Plans to protect the air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect humankind. 

- Stuart Udall, Naturalist, Former Secretary of the Interior.

​9 DAYS, 8 NIGHTS | myXOadventures.com presents THE MIGHTY FIVE! Satisfying your desire to travel doesn't always mean having to go very far. The formation of our National Park System can be looked at as one of our greatest accomplishments as a Nation. Without visionaries like John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Stephen Mather and Charles Young, our incredibly preserved landscapes may have been lost forever. 

Nothing like the National Parks preserves our beauty and splendor of the country for our future generations. This is our second offering of the Mighty Five and we've added some significant enhancements. With many of the troubles of 2021 behind us, we focus on not just the amazing parks, but also Salt Lake City. 

Like most others, this is a custom created, small group experience. It provides for an intimate experience and flexibility to enjoy all we see. Using the myXOadventures.com passenger van, we're able to stop and enjoy just about anything we see.  Utah contains more National Parks per square mile than most others, and I'd like for you to experience it for yourself. 

XOXO
Daniel Milks

​Salt Lake City, Utah 
40.7608° N, 111.8910° W

Day 1: Welcome to Salt Lake!

Upon arrival, and after collecting your luggage, you'll be taken to your centrally located hotel. We're going to have 2 nights here, so we can experience the scene of Salt Lake City. 

THE CRYSTAL INN HOTEL & SUITES

No matter the time of your arrival, there's always a van shuttle available for you. Once you get settled into your hotel room, it's your choice to do as you please. We'll have a welcome meeting tonight before heading out for dinner. The Crystal Inn & Suites is located just blocks from the Temple Square, making it a perfect location for you to set out an explore. 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 2: Discover SLC

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hotel
• Full Day Tour of Salt Lake City 
  We'll start off the day with a guided tour of Salt Lake City. Our guide, James, is the best guide in the area, with a great personality and knowledge like no other. We'll have fun visiting all the major sites this morning before we set off on our next adventures. 
• Lunch in Salt Lake City  (Included)
  Lunch is on us today! There's so much to see and do that you'll work up an appetite that we'll satisfy with one of Salt Lake City's culinary delights. 
• Great Salt Lake, Cottonwood Canyon, and the Bonneville Salt Flats
  Just when you though that the tour couldn't get any better, it does. After lunch we'll hop into the van and set out to the most famous sites around Salt Lake City. Our guide James will be coming along with us and provide an entertaining and educational experience throughout. 
• Dinner ​
  ​After our day packed full of activities we can take you back to the hotel, or drop you downtown to enjoy a dinner on your own. There'll be a lot to reflect on, and discussion of what's ahead!

 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 3: Salt Lake City to Arches!

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Crystal Inn
• Salt Lake City to Arches National Park
  ​Why can't the journey be part of the adventure? That's what we're about to do. We'll leave Salt Lake City Early and head down Route 15 connecting to Route 6 with a stop at the Tie Fork Rest Area, followed by the Tamarisk Restaurant, where you'll enjoy your included lunch, and fantastic views. 
  
  Afterward, we'll have just a short 45 minute drive to Moab, where we'll explore Arches National Park. Check in at the beautiful Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn hotel should be a breeze. Once we're settled, we'll be met by our guide, Lisa! She'll step on board and take us into Arches National Park to show us the most amazing rock formations, hikes and a sunset at Dead Horse Point.  Take in the other worldly surroundings, rock formations and majestic colors on this first evening in the greatest collection of National Parks.
  
• Dinner will be by your choice, and we'll get some good rest before an exciting day ahead. 
  ​

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 4: Canyonlands National Park!

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)
• PRIVATE TEXTILE DISPLAY
  ​Today after breakfast, Hilda will have a special showing of quality textiles made by the Karabuelan Community. It's a way to prepare you for the market we'll be visiting right after. Tapestries, cushions, tablecloths, hammocks, blankets and more will be shown. The purpose it to make you aware of "Export Quality items. The weave must be tight, and the outline of the patterns clear. Not only that you'll be able to discern between natural and synthetic. 
• OTAVALO MARKET
  After our textile display, we head out into the largest market in Ecuador. The Otavalo market sports goods from all over the region. People of the area bring all the goods created here to sell. Everything from textiles, to art, shoes to belts, bracelets to stone carvings. It can all be found here, but now that you've been educated you can see the difference between things like Baby Alpaca, and Maybe Alpaca! Enjoy the day, and lunch on your own as you're dazzled with the colorful creations of the Otavalo area. 
• DINNER at the Hacienda (included) 

*Itinerary subject to change

​During my visit to Otavalo, I came across a wonderful Orthodontist. Everyone I traveled with had different services here. I had a cleaning, and will follow up with more. Others had crowns, a cracked tooth repaired and whitening. All of these services are at 1/2 to 1/3 of the price in the United States. Should you want to take advantage of these services, simply add the "extra" in the booking process, or talk to me personally. We'll make the appointment and take care of your transportation. Please note though, that we will do our best to make the appointment at a time that doesn't overlap with any of the activities. This might not always be the case though, depending on the amount of time it takes to perform the work. 

