ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS - 20 DAYS

A trip through the best places in Ecuador, the most impressive places on the continent and the Galapagos Islands. The country has four drastically different regions: the mountain range or better known as the magnificent Andes mountain range, the exuberant Amazon jungle that gives us the opportunity to connect with nature and wildlife, also gives us a magnificent opportunity to live together and learn about the life of the indigenous people who have inhabited the jungle since the beginning of time, learn about their unique way of life, their enriched culture, and we will be able to reflect on how important it is to preserve the jungle. The Pacific coast: coast that has a large amount of marine life that will undoubtedly leave you impressed and of course the Galapagos Islands Galapagos is one of the main tourist attractions of Ecuador that shows its insides to show its fascinating evolution of flora and fauna , in an environment similar to a spectacular paradise and living laboratory that was visited in 1835 by the English scientist Charles Darwin, and verified "The Theory of Evolution". Each region has its own fauna, flora, climate and culture that characterizes and differentiates them. You can visit all of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in 20 days.

ANDES

PACIFIC COAST

ECUADORIAN JUNGLE

GALAPAGOS ISLAND

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Quito: The Historic Center of Quito was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on September 8, 1978. It is the least altered and the best preserved in America.
Cotopaxi National Park: In it we can find the largest active volcano in the world (5897 mts.) Also a lagoon where we can see animals typical of the Andean area and with luck the most emblematic animal of Ecuador, the condor.
Papallacta: famous for its hot springs and pools, as well as its beautiful hilltop setting.
Guango Lodge: The best place to see various types of birds.
Casa del suizo lodge: takes you to the Amazon, one of the wonders of our planet. You hardly have to leave the lodge to enjoy the incredible biodiversity of the Napo River.
Baños: Also known as "Piece of Heaven", "Gateway to the Amazon", "Puerta de El Dorado" or "City of the Volcano". It is the land of rivers to practice extreme sports.
Ingapirca: which means "Inca Wall" was, above all, an astronomical observatory of the movement of the sun and the moon, it was also a sacred space dedicated to the worship of their gods built by the Incas on the basis of a first Cañarí settlement, which populated the southern Ecuadorian.
Cuenca: it is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It was declared a World Heritage Site for its unique beauty.
Guayaquil: Its shopping centers, parks, museums and boardwalks are the most visited by travelers who are enchanted by the magic that the so-called "Pearl of the Pacific" offers.
Galapagos: Can you imagine walking among exotic birds, sea lions and giant tortoises? This will only be achieved in the Galapagos archipelago also known as the Enchanted Islands and unique laboratory.
Otavalo: It is called "Intercultural Capital of Ecuador" for its cultural and historical richness.

ITINERARY DAY BY DAY

Below you can review the description of this magnificent tour.

DAY 1: TRANSFER AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL

Welcome to Ecuador, a small but certainly charming country full of adventures. Our Guide will meet you at the Airport, welcome you and give you an introduction about the tour of Ecuador and Galapagos - 20 days. You will be transferred to your hotel in Quito where you will spend the night.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (-/-/-)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (-/-/-)

DAY 2: CITY LINE (QUITO COLONIAL + MITAD DEL MUNDO)

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit some of the most famous squares, churches and colonial buildings in the city of Quito. The Plaza de la Independencia with its Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Building, the Statue of Independence and the Cathedral. We will continue to the churches of El Sagrario and La Compañía, and then the church and convent of San Francisco. We will take a look inside the church and be amazed at the amount of exuberant gold that was used to decorate the oldest church in Quito. Then we will move to Panecillo and the statue of the Virgin of Quito. From here we will have the opportunity to see both parts of Quito and the surrounding snow-capped volcanoes! We will continue to the Middle of the World which is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, located about 10 km north of the capital of Ecuador. There is an interesting open-air museum called Inti-Ñan. It explains the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator has on gravity among other effects that exist given the location in which our country is located. You can also get to know a bit of Ecuadorian cultures such as their customs and traditions. Definitely worth a visit! Then we will be taken back to Quito and dropped off at our hotel.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 3: COTOPAXI FULL DAY

