31-day epic Ecuador & Galapagos experience

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Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. On the approach to the city, take in its breadth and variety, stretched over 50km in a highland valley. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your driver, who will take you to your hotel to check in and relax for the rest of the day.

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Day 2: Quito & the Middle of the World

Today begins in Quito's Independence Square to visit La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, a 17th-century volcanic rock, cedarwood and gilt-decorated church, followed by La Basílica y Convento de San Francisco, considered Ecuador's most important church for its scale and history.

Stroll on to La Ronda, a pre-Columbian walking trail now brimming with cafés, live music, and boutiques. Afterwards, your driver guide will take you to the north of the city to visit a monument that commemorates the discovery of the point where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres divide, in the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo - the Middle of the World City.

You'll then visit a planetarium, marvel at a scale model of Quito, explore several museums and an old train station, and tour a small chapel, for a full taste of the local culture and history.

quito - Mindo

Day 3: Visit Mindo's astonishing cloud forest

Spend today exploring the lush green cloud forest of Mindo. Its location on the western slopes of the Andean highlands gives this region mild temperatures and plenty of rainfall.

Thanks to the favorable conditions, the Mindo forest features incredibly high biodiversity. Spend a wonderful day here spotting some of the countless birds, butterflies, and insect species that call the region home. Visit Mariposas de Mindo, a local butterfly farm filled with color and life, then hike in search of numerous small waterfalls or fly between the treetops on a zip-lining experience. The options for a mesmerizing day in nature are plentiful!

Mindo

Day 4: Chocolate-making in the cloud forest

Spend a second full day exploring the incredible Ecuadorian cloud forest. A paradise for nature lovers, this region is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Discover more of the immense variety of flora and fauna within the dense forests, or experience a different aspect of the area on a chocolate tour. Learn all about local chocolate-making, from the processing of the cocoa bean to the finished result, and end with a delightful tasting of an assortment of treats.

Mindo - Otavalo

Day 5: A traditional weaving experience in Otavalo

Departing early in the morning, head to the market of Otavalo. This is one of the most important traditional markets of South America, where indigenous people of the surrounding areas gather to trade. Their wares include everything from animals and handicrafts, to fruit and vegetables. Take a stroll through the streets and admire the stalls; try some of the local street food such as salted mango or fritada con mote (pork and corn).

Continue to a small village on the slopes of Mount Imbabura, where a special experience of traditional hand-made weaving awaits. Visit a local home and workshop to see the weavers at work. The sacred traditional designs are highly protected, so their work is not even found at the market in Otavalo. Watch a demonstration of the authentic art of backstrap weaving, then have a go yourself. You can even buy one of their unique creations to take home.

Otavalo - quito

Day 6: Take an Andean cooking lesson

While in Otavalo, you'll have an ideal opportunity to visit a homely restaurant owned and operated by a Kichwa Otavalo family - it will be the setting for today's Andean cooking class.

Pick from several traditional and seasonal offerings and learn how to prepare the dishes alongside a knowledgeable local chef. Harvest ingredients from the on-site garden, practice using a traditional tulpa fireplace, grind your own corn flour, and experience the flavors of Andean cooking in a hands-on, welcoming environment.

quito - Cotopaxi

Day 7: Explore the expanse of Cotopaxi National Park

After breakfast, leave Quito and head south to the Cotopaxi National Park. Start off at Lake Limpiopungo in the highlands, where you'll enjoy a spectacular view of Cotopaxi Volcano's gigantic peak. Take a short walk around the lake to admire the Andean plant and animal life; look out for a variety of birds and even wild horses around the shore, as you go.

If time permits and the altitude isn't a problem, hike to the Jose Ribas refuge at 4,800m, where the panoramic views are second-to-none. Later in the afternoon, arrive at a traditional hacienda near the National Park, ready to spend the night local-style.

Cotopaxi

Day 8: Horseback trek of a lifetime

Rise early to meet your transport for today - an epic horseback ride through Cotopaxi National Park. Saddle up for the trek of a lifetime! Gallop across windswept plains and explore the area's native forests. Experience the joy, adrenaline, and nostalgia that local chagras (Ecuadorian cowboys) feel day by day, as they work in the high mountains of the Andes.

This National Park is an incredible place to get to know the Andes and surrounding volcanoes - and on horseback, the day will feel especially magical. After ascending 3,280ft (1,000m), you'll feel like you're venturing into a different realm, as you pass the lagoon and the sun glints off Cotopaxi's peak. Keep your eyes peeled for wild horses, rabbits, birds, and deer along the way.