Day 5: Cultural Immersion

•  FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)​
• Karabuelan Workshop Experience
  When you think of a factory, images conjured up in your mind might look like massive industrial buildings, smokestacks, uniforms and hordes of workers lining up to punch the clock. Not so in Karabuela. The "Factory" here uses a wonderfully simple approach. In order to meet the demand of a contract, the community has banded together. Each family may have a few looms, but collectively there are hundreds. By working together on a single project, they are able to produce the numbers a large contract may demand. 
  
  ​Today, we visit those workshops. Quite literally we'll be entering the homes of the families to witness how they work together to produce wonderful works of art. In order to do this we'll jump from one house to the other, meet the families, take pictures and converse to one another with the use of an interpreter. In this case, it will be our host, Tomas. 
  
  
• San Roque Eucalyptus Essence with Lunch (Included)
  The people of San Roque are eager to welcome you. For them, 2020 was particularly challenging. The community had to figure out a way to put what they had to use. What did they have? One of the most valuable assets was knowledge. Not book knowledge, but rather thousands of years of Shamanic wisdom. Along with this comes a deep understanding of the plants and animals of the region. This combined with the abundance of Eucalyptus resulted in the creation of a distilled oil used to combat COVID and other unsavory viruses.
  We'll learn about their journey, the process in its creation, and the people of San Roque that made it happen. The ministry of tourism may be present, along with the mayor of the town. Just outside the facility is a beautiful park, where we'll enjoy a lunch prepared for us. 
  
• DINNER at the Hacienda (Included) 
  

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 6: Thermal Pools in the Clouds

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)​​
• Papallacta Thermal Pools
  It's my genuine hope that as we leave the Otavalo area, you've been enriched by the cultural experience. Thank you for choosing to be a participant in the healing ability of connection and the arts. We leave Otavalo with good memories, and a sense of what matters in our lives. As we journey through the Andes, we take some time for more self care. Papallacta has been around for a millennia. The Taita (Father Mountain) and the Mama Cocha (Mother Mountain) of the Andes change the land, but leave us gifts in their wake. Papallacta is a gem created by the shifting earth and ancient geological processes. 
• ​A thermal spa and hotel calls us. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel for one night. (Included) Within the property are thermal pools, a full service spa and restaurant. We have no program for today, just your program. We are in between the experience of North and Central Ecuador. Between a focus on the arts and culture, and one of environmental and biological diversity. Enjoy the refuge while rejuvenating  your body and mind.
• Lunch and Dinner is at your leisure, today (not included), this allows you the opportunity to join the group or a new friend or find a quiet space where you can enjoy the hot spring water's healing abilities on your own.

*Itinerary subject to change

Part 2
Cumbaya, Ecuador 
0.2107° S, 78.4411° W

Day 7: Arrival in Cumbaya

After our relaxation in Papallacta, we continue our journey towards the capital city of Quito. After lunch at Papallacta we have arranged a special visit to a rose growing region. Here, we'll learn how influential Ecuador has become in the production of roses and distribution throughout the world. From how they are grown, harvested, cared for and packaged we'll see it all. I've been looking forward to this moment for some time. Ecuadorians are a resourceful and beautiful people, so it's no surprise that the rose business is prevalent here. It matches their spirit. Today we become part of the bouquet of life. Here, you will be able to pick out a bouquet of flowers for your room. 

A lot of research and a little luck resulted in our decision to base in a beautiful area known as Cumbaya. The name alone was alluring, but once we saw the accommodations and realized the strategic location it was a must.  I know you'll feel the same. We get settled today at our new hacienda, one that projects peace, tranquility and comfort. As we arrive, we are welcomed by an authentic band, along with a welcome drink of mint tea and rum! Marco is our host, and there is a history behind the property that he'll share. Let's just say that the special tea is a part of that history. The hotel is ours, all of it. 

A special dinner (Included) has been arranged for you this evening as you acclimate to the new surroundings. Let's prepare ourselves for the change in direction and the beauty to follow. 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 8: Colonial Quito

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)​​​
• Quito City Tour
  After our breakfast we venture out to the capital city of Ecuador. Quito is one of a few cities designated a UNESCO world heritage site, and its history goes back far beyond the Incan Civilization. It's the second highest capital city in the world, and I like to refer to it as the city of the clouds. Often times, you'll find yourself at what appears to be eye level with beautiful formations of cloud vapor that flow through the valley. 
  
  Colonial architecture abounds here, as well as magnificent churches, and the only basilica in South America blessed by the pope. We'll visit the Basilica today (Included), a journey that takes us from the pews to the ceiling and on to the towers. From the top of the cathedral we can see sweeping views of the city, but the best view is still to come. Our guide will take us to some of the most significant sites throughout this ancient metropolis, and we'll stop for a tasty lunch. Quito has a wide variety of restaurants serving up culinary delights! 
  
