“ECUADOR LAND OF CACAO AND CHOCOALTE”

“For almost a century, the Ecuadorian socioeconomic order was developed in great proportions around the international cacao market. Today, Ecuador possesses a great superiority of this product. Around more than 70% of the global production of the fine-scented cacao are found in our lands, which makes us the largest producers of fine-scented cacao in the world. This has generated an important, favorable, outstanding, indispensable, and representative prestige for the country.

This type of cacao has individual distinct characteristics with floral, fruity, nut, almond, and spice touches, which make it unique and special on top of its already known different taste.

All these details of taste and aroma are in the genetic origin of the bean, that is achieved through the right treatment postharvest combined with natural conditions of the land, climate, temperature, and luminosity that converge in one point, in one land, in the magical and marvelous Ecuador situated in the middle of the world” (1)

Day 1.- Quito – Caverns – Kichwa Culture Santa Rita Community – Chocolate (B/L/D)

Our trip starts early in the morning, from the established meeting point in Quito. A guide will give us a warm welcome and we will take off to the east on a main highway that will allow us to have a panoramic view of the valleys surrounding the city of Quito. On clear days, the snowy peaks of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes can be seen as well as other mountains. Consequently, it is with just reason that this section of the Andes that passes through Ecuador has been given the name of “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”.

We will continue to cross the oriental branch of the Andes Mountain Range, being witness to how the vegetation changes as we go up the levels of altitude. In approximately one hour, we will have arrived to the highest point in the Andean highlands, and after one more hour we will be in the Amazon ecosystem.

We will have breakfast in Baeza, to later continue our trip to our first stop in the Cavern Temple of Ceremonies, here we will take a tour being able to see stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed over thousands of years. In addition, we will observe a Kicwha shaman ritual that will be led by a Yachak (wise man) to clean and renew energies inside the ample cave. The atmosphere inside the cave accompanied by the sound and chants of the ceremony, will guide us to feel close to Mother Nature and ready to start this adventure in the Amazon.

Our next stop is in the Santa Rita Community, where the fine-scented cacao that is used to make the famous Pacari chocolate is harvested. In this place, the community has many different activities ready for the enjoyment of their guests. We can take a walk down Memory Lane, where we will see how this emblematic product is cultivated and we will be explained the planting, cultivating, harvesting and fermenting processes. Also, we can observe hieroglyphics on the rocks and many other species of plants used by the local communities with medicinal and productive purposes.

The people of the community will gladly present the postharvest process of the cacao and they will give a demonstration of the toasting, peeling, and crushing of the cacao to transform it into a delicious artisanal chocolate, which we will be able to have a taste of.

We will continue our trek to arrive to the lodge where a Kichwa community, proud of its cultural legacy, awaits us. They have organized themselves to show us the great patrimony that lies in their customs, the ancestral knowledge of their people, and the magical relation with the Amazon jungle. We will dine with delicious food made from local ingredients that have been very well handled.

To close the day, we will walk for a few minutes to Gallo Island. Here, a sand beach is formed on the side of the Jatun Yaku River. In this mystical place, we will be part of a cultural night organized by the community. There will be expressions of dance, music, or ancestral rituals of the Amazon Kichwa culture. (The activity will be defined by the number of people in the group). After this activity, we will have our well-deserved rest in the lodge.

Day 2: Pimpilala Waterfall – Waysayaku – Tena – Quito (B/L/)

After having breakfast in the lodge, a native guide will take us through the jungle to discover the Pimpilala Waterfall. Later, we will take a delicious bath in Waisa Yaku, a natural pool that the river forms in its crystal-clear waters.

We will return to the lodge to enjoy a nutritious traditional lunch that will regain our strengths used in the morning.

We will start our return to Quito passing first by the boardwalk of Tena city, where we will make a stop to be able to visit the shops that offer handicrafts and products made with materials typical of the region such as cocoa, guayusa, honey among others.

(1) www.anecacao.com

“ECUADOR LAND OF THE ORIGIN OF CACAO”

According to archaeological studies and findings found in the Mayo-Chinchipe culture geological site in Santa Ana-La Florida located in the Zamora Chinchipe province of Ecuador, it has been confirmed that the use of cacao dates back to 3,300 B.C.

“You cannot talk about Ecuador without talking about cacao. To talk about cacao is synonymous of culture, development, identity, and patrimony; it is to talk about a historical legacy so ancient and full of splendor as the rivers, forests, and volcanoes that characterize this South American country. For many years, Ecuador has been recognized as the greatest producer of fine-scented cacao, and for more than 500 years it has provided the world with a special cacao with aromatic and floral profiles that historians have denominated as “Cacao Arriba”.

Day 1.- Quito – Caverns – Kichwa Culture Santa Rita Community – Chocolate (B/L/D)

Our trip starts early in the morning, from the established meeting point in Quito. A guide will give us a warm welcome and we will take off to the east on a main highway that will allow us to have a panoramic view of the valleys surrounding

the city of Quito. On clear days, the snowy peaks of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes can be seen as well as other mountains. Consequently, it is with just reason that this section of the Andes that passes through Ecuador has been given the name of “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”.