Cotopaxi - Quilotoa - Banos

Day 9: Tour a picturesque volcanic crater

Today, you'll visit the picturesque volcanic lagoon of Quilotoa. Choose a walk along the crater’s rim to enjoy the splendid view, or hike down a path to the edge of the crater lake - the return can be hard-going, and mules are available to rent for the uphill hike. Afterwards, continue onwards to your traditional hacienda to relax and unwind for the night.

Banos

Day 10: The hot springs of Baños

This morning, you will be met at your accommodation for a transfer to Baños city. Located in a valley with plentiful naturally-occurring waterfalls and hot springs, the city of Baños has much to see. Your private driver guide will stop at the best sites for you to photograph the waterfalls and volcanic scenery.

As well as being known for its naturally-heated thermal baths, Baños may surprise you as a hub for adventure sports. Surrounding the city are plenty of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs to explore in a variety of fun-filled ways. Check-in at your hotel and rest before venturing to the majestic peaks of the Llanganates and Sangay National Parks. At the end of the day, soothe aching muscles with a soak in the hot springs.

Banos

Day 11: The spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes

In the morning, driving south from Baños, follow the Pastaza River as it meanders through the valley of the same name. Passing a number of waterfalls, you'll eventually reach the village of Rio Verde. Stop off and visit the well-known Pailon del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) waterfall. Then, you'll take a trip to the thermal pools of Baños or the famous Casa del Arbol viewing deck, before heading back to your accommodation for a restful night.

Banos - Cuenca

Day 12: Journey to Cuenca

Enjoy a slower start to your day, before journeying to the beautiful city of Cuenca. The transfer may be a little long, but your driver will ensure to make plenty of stops. Go at your own pace to enjoy the beautiful Andean landscape as it slowly transitions through different ecosystems.

Upon arriving into Cuenca, your guide will take you on a city tour. Its beauty and colonial ambiance are best experienced on foot, and the tour weaves its way through the old town center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), for a short introduction to the city. You'll then take a trip to the nearby town of Turi to enjoy incredible panoramas, before heading to your hotel to relax.

Cuenca

Day 13: Deep-dive into Cuenca & the Azuay province

Spend some time in Cuenca wandering through the cobblestone streets of the historic district, before perhaps heading out to explore further afield today, with a guided visit of the Azuay province. Each town and village around Cuenca has its own unique speciality: Chordeleg with its silversmiths, Gualaceo with its gorgeous orchids and weaving traditions, and Sígsid with its hand-woven Panama hats. After a full day of touring the province, head back to the hotel for a rest, or explore more of Cuenca by night.

Cuenca - quito

Day 14: Cable car ride over Quito

In the morning, you'll be collected and transferred to Mariscal Lamar Airport for a domestic flight to Quito. Upon arrival there, you will be met by your driver and taken straight to the TelefériQo Cable Car!

The ride offers an incredible introduction to Quito. As you climb 4,000m up the Pichincha Volcano, soak up spectacular views over the city and surrounding peaks, including Antisana, Cotopaxi and Cayambe, as well as numerous other volcanoes and mountains around Quito.

One of the highest cable cars in the world, the TelefériQo offers journeys of about 18 minutes, during which you'll travel 2.5km; across this distance, witness a unique perspective of the flora as it changes below, eventually reaching the Andean páramo ecosystem. At the summit, take a short walk and enjoy the viewpoints before heading back down to the city.

quito - Yasuni

Day 15: Fly from Quito to El Coca

The day begins with a flight from Quito to El Coca. On arrival at the Napo Cultural Center, you'll have the astonishing opportunity to step onto the aboriginal territory of the Kichwa Añangu community, where its members will welcome you with a traditional and refreshing ice-cold wayusa.

In the afternoon, join a hike along the Playas trail to experience Amazon wildlife in one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. The route winds along the river, taking in the islands and shores.

Kayaking is also available as an optional activity. For around 45 minutes, you'll enjoy a stunning sunset over the vast Napo River, before heading back to your cabin to rest and revive with a well-deserved dinner. Afterwards, fall asleep to the relaxing sounds of the Amazon.

Yasuni

Day 16: Discover the Kichwa communities

This exciting day begins with breakfast at sunrise, before setting out to visit the sustainable community projects. Then, walk along the Mama Cuna path to see wildlife, ceiba trees, bamboo cane, vines, and shrubs - all endemic to Yasuní!

