Lines Open :
Call Us Now : +1 437 837 2285
Lines Open :
Call Us Now : +1 437 837 2285
Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! Upon arrival, one of our representatives will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. As one of the best preserved colonial cities of South America and situated on the equator at the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano, Quito is considered South America’s cultural capital and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Depending on your time of arrival, you’re free to spend the day exploring Quito’s old town or relaxing at your hotel. Quito sits at an altitude of 2,850 m above sea level, we would therefore recommend that you explore at an easy pace in order to acclimatize to the altitude.
(Note: should you feel you’d like to explore Quito a little further, an extra night or two can be added to your itinerary.) In the evening you’ll be met by one of the trip leaders for a welcome briefing at 6 pm, during which you can also raise any questions you might have regarding your Ecuadorian adventure.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL DANN CARLTON (OR SIMILAR).
Today we’ll drive north of Quito to see Mitad del Mundo- the Equator monument complex which marks the exact location of the Equator and from which the country takes its name. Here, you’ll be able to stand on both sides of the hemispheres- at the same time! En route, you’ll also have the chance to stop and marvel at the Pululahua Crater, the third largest inhabited volcano crater in the world.
Next we’ll proceed to the small town of Mindo, nestled in the cloud forest of the Ecuadorian Amazon – an area bursting with vibrant flora and fauna which showcases Ecuador’s natural diversity. Mindo and the surrounding cloud forest are a birdwatcher's paradise, especially for Hummingbirds! Today we’ll also visit a local chocolate distributor and learn about the cocoa bean process, all the way from harvesting the seed to finessing the final product. Ecuadorian chocolate is renowned throughout the world, so look forward to having a taste of this delicacy in the form of a delicious brownie or cup of hot cocoa!
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE SEPTIMO PARAISO HOTEL (OR SIMILAR).
Today we’ll comb Mindo’s untouched cloud rain forest for delightful flora and fauna. We’ll take cable cars and hike alongside waterfalls nestled within lush forest, home to toucans, hummingbirds and other species. This afternoon you can relax or get your adrenaline pumping with one of the thrilling optional activities available. These include white water rafting or “tubing” (several large inner tubes tied together), accompanied by guides with nerves of steel who will steer you through the roaring rapids.
Or, you might decide to ride a canopy zip line (there are 13 in total). Cap off the day with a visit to the butterfly nursery where gargantuan butterflies can be seen drying their wings after emerging from their jewel-like cocoons. Coat your fingers in banana juice and watch as the butterflies (some of which are the size of birds) swarm to your fingers for a snack.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE SEPTIMO PARAISO HOTEL (OR SIMILAR).
We’ll drive back up into the highlands today and join the Pan-American Highway heading north. En route, we’ll stop in at the famous indigenous town of Otavalo, filled with narrow cobblestone streets and local handicrafts. The Otavalo indigenous people wear traditional blue ponchos and sell textiles, paintings, ceramics, jewelry and tapestries at the handicraft market.
The afternoon will see us drive to the small village of Cotacachi, home to impressive leather goods and astounding beauty. You’ll have a chance to explore the shops, relax and sip some of Ecuador’s best coffee in the main plaza. Then, we’ll head to the historical Hacienda of Pinsaqui where we’ll be welcomed with a typical Andean cocktail.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HACIENDA PINSAQUI (OR SIMILAR).
Kick off the day by visiting the ecological reserve of Cotacachi Cayapas, home to breath-taking scenery which takes the form of crystal-clear waters and an active volcano. We’ll venture off on an hour’s hike along the rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake, after which we’ll travel by boat to the crater’s center to observe the volcano up close and watch as the bubbles rise from the center of the caldera.
Next, we’ll make our way to Peguche, a small village in the center of the Andes where you’ll have the chance to help the natives prepare a delicious lunch using fresh local produce which has been harvested from the surrounding fields. This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into local life. We’ll cap off our day with a trip to the luxurious hot springs resort of Papallacta, home to superlative views of the majestic Andean mountains.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE PAPALLACTA SPA RESORT (OR SIMILAR).