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to transfer to one of the most emblematic points of Ecuador, the Cotopaxi volcano, considered the largest active volcano in the world with 5897 meters high (19,347 feet high). During our stay in the National Park we will admire its natural environment, its Flora and Fauna with the explanations of your naturalist guide. We will try to ascend to the refuge located at 4,810 m (15,392 feet). Since the Cotopaxi Volcano is currently active, the ascent will be granted by the National Park authorities. We will also take a walk around the Limpiopungo lake that is located at the foot of the volcano to observe some birds of the Páramo region (Andean Pastures). On a clear day, the view of the volcano reflected on the surface of the lake is magnificent. We make a short visit to the small museum that talks about the park, its nature, wildlife and the eruptions of the park's centerpiece. We can visit the refuge where we can enjoy the wonderful views that this location offers, make sure to wear warm clothes since the wind is strong at thermo-stops, if we are lucky we can observe the wildlife that inhabits the Cotopaxi National Park. After this interesting visit we return to Quito.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 4: TERMAS DE PAPALLACTA – LODGE IN UPPER NAPO

After breakfast we will go to the east of Quito. Our first stop will be the Papallacta Hot Springs, this beautiful thermal water spa where you can relax and enjoy pools perfectly suitable for rest and fun. In a magical and natural environment with cozy facilities that offer exclusivity combining high quality treatments with the benefits of thermal water. (Entrance to the general pools included) We will continue the trip to the Guango lodge for a brief bird watching and we will enjoy the wonderful number of hummingbirds around this place, it is not uncommon to see 14 species of hummingbirds in one hour and the beaked hummingbird. swordfish with its long and unique beak will surely surprise you.
We will continue to the city of Tena and then to Huano to stay at La Casa del Suizo Lodge (depends on the lodge you choose.) Upon arrival we will receive a welcome cocktail and then we will transfer to your bungalow. If you wish, you can take a dip on a sandy beach on the Napo River.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: La Casa del Suizo Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (-/-/ D)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Hamadryade Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (-/-/-)

DAY 5: AMAZON JUNGLE FULL DAY (SAMPLE)

Secondary Forest - Las Latas Waterfall - Quichua Family After breakfast, you canoe upriver for ten minutes, reaching a small shore where a fun and exciting one-hour hike begins, discovering the diverse flora and fauna of the secondary jungle forest. After the short walk, you will arrive at the impressive Las Latas waterfall, where you can take a refreshing bath in its crystal clear waters and enjoy the views of the surroundings, which mixed with the sounds of the jungle, make it an unforgettable experience. You will then return for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you will visit a Quichua family and learn about their millennial culture and traditions, such as gold rinse on the river bank, traditional pottery making, the elaboration of the typical drink "chicha" made of yuca (a traditional Ecuadorian yuca ), and the use of the “serbatana” (blowgun for hunting use). After this incredible encounter with the Quichua culture, walk back to the lodge on pads of secondary jungle. Upon arrival enjoy a snack. At night, after dinner, you will have the usual gathering around the fireplace to share the experiences lived during the day. Remember that this is just one example of what a day could be like. You can decide what to do according to your interests in coordination with our guide.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: La Casa del Suizo Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (B/L/D)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Hamadryade Lodge or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 6: AMAZON – PUYO – BAÑOS

After breakfast we will travel to Puyo and Baños all the way we will be able to observe the amount of landscapes that the Ecuadorian jungle offers and several rivers and tributaries that are next to the road. You have the afternoon free to visit the zoo or simply relax near the thermal waters of Baños.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: La Floresta or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Luna Volcan or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/D)

DAY 7: BAÑOS - ROUTE OF THE CASCADES - TRIP TO RIOBAMBA

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit the surroundings of the town. We will take the "path of the waterfalls" where you will visit the different waterfalls in the area such as: Agoyan, Manto de la Novia and San Pedro, and you will also be able to enjoy the famous "Tarabita", a small cable car that crosses the great canyon over the Pastaza River. Then we will do a trekking to get to "El Pailon del Diablo"; a beautiful waterfall where we can have the opportunity to walk through the cloud forest. Time for lunch in the town (not included) and then we will go to Riobamba.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Casa Real or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Andaluza or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 8: RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA

