Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of Ecuador and the enchanted Galapagos Islands. This comprehensive tour takes you from the high-altitude wonders of the Andean peaks and colonial cities to the lush gateway of the Amazon, culminating in a wildlife-rich adventure in the world-famous Galapagos archipelago.
Experience the perfect blend of culture, history, and nature as you stand on the equator, explore volcanic craters, and encounter unique endemic species in their natural habitat. This classic itinerary is designed to showcase the incredible diversity of one of South America's most captivating destinations.
Quito and Mitad del Mundo
It is impossible to visit Ecuador and not spend a few days in its captivating capital city, Quito. It is not possible to visit Quito and not take a trip approximately 20 km from the center to Mitad del Mundo. Mitad del Mundo, alias the Middle of the World, is a place where the GPS should show you these magical coordinates, 00°00’00”. It sits right on the equatorial line, hence Ecuador´s name, and gives all travelers the option to stand on both hemispheres at the same time!
Hacienda Zuleta
A stunning drive through the mountains from Quito takes you deep into the Andes where this 17th Century manor farmhouse was once the home of the Plaza Lasso family. Anyone searching for a genuine and authentic experience of Ecuador’s highlands will relish a stay at this farm. Zuleta still produces cheese; 17 different types, to be precise, and the team is integral to the protection of Andean bears, condors, and the age-old traditions of the local community. With 2000 acres of farmland, peaceful gardens, and primary forests roamed by spectacled bears, there is no end to adventures waiting in these grassy Sierras.
Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi is a stratovolcano, and it’s still considered active with the last eruption occurring in 2016. It’s part of the Pacific Ring of Fire volcano chain, but Cotopaxi has the distinction of being one of only two volcanos in the world with a nearly symmetrical cone shape that is always covered in snow. Cotopaxi National Park also has one of the few glaciers that exist along the equator.
Quilotoa Crater Lake
Located in the western Ecuadorian Andes, Laguna Quilotoa is actually a collapsed volcano. Known as a caldera lake, the area boasts jaw-dropping panoramic views, ethereal electric-blue water, and the opportunity to hike, kayak, or even just gaze down at the water from the viewpoint. Visitors of all ages and activity levels should prioritize a visit here while in Ecuador for a one-of-a-kind day in nature.
Baños
Situated in the central highlands, this is a mountainous region just east of Chimborazo and north of Riobamba. The town is famous for the much-photographed ‘swing at the end of the world’ which is a rope swing up above the town with great views of the valley below. The road from Baños to Puyo is known as the Route of the Waterfalls, as this dramatic road goes past more than 12 waterfalls.
Devils Nose Train Ride
The Devil’s Nose train ride takes you from the town of Alausi on a forty-five-minute ride down to Silambe. This is a journey through gorgeous mountain scenery at which time the train descends nearly a vertical kilometer in height. The train winds down the hillside from Alausi, and you can often see the tracks below you where you’ll be riding soon.
Cuenca
Cuenca is the third-largest city in Ecuador, and it is one of the prettiest colonial cities you can visit in this country. The relaxed vibe, pleasant weather, pedestrian-friendly streets, and post-card-like architecture caused Cuenca to be a popular destination among foreign travelers and locals.
Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park is one of Ecuador’s best-kept secrets. This Lake District of Ecuador is home to stunning glacial valleys, moors and forests, and a network of pristine mountain lakes. For trekkers, Cajas national park is an outdoor playground, making it the perfect place to escape and enjoy nature in its purest form.
The Galapagos Islands
One of the great reasons why traveling to the Galapagos is an option at any time of the year is because of its very agreeable climate. The Galapagos Islands are one of the best places to see endemic wildlife. A remote location such as this one, with no predators, means that there are greater numbers of species unfazed by the presence of humans, such as marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and Galapagos penguins.
Find out more about this incredible Classic 15-day Ecuador and Galapagos tour here!