In the afternoon, after a lovely local lunch, paddle along the Añangu stream - a special ecosystem where you could spot monkeys jumping from tree to tree, look out for caiman, and see giant river otters trying to catch fish. Prepare for a traditional dinner and enjoy sampling the local flavors of the Amazon, such as maito (grilled fish wrapped in a bijao leaf) - or if you're feeling adventurous, try the grilled worms of the chonta palm.

After dinner, prepare your flashlight for a night walk around the lodge to see various nocturnal reptiles, insects and mammals, such as the aptly-named night monkeys.

Yasuni

Day 17: Plentiful parrots & parakeets

Take a motor boat ride to see a real highlight of the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve: the parrot clay lick on the banks of the River Napo. Bring binoculars and cameras to witness flocks of blue-headed, yellow-crowned parrots and even dusky-headed parakeets, from the boat.

Walk 30 minutes along the Pericos trail to reach a clearing in the forest with a direct view of the parakeet clay lick. Come face-to-face with up to 11 species of parrots and parakeets (including parrotlets and macaws). Mammals like howler monkeys, tapir, and peccaries also visit the site to drink water and get vital minerals for their bodies.

Pay a visit to the Kuri Muyu intercultural interpretation center. Learn about Kichwa culture, crafts, customs, and their traditional use of natural resources. After lunch, take a break in the lodge before joining a one-hour hike to the observation tower for more wildlife-spotting.

Yasuni

Day 18: Another peaceful day in nature

Today, climb nearly 40m up an observation tower for spectacular views over the jungle canopy. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys leaping from tree to tree, and spot some of the many colorful tropical birds that call the park home. Enjoy one last peaceful afternoon here, relaxing to your heart's content, and feast on a delicious dinner in your lodge.

Yasuni - quito

Day 19: Dive into traditional rituals

Today brings the chance to participate in a traditional Kichwa ritual. Waking at around 4.30am, begin with a traditional wayusa energy drink, then enjoy songs in the local language, meditating, and interpreting dreams. This is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience of the harmony, peace, and joy that the indigenous people know well, and offers an unforgettable insight into their lives.

Wayusa is a traditional, energizing herbal tea, prepared by indigenous people from the leaves of a sacred tree in the rainforests of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. Each family has their own tree and uses it as a part of their everyday lives; this ritual has been embedded in Amazonian culture for more than 2,000 years.

Then, after breakfast, a motor-canoe will return you to El Coca, ready for a flight back to Quito.

quito - San Cristobal

Day 20: Journey to the Galapagos

A three-hour flight west from Quito to San Cristóbal Island brings you to the Galapagos, ready for your next adventure!

Check into your hotel and start by visiting an interpretation center, to learn about the island's wildlife and conservation efforts. Learn about the origins of the islands, and the impact of humans since the discovery of the Galápagos. Then, view some of the archipelago's wildlife in their natural habitat at Tijeretas Hill, named after the frigatebirds that live and nest in this area. If you visit the island from June to October, there may also be a chance to see whales. Finish the day at La Lobería, a beach that's home to sea lions and marine iguanas.

San Cristobal

Day 21: A day of wonderful island-hopping

Explore two of the most enchanting locations in the Galapagos - Española Island and Gardner Islet. These destinations are home to some of the most iconic wildlife that you'll ever come across, including albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and Española iguanas.

From the hotel, transfer to the harbor to embark on a two-hour scenic boat trip to Española Island. Once there, set out on a two-hour hike to fully immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty. Take time to explore the island at your own pace, before gearing up for an exciting snorkeling session at Gardner Bay.

San Cristobal

Day 22: Your island exploration continues!

Spend another day discovering the stunning archipelago of the Galapagos. As you swim around Gardner Islet, you'll be delighted by playful sea lion pups, schools of fish, and fascinating marine iguanas. Enjoy lunch on the boat, then head back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in the late afternoon, to spend the rest of the day relaxing at leisure in this city.

San Cristobal

Day 23: Marvel at sea lions up-close

This morning, you'll pay a visit to Isla Lobos, otherwise known as Sea Lion Island. This appropriately-named island is ripe with noisy, playful sea lions who seem to welcome an audience. There is plenty of white sand to enjoy on this relatively flat island, and a visit brings the chance to see a multitude of sea lions both relaxing on land and swimming in the water. Also keep your eyes peeled for rays and turtles, a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, and the colorful Sally lightfoot crab on the shoreline.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon - the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.

San Cristobal - Isabela

Day 24: Meet the tortoises of Isabela Island

Head to the airport first-thing for a short flight to Isabela Island. There, you'll visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where tortoise populations from the Sierra Negra Volcano, Cerro Azul, Cazuela, Cinco Cerros, Roca Union, San Pedro, Tables, and Cerro Paloma have been bred and raised. The center is now home to some 330 juvenile and adult tortoises.