We will continue to cross the oriental branch of the Andes Mountain Range, being witness to how the vegetation changes as we go up the levels of altitude. In approximately one hour, we will have arrived to the highest point in the Andean highlands, and after one more hour we will be in the Amazon ecosystem.

We will have breakfast in Baeza, to later continue our trip to our first stop in the Cavern Temple of Ceremonies, here we will take a tour being able to see stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed over thousands of years. In addition, we will observe a Kicwha shaman ritual that will be led by a Yachak (wise man) to clean and renew energies inside the ample cave. The atmosphere inside the cave accompanied by the sound and chants of the ceremony, will guide us to feel close to Mother Nature and ready to start this adventure in the Amazon.

Our next stop is in the Santa Rita Community, where the fine-scented cacao that is used to make the famous Pacari chocolate is harvested. In this place, the community has many different activities ready for the enjoyment of their guests. We can take a walk down Memory Lane, where we will see how this emblematic product is cultivated and we will be explained the planting, cultivating, harvesting and fermenting processes. Also, we can observe hieroglyphics on the rocks and many other species of plants used by the local communities with medicinal and productive purposes.

We will continue our trek to arrive to the lodge where a Kichwa community, proud of its cultural legacy, awaits us. They have organized themselves to show us the great patrimony that lies in their customs, the ancestral knowledge of their people, and the magical relation with the Amazon jungle.

We will dine with delicious food made from local ingredients that have been very well handled.

To close the day, we will walk for a few minutes to Gallo Island. Here, a sand beach is formed on the side of the Jatun Yaku River. In this mystical place, we will be part of a cultural night organized by the community. There will be expressions of dance, music, or ancestral rituals of the Amazon Kichwa culture. (The activity will be defined by the number of people in the group). After this activity, we will have our well-deserved rest in the lodge.

Day 2: Pimpilala Waterfall – Waysayaku – Tena – Quito (B/L/).

After having breakfast in the lodge, a native guide will take us through the jungle to discover the Pimpilala Waterfall. Later, we will take a delicious bath in Waisa Yaku, a natural pool that the river forms in its crystal-clear waters.

We will return to the lodge to enjoy a nutritious traditional lunch that will regain our strengths used in the morning.

In the afternoon, we can learn a little about the aesthetic advantages that cacao and other Amazonian products provide. We will receive an exfoliation and a hand and foot massage with creams made from these products. Additionally, we will see a demonstration of how some artisanal products are made with natural elements.

We will have dinner and gather around a bonfire that will take place on the shore of the river to hear the legends and ancestral knowledge of the Kichwa culture. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 3: Rafting on the Jatun Yaku River. (B/L/)

We will enjoy a hearty breakfast and depart towards the morning dew where a great rafting adventure on the Jatun Yaku River awaits.

We will be given certified equipment and the explanations of a specialized guide that will prepare and accompany us to enjoy the adrenaline of this activity with safety and much enthusiasm.

After an intense day full of adrenaline, paddling in one of the main rivers of the Amazon, we will make a stop where we will have a delicious meal on the side of the river surrounded by an impressive natural view. The team that accompanies us will take care of driving us safely to Puerto Napo where, we can shower and change clothes for our comfort.

We will start our return to Quito passing first by the boardwalk of Tena city, where we will make a stop to be able to visit the shops that offer handicrafts and products made with materials typical of the region such as cocoa, guayusa, honey among others.

After this cacao, chocolate and amazon culture experience, we will leave for our return to Quito to the same previously established meeting point.

“ECUADOR THE SPA OF CHOCOLATE AND ADVENTURE”

Chocolate is one of “the most delicious sins” of creation, for this reason, this trip will allow us to know the origin, process, and transformation of the fine-scented cacao into a delicious chocolate bar, as well as its other advantages.

The Ecuadorian cacao is praised and loved all over the world because of its many benefits. However, in addition to its happiness and relaxation qualities and characteristics, it can also be an antidepressant and anti-stress. For this reason, the effect that it has on our body is not only internal but also external, especially on our skin moisturizing it deeply and rejuvenating it like a baby’s skin. In many parts of the world, the frequent use of the chocotherapy technique is highly appreciated. Due to this, we have decided to take this experience to the Ecuadorian Amazon to combine adventure with culture and thus making this trip an unforgettable journey.

Day 1.- Quito – Caverns – Kichwa Culture Santa Rita Community – Chocolate (B/L/D)

Our trip starts early in the morning from the established meeting point in Quito.

A guide will give us a warm welcome and we will take off to the east on a main highway that will allow us to have a panoramic view of the valleys surrounding the city of Quito. On clear days, the snowy peaks of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes can be seen as well as other mountains. Consequently, it is with just reason that this section of the Andes that passes through Ecuador has been given the name of “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”.

We will continue to cross the oriental branch of the Andes Mountain Range, being witness to how the vegetation changes as we go up the levels of altitude. In approximately one hour, we will have arrived to the highest point in the Andean highlands, and after one more hour we will be in the Amazon ecosystem.