After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a final dip in the open-air hot springs before we set off for the highest active volcano in the world – Cotopaxi. We’ll drive south on the Pan-American Highway to get to this mighty snow-capped volcano, surrounded by a national park, wildlife and Incan ruins.
Starting off at the interpretation center at the entrance of the park, we’ll then continue driving across Páramo to Limpiopungo Lake. Here, we’ll take a short stroll and keep our eyes peeled for a variety of birds flapping against a backdrop of stunning volcano views before heading back to Quito.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE DANN CARLTON HOTEL (OR SIMILAR).
Today we’ll head to the airport to catch a flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galápagos Islands, about 600 miles from Ecuador’s coast. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the nearby island of Santa Cruz and cross the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry, continuing then to the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the iconic giant Galápagos tortoises.
While here, we’ll visit a private ranch for lunch and go for a stroll to try and find these gentle giants. Famous tubes (formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies) will also be a highlight of our tour. We’ll then take a private transfer to the hotel and meet a local guide who will explain the itinerary for the next few days. You’re free to spend the evening however you please.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL SILBERSTEIN (OR SIMILAR).
Following a delicious breakfast, we’ll set off on a half-day tour of Academy Bay (you’ll need to pack for this trip). Snorkeling equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone wishing to snorkel. During the tour, we’ll sail to Academy Bay and swim and snorkel with sea lions and exotic marine life. The sea lions may swim next to you underwater! Academy Bay is also home to blue-footed boobies, so prepare to see lots of those.
Next, we’ll climb to a viewpoint and keep an eye out for white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below, before strolling along Playa de los Perros where sea iguanas are known to sunbathe on the shores. The enormous cacti, the ochre-red color of the rocks and the turquoise waters make it a great place for taking photos.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL SILBERSTEIN (OR SIMILAR).
The morning will be spent on a guided tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning about the national park’s efforts concerning conservation and meeting the famous lonesome George, a figure of the last male Pinta Island tortoise – the rarest creature in the world before his death in 2012.
In the afternoon we’ll take a transfer from the hotel to the dock of Santa Cruz and then board a boat to the island of San Cristóbal (the journey is approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, we’ll meet with a local guide who will explain the exciting itinerary, before spending the evening at leisure.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL BLUE MARLIN (OR SIMILAR).
After breakfast we’ll head to the dock and take a quick boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. En route, feast your eyes upon extraordinary marine life. When we arrive, we’ll take a guided tour and observe Frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, sea lions and maybe even sharks. San Cristóbal’s powdery beaches invite endless wandering, so make sure you go for a swim before our return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL BLUE MARLIN (OR SIMILAR).
Today you are free to explore the island at leisure. Alternatively, you can take a boat to Kicker Rock for an optional tour available at an additional $199 per person. Kicker Rock, also known as the ‘Sleeping Lion’, is located off the coast of San Cristóbal and forms the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea. It consists of two vertical rocks rising 500 ft (150m) above the ocean to form a small channel navigable by small boats. Kicker Rock is home to Frigate birds and blue-footed boobies and beneath it, you’ll find crystal-clear waters filled with kaleidoscopic fish (such as rainbow fish, hammerhead and white tip sharks). After lunch we’ll relax on the beach for a while before making our way back to the hotel.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL BLUE MARLIN (OR SIMILAR).
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to the airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Arrive to Guayaquil and transfer to the hotel to spend your last night in Ecuador.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE UNIPARK BY ORO VERDE HOTEL (OR SIMILAR).
Before your transfer to the airport to catch your international flight home, you’ll have some time to explore Guayaquil at your own pace. We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay and wish you ¡buen viaje!
END OF THE TOUR!
