In this trip you’ll get to experience the best in Ecuador: its nature and culture. You’ll visit the lovely cities of Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil; the amazing wildlife in the Amazon and the Galapagos, and the picturesque settings in Otavalo, Baños and Riobamba.
Day 01 Thursday: Arrival to Quito
Upon arrival to Quito airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. Located only 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of the equator, Quito is the capital and second largest city in Ecuador. Because of its location, this city experiences a very mild climate with average temperatures around 15°C (64°F). Here visitors and residents alike enjoy the many parks, museums, and even the historical district with its colonial style buildings. Lodging at the Reina Isabel Hotel in Quito
Day 02 Friday: Quito / TeleferiQo (Cable Car) / Middle of the World (B)
Today you’ll take an interesting tour in Quito’s surroundings. First you’ll start a city tour along the residential and colonial highlights of the capital. You’ll see buildings such as the Legislative Palace, Saint Augustine’s Convent and the Cathedral. Then, you’ll drive west until you reach “Cruz Loma” on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano. Here you’ll ride the cable car or TeleferiQo, where you’ll reach an altitude of 13 500 feet (4200 m)! You’ll be able to see the city, the changing vegetation, and luckily, the neighboring volcanoes. Afterwards you’ll visit the “Middle of the World” monument, located north of Quito. Finally, before returning to the hotel, visit the ethnographic museum. Lodging at the Reina Isabel Hotel in Quito
Day 03 Saturday: Quito / Otavalo Market (B, D)
Today you’ll be driven north to one of South America’s most renowned markets: Otavalo. Along the way you’ll make a stop at Calderon’s “Bread Doll” village. Surrounded by three nearby volcanoes, Otavalo is a largely indigenous town famous for its textile weavings, something that its citizens have been practicing for hundreds of years. In this growingly popular town, many colonial buildings have been transformed into restaurants and hotels. In the afternoon you’ll visit Peguche and Cotacachi, well known also for their typical handicrafts. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Lodging at the Cabañas del Lago in Otavalo
Day 04 Sunday: Otavalo / Papallacta (B, D)
Today you’ll visit Papallacta Hot Springs, located about 2 hours away from Quito. Here you’ll have a chance to relax and enjoy the healing volcanic waters. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Lodging at the Termas de Papallacta in Papallacta
Day 05 Monday: Papallacta / Amazon (B, L, D)
In the morning you’ll head towards the Ecuadorian Amazon. Along the way you’ll pass through the imposing Andes and its cloud forest. Lunch will be served along the way in a local restaurant. Then you’ll pass through the town of Tena before continuing to your lodge. After check in, you’ll have a guided hike in the lush rainforest. Keep your eyes wide open, as there is plenty to see in the rainforest! Lodging at the Cotococha Lodge in the Amazon
Day 06 Tuesday: Amazon (B, L, D)
Today you’ll take a canoe ride; you’ll have the opportunity to see many exotic animals along the way. Then you’ll visit a native community, where you’ll have the chance to learn about their daily activities like basket weaving and cooking. Also you’ll learn about their use of medicinal forest plants and their food preservation method. Lunch will be served at the lodge or in a typical native house. Afterwards, you’ll have a very interesting activity: a shaman will share his knowledge with you! Lodging at the Cotococha Lodge in the Amazon
Day 07 Wednesday: Amazon / Baños (B, L)
Today you’ll enjoy very much the transfer to Baños. As you transition from the jungle to the mountain setting, you’ll see the Pastaza Corridor, an important site for the keepsake of many endangered animal and plant species. Lunch will be served en route in a local restaurant. Before you arrive to Baños, you’ll visit two famous waterfalls: “Pailón Del Diablo” and “Manto de la Novia”, where you’ll ride a cable car to admire the water formations at their best. Upon arrival to Baños, you’ll visit a church (“Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa”), the Baños Basilica and the main square. There you’ll have the opportunity to taste “melcochas”, a typical toffee made from sugar cane. Lodging at the Floresta Hotel in Baños
Day 08 Thursday: Baños / Riobamba (B)
Today you’ll head towards Riobamba, but will visit Chimborazo along the way. Chimborazo Volcano is Ecuador’s highest mountain; and this region comprises the largest indigenous population in the country, which makes this stop a rather cultural and colorful one. Upon arrival to Riobamba you’ll have a short tour to see its main spots, like plazas and churches. This city is surrounded by volcanoes, which gives it some of the best views around. Additionally it offers great food, museums, parks, and sporting events. Lodging at the Rincon Aleman in Riobamba
