When one is helping another,
​both gain in strength.

- Ecuadorian Proverb

Xpedition Ecuador

​11 DAYS, 10 NIGHTS | My XO Adventures presents Xpedition: Ecuador.  I've spent months in Ecuador during the "unusual" year of 2020-2021, and I feel honored to bring you my most immersive offering yet.  Xpedition Ecuador reflects the hard work and commitment to my passion for travel in an entirely new way. I've reinvented the way I work, and how I share it with you. Thank you to the many people of Ecuador, without you this would never be possible. 

Xpedition Ecuador is the first release in a completely reinvented concept of travel. It's a result of spending time in the field getting to know my surroundings and reflects the incredible people of Ecuador. It honors their heritage, celebrates their biological diversity, and makes a difference in the everyday life of the indigenous people of this magical land. 

Welcome to My XO Adventures -  Xpedition Ecuador. Its creation is meant to inspire the joy and connection needed after a year of isolation. It has the power to heal and the ability to connect you with the real world. You'll find your spirits lifted as you do your part to improve the lives of families here while witnessing the astounding biological and geographical diversity. An immersive, hands-on experience with a maximum of 10 people per group, this offering is open to the public, but can also be privatized for your group if you prefer to travel with friends and family. 

We are grateful for your consideration and proud to offer the most meaningful adventure myXOadventures.com brought forth since its inception.

Welcome Home. 

XOXO
Daniel Milks

Part 1
​Cotacachi, Ecuador 
0.3071° N, 78.2647° W

Day 1: Welcome to Ecuador!

Upon arrival, I'll be there to greet you along with our English speaking guide, Tomas. We'll help with your bags and escort you to our vehicle waiting just outside the airport doors. Your adventure begins, and the excitement is palpable. 

SPECIAL WELCOME DINNER AND CEREMONY (Included)
In just over an hour and a half, we reach our northern home base - Cotacachi. Within this beautiful town is our new home. Chosen for it location and coziness, our guest house offers a place for us to relax, eat, play and socialize. Our home features a large covered outdoor area for dining and relaxing, as well as an indoor living room and sun room. Outside are quaint and beautiful gardens where a variety of avian species, including the hummingbird, come and go as they please. It's modest, but tastefully appointed and charming. Our guide Tomas is also our host. As he says, "Mi Casa su Casa". My home is your home. You'll feel this soon after you arrive. 

This evening is very special. You'll hear the sounds of indigenous musical instruments as we near.  Soon the tension of travel will melt away. A soothing sound calls you to embrace your new surroundings, eases your mind, and reminds you that yes indeed, you've arrived. 

We've asked and been granted the presence of a Shaman. He'll be with us for a time this evening, and if you like, a personal blessing will be provided to you. This can be in the form of a request for healing, a blessing for you and your loved ones, or perhaps a personal breakthrough you desire. The Shaman is here for you, and able to help assist in the healing you need.  Thousands of years and generations of knowledge await. All you have to do is ask, and it will be granted. 

Traditional Ecuadorian food will be served this evening for your enjoyment. No need to concern yourself with cost, it's included as our way of saying "Welcome" and "Thank you". It's our pleasure that you're here. 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 2: Best of Cotacachi

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)
• Scenic ​Drive to LAGUNA CUICOCHA
  Cuicocha is an ancient volcanic crater, now filled with beautiful turquoise waters of a melted glacier. Legends abound! Pre-Incan Civilizations regarded this place as sacred, and soon you'll find out why. We take a  short hike to a stunning viewpoint of the lake. Take in the surroundings and breath in the fresh air. Stop for a moment and get connected to Mother Nature. After our pause at the rim of the crater, we descend to the private boat tour below. Our tour of the waters and islands of the volcanic crater takes us close to reminders of a tumultuous past. As we lean over the boat, we see bubbles coming from the bottom of the crater. A testament to the past, this volcano reshaped the land of Ecuador. No longer active, yet its spirit is still very much alive. After our iconic voyage, we'll be treated with a local hot beverage ! ~ Canelaco. a warm indigenous drink flavored with cinnamon and local moonshine. Not too much!
• Lunch in Cotacachi (Included)
  Today we include a delicious lunch in Cotacachi.  We'll be supporting a locally owned family run business, and it happens to be one of Tomas' favorites. No ordinary lunch, you'll be treated to 3 courses before heading out to the artisanal streets of Cotacachi. 
• Afternoon Shopping at your Leisure
  It's important that you understand where you are. While "shopping at your leisure" can mean a lot of things in a vacation itinerary, it's not the case here. Cotacachi has been inhabited by artisans for hundreds of years. Pottery, saddlery, textiles, gold-smithing, silverware, tailoring, furs and shoes are some of the wonderful crafts you'll see. It's most famous is leather working. Many of the shops proudly display jackets, saddles, designer clothing, boots, hats and more. You'll immediately notice the fine quality of these items. After your eyes are tantalized, you'll say "Cuanto Cuesta" or how much? The prices here are nowhere near what these items would sell for in the States, and you'll most certainly come home with very special gifts from your visit.  The smell is wonderful, and the details are exquisite. Make sure to leave room in your luggage as you may fall in love with a buttery soft one-of-a-kind leather creation. 
• Cotacachi Dinner ​
  ​After getting a feel for Cotacachi, you can enjoy dinner out on the town. Enjoy a walk back into town, or take a taxi. Either way, our accommodations are close to the center of Cotacachi. Stay out late, or come home early to a cozy bed and get ready for the adventures of tomorrow. 