Exclusions:
from $1999*
from $1399*
from $1899*
Welcome to Quito, Ecuador! Upon arrival, one of our representatives will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. As one of the best preserved colonial cities of South America and situated on the equator at the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano, Quito is considered South America’s cultural capital and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Depending on your time of arrival, you’re free to spend the day exploring Quito’s old town or relaxing at your hotel. Quito sits at an altitude of 2,850 m above sea level, we would therefore recommend that you explore at an easy pace in order to acclimatize to the altitude.
(Note: should you feel you’d like to explore Quito a little further, an extra night or two can be added to your itinerary.) In the evening you’ll be met by one of the trip leaders for a welcome briefing at 6 pm, during which you can also raise any questions you might have regarding your Ecuadorian adventure.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL DANN CARLTON (OR SIMILAR).
Today we’ll drive north of Quito to see Mitad del Mundo- the Equator monument complex which marks the exact location of the Equator and from which the country takes its name. Here, you’ll be able to stand on both sides of the hemispheres- at the same time! En route, you’ll also have the chance to stop and marvel at the Pululahua Crater, the third largest inhabited volcano crater in the world.
Next we’ll proceed to the small town of Mindo, nestled in the cloud forest of the Ecuadorian Amazon – an area bursting with vibrant flora and fauna which showcases Ecuador’s natural diversity. Mindo and the surrounding cloud forest are a birdwatcher's paradise, especially for Hummingbirds! Today we’ll also visit a local chocolate distributor and learn about the cocoa bean process, all the way from harvesting the seed to finessing the final product. Ecuadorian chocolate is renowned throughout the world, so look forward to having a taste of this delicacy in the form of a delicious brownie or cup of hot cocoa!
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE SEPTIMO PARAISO HOTEL (OR SIMILAR).
Today we’ll comb Mindo’s untouched cloud rain forest for delightful flora and fauna. We’ll take cable cars and hike alongside waterfalls nestled within lush forest, home to toucans, hummingbirds and other species. This afternoon you can relax or get your adrenaline pumping with one of the thrilling optional activities available. These include white water rafting or “tubing” (several large inner tubes tied together), accompanied by guides with nerves of steel who will steer you through the roaring rapids.
Or, you might decide to ride a canopy zip line (there are 13 in total). Cap off the day with a visit to the butterfly nursery where gargantuan butterflies can be seen drying their wings after emerging from their jewel-like cocoons. Coat your fingers in banana juice and watch as the butterflies (some of which are the size of birds) swarm to your fingers for a snack.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE SEPTIMO PARAISO HOTEL (OR SIMILAR).
We’ll drive back up into the highlands today and join the Pan-American Highway heading north. En route, we’ll stop in at the famous indigenous town of Otavalo, filled with narrow cobblestone streets and local handicrafts. The Otavalo indigenous people wear traditional blue ponchos and sell textiles, paintings, ceramics, jewelry and tapestries at the handicraft market.
The afternoon will see us drive to the small village of Cotacachi, home to impressive leather goods and astounding beauty. You’ll have a chance to explore the shops, relax and sip some of Ecuador’s best coffee in the main plaza. Then, we’ll head to the historical Hacienda of Pinsaqui where we’ll be welcomed with a typical Andean cocktail.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT HACIENDA PINSAQUI (OR SIMILAR).
Kick off the day by visiting the ecological reserve of Cotacachi Cayapas, home to breath-taking scenery which takes the form of crystal-clear waters and an active volcano. We’ll venture off on an hour’s hike along the rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake, after which we’ll travel by boat to the crater’s center to observe the volcano up close and watch as the bubbles rise from the center of the caldera.
Next, we’ll make our way to Peguche, a small village in the center of the Andes where you’ll have the chance to help the natives prepare a delicious lunch using fresh local produce which has been harvested from the surrounding fields. This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into local life. We’ll cap off our day with a trip to the luxurious hot springs resort of Papallacta, home to superlative views of the majestic Andean mountains.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE PAPALLACTA SPA RESORT (OR SIMILAR).
