Day 1 Arrival • Flight to Quito/Ecuador. Upon arrival at Quito airport, you will be greeted by your guide. Your journey begins with the transfer to your hotel in Quito. Located in the Andes Mountain range, Quito is the highest capital city in the world with an altitude of 2,850 m (9,350 ft). Accommodation in Quito.

Day 2 Quito - Middle of the World • (B) In the morning, sightseeing in the historic center, declared a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. In the afternoon, trip to the "Middle of the World" Monument. Nowhere else in the world is it easier to visit the equatorial line and to determine whether the water in the northern and southern hemispheres really flows down the drain in different directions. Visit to the Ethnological Museum. Accommodation in Quito.

Day 3 Quito - Flight Galapagos - Puerto Ayora • (B) Transportation to the airport where you will board the flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, you will take the "Bus Lobito" before crossing the Itabaca channel. Once on the Santa Cruz side, your guide will take you to the Highlands.

 

Santa Cruz Highlands Tour • (B) A drive through the Santa Cruz Highlands gives insides to a lush green landscape that is a great contrast to the dry vegetation near the coast. Its green vegetation in the highlands is mainly due to Scalesia trees. On the way you will make a short stop at the Twin Craters and visit the El Chato Reserve where you can observe the giant tortoises in the wild that are endemic to the Galapagos. Watch these fascinating creatures as they laze in the mud, feed, and roam. Being so close to wild tortoises will be one of the highlights of the Galapagos Islands. Accommodation in Puerto Ayora.

Day 4 Navigable excursion to an uninhabited island • (B, L) Today you will have the opportunity to visit one of the uninhabited islands on a navigable excursion. This trip includes a guided walking tour of the island and some time to explore the underwater wildlife by snorkeling. Lunch aboard the yacht. The exact destination depends on availability, but will be one of the following:

 

North Seymour: One of the best islands for Galapagos birdlife, where you can see frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls and the famous blue-footed boobies that nest here. The red-colored earth and red-carpet vine that grows on this island make it an exotic landscape. Another interesting species found in North Seymour is the land iguana, a unique species compared to the other islands.
 

South Plazas: This small but picturesque island has a fantastic concentration of wildlife, from sea lions to land iguanas and many species of birds, including frigate birds, lava gulls and red-billed tropical birds. The spectacular cliffs, the blue sea and the spectacular natural carpet of red algae shape a unique landscape.

 

Bartholomé: This is where Pinnacle Rock's iconic Galapagos landscape is located, ideal to take your perfect photo. To get there, you have to climb 364 steps, but the reward is immense. Along the way, you can see lava fumaroles and an incredible lunar landscape. With a little luck you can also find the only tropical penguin in the world! After disembarking, you will have time to snorkel in the amazing underwater world. Accommodation in Puerto Ayora.

Day 5 Santa Cruz – San Cristobal • (B) In the morning, you will board a speedboat to San Cristobal. In the afternoon we have time to explore the center of the island before you have time to relax in the middle of sea lions on the beach "La Lobería". Accommodation in San Cristobal.

 

Day 6 San Cristobal • (B) Private transportation will take you to the white, rock-free beach of Puerto Chino, where you can see sea lions, turtles, and a variety of seabirds. On the way we will make 2 stops at a crater lake and at the Galapaguera tortoise breeding station. Accommodation in San Cristobal.

Day 7 San Cristobal – Puerto Ayora • (B) Speedboat to Puerto Ayora. In the afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Accommodation in Puerto Ayora.

Day 8 Transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra Airport – Quito – Otavalo • (B) Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito. From Quito Airport, you head north to a magical land of lakes, beautiful green landscapes, and vibrant cultures. On the way to Otavalo, you will have the opportunity to visit the Quinsato complex, indigenous markets, known for their colorful textiles and the unlimited display of amazing handcrafts. Don’t miss out on tasting the famous Cayambe biscuits while you enjoy the marvel at the beautiful scenery of Lake San Pablo. Not far away is the fantastic Cuicocha crater lake of the still-active Cuicocha volcano. Accommodation in Otavalo.

