Ecuador's landscapes: the Andes, Amazon & Galapagos

Quito - Otavalo

Tag 1: Welcome to Ecuador

As you approach Mariscal Sucre International Airport, take your first glimpse of the capital of this enchanting Andean nation.

Your tour guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival and will share fascinating insights about the country and its people during the picturesque 2-hour drive through the stunning Andes to your accommodation near Otavalo.

Otavalo - Cuicocha - Mindo

Tag 2: Otavalo market & the Cuicocha Lagoon

Today, you will explore Otavalo, renowned for its vibrant handicraft market, offering colorful textiles like ponchos, hammocks, and tapestries, along with an array of vibrant jewelry.

Next, visit the breathtaking Cuicocha Crater Lagoon, a 4 km² lake formed thousands of years ago by a massive eruption of the Cuicocha volcano. A short hike along the crater rim provides stunning panoramic views of the lagoon.

Afterward, you’ll journey into another climate zone, the subtropical cloud forest of Mindo, where you'll check in to your new accommodation.

Mindo - Mitad Del Mundo - quito

Tag 3: A birdwatchers paradise

Mindo welcomes you with an extraordinary array of bird species, including hummingbirds, parrots, woodpeckers, toucans, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock. This bird-watchers paradise also offers stunning landscapes: hike to picturesque waterfalls, ride a cable car over the valley, zip-line above the treetops, or enjoy a chocolate tour to learn about cocoa.

In the afternoon, visit the Equator Monument, Mitad del Mundo, where you can stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern.

After this unique experience, continue to Quito for an overnight stay.

quito - Cotopaxi - quito

Tag 4: Lagoons & a journey to Ecuador's Amazon

Start the day early with a trip to Cotopaxi National Park. Here you'll walk around the Glacier Lagoon Limpiopungo and meet various birds such as coots, Andean ducks, and seagulls. With a bit of luck, you could also encounter wild horses or the shy Andean wolf.

In the late afternoon, you'll start your overnight journey (by shuttle bus) to Ecuador's Amazon, the docks of El Puente del Cuyabeno.

Cuyabeno

Tag 5: Welcome to the rainforest

Your rainforest adventure begins upon arrival in El Puente, the gateway to the Cuyabeno Nature Reserve. Enjoy lunch and an introduction from your naturalist guide before embarking on a motorized canoe journey along the narrow Cuyabeno River, offering close encounters with wildlife.

Upon reaching your lodge, take some time to rest before visiting the enchanting Laguna Grande. Here, you can explore the flooded rainforest, refresh yourself in the Igapo, and witness an impressive sunset. Dinner will be served back at the lodge.

Cuyabeno

Tag 6: Pink river dolphins & caimans

After breakfast, embark on a hike to observe the bustling activities of the tropical forest and learn from your guide how various life forms coexist in a delicate balance.

In the afternoon, take an excursion on the Cuyabeno River through dense forest, where you can spot monkeys, macaws, toucans, and sloths along the riverbanks. There's also a good chance of seeing pink river dolphins. Enjoy a refreshing swim in Laguna Grande before returning to the lodge for dinner.

In the evening, embark on a thrilling night canoe trip to search for caimans!

Cuyabeno

Tag 7: Meet the local Indigenous community

Today, travel by motorized canoe to the Indigenous community of Tarapuy, home to numerous Siona families. Here, family members will demonstrate how to make cassava, the traditional yucca bread of the region. Your guide will introduce you to the customs and traditions of the local people.

Enjoy some free time at the lodge to soak up the ambiance of the rainforest before rounding off the day with a short night hike, searching for nocturnal animals like insects, spiders, snakes, and frogs, hidden from sight during the daylight.

Cuyabeno - quito

Tag 8: A final farewell to the rainforest

Before your final breakfast at the lodge, embark on a morning canoe excursion to spot birds and observe various wildlife during their early morning activities, offering a last chance to say goodbye to the jungle.

After breakfast, take your time packing for the return journey. Head upriver back to El Puente de Cuyabeno, the gateway to civilization. Enjoy lunch before boarding a coach to Lago Agrio, where you can catch a bus or plane back to Quito.

Quito - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Tag 9: Journey to the Galapagos

Early in the morning, fly to the Island of San Cristobal, where your adventure in the Galapagos begins with a visit to the Interpretation Center. Here, your guide will share insights about the island's history, volcanic origins, climate, and geological features.

Next, hike to Tijeretas Hill, named after the colonies of frigate birds ("Tijeretas") that nest there. From the hilltop, enjoy a unique view of San Cristobal and Kicker Rock. In the small bay below, you can snorkel and often encounter turtles, tropical fish, and sea lions.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - Kicker Rock - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Tag 10: Snorkeling & a moment for relaxation

Today, you will take a boat to visit the famous Kicker Rock, a formation consisting of two eroded tuff cones rising approximately 150 meters high.

The channel between the two rocks is ideal for snorkeling and is one of the few places where you might spot hammerhead sharks. The rocks are also home to nesting Nazca and blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and pelicans.

Enjoy lunch on board before spending the rest of the day relaxing on a white sand beach.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - Los Gemelos - Puerto Ayora

Tag 11: Galapagos exploration

Your day begins early with a speedboat crossing to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, you’ll drive into the island’s lush highlands to explore the impressive twin craters, “Los Gemelos,” and take in the stunning Scalesia forests.

Next, enjoy lunch on a local farm where you can observe giant tortoises and a variety of highland bird species in their natural habitat. You’ll also have the chance to explore natural lava tunnels before heading to your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Station, dedicated to researching and preserving the Galapagos Islands' delicate flora and fauna. The station features exhibits on climate, geography, and turtle breeding programs.

Puerto Ayora

Tag 12: Sea lions & snorkeling

Today, embark on a bay tour around Puerto Ayora by boat. Visit Lobería Beach, home to a large sea lion colony, where you can snorkel in clear waters. Explore "Las Grietas," a natural crystal-clear pool nestled between steep rock faces, offering stunning views of the turquoise sea and volcanic landscape. You may even spot sharks in the water.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time at the beautiful Tortuga Bay, reachable by a 40-minute hike through Opuntia and Scalesia forests. Tortuga Bay features two sections: a long beach with surfing waves and a sheltered mangrove-lined bay ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Puerto Ayora - Bartolome - Puerto Ayora

Tag 13: A day on an uninhabited island

Today, you'll take a trip to one of the nearby uninhabited islands. Depending on which island you visit you can expect to find an abundance of wildlife; blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, land iguanas, and sea lions.

Puerto Ayora

Tag 14: Goodbye, Ecuador

It's time to say goodbye to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! Your driver will take you to the ferry that will drop you off at the shuttle stop to the airport.