 3: Full day tour to another island
Today you will be given an option to go on a navigable excursion to another island. The activities on these navigable tours may include hiking, snorkeling, swimming, or an opportunity to relax in beautiful areas. Each tour is subject to availability to one of the following nearby islands: Bartolome, Santa Fe, South Plazas, or North Seymour.
INCLUDED: Shared excursion, English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, and accommodation.
Day 4: Return to Quito
Departure from Santa Cruz Island. You will have a transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.
INCLUDED: Airport transfer, and breakfast.
Include
- Accommodations in standard room category.
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
Not Include
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International & national flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
- Transit Control Card (TCC): $20 USD per person.
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $100 USD per adult and $50 USD per child under 12 years old. (Visitors from the Andean Community and Mercosur nations $50 USD per adult and $25 USD per child under 12 years old)
- Wetsuit or snorkeling gear
- Accommodations in standard room category.
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International & national flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
- Transit Control Card (TCC): $20 USD per person.
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee: $100 USD per adult and $50 USD per child under 12 years old. (Visitors from the Andean Community and Mercosur nations $50 USD per adult and $25 USD per child under 12 years old)
- Wetsuit or snorkeling gear
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
AMAZONÍA
La Casa del Suizo overlooks the vast and beautiful expanse of the surrounding tropical rainforest. The hotel features peaceful rooms, each with its own terrace and hammocks to enjoy jungle views in private.
Dates available: After March 12th, 2022
Rates per person based on double accommodation
3⋆ Category
$650 USD
Day 1: Arrive to Punta Ahuano
Punta Ahuano is a small port town on the northern banks of the Napo River – a main tributary to the mighty Amazon River. Here there will be canoes waiting to take you the rest of the way to Casa del Suizo, a beautiful oasis to enjoy your time in the Amazon where you can enjoy the spa services, excursions, pool, bar, and delicious food.
INCLUDED: Transfers, dinner, English-speaking guide, accommodation in standard.
Day 2: Rainforest Hike & Community Visit
In the morning you will board a canoe that will navigate for about 20 minutes down the scenic Napo River. This is a great opportunity to see what the Amazon river ecosystem looks like and provides a fun adventure for the whole family. Finally, you will reach Cosano, here you will walk with your guide on a trail discovering flora and fauna together. After some time on the trail, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will visit an Amazon community to experience the local lifestyle of this unique area. Women of the community show you around and tell you and the rest of the group about the crops they grow, such as yucca (cassava), coffee beans, tropical fruits, and cacao. Also, you can witness how these Kichwa women produce pottery and other traditional, domestic skills. Later on, members of the community show you the traditional methods of searching for gold and fishing on the shores of the Napo River. This activity is not just about listening and watching; you will have the unique opportunity to become a part of these traditions!
INCLUDED: Shared excursion, breakfast, dinner, English-speaking guide, local guide, water poncho, accommodation in standard.
Day 3: Return to Quito
In the morning you will get ready to depart the Amazon Rainforest to your next destination.
*Note: Please note that Amazon itineraries are subject to change without previous notice due to weather circumstances and/or the comfort of our guests.
INCLUDED: Transfers, English-speaking guide, and breakfast.
Included
- Accommodations in the mentioned room category.
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
Not Included
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
- Accommodations in the mentioned room category.
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.
Napo Cultural Center is a unique and innovative project, which presents a high differentiating profile and a strong vocation for the international tourism market. Napo Cultural Center offers high comfort accommodation and quality services, distinctive and personalized, with an integrated complex prepared to fully respond to the guests’ needs; this is the main touristic offer in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, allowing its clients a rare and complete experience, full of privacy and exclusivity.