 

Day 9 Otavalo – Papallacta – Tena • (B, D) Begin your journey through the Western Cordillera, 4,000 m (13.123 ft) above sea level. The Papallacta High Pass will take you to the most beautiful hot springs in Ecuador, ideal for a break from sightseeing and to recharge your body, mind and soul at the Papallacta Hot Springs. You will then descend into the Amazon basin for a visit to the Jumandy Caves where you will be taken on a journey into the past of the indigenous culture by entering the depths of the earth and getting to know the stories and legends of these caves. Drive to the jungle lodge where you will be welcomed with the traditional drink Guayusa. In the lobby, you will receive a short presentation by specialized guides, which includes general information about accommodations and activities.

On the night walk the guide provides you with flashlights, boots before introducing different fascinating animals, such as poisonous spiders, grasshoppers, eel, snakes, toads, frogs, owls and the visit to the lagoon of the paiche arapaima – the monster of the Amazon. Accommodation in Tena.

 

Day 10 Tena • (B, L, D) Today you will experience a jungle adventure called "Full Day Amazoonico 360°", starting with tubing or kayaking on the Arajuno River which will lead you to "Amazoonico", a wildlife rescue center offering a great opportunity to observe wild animals and contribute to their wellbeing. Later, in a motorized canoe, you will visit Anaconda Island, inhabitat by an indigenous tribe, presenting various authentic parts of their current way of living such as blowgun demonstrations, traditional dances, the extraction of pita, and the making and tasting of Chicha. We will also see the Hoatzin and the alligator swamp. Lunch will be served by the riverbank. On the return journey in the motorized canoe, you will visit the Piranha Lagoon, with sightings of monkeys and local birds. Dinner

 

Day 11 Tena • (B, L, D) After breakfast you are invited to an excursion in the protected reserve "Campococha" with a native guide sharing his ancestral knowledge about interesting aspects of flora and fauna and the peacefull way of living in the jungle, passing giant trees, lianas to swing and impressive viewpoints.

In the afternoon a transport to the waterfalls "Cascadas de Latas" await you. This guided tour takes you to a majestic landscape of pure jungle harmony. The healing power of being under the waterfalls and allowing it to massage your body, gives a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenates your senses. You will be able to see and feel the waterfalls hitting one beautiful pool after another. These natural pools invite you to bathe in the water that comes from the mountains - fresh and crystal clear. Visit the monkey beach, the port of the Amazon. Accommodation in Tena.

 

Day 12 Tena • (B, L, D) The excursion to the butterfly farm includes crossing the Napo River by ferry to reach the home of more than 30 species of butterflies. You will receive a tour through flower-filled gardens with abundant information and fun facts about the magnificent butterflies, their incredible life cycle, and much more.

Traditional elaboration of cacoa with roasting, peeling and grinding of chocolate beans. Tasting with fruits and chocolate facial mask.

Day 13 Tena – Baños • (B) In the morning, your journey continues through tropical lowlands to Baños along the waterfall road, which leads from Tena through Puyo heading west to Baños. The first stop is the visit to the waterfall Pailón del Diablo. An ecological trail passing beautiful orchids will lead you to this wonder of nature. Inhale the cool breeze and listen to the impact of the water on the rocks. You will have the opportunity to take a therapeutic bath.

Arrival at your accommodation in Baños de Agua Santa, famous for the practice of adventure activities which are optional and can be booked directly on site. For example: canyoning, bungee jumping, canopy and tarabitas, open gondolas passing gorges. In the lively center of Baños, you can taste delicious local sweets made out of sugar cane such as "Melcochas", "Alfeñiques", "Panela" and pure sugar cane juice. Optional is the visit to the hot springs of Baños.

