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Highlights of Ecuador
21 days, Quito to Quito
Itinerary
Day 1Quito
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.
Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the many optional activities available.
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.
Day 2Quito/Papallacta
Travel to Papallacta Hot Springs and opt for a relaxing afternoon at the hot springs.
Take a local bus through the heights of the Andes en route to the Amazon. Stop for the night in Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get exploring. Free time is yours to use any way you want!
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit
Enjoy access to the private hot springs at the accommodation in Papallacta.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Papallacta/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.
Descend into the Amazon Jungle region. Notice the scenery change dramatically heading from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest.
Stay with a Quichua family enjoying the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle firsthand.
Optional activities include visiting an animal rescue centre, caving, and whitewater rafting.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience
Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life.
Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Tena
Spend a full day in the Amazon learning about life at a homestay. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and hiking to nearby waterfalls.
Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience
Learn about local traditional beliefs and customs on this cultural jungle experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon close to Napo River. Stay in rustic wooden huts with a local Quichua family as hosts near the community of Cando. They've introduced countless visitors to local living and a completely different way of doing things — one that may give you a different perspective on life.
Take part in a number of amazing activities. Hike through the rainforest, plunge into waterfalls, and learn the uses of tropical plants. Experience local tradition, and learn about Quichua history and culture.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Tena
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.
Travel to a jungle lodge located on the Napo River, one of the Amazon’s two major tributaries.
Explore by foot and canoe to learn about the natural history of this area. There is also an option for an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the Napo.
Please note: wildlife viewing in this part of the jungle is limited for a number of reasons. This visit is more a cultural learning experience.
Jungle Excursions
Go for canoe rides through the Tena area on the Napo River to learn more about the way of life in the region. Or, go on jungle walks to learn about the traditional uses of local plants.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Jatunyacu River Rafting with lunch
65USD per personHit the rapids in the Amazon, and enjoy the thrill of a lifetime! Enjoy amazing scenery as you paddle past rainforests on this wild ride.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Tena
Spend another day exploring the area.
Jungle Excursions
Go for canoe rides through the Tena area on the Napo River to learn more about the way of life in the region. Or, go on jungle walks to learn about the traditional uses of local plants.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Jatunyacu River Rafting with lunch
65USD per personHit the rapids in the Amazon, and enjoy the thrill of a lifetime! Enjoy amazing scenery as you paddle past rainforests on this wild ride.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Tena/Baños
Travel to Baños and enjoy numerous outdoor optional activities available like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or soaking in the hot springs.
Opt to pre-book the "Baños Canyoning Adventure" or "Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 7 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 8Baños
Enjoy free time to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.
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 8 HideShow
Whitewater Rafting
30USD per personHit the rapids in the adrenaline capital of Ecuador. Choose a river that suits your experience level; there a number with varying ranges of difficulty. Enjoy amazing Andean scenery and a fun-filled ride!
Hiking - Baños
FreeHead to the mountains for some amazing treks; Baños provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor adventure.
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.
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.
Canyoning
25USD per personTake the opportunity to go canyoning in this prime place for outdoor adventure. Get fitted with gear and go with the group to explore waterfalls, rock formations, and the area’s amazing natural beauty, all from a unique (and fun-filled) perspective.
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 9Baños
Enjoy another free day to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.
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 9 HideShow
Hiking - Baños
FreeHead to the mountains for some amazing treks; Baños provides the perfect natural setting for outdoor adventure.
Whitewater Rafting
30USD per personHit the rapids in the adrenaline capital of Ecuador. Choose a river that suits your experience level; there a number with varying ranges of difficulty. Enjoy amazing Andean scenery and a fun-filled ride!
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 10Baños/Cuenca
Travel south to the colonial city of Cuenca, stopping en route at the Ingapirca ruins. Enjoy an orientation walk of the city.
Travel along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes', through Ecuador's central valley of mountains to the colonial town of Cuenca. Enjoy a full day trip with spectacular views along the way, stopping at the Inca ruins of Ingapirca — the largest and best-preserved archaeological site in Ecuador.
Explore the city’s sights, including cobblestoned streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas, and museums.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day Trip to Ingapirca Ruins
Visit the ruins of Ingapirca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is approximately an hour and a half drive north of Cuenca, through some of Ecuador's most beautiful countryside. Although it is a major Inca site, not a lot is known about its history.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Cuenca
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt for a city tour or go hiking in Cajas National Park.
Free Time
Explore the city or go further afield.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Cajas National Park Visit
65USD per personHead out for an excursion from Cuenca with a visit to Cajas National Park. Tour this natural outdoor playground that combines stunning scenery and wildlife with excellent areas for hiking. The terrain is quite stark, mostly above 4,000m (13,120 ft) in the páramo (grassy highlands), with many clear lakes. Try some of the variety of treks in the park’s vast 28,000 ha, and keep an eye out for oncillas, wild llamas, pumas, and a wide variety of birds, including toucans!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Cuenca/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.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Cayambe/Otavalo
Travel to Otavalo. Optional activities include visits to Peguche Waterfall or the Cotacachi leather market, or a hike around Cuicocha Lake.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Enjoy the town and the area further afield.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Cotacachi Visit
Visit the mountain town of Cotacachi, known for its leather goods and handicrafts. Wander the streets of the scenic town and watch craftspeople make handmade leather goods. Take in local living, and be sure to pick up some goods and souvenirs.
Cuicocha Lake Hike
Trek around this volcanic crater lake located at 3,246m (10,650 ft) above sea level. Take in amazing scenic views of the deep blue lake and its two lava islands.
