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Ecuador and Galápagos Explorer
15 days, Quito to Quito
Itinerary
Day 1Quito
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 2Quito/Otavalo
Drive to the highlands with a stop at the community of San Clemente for a local lunch. Continue to Otavalo and visit the famous handicraft market. Stay the night at a historic highlands hacienda.
Spend a night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just worn for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life.
Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
San Clemente Community Visit
Visit the small highlands community of San Clemente. Meet locals in this traditional Andean community and enjoy an included lunch.
Otavalo Handicrafts Market Visit
Discover some amazing local art, tapestries, and textiles at Otavalo’s famous artisan market, the largest handicraft market in South America. Wander the stalls to meet local artists, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Try to arrive early for the best bargains (it starts at dawn), and try your hand at haggling – it’s expected for every purchase. A good negotiator could get at least 20 per cent off the starting price.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Otavalo/Papallacta
Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for onsite hot springs, optional spa treatments, and hiking excursions. There is plenty of time to soak, relax, and enjoy the mountain views.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit
Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. After an hour in the mineral springs, the group will have lunch together at the nearby restaurant featuring regional cuisine specialities.
Free Time
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relaxing and soaking in the natural hot springs.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Hiking Excursion
Head out to explore. Take a hike or walk in the areas surrounding Papallacta. Enjoy the region's great natural beauty and views of the snow-capped Antisana Volcano.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Papallacta/Baños
Take one last dip in the hot springs before continuing along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' to Baños where there are numerous optional activities such as hiking, horseback riding, hot springs, and mountain biking.
Baños is one of the most popular spots in the country. Many Ecuadorian families vacation here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Baños means 'baths' and this is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit
Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. After an hour in the mineral springs, the group will have lunch together at the nearby restaurant featuring regional cuisine specialities.
Free Time
Opt to take a walk through town and visit some shops.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Horseback Riding - Baños
25USD per personHop in the saddle and explore Baños’ beautiful countryside by horseback. Check out the unique vegetation in the region, and, perhaps, trot over to Tungurahua Volcano for amazing views.
Hot Springs - Baños
4USD per personSoak weary muscles in the thermal baths that Baños is famous for. Head to hot springs at the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “little hell” in Quichua, or try some of the baths fed by the melt waters of Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Rise before the sun for an early soak – watching the sun peak over the mountains while relaxing in the warm waters is definitely worth the early start.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Baños
Free day to explore Baños.
The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits. Activities include horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting on the River Patate.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Baños, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like hiking, canyoneering, and relaxing in the hot springs. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Hiking - Baños
FreeHead to the mountains for some amazing treks; Baños provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor adventure.
Horseback Riding - Baños
25USD per personHop in the saddle and explore Baños’ beautiful countryside by horseback. Check out the unique vegetation in the region, and, perhaps, trot over to Tungurahua Volcano for amazing views.
Mountain Bike Rental
10USD per personHop on your bike and explore the amazing scenery surrounding Baños. Pass by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and changing vegetation – depending on what path you take. Enjoy the cool wind on downhill stretches, but be sure to bring sunblock; the sun can be strong.
Hot Springs - Baños
4USD per personSoak weary muscles in the thermal baths that Baños is famous for. Head to hot springs at the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means “little hell” in Quichua, or try some of the baths fed by the melt waters of Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Rise before the sun for an early soak – watching the sun peak over the mountains while relaxing in the warm waters is definitely worth the early start.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Baños/Yasuni National Park
Early start in the morning. Drive to Coca, the gateway to the Amazon. Continue by motorized canoe to the luxurious La Selva Lodge. Explore the Amazon jungle with a local guide. Activities can include jungle walks, a canopy tower visit, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and photography. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a drink by candlelight, listening to the sounds of the jungle, before retiring to stylish cabanas.
Transfer to the port to board a motorized canoe to go to La Selva's main dock. Continue on a short 15-min jungle walk leading to a creek. Enjoy a paddle by canoe across “Garzacocha” (the heron´s lagoon) in order to reach the lodge area. Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy a welcome drink and get an introductory briefing. Take part in a short activity to be introduced to the rainforest.
All activities in the Amazon depend on weather and natural conditions. Not interested in hiking or canoeing? Feel free to relax at the lodge.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Motorized Canoe
Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.
La Selva Lodge Excursions
Choose from plenty of activities that include birding, botany, hiking, canoeing, and photography. Spot monkeys, birds, caimans, and butterflies. They’re all just a short walk or canoe paddle away. Learn from expert naturalist guides about the flora and fauna of the rainforest and the Indigenous peoples who live in the area.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Yasuni National Park
Choose from plenty of activities that include birding, botany, hiking, canoeing, and photography. Spot monkeys, birds, sloths, caimans, and butterflies, just a short walk or canoe ride away. Overlooking the lake, the recently remodelled lodge is a perfect base for exploration. Relax in the lounge with a cocktail and dine by candlelight. Enjoy exceptional cuisine prepared by a gourmet chef. Sleep well in stylish cabanas. Let the sounds of the rainforest sing you to sleep, and the call of birds wake you in the morning.
See the canopy of the rainforest from a tower, 43m (141 ft) in height, and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulties; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from the naturalist guide, who accompanies the group to ensure you get the most out of the excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing, and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless.