After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a final dip in the open-air hot springs before we set off for the highest active volcano in the world – Cotopaxi. We’ll drive south on the Pan-American Highway to get to this mighty snow-capped volcano, surrounded by a national park, wildlife and Incan ruins.
Starting off at the interpretation center at the entrance of the park, we’ll then continue driving across Páramo to Limpiopungo Lake. Here, we’ll take a short stroll and keep our eyes peeled for a variety of birds flapping against a backdrop of stunning volcano views before heading back to Quito.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE DANN CARLTON HOTEL (OR SIMILAR).
Today we’ll head to the airport to catch a flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galápagos Islands, about 600 miles from Ecuador’s coast. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the nearby island of Santa Cruz and cross the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry, continuing then to the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the iconic giant Galápagos tortoises.
While here, we’ll visit a private ranch for lunch and go for a stroll to try and find these gentle giants. Famous tubes (formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies) will also be a highlight of our tour. We’ll then take a private transfer to the hotel and meet a local guide who will explain the itinerary for the next few days. You’re free to spend the evening however you please.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL SILBERSTEIN (OR SIMILAR).
Following a delicious breakfast, we’ll set off on a half-day tour of Academy Bay (you’ll need to pack for this trip). Snorkeling equipment will be provided free of charge to anyone wishing to snorkel. During the tour, we’ll sail to Academy Bay and swim and snorkel with sea lions and exotic marine life. The sea lions may swim next to you underwater! Academy Bay is also home to blue-footed boobies, so prepare to see lots of those.
Next, we’ll climb to a viewpoint and keep an eye out for white-tipped reef sharks swimming in the ocean below, before strolling along Playa de los Perros where sea iguanas are known to sunbathe on the shores. The enormous cacti, the ochre-red color of the rocks and the turquoise waters make it a great place for taking photos.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL SILBERSTEIN (OR SIMILAR).
The morning will be spent on a guided tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning about the national park’s efforts concerning conservation and meeting the famous lonesome George, a figure of the last male Pinta Island tortoise – the rarest creature in the world before his death in 2012.
In the afternoon we’ll take a transfer from the hotel to the dock of Santa Cruz and then board a boat to the island of San Cristóbal (the journey is approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, we’ll meet with a local guide who will explain the exciting itinerary, before spending the evening at leisure.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL BLUE MARLIN (OR SIMILAR).
After breakfast we’ll head to the dock and take a quick boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. En route, feast your eyes upon extraordinary marine life. When we arrive, we’ll take a guided tour and observe Frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, sea lions and maybe even sharks. San Cristóbal’s powdery beaches invite endless wandering, so make sure you go for a swim before our return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL BLUE MARLIN (OR SIMILAR).
Today you are free to explore the island at leisure. Alternatively, you can take a boat to Kicker Rock for an optional tour available at an additional $199 per person. Kicker Rock, also known as the ‘Sleeping Lion’, is located off the coast of San Cristóbal and forms the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea. It consists of two vertical rocks rising 500 ft (150m) above the ocean to form a small channel navigable by small boats. Kicker Rock is home to Frigate birds and blue-footed boobies and beneath it, you’ll find crystal-clear waters filled with kaleidoscopic fish (such as rainbow fish, hammerhead and white tip sharks). After lunch we’ll relax on the beach for a while before making our way back to the hotel.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE HOTEL BLUE MARLIN (OR SIMILAR).
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to the airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Arrive to Guayaquil and transfer to the hotel to spend your last night in Ecuador.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE UNIPARK BY ORO VERDE HOTEL (OR SIMILAR).
Before your transfer to the airport to catch your international flight home, you’ll have some time to explore Guayaquil at your own pace. We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay and wish you ¡buen viaje!
END OF THE TOUR!
Exclusions:
from $1999*
from $1399*
from $1899*
