Classic 15 Day Ecuador and Galapagos

In the morning, we will head, across the Andes to stop at the equatorial line to witness this great attraction and for standing on both of the planets’ hemispheres at the same time. We will then continue to Otavalo, where you will have plenty of time to wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, filled with the Indigenous people wearing the traditional blue ponchos, white trousers and long braided hair. Learn all about their way of life and their native language. We will visit the famous handicraft market, with its wonderful textiles, alpaca throws and rugs, knitted clothing, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, tapestries. In the afternoon. We will then head to Cotachi to see the impressive leather goods of the town and enjoy the picturesque beauty of this small village. There will be some free time for you to explore the shops or simply relax while sipping on one of the best coffees in Ecuador. This evening we will head to the 17th century Hacienda Zuleta. This working-farm of former Ecuador President Galo Plaza Lasso and his family is a stunning venue to spend the evening.

Today is a day to enjoy the optional activities that the Zuleta Hacienda offers. You can learn about the conservation program Cóndor Huasi which seeks to preserve the emblematic Andean condor in its natural habitat. You can also see how the Hacienda retains its authenticity as a working farm, producing milk, wheat, barley, 14 kinds of cheese, cream, trout, wool, mutton, horses, wood, and even compost from their earthworm farm. Another activity is the exclusive stable with their own breed of Zuleteño horses. You will find horses for every riding level and you will be provided with good quality equipment to head out on horseback, cowboy style, to explore some of our glorious trails of the estate.

Today, we will head to the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. The snow-capped volcano is surrounded by its national park, home to abundant flora, fauna and Inca ruins. We will begin our visit at the interpretation centre at the park's entrance before continuing our drive across the paramo to the Limpiopungo Lake. During a short walk around the lake, we can observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the conical Cotopaxi volcano. Afterwards, we will drive to the colonial Hacienda of San Agustín de Callo. Built on the site of an Inca palace, one of the two most important archaeological Inca sites in Ecuador. 

Today, begins with a visit to a local indigenous market at Saquilisilí or the historic church in Pujilí. The drive to Laguna Quilotoa offers spectacular views of the Andes, passing the ancient canyon of Zumbahua and many indigenous towns and farmlands. Before lunch, we will visit a local indigenous home, where you have the opportunity to interact with the inhabitants and perhaps learn some Quechua. We will then head to the Quilotoa Volcano, where we will hike into its crater lake. This lake is considered as one of the most beautiful crater lakes on earth, and there is even the option to go kayaking in this crater! We will then either hike or ride a mule back up to the top. After the volcano visit, we will head to the picturesque town of Baños.

Today we will explore this beautiful town at the base of the active Tungurahua volcano, It has erupted many times recently, offering a lava and steam display that can be seen from a variety of viewpoints in the region. We will then hike to the second highest waterfall in Ecuador, the Pailon Del Diablo, where immense cascades of water crash on the rocks, which we can view from the bridge. We can also hike behind these immense falls. We will then head on to another incredible waterfall called El Manto de la Novia, where we will ride in a cable car across the canyon of the Pastaza River. We will then visit The Swing of the End of the World, where you will have time to replicate the amazing picture that won the National Geographic photo competition, appreciating the spectacular landscape in the front of us.

After breakfast, we will take the Devil’s Nose train, where the train tracks wind through the landscape, creating a totally unique travel experience. After this incredible experience, will head to Ingapirca, the most impressive archaeological site in Ecuador. We will spend the afternoon learning about these Inca remnants and their unique fusion of Inca and native Cañari architecture, as well as for religious aspects. We will continue to the city of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its colonial architecture and where we will spend the evening.

In the morning we will enjoy a city tour, visiting the most important buildings and notable places in Cuenca, such as Calderon Square, the New Cathedral, El Barranco and El Turi lookout point. In the afternoon, we will visit a famous Panama hat factory where we can learn about this famous hats history. You can then enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city.

Today we will visit the Cajas National Park, located 30km east of Cuenca. There are over 200 recreational lakes connected by small rivers and crystal-clear waters flowing into the Pacific in this park. After a walk through the mountains, we’ll arrive in the city of Guayaquil.

Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago on the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of evolution of species. We will fly to the Island of San Cristobal.  In the afternoon, we will visit "La Loberia", which is the home of the Galapagos sea lions. We can see them while we are snorkelling, and these curious creatures will come up close and personal as you are swimming. You can also see them basking on the rocks or just napping on the sandy shores. We can also see many bird species, such as the yellow warbler birds, frigate birds, and several species of Darwin’s finches along the beach. In between the rocks, we can find marine iguanas, which you can only see in Galapagos. As well as the wide variety of sea animals, we will have time to relax on the beach or explore the water with our snorkels.

Today you will have 2 activities to choose from:

 Kicker Rock - A lava cone eroded by the waves, with 2 vertical rocks rising high above the ocean. This natural monument has become a highlight of the Galapagos due to the many tropical birds, frigate birds and boobies that fill the sky.  Under the ocean, the crystal clear waters offer the spectacle of brightly colourful fish, such as rainbow fish and sharks, like the hammerhead and white tip. After lunch, we will spend some time on the beach before we head back to the hotel. 

Or Isla Lobos, to observe many marine animals before we even reach the island. The island is the home to frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, sea lions and sometimes sharks who live on land or in the surrounding ocean. The white coral beaches of San Cristobal are spectacular to walk around. We can relax or swim here before heading back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Today we will head for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. We can learn all about the endemic species found on the islands, as well as the ongoing conservation work on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's picturesque landscape with these giant creatures is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigate birds. We will then head back to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in this town.

Bartolome is a small Galapagos Island located northwest of the Itabaca Channel. It’s among the most famous of all the islands, due to its impressive volcanic landscapes and the wildlife species that inhabit the island. The other-worldly landscape explain all we need to know about the island's origins. The summit trail begins at the dock, with its accompanying sea-lions greeting us on arrival. The trail twists and turns uphill over volcanic ash and old craters. The only vegetation is the Tiquilia plant. This is one of the best snorkelling sites in the central islands of the archipelago. We can swim at the foot of the famous Pinnacle Rock and around the base, accompanied by many species of parrotfish, marine turtles, sea lions and Galapagos penguins. After lunch, we will head to Sullivan Bay, located on the eastern coast of Santiago Island. Sullivan Bay is the most fascinating lava field in the Galapagos. A short walk on lava is a unique chance to experience these volcanic islands' origins, resembling a lunar landscape. We will then have time to snorkel and enjoy the amazing white sandy beach, the home of many different species of fish, turtles, sea lions and penguins.

Today we will walk through a dry forest to Tortuga Bay, a spectacular white sandy beach and the nesting site of marine turtles. This beautiful beach is perfect for swimming or snorkelling. In the afternoon, you can wander Puerto Ayora at your pace, exploring the narrow streets and interacting with the locals. This will be the final evening of your tour!

Enjoy some more free time this morning before heading to the Baltra airport. We will take a flight back to Guayaquil to catch your international connection back home. Or on to your next exciting destination!