Day 09 Friday: Riobamba / Andes Train / Ingapirca /Cuenca (B, L)
Early morning you’ll head towards Alausi Station to ride the famous Train of the Andes. Along the way you’ll see the oldest chapel in the country (called Balbanera) and Colca Lake. The train will take you on an exciting downhill zigzag ride, where you’ll pass the famous “Devil’s nose”. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll visit the Ingapirca Inca Ruins, the most important ones in Ecuador. The complex includes a fortress, terraces, houses and a castle. Afterwards you will be transferred to Cuenca. Lodging at the Inca Real in Cuenca
Day 10 Saturday: Cuenca (B)
Located in the highlands of Ecuador, this well preserved World Heritage Site is home to beautiful churches, parks, and museums. Many say its Ecuador’s most beautiful city. Additionally, this colonial city benefits from a mild climate and many surrounding attractions, activities and handicrafts. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Native Cultures Museum, which holds an impressive collection of archeological pieces over 500 years old! Lodging at the Inca Real in Cuenca
Day 11 Sunday: Cuenca / Guayaquil (B, L)
In the morning you’ll visit two towns: Gualaceo where you’ll see an Indian market and Gualaquiza, where you’ll visit an orchid farm, Ecuagenera. Before heading to Guayaquil, lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Located on the banks of Guayas River, this port city is the largest in Ecuador and home to many interesting sights. The Mercado Artesanal is popular for its over 200 shops selling handicrafts, jewelry, and paintings. Visitors also enjoy the popular Bahia marketplace as well as many parks, monuments, and historic buildings. Lodging at the Gran Hotel Guayaquil in Guayaquil
Day 12 Monday: Guayaquil / Galapagos (Baltra) (B, L, D)
Today you’ll fly from Guayaquil to Baltra. Upon arrival to Baltra airport you will be met by your guides and transferred to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend. Your exciting Galapagos adventure starts right away as you head towards your first destination: Chinese Hat. After a wet landing in this small island, you will encounter a colony of sea lions and then you will hike for about an hour. Along the way enjoy the striking volcanic landscapes. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to snorkel with the sea lions. Overnight at the M/V Galapagos Legend
Day 13 Tuesday: Santa Cruz, Dragon Hill & Floreana, Cormorant Point (B, L, D)
Upon a wet landing in Santa Cruz Island you will walk towards a saltwater lagoon where it’s possible to observe exotic wildlife such as pink flamingos and ducks. This is also an important nesting site for Iguanas. The trail leads to Dragon Hill, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the bay. Afterwards you may opt for a visit to Venice, a small island that encompasses abundant vegetation and marine wildlife. Afterwards in Floreana (Cormorant Point) you will hike through some mangroves until you reach a lagoon that is home to a quite large Flamingo colony and many endemic plants. Then you will have the opportunity to do some open water snorkeling. Overnight at the M/V Galapagos Legend
Day 14 Wednesday: Española, Suarez Point & San Cristobal (B, L, D)
Upon a dry landing in the island you will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife such as sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, lava lizards, sally light foot crabs and birds such as blue-footed boobies, gulls, waved albatross, doves and mocking birds. You’ll see also the famed blowhole, where water and vapor burst up into the air. Additionally you’ll cross the lava fields and learn about this unique landscape. Afterwards you’ll land on Puerto Barquerizo in San Cristobal Island, where you’ll visit La Galapaguera Interpretation Center and San Cristobal tortoise breeding center. Overnight at the M/V Galapagos Legend
Day 15 Thursday: North Seymour & Baltra Airport (B, L)
Upon a dry landing in North Seymour Island you will encounter yet more wildlife: marine iguanas, swallow tailed gulls and sea lions and large colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. You’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and spot amazing underwater marine life! Then, you’ll be transferred back to the boat for check out, and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival you´ll be transferred to the hotel. Lodging at the Gran Hotel Guayaquil in Guayaquil
Day 16 Friday: Departure (B)
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight.