We will have breakfast in Baeza, to later continue our trip to our first stop in the Cavern Temple of Ceremonies. Here, we will take a tour being able to see stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed over thousands of years. In addition, we will observe a Kicwha shaman ritual that will be led by a Yachak (wise man) to clean and renew energies inside the ample cave. The atmosphere inside the cave accompanied by the sound and chants of the ceremony, will guide us to feel close to Mother Nature and ready to start this adventure in the Amazon.

Our next stop is in the Santa Rita Community, where the fine-scented cacao that is used to make the famous Pacari chocolate is harvested. In this place, the community has many different activities ready for the enjoyment of their guests. We can take a walk down Memory Lane, where we will see how this emblematic product is cultivated and we will be explained the planting, cultivating, harvesting and fermenting processes.

Also, we can observe hieroglyphics on the rocks and many other species of plants used by the local communities with medicinal and productive purposes.

The people of the community will gladly present the postharvest process of the cacao and they will give a demonstration of the toasting, peeling, and crushing of the cacao to transform it into a delicious artisanal chocolate, which we will be able to have a taste of.

After coming back from the walk, we can enjoy a refreshing bath in the natural pool that is formed in the small river that crosses the protected forest of the community.

Renewed from the water and everything seen, we will go back down to the community where a sample of the best typical gastronomy of the Tena province awaits us. The dishes of the area that are produced with local products will be served for the eating pleasure of the dinner guests.

We will continue our trek to arrive to the lodge where a Kichwa community, proud of its cultural legacy, awaits us. They have organized themselves to show us the great patrimony that lies in their customs, the ancestral knowledge of their people, and the magical relation with the Amazon jungle. We will dine with delicious food made from local ingredients that have been very well handled.

To close the day, we will walk for a few minutes to Gallo Island. Here, a sand beach is formed on the side of the Jatun Yaku River. In this mystical place, we will be part of a cultural night organized by the community. There will be expressions of dance, music, or ancestral rituals of the Amazon Kichwa culture. (The activity will be defined by the number of people in the group). After this activity, we will have our well-deserved rest in the lodge.

Day 2.- Rafting on the Jatun Yaku River. (B/L/D)

We will enjoy a hearty breakfast and then take off towards the morning dew where a great rafting adventure on the Jatun Yaku River awaits. We will be given certified equipment and the explanations of a specialized guide that will prepare and accompany us to enjoy the adrenaline of this activity with safety and much enthusiasm.

After an intense day full of adrenaline, we will make a stop where we will have a delicious meal on the side of the river surrounded by an impressive natural view.

After we return to the lodge to rest a little, we will prepare to learn a little

about the benefits of cacao and the other Amazon products for aesthetic purposes. We will receive an exfoliation and a hand and foot massage with creams made from these products.

Additionally, we will see a demonstration on how they make some of their artisanal products with natural elements.

We will have dinner and gather around a bonfire that will happen on the beach of the river, and we will listen to legends of the Kichwa culture and stories about their ancestral knowledge. Overnight in the lodge.

Day 3: Sinchi Warmi- Sport Fishing (B/L/D)

After enjoying breakfast, we will set off towards an entrepreneurship that is known for being organized by a group of indigenous women of the Kichwa culture. “Sinchi Warmi” is the name of the community tourism center and it means “Strong Woman”.

In this place we can visit the small farms or Chakras that are family orchards where staple food is harvested for their consumption. They will explain the uses they give to the different crops and how they cultivate them.

After this activity, we will practice some sport fishing where we will be able to catch the tilapias that will be served later. We will observe a gastronomic demonstration of how to prepare “maito” (local dish) in the traditional way.

The prepared “maito” will be part of a traditional lunch that will be served for our eating pleasure.

We will later leave to take part in a canoe trip where we can observe birds, enjoy the breeze and the Amazon landscape that the river offers.

We will arrive to our accommodations to enjoy the facilities and a delicious dinner, and later we will proceed to rest.

Day 4: Tena -Termas Papallacta – Quito (B/L/)

We will leave after breakfast and head towards the highlands of Papallacta. Upon arrival, we will travel through this Andean ecosystem on a path situated in the Ecological Reserve Cayambe Coca.

We can observe the differences of this cloud forest and learn about its importance for the formation of rivers. We will make out the different bird and plant species, among which the most popular are orchids, epiphytes, and bromelias. If luck is on our side, we will be able to observe the famous Spectacled Bear.

After this trek, we will enter the pool complex with thermal springs called “Spa Termas Papallacta”. Here, we can relax profoundly in the hot waters full of minerals. This refreshing bath will fill us with health, vigor, and rejuvenation. For those who want to spoil themselves, you can take advantage of the spa and indulge in a chocotherapy ritual which consists of massaging your skin with chocolate. This technique will allow you to have smooth, relaxed, and pearly skin which in turn will give you a complete state of relaxation and free of stress. (The use of the spa, massages, and chocotherapy are not included in the package).

After this cacao experience, spa, and Amazon adventure, we will have lunch in the “Termas Papallacta” complex. In the afternoon, we will leave for our return to Quito to the same previously established meeting point.