  One of my favorite places to visit is a truly magnificent view of the city. We'll be elevated to 4100 meters by Gondola (Included) to a mountain top view and look down upon the glimmering city. No other view in the world compares. Take your time, enjoy some of the trails, sit down and realize how close you are to the stars. Hot chocolate, coffee or tea will be offered to you. It's our pleasure to commemorate this moment with a toast. Numerous volcanoes can be seen from atop the mountain. Take it in, all of it. 
• Cumbaya at your leisure
  Shortly after returning to our home, you'll be offered a ride to Cumbaya. It's a short ride to the valley below, and Cumbaya is quite possibly the most charming town I've visited in Ecuador. There are restaurants of all kinds, both modern and traditional, local and international. I'll be happy to walk with you, or if you prefer, take a stroll on your own. After everyone has had a chance to enjoy dinner, we have a private shopping experience arranged in Tumbaco, closer to the hotel. Here you'll see some of the finer arts the region has to offer. The floor is ours. 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 9: Mindo Cloud Forest
​and Biological Reserve

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)​​​
• Tour to Mindo, Ecuador
  After breakfast at the hacienda, we'll journey to Mindo. It's one of the most biodiverse areas of Ecuador. What we can look forward to visiting the Cloud Forest and all of its wonders. It bursts with biodiversity. You can expect to see a wide range of plants and animals, so bring your camera! In addition to the Cloud Forest, we must make a stop for a Chocolate and Coffee Tour. Ecuador is proud to product the finest chocolate and coffee the world produces. It's a truly unique tasting experience that dazzles the senses. Let us take you down a sensory playland as we try the top producers of this "Black Gold" 
  Our day doesn't end here. Before returning we'll stop for the Butterfly and Hummingbird tour as well. This is a great place to relax, and let nature put on a show. A reflective and enchanting show without words, but rather a show of color and coordination as these creatures of flight dance in and around us. 
• Lunch at Sachatamia (Included)
  The Sachitamia Lodge is located within a subtropical jungle in Mindo. It's a sanctuary of wildlife and abundant flowers including orchids, bromeliads, heliconias and anthuriums. Lunch today is included in your tour. I hope you enjoy the program today and the best Mindo has to offer. 
• Dinner at your Leisure
  Tonight we invite you to take a night out, and enjoy the charm once again of Cumbaya. Come along with me, or take some time on your own. This delightful village is only a short taxi away, and offers some of the best restaurants in all of Ecuador. 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 10: Antisana Volcano 

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)​​​
• Tour to Altisana Volcano
  Altisana is the 4th highest volcano in Ecuador at 5,758 meters, or almost 19,000 feet! Don't worry, we aren't going to the top. We are however, going to journey up the volcano by bus, and have a chance to venture out over mostly flat land. we go here because its sacred. It's also another enormously important biodiverse region of Ecuador. We seek out the condor, fox and hummingbird during out visit. The views must be seen with your own eyes. Photo's can't begin to do this magical place justice. Feel the enormity of this magnificent geological feature. Be one with nature, and feel the sense of belonging. This is Ecuador, and while Antisana looms large, you're a big part of this land as well. Existing along side of Antisana brings forth a sense that you too are as important and grand as the volcano itself. 
• Ecuadorian Cooking Class (Included) 
  Upon our return to the hacienda, we'll be joined by a local chef. Our experience here wouldn't be complete without learning how to make some of Ecuador's culinary creations. How does an empanada and ceviche sound? This evening we'll create and enjoy these appetizers together. It's our last bonding experience before heading back home, and food is a great common denominator.
• Moment of Gratitude
  Before dinner and preparing for our departure tomorrow, I'd like to take a moment for all of us to gather and talk about our experience. Let's share the moments we enjoyed most, big or small. Let's talk about any relationships that have formed, and how our view on life may have changed. Sharing and storytelling is a critical part of life, and we have a great forum to express it. Share what you feel may be important for others to hear, while benefiting from saying it. 
• Dinner at your Leisure
  Tonight we invite you to take a night out, and enjoy the charm once again of Cumbaya. Come along with me, or take some time on your own. This delightful village is only a short taxi away, and offers some of the best restaurants in all of Ecuador. Have a wonderful evening while you look back at all the experiences Xpedition: Ecuador has brought to the cultural table. 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 11: Antisana Volcano 

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)​​​
• ​Transfer to the next chapter (Optional)
  Today, we fly home, filled with memories of Xpedition: Ecuador. If you'd like, an optional excursion of 5 days and 4 nights in the Galapagos can be arranged. The option can be added to your reservation upon request. Only the best guides and hotels will be offered if you so chose. 
  

*Itinerary subject to change