Dates available: After March 12th, 2022
Rates per person based on double accommodation
4⋆ Category
$1150 USD
Day 1: Arrive at the Añangu Community
Flight from Quito to Coca city, and then transfer to the Napo Cultural Center, the aboriginal territory of the Kichwa Añangu community, whose members will welcome you with a traditional and refreshing wayusa drink. Hike along the “Playas” trail, to experience amazon wildlife for the first time in the river islands and shores, amidst one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Kayaking is also available as an optional activity for around 45 min., to enjoy an overwhelming and colorful sunset in the vastness of the Napo River. Then head back to your cabin, rest a little bit, and be prepared for a well-deserved dinner.
INCLUDED: Transfers, departure transfer, private transportation, English-speaking guide for the transfer, boxed lunch, dinner, English speaking guide, local guide, arrival transfer, domestic flight
Day 2: Parrot Clay Licks, Kuri Muyu Visit & Observation Tower
Early breakfast and then head in the motorboat to the parrot clay lick in the riverside of the Napo River. Bring your binoculars and camera lenses to see flocks of blue-headed, yellow-crowned parrots and even dusky-headed parakeets, from the boat. Then walk around 30 min, through the pericos trail to reach the amazing parakeet clay lick, which brings visitors face to face with up to 11 species of parrots and parakeets (including parrotlets and macaws), sometimes even mammals like howler monkeys, tapir, and peccaries come to this place to drink water and get vital minerals for their body.
We end this morning with a visit to the intercultural interpretation center Kuri Muyu. Learn about the kichwa culture, crafts, customs, and traditional use of natural resources, directly from the people of the aboriginal community. We return to the center of the community to have lunch at the dining hall and to take a break in the lodge, before hiking for one hour in order to climb up the observation tower, reaching 36 meters above the surface, with high chances to spot a variety of birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots, and sloths. Time for dinner followed by a unique activity at Napo river, onboard the ancestral catamaran to learn more about their legends and traditional chants, while women grill some delicious snacks in the fire.
INCLUDED: Breakfast, dinner, English-speaking guide, shared excursion, local guide, lunch, accommodation.
Day 3: Mama Kuna Hike, Añangy Creek & Night Walk
Enjoy the sunrise at breakfast, visit the sustainable community projects, talk about the Kichwa worldview. Then, take a walk into the Mama Kuna trail, an excellent opportunity to see wildlife, ceiba trees, strangler, bamboo cane, vines, and shrubs endemic from Yasuní.
In the afternoon, paddle around “Añangu” creek, a black water ecosystem where you can spot monkeys jumping from tree to tree, caiman, and sometimes even giant river otters trying to catch fish. Upon arriving you will have time to settle back and prepare for a traditional typical dinner to taste the local flavors of the Amazon. After dinner, prepare your flashlight for a night walk around the lodge to see different kinds of insects, reptiles, and even nocturnal mammals like the night monkeys.
INCLUDED: Breakfast, dinner, English-speaking guide, shared excursion, local guide, lunch, accommodation.
Day 4: Wayusada Ritual & Return to Quito
To have a perfect last day, take part in the optional wayusada ritual. Early start at around 04:30 am, as it is the time when the kichwa family shares the sacred wayusa. This rite has been a way to pass their ancient knowledge to the new generations. Then head back for breakfast, while our staff picks your luggage for your return to El Coca, onboard our comfortable motor boats for the last chance to appreciate the Ecuadorian rainforest landscape until you reach La Mision river port.
*Please note that Amazon itineraries are subject to change without previous notice due to operational purposes, weather conditions, and for the comfort of the guests. This itinerary is an example and the order of the activities may change.
INCLUDED: Breakfast, English-speaking guide, shared excursion, local guide, departure transfer, domestic flight
Included
- Accommodations in the mentioned room category.
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Domestic flight to/from Coca.
Not Included
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
- Accommodations in the mentioned room category.
- Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
- English-speaking driver/guide (1 to 3 persons) or driver and guide (4 or more persons) on the days mentioned.
- Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the program.
- Domestic flight to/from Coca.
- Any excursions not mentioned in the program.
- Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Alcoholic beverages and/or additional drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- International flights.
- Travel and/or Cancellation Insurance.
Travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage is recommended for medical assistance if required while traveling on destination.