Peguche Waterfall Visit
Enjoy a stroll to the famous Peguche Waterfall nestled within a gorgeous protected forest, Bosque Protector Cascada de Peguche. Take in the beauty of this natural wonder that’s also a sacred Indigenous ceremonial site used for purification baths.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Otavalo
Explore the famous Otavalo handicraft market.
Explore the largest handicraft market in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
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:
BreakfastDay 15Quito
Spend free time in the city before an informational meeting about the Galápagos itinerary in the evening.
Meet and Greet Hotel Welcome Meeting
On Day 1 of the tour, a G Adventures representative will meet you at the hotel to go over the details of the tour, providing a schedule, documentation/vouchers, and pick-up times for all included activities. The representative can also answer any questions about the tour or the general area.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day in the capital of Ecuador. Relax in one of the many parks, explore the old town or take an optional city tour to learn more about the great history of the city.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Quito/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.
Flights from Quito to Baltra depart between 6:40am and 9:40am depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into the Galápagos between 9:30am and 12:30pm with a short refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will generally arrive at 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.
Highlands Giant Tortoises Visit
Head to Santa Cruz’s verdant highlands. This is a perfect place to hike through the grounds and see giant tortoises in their natural environment, before savouring an included lunch.
Xavier III
When it comes to our stellar fleet of Galápagos vessels, the Xavier is made for both great value and great service. The luxury of local and international cuisine, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the Galápagos from the outdoor deck.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 17Chinese 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.
Spot Galápagos penguins and explore marine life that is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony at Chinese Hat as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen on the guided walk. Hike among the volcanic scenery, with good views to the cone of the island's volcano.
In the afternoon, take an excursion by "panga" to Black Turtle Cove to witness the extensive mangrove system and interesting waterway canals. Sea turtles and different species of rays can often be seen in this cove, offering a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the area.
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!
Snorkelling (Chinese Hat)
Snorkel right from the white-coral sand beach and come face to face with playful sea lions and large schools of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas and penguins.
Black Turtle Cove Excursion
Explore the mangroves by panga to find rich marine wildlife between the fresh and salt waters. Keep any eye out for sting rays and sea turtles in this tranquil ecosystem. Whitetip reef sharks can also be seen gliding by.
Xavier III
When it comes to our stellar fleet of Galápagos vessels, the Xavier is made for both great value and great service. The luxury of local and international cuisine, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the Galápagos from the outdoor deck.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 18Cerro 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.
Cerro Dragón Visit
Visit Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) for some prime birdwatching. Take a short walk from the beach to a hypersalinic (saltier than the ocean) lagoon frequented by pink flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks, and other species of birds. Pass through a Palo Santo tree forest; endemic to the area, there are only 400 specimens of Scalesia trees left in the world.
Daphne Island Visit
Travel to Daphne, a tiny conical island, home to nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, Darwin's finches, and a variety of marine life. Observe from the boat as this island is dedicated to scientific research. This island was where Dr. Peter Grant conducted a long-term study of Darwin's finches.
Xavier III
When it comes to our stellar fleet of Galápagos vessels, the Xavier is made for both great value and great service. The luxury of local and international cuisine, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the Galápagos from the outdoor deck.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 19Islas 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.
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.
Santa Fe Island Visit
Visit Santa Fé for amazing wildlife watching and snorkelling opportunities. Hike towards the cliffs along the island's northern shore to view the forest of giant prickly pear cactus (Opuntia), which is home to endemic land iguanas. It is also one of the best locations to see sea turtles, sea lions, and maybe even get a glimpse of a whitetip reef shark from the panga.
Xavier III
When it comes to our stellar fleet of Galápagos vessels, the Xavier is made for both great value and great service. The luxury of local and international cuisine, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the Galápagos from the outdoor deck.
Optional Activities - Day 19 HideShow
Snorkelling (Santa Fé)
Enjoy some amazing snorkelling right off the beach in Santa Fé. Swim with playful sea lions, and search for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks while getting great views of large schools of brightly coloured tropical fish.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 20San Cristóbal Island/Quito
Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island before flying back to Quito.
Transfer to the group hotel upon arrival, and enjoy one last night on the town.
Flights from San Cristóbal to Quito depart between 11:30am and 1:30pm depending on the day of the week. These will arrive into Quito between 4:00pm and 5:40pm with a refuelling stop in Guayaquil (you will not disembark the plane). You will arrive back at the hotel in the early evening in time for dinner.
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.
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 21Quito
Depart at any time.
Post nights in Quito are recommended to take advantage of the many activities available.
Opt to pre-book the "Quito City Tour & Equator Line" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 21 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.
Middle of the World
40-50USD per personDrive 25km (16 mi) north of Quito to the Middle of the World, latitude 0º. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere, visit the Intiñan Museum which showcases the immense cultural diversity within this small South American country. On the 00°00’00” magnetic line at the museum experiment with gravity. Later, head up to the Pululahua crater view point, one of the two inhabited volcanic caldera in the world.
Papallacta Hot Springs - Full Day Trip
70-100USD per personDrive two hours out of Quito to Papallacta Hot Springs, located on the Cinnamon trail, (65km from Quito) which is the same route that Francisco de Orellana took in 1542 when he crossed the Andean mountain range in search of spices and gold, and discovered the Amazon River. Relax in hot springs of varying temperatures with views of the Antisana volcano. Opt to go hiking, horseback riding or get a spa service for an additional cost. Lunch and entrance fees to hot springs are not included.
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**
Quito City Tour
40-50USD per personTake a tour of Quito to learn more about this beautiful city and its local culture. Visit the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stops at the golden Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, and the Panecillo, a towering statue of the virgin of Quito who looks out over a stunning view of the city.