Afterwards, visit the Humedales wetlands - an area characterized by sandy beaches, rocky shores and mangroves, with a number of trails available to help you explore all four types of mangroves found in the Galapagos.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the island beaches at your own pace.

Isabela

Day 25: Wildlife encounters at Los Tuneles

After an early breakfast at the hotel, get ready for more wildlife encounters with a thrilling excursion to Los Tuneles, a perfect snorkeling spot.

From the dock in Puerto Villamil, board a speedboat and travel for approximately one hour to reach the Cabo Rosa lava tunnels, locally known as Los Tuneles. A series of lava flows produced these unique geological formations, made up of arches and tunnels both above and below the water.

In the shallow waters, swim amongst tropical fish, rays, turtles, sea horses, and even white-tipped reef sharks. Keep your eyes open for penguins sitting on the rocks; you may even get the chance to swim with majestic sea turtles.

Isabela

Day 26: Dramatic lava landscapes

Spend today in the shadow of the majestic Sierra Negra Volcano. Your adventure starts with a journey from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail. Prepare your backpack and set out on a six-hour round-trip hike to the summit, through forests and a variety of geological features. At the top, marvel at the second-largest volcanic crater in the world.

Walk around spectacular lava landscapes, taking in the northern volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina Islands. During the climb, make sure to look out for the unique vegetation that inhabits the area. The finishing point is the edge of the Sierra Negra Volcano’s crater, which is still active. From the edge of the crater, take in the spectacular views of the crater and the volcanoes around it. After returning to Isabela Island, enjoying some free time to relax after your active pursuits.

Isabela - Santa Cruz

Day 27: A relaxing day on Santa Cruz

Make an early start this morning for a public speedboat transfer to Santa Cruz Island, roughly two to three hours away. Meet your guide at the dock, then head to the highlands to see giant tortoises in the wild. Enjoy lunch at a local farm, then continue to Puerto Ayora and check into your hotel.

In the afternoon, head back onto the water for a tour of the bay: aboard a small boat, you'll visit the coves and beaches of Santa Cruz Island. Swim with playful sea lion cubs, go snorkeling to see the extraordinary diversity of sea life, or simply sunbathe on the beach. In the late afternoon, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the night at leisure.

Santa Cruz

Day 28: The heavenly Tortuga Bay

Today, set out on a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to heavenly Tortuga Bay. Famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery, this stretch of coast is considered one of the archipelago's most picturesque spots. Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close and admire the coastline from a different perspective, observing colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating coastal flora. Keep an eye out for the interesting array of birds residing here, from pelicans to finches - near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you may even spot flamingos.

After lunch, tour the Charles Darwin Research Station. Considered one of the most important scientific centers in the world for the study of natural history, it plays an integral role in the preservation of the islands, making it an interesting and popular site to visit.

Santa Cruz

Day 29: Unwind on a beautiful white-sand beach

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up for an eco-day trip from Puerto Ayora, to enjoy the beautiful Garrapatero Beach. Bike across a lovely stretch of Santa Cruz Island to reach the beach, stopping along the way at the protected Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve for a guided nature walk and fantastic island views.

At Garrapatero Beach, relax with a waterfront picnic on the pristine white sand, venture into the crystalline waters on an optional kayak ride, snorkel to see beautiful marine life, or simply soak up the serene and unspoiled landscape with flamingos and mallards as your closest neighbors. The beach is surrounded by mangroves, and you could explore further afield to admire the area's endemic flora and fauna.

Santa Cruz

Day 30: Visit an uninhabited island!

Today you'll enjoy an amazing day trip to an uninhabited island. Depending on the weather, scheduling and National Park permits, you'll visit one of the following: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour. Once you've arrived, follow trails to discover the island's natural riches, then take the opportunity to explore the surrounding waters in the afternoon.

Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife. Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows and North Seymour features frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies.

Lunch is included on-board, and both walking and snorkeling activities will help you make the most of the experience. Then, in the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy your final night in the Galapagos at leisure.

Santa Cruz - quito

Day 31: Departure day

Your last day in Ecuador begins with a trip into the highlands of Santa Cruz. Stop for a coffee surrounded by nature and in the company of giant tortoises - you'll be simply amazed by these creatures as you observe them in their natural habitat.

After this unforgettable experience, your driver will take you to the airport for a flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland, from where you'll head off for your onward travels.