​XO Tip: If you are a shopper, consider bringing an extra piece of luggage with you. 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 3: Community Connection

• FRESH BREAKFAST at the Hacienda (Included)
• San Pedro School
  ​Today is a special day indeed. After breakfast, we'll meet with our friend and organizer, Hilda. It's been a great pleasure to get to know Hilda, and how she helps the community by connecting it. Hilda is a leader amongst the artisans of Karabuela, a tight knit guild that collectively works together in order to lift the entire community. When she's not busy with the guild, she looks at ways to improve the overall health and well-being of the people. San Pedro represents her desire to support the youth of San Pedro, and improve their overall education. Around 80 mothers spend their day at the school, and they'll greet us warmly. Seated upon the bleachers and working to create wristbands, their presence it two-fold. They get to be near their children, as well as work to pay the tuition required to attend this school. It's an awesome sight to see. The formative years of our children becomes front of mind. They are our hope for a bright future, and deserve the best. 
  
  If you're experience is anything like mine, your viewpoint will be challenged. What's been a year of distraction becomes a focal point on which you stand. Your eyes observe the jewels of humankind, and the length these mothers and this school goes to in order to honor this great responsibility. The children here will be the leaders of tomorrow. My visit here was a pivotal moment that changed my life forever. "If I never travel again, give me the opportunity to help wherever I can, however I can".
  
  A part of our visit will be to provide the school with a donation. Your decision to purchase this Adventure will assist in obtaining and delivering items much needed by the school and its students. ​
• Community Lunch (Included)
  You'll continue to feel this moment long after we leave. To cement this experience, we'll now participate in a community lunch. Food has the power to bring us together, but the magic is in the preparation. Depending on the season, we may participate in the actual harvesting of ingredients. Alternatively we'll give back to the community by helping to make repairs or assist in an improvement project. Once we've completed our civic duty, we help to prepare the food, and of course enjoy it communally. Talk about the day, get to know the people of San Pedro, and notice how every bite of food is all that much better with your help in making it happen. You are a creator. It's here that the future of travel for myXOadventures.com has forever changed. Anywhere I go and you decide to follow, we'll engage in making a positive impact in the community. Long after you leave Ecuador, your imprint will remain and serve to make life better for the people of San Pedro. Life will change, the desire to give will be reborn and the meaning of personal happiness will become clear.  I thank you for devoting time to this community and hope you find it as special and fulfilling as I do.                                       
• Tagua Artisans of Karabuela
  Often times you might hear the word "factory" used in the manufacturing of textiles and goods. The guild here does have a "factory", but rather than a large industrial building as you might imagine, it's made up of individual families. Each house has a small number of machines or looms, but collectively with dozens of other homes, it becomes a production in large volume when needed. This afternoon, we have the pleasure of visiting a family that makes another very special product. Welcome to Tagua. What is Tagua?  It's an amazing material that's been used to make anything from buttons to jewelry. Around the world it's known as natural ivory, and is produced by a special palm tree. You'll see the work in action,  learn how it is grown, harvested, dyed, cut and crafted. It's natural!!
• Feast & Fire (Included)
  We really do have a lot to be thankful for, and quit a bit to talk about this evening.  By now, there should be relationships forming between your fellow travelers, so we think food and a bonfire is a great way to ease into the night. We might even enjoy Ecuadorian S'mores, and the chocolate here is mind blowing. Some adult beverages will be made available. Reminisce, enjoy the cool air and warm flickering fire. Look up at the mountains we are surrounded by, and know that life is good.  There's a warm and fuzzy feeling inside this evening, and its not the Canelazo... ok maybe a little. 

*Itinerary subject to change

Day 4: Otavalo Market

• 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: Fly Home or the Galapagos!

• 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