In this trip you’ll see Ecuador’s essentials: Quito, Otavalo, Galapagos, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Baños. You’ll be fascinated by the magnificent wildlife, the natural settings and the charming colonial towns and cities. There is much to do and see here!
Day 01 Wednesday: 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 Thursday: 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 in Quito
Day 03 Friday: Quito / Otavalo (B, D)
Today you’ll be driven north to the quaint 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 Saturday: Otavalo Market / Quito (B)
Today you’ll visit one of South America’s most renowned markets: Otavalo. You will find here all kinds of handicrafts such as jewelry and woven products. In the afternoon you will return to Quito. Lodging at the Reina Isabel Hotel in Quito
Day 05 Sunday: Quito / Baltra & Santa Cruz (B, L, D)
Today you will take your flight to Baltra, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival to Baltra airport you will be met by your guides and transferred to the pier to board the M/Y Coral. Your exciting Galapagos adventure starts right away as you head towards your first destination: Santa Cruz. There you’ll have the opportunity to see the twin pit craters, hike up to Cerro Chato and walk through inactive lava tubes. Overnight at the M/Y Coral
Day 06 Monday: Española, Suarez Point & Gardner Bay (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 visit Gardner Bay, located on Española Island. Prepare for a wet landing on a white coral beach! In this beach you can spot sea lions, hawks, oyster catchers, Darwin finches and marine iguanas. This spot is perfect for snorkeling and swimming! Overnight at the M/Y Coral
Day 07 Tuesday: Floreana, Cormorant Point, Post Office Bay & La Baronesa (B, L, D)
Today, visit 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. You will have the opportunity to do some open water snorkeling. Then, visit Post Office Bay. Its name comes from the old tradition of putting an empty barrel for sailors to informally carry the letters to their destinations. This custom is still alive today! A short distance away, you’ll be able to see a lava formed tunnel. Then you’ll have the chance to do some bird watching at the Lookout Point. Then visit La Baronesa Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the bays. Overnight at the M/Y Coral
Day 08 Wednesday: North Seymour & Baltra Airport / Guayaquil (B)
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. 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 to Guayaquil you’ll be transferred to the hotel. 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 09 Thursday: Guayaquil (B)
Today is yours to spend at leisure in Guayaquil. Lodging at the Gran Hotel Guayaquil in Guayaquil
Day 10 Friday: Guayaquil / Cajas National Park / Cuenca (B, L)
In the morning you’ll head towards Cajas National Park. The park’s main attractions are its lagoons and its flora and fauna. The place is truly unique! Lunch will be served at a local restaurant and afterwards you’ll be transferred to Cuenca. Lodging at the Inca Real Hotel in Cuenca
Day 11 Saturday: Cuenca (B, D)
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 Hotel in Cuenca
Day 12 Sunday: Cuenca / Ingapirca / Riobamba (B, L)
Early in the morning you’ll be transferred to Cañar, where you’ll visit the Ingapirca Inca Ruins, the most important ones in Ecuador. The complex includes a fortress, terraces, houses and a castle. After lunch at a local restaurant you’ll be transferred to the traditional Chimborazo province, which encompasses the largest indigenous population in the country. Then continue to Riobamba. 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 13 Monday: Riobamba / Baños (B, D)
In the morning you’ll head towards Baños, located in Tungurahua. This charming town is popular for its many attractions such as parks, churches, and the hydrothermal springs from which it has earned its name. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Lodging at the Posada Arte in Baños
Day 14 Tuesday: Baños (B)
Today you’ll see the city and some of its highlights, such as a colonial 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. Then 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. In the afternoon you’ll return to Baños. Lodging at the Posada Arte in Baños
Day 15 Wednesday: Baños / Lasso (B)
In the morning you will be transferred to Lasso. Along the way you’ll visit Pujili and its markets. There you’ll have the chance to buy the colorful and traditional handicrafts from the locals. Then you’ll visit “Floricola”, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Ecuador’s flora. Lodging at the San Mateo Hotel in Lasso
Day 16 Thursday: Lasso / Cotopaxi National Park / Quito (B, L)
Today you’ll visit Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the largest Volcanoes in the world and the country’s second largest peak. This park is popular to many nature lovers because of its beautiful wilderness. Great for hikers, this park offers many trails, stunning wildlife, and a beautiful backdrop! After lunch in a local restaurant you will return to Quito. Lodging at the Reina Isabel Hotel in Quito
Day 17 Friday: Departure (B)
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international flight.