Visit to the Basilica of Baños de Agua Santa. It is considered the most important church in the city of Baños and has great architecture, a work of art, a challenge for time and history, as its construction period was too long. The inhabitants of Baños consider that this sanctuary is the place where they can go to make requests to the Virgin of Baños with devotion. Accommodation in Baños.

Day 14 Baños – Alausi • (B) Drive from Baños to Alausí. This destination declared the Magical Town of Ecuador and located in the south of the province of Chimborazo, offers an infinite range of landscapes and climates within lagoons, waterfalls, archaeological sites, colonial streets and cultural spaces. We invite you to get to know this place and fall in love with its people and unique corners.

Day 15 Alausí – Cuenca • (B) Alausí means "House of great esteem and love". Its railway heritage stands out with the train route through the Devil's Nose, the main attraction of the area. From the old station in the middle of town begins the train ride from Alausí to Sibambe passing the legendary Devil's Nose on a zig-zag track mastering a difference in altitude of 500 meters in just 12.5 km of vertiginous ascent or descent, an impressive work of engineering. Sibambe is known for its culture, folklore and handicrafts. Trip to Cuenca. Accommodation in Cuenca

 

Day 16 Cuenca • (B) Cuenca is one of Ecuador's colonial jewels. The cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings with unique metal balconies and floral decorations are a feast for the eyes. The typical markets and shops reveal the cultural richness of the region, a legacy of indigenous ancestors. Your tour will take you to the most important and interesting sights, such as the quaint and traditional San Sebastian neighborhood, the Museum of Modern Art, Calderon Park, the Flower Market, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In the afternoon you will enter a hat factory where you will learn the process of making Panama hats out of Paja Toquilla.

To crown the day, you will visit the lookout Mirador de Turi, a picturesque viewpoint from which you can enjoy the view of the city and invite to beautiful photos of the landscape and the city. Accommodation in Cuenca.

 

Day 17 Cuenca – Ingapirca – Colta • (B) This day you will continue north from Cuenca to Ingapirca, the most important archaeological site in Ecuador. The impressive Inca ruins, located at an altitude of 3,100 m (10,170 ft), are the most important religious monument of the Inca era and testimony to many pre-Columbian cultures that used to live in this area.

Ride to Colta, located at the foot of the historic Cullca hill and north of what was the old Liribamba. Accommodation in Colta.

Day 18 Colta – Chimborazo – Saquisili • (B) In the morning, start a fantastic journey along the "Road of the Volcanoes" to Chimborazo. This giant is located just a few degrees from the center of the earth with a distance of 6,384.40 km (3,967 miles) to its summit, which makes it larger than Everest. It is located in the great "Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve", protecting the ecosystem with andean camelids such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Continue north to Saquisili where you will visit the famous market of this cultural place. Accommodation in Saquisilí.
 

Day 19 Saquisili – Quilatoa • (B) After breakfast, you will depart to the stunning Quilotoa Lake. This emerald-colored lagoon is located inside the crater of a volcano at 3800 m (12,467 ft). It is the minerals of the water that make the lagoon a spectacle of different shades: green, turquoise and blue. You can walk to the lakeshore where you can kayak or just enjoy the scenery. The ascent can be done on foot or you can rent mules. Accommodation in Quilatoa.

Day 20 Quilatoa – Cotopaxi – Puembe • (B) In the morning, begins a fantastic journey to the misty Cotopaxi volcano, covered by a perpetual blanket of dazzling white snow and glaciers. With an altitude of 5,897 m (19,347 ft) above sea level, it is considered the highest active volcano in the world. Within the National Park you can go up to the main refuge of José Rivas. The hike is approx. 1 hour and takes you to 5,042 m (16,542 ft), near the Cotopaxi snow line. You will have the opportunity to observe the local fauna, including wild horses and the Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world. It is also home to llamas, foxes, rabbits, and moorland bird species. You will be transported to your hotel, near Quito airport.

Day 21 Transfer to Quito airport • (B) Transfer from your Quito airport accommodation to international departure to catch your return flight.