Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Explorer - 13 Days

Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city in South America, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Known as the Cultural Capital of South America, it lies on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.

Once you have arrived in Quito, make your way to the hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some time to explore Quito's historic old town and its surroundings.

Meet your fellow travellers and guide at 6 PM for a welcome briefing, so everyone can get to know each other and you can ask any questions you may have.

Today, we’ll dive into Quito’s history with a unique walk through its charming streets. As we explore, we’ll see iconic sites like the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square. Along the way, we’ll stop by Luis, an artisan whose family has been making the traditional candy "Colaciones" for over 100 years at his workshop, “Cruz Verde,” keeping Quito’s sweet traditions alive.

For lunch, we’ll sit down with locals and enjoy a freshly prepared meal using local ingredients. You will then have the rest of the day at your leisure to further explore Quito independently.

Quito - Mindo. Leaving Quito, we journey north to the iconic Equator Monument—stand in both hemispheres at once and feel the magnetic pull of the Middle of the World. En route, we pause to admire the Pululahua crater, a vast volcanic caldera that is remarkably home to over 400 residents.

From here, we descend into the lush cloud forest of Mindo, a haven of biodiversity and a paradise for bird lovers—keep an eye out for hummingbirds! In the afternoon, indulge your senses at a local chocolate producer, where we’ll follow the journey from cocoa bean to rich brownie or velvety hot chocolate. We're spending the night in Mindo.

Today, we delve deeper into Mindo’s magical cloud forest, riding cable cars and hiking to waterfalls through emerald canopies alive with toucans, hummingbirds, and other colourful birdlife.

In the afternoon, you can choose from a range of optional activities. Soar across treetops on a zip-line or brave the rapids with whitewater tubing as expert guides navigate the current. We then have an included visit to a butterfly sanctuary, where giant-winged beauties flutter around you—dip your fingers in banana nectar and feel them gently land on your outstretched hands. We spend a second night at our hotel in Mindo.

Mindo - Otavalo. This morning we explore the vibrant Otavalo Market, meeting the Otavalo Indigenous people dressed in their traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair. Learn about their daily life, local cuisine, and native language and wander through the market’s colourful stalls brimming with textiles, alpaca throws, rugs, knitted clothing, ceramics, jewellery, tapestries, and more—all at bargain prices. For lunch, we visit Pijal, a charming Andean village, where we join the women of Sacha WarmiKuna to prepare traditional “Aji” sauce and enjoy a meal made from fresh local ingredients. Explore their crafts, gain insight into Andean culture, and pick up a handmade scarf as a meaningful keepsake. Later, we continue to our accommodation, where we enjoy a relaxing evening.

Otavalo - Pijal - Papallacta. Today begins with a visit to the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, where you can marvel at the stunning scenery of the active volcano and its crystal-clear crater lake. A boat ride takes us to the centre of the crater, offering a close look at the bubbling volcanic activity, followed by a walk around the lake to enjoy panoramic views of the water and the island at its centre - a perfect opportunity for photos and to soak in the dramatic landscape (the walk can be adjusted to suit everyone’s comfort).

Later, we drive to Cotacachi, a charming town renowned for its high-quality leather goods, where there's free time to explore the shops or relax in the main plaza with one of Ecuador’s finest coffees. In the late afternoon, we arrive at the luxury Papallacta Hot Springs Resort, set against the backdrop of the majestic Andes, where you can unwind and enjoy the soothing thermal waters and spa facilities.

Papallacta - Cotopaxi - Quito. After breakfast and a final soak in the hot springs, we head south along the Pan-American Highway to Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano. Surrounded by a national park teeming with diverse flora, fauna, and Inca ruins, our adventure begins at the park's interpretation centre.

We’ll then drive across the Cotopaxi National Park to Limpiopungo Lake, where a short walk offers spectacular views of the nearly perfect cone of Cotopaxi and an opportunity to spot local birdlife. Afterward, we return to Quito.

Please note: Some members of the group may be leaving the tour tomorrow, so we'll head out for our final dinner together (not included). Other travellers may join us in Quito to explore the Galapagos.

Quito - Baltra Island (Galapagos Islands) - Puerto Ayora. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included onward flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred by ferry to Santa Cruz Island, crossing the Itabaca Channel.

We will then travel by private car to the Santa Cruz highlands, home to the giant Galapagos tortoises, a lush, volcanic landscape with dense forests, unique flora, and dramatic craters. At a private ranch, we'll search for tortoises and explore lava tubes formed by solidified lava streams.

Afterward, we will make our way to the hotel, where our guide will meet us for a short briefing. You will then have the rest of the evening to relax in the hotel and experience the island at your leisure.

This morning, we’ll embark on a half-day tour of Academy Bay. We’ll take a short boat ride from Santa Cruz Island to the bay, where you can swim and snorkel alongside sea lions, exotic fish, and other marine life. These curious creatures may even swim right next to you. As we sail, you might even spot the blue-footed boobies, renowned for their striking blue feet, which make them highly sought after by birdwatchers and photographers.

Next, we’ll head to a viewpoint where, if you’re lucky, you might spot white-tipped reef sharks swimming below. Afterward, we’ll make our way to Playa de los Perros, where we will walk along the beach and potentially see marine iguanas basking in the sun. The deep red colour of the rocks and the turquoise, sparkling ocean provide stunning photo opportunities.

Please note: Make sure to bring all necessary items like a change of clothes and a towel, complimentary snorkel gear is available for those who wish to explore underwater.

Puerto Ayora - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Today, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the active conservation and preservation initiatives on the Galapagos Islands.

In the afternoon, we will travel by speedboat to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, we will head to the hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the dock for a boat ride across to Isla Lobos, located off the coast of the much larger San Cristobal. Along the way, you may spot various marine animals, such as sea lions, manta rays, and possibly even sharks or dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a tour of the island, exploring the white coral beaches to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, sea lions, and occasionally sharks, all thriving in the island’s waters and landscape. You will have some time to enjoy a walk along the beach, swim or spot more wildlife before we return to the hotel.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - Quito (Ecuador). You will have the morning at leisure to explore San Cristobal. Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your included flight back to Quito.

Once you have arrived back in Quito, you will be met and transferred to the hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Our tour ends today after breakfast. Your airport transfer is not included, so you can make your way to the airport or continue your travels independently.