We will enjoy a visit to the Colta and Balbanera lagoons located in a picturesque Andean town, where there is a peaceful lagoon in whose waters Chimborazo is reflected on clear and sunny days; the railway and the town of Cajabamba. This beautiful lagoon is known in the Puruhá language as “Kulta Kucha”, which means “Duck Lagoon”. The Colta lagoon is unique. It is a large elongated mirror of water, surrounded by exuberant vegetation. It can be seen from the road in all its splendor, adorned by the Chimborazo and by an impressive nature, with unique Andean landscapes. It is said that the first Spanish foundation of the capital city took place here, its founder, Diego de Almagro, this foundation was not recognized and gave rise to a later foundation at the foot of Pichincha in December 1534. Laguna de Colta allows activities such as: walks, photography, flora and fauna observation, landscape observation and adventure. Here the first church of Ecuador was built. Then we will take the most interesting and legendary train "Tren de los Andes" over the famous Devil's nose (3 hours approx.). **The train trip is not operating at the moment; the excursion will be included when the train company is back in operation**. Our journey continues to the most important Inca Archaeological Complex in Ecuador, the Ingapirca Fortress. In the surroundings, we will see how the famous artisans make what used to be known as "Panama Hats" since, due to an appropriation, they are now famously known as "Toquilla Straw Hats". After this interesting visit, we headed towards the beautiful city of Cuenca.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Hotel Carvallo or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: Mansion Alcazar or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 9: CITY TOUR IN CUENCA - GUALACEO - CHORDELEG

City tour around the city visiting the most important churches and monuments of this beautiful city, cultural heritage of humanity. Then we will visit El Turi, a natural hill where we can have an incredible panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon we will visit Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two of the most important towns near the city famous for their crafts made with gold and silver, and for their colonial traditions.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Hotel Carvallo or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: Mansion Alcazar or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 10: EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK – GUAYAQUIL CITY

After breakfast we go to a short excursion to El Cajas National Park or the Gualaceo Valley (depending on weather conditions) and then we will travel to Guayaquil. El Cajas National Park has several small lagoons (more than 230). They are the remains of the last ice age. The lakes are connected by small rivers, whose crystal clear waters flow into the Pacific. We will have a short walk through this protected area. We will continue the trip to Guayaquil.

TOURIST CLASS HOTEL: Unipark or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)
FIRST CLASS HOTEL: Unipark (SUITE ROOM) or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 11: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT GUAYAQUIL – FLIGHT TO GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

DAY 11 TO 18: FULL BOARD IN GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (8 days / 7 nights tour)

Transfer To the airport to take the flight to the enchanted Islands of Galapagos. At your arrival the guide of the yacht will meet you at the airport to take you on board.

FULL BOARD ON THE YACHT IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE

DAY 18: RETURN FLIGHT GALAPAGOS - TRANSFER TO HOTEL IN QUITO

After the morning visit the guide of the yacht will take you to the airport and return to Quito, at your arrival our guide will meet you to take you to the hotel.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (-/-/-)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (-/-/-)

DAY 19: QUITO - OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET

In the morning in approximately two hours we arrive in Otavalo. The town of Otavalo is the heart of its culture and in the market we will find all possible souvenirs at affordable prices. There is also an animal market on the outskirts of the city. Be part of and witness the trade among the indigenous people of Otavalo. In the afternoon we will visit the main sites around Otavalo and the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather products. Clothes, bags, belts, wallets, sandals, in Cotacachi we will find the best variety at the lowest prices. Later we will visit Lake Cuicocha. This lake is located in an old crater of the still active Cotacachi volcano. We can do an optional boat ride on the lake and observe the fumaroles.

HOTEL TOURIST CLASS: Reina Isabel or similar (subject to availability) (B/- /-)
HOTEL FIRST CLASS: Patio Andaluz or similar (subject to availability) (B/-/-)

DAY 20: TRANSFER OUT - END OF OUR SERVICES

Breakfast at the hotel. Our guide will pick you up at his hotel to transfer you to the airport. This will be the end of our tour of Ecuador.

We have reached the end of our services for ECUADOR GREEN TRAVEL, it was a real pleasure to have shared the best of Ecuador with you.

END OF OUR SERVICES
HOTEL: Without hotel (-/-/-)

FOODS:
B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner