Classic Ecuador Highlights

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 town's impressive leather goods 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.

After breakfast, we will head to the Cotacachi Cayapas ecological reserve to see the breathtaking scenery around this active volcano. We will hike along the Cuicocha Crater Lake's shores, taking a boat ride to the middle of the crater to observe the activity of this volcano, watching bubbles rising up from the centre. We will then head to Peguche, a small village located in the heart of the Andes, where we can experience an unforgettable cultural adventure. We will help the local people prepare a delicious lunch using the fresh products from the surrounding organic fields and share precious moments, getting to know these incredible people. In the evening, we will head to the volcanic hot-springs resort of Papallacta, where we can relax at the spa, surrounded by the magnificent Andean mountains. We will spend the evening in this incredible spa resort.

Today, we will wake early to head back to Quito for a morning flight to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. We will take a trip to the largest island in the archipelago with the most volcanic activity in the Galapagos. The Isabela island was formed by six volcanos, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of these are still active, making the island one of the most volcanically active places on the planet. On the journey to the islands, keep your eyes open for dolphins and whales!

Today we will explore the amazing lava formations along the shore, left by the last volcanic eruptions on the island. National Geographic and the BBC have filmed a number of documentaries on this impressive island. This labyrinth of lava arches and crystal clear water is replete with sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and other sea creatures. The turtles navigate their way from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". This is where we will have the best snorkelling on the island with an array of spectacular sea creatures, including the Galapagos penguins.  We can enjoy many optional activities such as snorkelling, biking, or simply relaxing on the pristine white-sand beaches.

After breakfast, we will head out on a hike to the Sierra Negra. From the trailhead, we will hike through a young forest ecosystem to the Sierra Negra Crater rim, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. From the crater, we can appreciate spectacular views and explore the massive, 10 km wide, lava-filled crater. We will continue our hike to the Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of smoky fumaroles and colourful lava formations. In the afternoon, we will visit Tintoreras Islet near Puerto Villamil and home to a wide variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves and is one of the few sites in the world where marine iguanas can successfully reproduce.

In the morning, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. 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, you will travel by speedboat to The San Cristobal Island. 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.

Today we will leave these amazing Islands to head back to the capital. There will be a final opportunity to take some photos of the sea lions before we fly back to the mainland. We will  arrive at the hotel to  settle in for the evening after our incredible Galapagos adventure

Today we will explore the heart of Quito city and learn more about its history by walking around its narrow streets and visiting its most iconic architectural buildings. We will see the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, the Main Square and even visit Luis´ at his workshop “Cruz Verde”. Luis is a well-known artisan whose family has prepared the local candy “Colaciones” for the last 100 years. We will enjoy a lunch For lunch with the local people and enjoy a unique meal, freshly prepared using local products and with its unique Ecuadorian taste. In the afternoon, we will enjoy the experience of being at 0 latitude on the equatorial line, where we can stand on both of the planets’ hemispheres at the same time. We will then head back to the hotel for our final evening of the tour.

After breakfast, we will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the airport for your flight back home, or on to your next exciting destination!