Highlights of Ecuador

Experience the wildlife of the Galápagos and the diversity of the Amazon on this ultimate Ecuadorean adventure. Get to know Ecuador inside out – from the Andes to the islands and everything in between. Explore the jungle by canoe and stay with a local Quichua family for an extraordinary cultural experience. Scour the indigenous handicraft market at Otavalo for special treasures before flying to the Galápagos to spend three nights exploring the islands aboard our comfortable yacht and on night on shore. From snorkeling with sea lions and other aquatic wildlife to taking a trek over volcanic rock, this trip will give you both incredible sights and indelible memories.

Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Quito/Papallacta
Travel to Papallacta Hot Springs and opt for a relaxing afternoon at the hot springs.

Day 3 Papallacta/Tena
Travel by bus into the Amazon Jungle. Spend 2 nights with a local Quichua family at a homestay in a small village. Enjoy nature walks and and learn about local culture.

Day 4 Tena
Spend a full day in the Amazon learning about life at a homestay. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and hiking to nearby waterfalls.

Day 5 Tena
Journey further into the Amazon to a jungle lodge. Included guided walks and canoe rides show the natural history and wildlife. Opt to go whitewater rafting on the Napo River.

Day 6 Tena
Spend another day exploring the area.

Day 7 Tena/Baños
Travel to Baños and enjoy numerous outdoor optional activities available like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or soaking in the hot springs.

Day 8 Baños
Enjoy free time to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.

Day 9 Baños
Enjoy another free day to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.

Day 10 Baños/Cuenca
Travel south to the colonial city of Cuenca, stopping en route at the Ingapirca ruins. Enjoy an orientation walk of the city.

Day 11 Cuenca
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt for a city tour or go hiking in Cajas National Park.

Day 12 Cuenca/Cayambe
Fly back to Quito and continue on to Cayambe. Spend the night in a 400-year-old hacienda at the base of a volcano.

Day 13 Cayambe/Otavalo
Travel to Otavalo. Optional activities include visits to Peguche Waterfall or the Cotacachi leather market, or a hike around Cuicocha Lake.

Day 14 Otavalo
Explore the famous Otavalo handicraft market.

Day 15 Quito
Spend free time in the city before an informational meeting about the Galápagos itinerary in the evening.

Day 16 Quito/Puerto Ayora
Transfer early to the airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival meet the Naturalist Guide, who will assist with the transfer to the Xavier, located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and get up close and personal with giant tortoises.

Day 17 Chinese Hat/Black Turtle Cove
Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions before taking an excursion to Black Turtle Cove to see the marine life.

Day 18 Cerro Dragón/Islas Daphne
Visit Cerro Dragón on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas and a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Continue to Daphne Island in the afternoon to spot birds and wildlife.

Day 19 Islas Plaza/Santa Fé Island
Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities. Afternoon visit to Santa Fé Island for guided walks to observe the wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas. Opportunities for swimming and snorkelling with the sea lions.

Day 20 San Cristóbal Island/Quito
Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island before flying back to Quito.

Day 21 Quito
Depart at any time.