ECUADOR — South America

Day 1: Quito

At over 9,000 ft. altitude, Quito (pop. 1.1 million) is the second highest capital in South America.  Quito is surrounded by volcanos some of which are still active.  Quito was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. Quito was the first city to be honored with such a title. Quito's climate is described as perpetually "spring-like." It is said that Quito is a place where you can experience all four seasons in a single day.

After a restful night, the group was ready to start their adventure. We thought a city tour of Quito would be the perfect way to start the program and begin seeing fascinating panoramas, churches, domes and roofs that are full of history. The group got a good introduction to the city’s colonial art, architecture, culture, legends, and traditions.  Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors, are pure examples of the 'School of Quito', which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.

We finished the day by taking the group to a restaurant with the most spectacular views of the city: EL Ventanal.  The group was welcomed by some tropical dancers from the Coast of Esmeraldas. At the end of the meal, fireworks were arranged for the group, with the city lights and colors as a backdrop for an unforgettable first night.

Day 2: The Amazon

After breakfast, the group was set to start their journey towards the Amazon region “El Oriente,” stopping several times along the way for photo ops of some spectacular sights.  Descending from approx. 8,200 ft to nearly 0 ft, the group arrived at la Casa del Suizo Lodge, a tranquil Amazonian Refuge located on the shore of Ecuador's majestic Napo River and a stone's throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Perched comfortably above the riverbank and the small Quechua village of Ahuano, la Casa overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment and was a perfect place to begin an Amazon Experience. While at la Casa, the group got to venture out for an adventurous walk through primary and secondary forest trails, with some hanging bridges, and vines for swinging from tree to tree, while our naturalist guides pointed out distinct species of birds, insects and other jungle creatures. 

Day 3: CSR

Whenever possible, we try to incorporate some CSR activities in our incentive programs.  We organized a visit to a “quichua” family.  The group got to see how the family lives, how they cook, etc.  To make it authentic, we even organized a blowgun contest followed by a “chicha tasting,” which is a typical drink in the jungle.  After lunch, we left for the Amazoonico, a center of rescue for endangered animals.

Day 4: Baños

After breakfast, the group set off canoeing to the little port, and then by coach in the direction of Baños for lunch at Chamanapamba, a beautiful restaurant with unique architectural style amidst a spectacular natural setting with a view of different waterfalls and beautiful terraces where the group was served cocktails and lunch.  The real treat, though, was taking the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs benefits of crystal hot thermal waters of the Andean Mountains known to help people with respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Some also wandered off to the "Rancho del Canon" to admire waterfalls and the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve.

The group overnighted at the Termas de Papallacta Spa & Resort with access to the resort’s hot springs. Located in the Andes Mountains some 10,826 ft above sea level, near the CayambeCoca Ecological Reserve.  Termas de Papallacta is one of the most bio-diverse complexes in Ecuador and constitutes a protected area of great importance.  Ecuadorian Medical Federation has certified that the thermal waters of Termas de Papallacta contain medicinal properties that help a wide range of health ailments.

Day 5: Devil’s Bowl

The group went for hiking on a short trail that goes downhill to a hanging bridge over the river below the falls, where one can take a look above the deep bowl and see the face of the Devil on a stone!  Some recognized the scenery as it was the setting for the Hollywood blockbuster "Proof of Life" directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe.  On the way back, guests got to experience “La tarabita”, a cable car that crosses the river.

Gala Dinner

Back in Quito, the group was taken to the Main Square of Quito, where an orchestra and traditional dancers were waiting to welcoming them with a traditional scarf for each guest. Guests then followed the musicians through the narrow streets of the city.  On the way, they were greeted by other dancers and traditional personages of the old Quito mythology, walked down a street lit by children holding candles with pavements decorated with colorful rose petals.  The procession led to the San Francisco place for watching the final spectacle.  The emotion-filled procession left everyone with teary eyes. 

The “chivas” then escorted the guests to the convent of Santo Domingo for cocktails while enjoying the divine voice of a fabulous soprano. Guests were then invited to the refectory of the monks, a beautiful and unique room where only few very special guests have ever been allowed to sit and have dinner. Our guests were served a large buffet of traditional Ecuadorian food, while a hot air balloon bearing the company’s logo was flying high above the church. 

Day 6: Middle of the Earth

On their last day, after breakfast, the group departed for their final adventure: A trip to the Center of the world “Mitad del mundo,” a place that can’t be missed when you visit Ecuador. Guests got to visit the interactive museum where they experimented with several geo-physical experiences that show the differences between the two hemispheres and what makes this point on earth so special. Then, there was the photo op with one foot in each hemisphere.  The Ecuadorian journey came to an end with an unforgettable lunch in a crater! Strategically located at the border of the crater of a volcano, El Crater’s architectural design allows for a 360-degree views.

It was finally time for GMS crew to bid farewell to an exciting trip and an engaged group of executives.  Now it was our turn to be teary eyed.