La Selva Lodge Excursions
Choose from plenty of activities that include birding, botany, hiking, canoeing, and photography. Spot monkeys, birds, caimans, and butterflies. They’re all just a short walk or canoe paddle away. Learn from expert naturalist guides about the flora and fauna of the rainforest and the Indigenous peoples who live in the area.
Free Time
Enjoy free time at the lodge. Opt to take a canoe out on the lake, visit the spa or even go for a swim.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Yasuni National Park/Quito
Travel by boat back to Coca and catch a flight to Quito.
Motorized Canoe
Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Quito
Enjoy free time and spend the day exploring the city of Quito.
Explore the city of Quito. Ask the CEO for suggestions on what exciting activities to take part in.
Free Time
Enjoy one of the numerous activities available in the city or head out on an excursion.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Quito City Tour & Equator Line
Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Biking Excursion or Horseback Riding
Time to choose your own adventure! The choice is yours between biking through Polilepys forest or horseback riding to a volcano viewpoint. Take in amazing views of one of the world's highest active volcanoes, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Early morning, fly to San Cristóbal. Meet the CEO and transfer to the hotel for a first night's stay in the Galápagos Islands. Following lunch, begin exploring San Cristóbal visiting Laguna El Junco, the only freshwater lake in the islands. After, visit the Interpretation Centre to learn about the history of the islands, explore the paths near the centre for beautiful views.
Flights from Quito to San Cristobal depart between 8:10am and 10:10am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galápagos between 10:40am and 12:40pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive onto the boat in time for lunch before the afternoon activity.
The National Park charges a visitor fee of USD100, payable on arrival, which funds park maintenance and supervision in the Galápagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Laguna El Junco Visit
Keep an eye out for birdlife on this visit to Laguna El Junco. Located in the San Cristóbal highland, it is the only freshwater lake in the Galápagos and home to many species of endemic birds. Explore the area and its thick vegetation, and enjoy the fresh air at the slightly higher altitude.
Interpretation Center Visit
Learn about the history of the Galápagos Islands from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11San Cristóbal Island
Before transferring to the boat, visit Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado to see giant tortoises.
Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado Visit
Get up close to giant tortoises at the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, an area of land reserved for the repopulation of these magnificent ancient creatures. Learn about the life cycle of the tortoises at the small breeding centre and interpretation centre.
Archipell I
Jump aboard our stylish 16-passenger catamaran, sleek, roomy, and blessed with spacious outdoor space. A Naturalist Guide on hand to explain everything. Overnight travel to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12South Plaza/North Seymour
Morning landing at South Plaza, home to the largest population of land iguanas, for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, visit North Seymour for guided walks to observe birds and wildlife, including vast sea lion colonies.
South Plaza Island Visit
Visit South Plaza, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation on this lively island, home to a wide range of fauna, including incredible birdlife. Spot red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls resting on the cliffs, and sea lions playing in the waters.
Seymour Island Visit
Get your camera ready for this visit to Seymour Island. Home to sea lions, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, and more, it's probably one of the most exciting islands to photograph! Hike the trail for exciting wildlife watching opportunities – you may even find nesting pairs and young chicks!
Queen of Galápagos
Jump aboard our stylish 16-passenger catamaran, sleek, roomy and blessed with loads of massive windows. A Naturalist Guide on hand to explain everything. Overnight travel to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 13Chinese Hat/Bachas Beach
Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities and to observe the birds and sea lions before taking an excursion to the beach on Las Bachas. In the afternoon, relax on the beach or swim in the crystal waters.
In the morning, the boat arrives to a small little island off the southern tip of Santiago called Chinese Hat, named for its unique shape. Visit Bachas Beach in the afternoon, located on the northeastern tip of Santa Cruz Island.
Chinese Hat Visit
Explore Chinese Hat’s beautiful landscape and view many geological formations such as lava tubes and lava flows. Don't forget to bring your snorkel gear!
Bachas Beach Visit
Head to Bachas Beach where the sand is made of decomposed coral, making it soft and white, and a favourite site for nesting sea turtles. Spot abundant Sally Lightfoot crabs on the lava rocks along the water's edge -- these crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on! Trek to see a wide range of wildlife, including flamingos, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and marine iguanas. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel here.
Queen of Galápagos
Jump aboard our stylish 16-passenger catamaran, sleek, roomy and blessed with loads of massive windows. A Naturalist Guide on hand to explain everything. Overnight travel to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14Puerto Ayora/Quito
Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation to see the giant Galápagos tortoises before the flight back to Quito.
Fausto Llerena Breeding Center & Charles Darwin Research Station Visit
Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center a great place to observe many species of tortoises. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close – a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened.
This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Quito
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Quito City Tour & Equator Line
Enjoy a city tour of Quito. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city. Drive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Please note that this tour starts at 8 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m.
Teleférico
9USD per personEnjoy spectacular views of Quito from this sky tram up Volcán Pichincha. Choose to go for a hike at the top, or just come along for the ride.
Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day
Enjoy a spectacular 2 hour drive to Cotopaxi Volcano National Park to see the highest active volcano in the world (5,897m/ 19,347 ft). Visit a museum in the park and hike around a lagoon at the bottom of the volcano to learn about the flora and fauna found at this altitude. Continue by car up the volcano to the parking lot, at over 4,500m/14,763 ft. Walk for an hour and a half to the refuge and after a short break, continue to the glacier (if the weather holds out). Return to Quito in the early evening. **Park entrance fee is not included and is split among the number of travellers in the group**