Tour Type: Mainland with private English-speaking Guide - Driver. Shared services with Naturalist guides in the Amazon and Galapagos cruise.
Duration: 20 days / 19 nights
Destinations: Quito, Cotopaxi, Yasuni Amazon Lodge, Banos, Riobamba, Ingapirca, Cuenca, El Cajas, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands, Otavalo.
Type of Trip: Nature, culture, wildlife, soft adventure, hiking, snorkeling, photography.

Highlights:

• Quito city tour and Mitad del Mundo.
• Amazon rainforest experience in Yasuni with wildlife and cultural encounters.
• Volcanoes, highlands, waterfalls, and thermal baths.
• Colonial Cuenca, Ingapirca ruins, and artisan towns.
• Galapagos expedition cruise with snorkeling, hiking, and endemic wildlife.
• Otavalo Indigenous Market and idigenous culture.
• Scenic landscapes, conservation-focused experiences, and unique photography opportunities.

Welcome to Ecuador! Upon your arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

• Meals included: N/A.
• Overnight: Hotel in Quito.

We’ll explore some of Quito’s most iconic squares, churches, and colonial landmarks. Our tour begins at Plaza de la Independencia, home to the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Building, the Statue of Independence, and the Cathedral. Next, we’ll visit the churches of El Sagrario and La Compania, followed by the impressive Church and Convent of San Francisco. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the lavish gold-leaf decoration of Quito’s oldest church. We then head up to El Panecillo, where the towering Statue of the Virgin of Quito stands. From this vantage point, enjoy panoramic views of both the northern and southern parts of the city, along with the surrounding snow-capped volcanoes. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the famous Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) one of Quito’s top attractions. Here, you can explore the monument marking the equator or dive into interactive exhibits at the Intiñan Museum, where you'll learn about the solar system, equatorial phenomena, ancient cultures, and more. Our final stop is the Teleferico, Quito’s spectacular cable car. Ascending over 2,500 meters, it takes you to the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, offering breathtaking views of Quito’s north, center, and south. After this unforgettable experience, we’ll return to your hotel.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Quito.

SAMPLE ITINERARY
Early transfer to Quito Airport for a short flight from Quito to the town of Coca, approximately half an hour. After a transfer to the Coca dock, we will board a covered motorboat where we will enjoy a packed lunch and coffee during the trip. This boat will take us along the Napo River for approximately two and a half hours to the Napo Wildlife Center (NWC) welcome point.

Here, we will take a short break and use the facilities before transferring to smaller canoes, which are used instead of motorized vehicles to preserve the pristine landscape and habitats. For the next two hours, we will paddle along the Añangu stream to the NWC lodge, located on the shores of a tranquil lake in the middle of a vast expanse of primary forest where hunting is prohibited. On this canoe trip, you will have a great opportunity to spot wildlife! You can see various species of monkeys, as well as large birds such as toucans, parrots and even macaws.

• Meals included: Breakfast - Box Lunch - Dinner.
• Overnight: Standard room at Lodge in Yasuni.

Start the day with an excursion to the parrot clay licks, one of the Amazon’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. Watch as parrots, parakeets, and macaws gather in large numbers to feed on the mineral-rich clay. Later, visit the Kichwa Interpretation Center “Kuri Muyu”, run by local women, where you’ll learn about Kichwa traditions and browse handmade crafts. Continue through the terra firme forest toward a second clay lick, observing birds, mammals, and exotic plants. After lunch, return to the lodge by canoe, keeping an eye out for more wildlife. Dinner is served at the lodge’s Amazon-inspired restaurant.

• Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
• Overnight: Standard room at Lodge in Yasuni.

Enjoy a sunrise hike to the 36-meter observation tower, built alongside a giant Ceibo tree. From the treetop canopy, spot macaws, toucans, tanagers, and monkeys, and take in panoramic views of the rainforest. In the afternoon, hike through terra firme forest trails, where encounters with golden-mantled tamarin monkeys are possible. Later, explore the lake and creeks by canoe in search of giant river otters. After dinner, join a guided night walk, discovering insects, reptiles, amphibians, and perhaps even nocturnal monkeys.

• Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
• Overnight: Standard room at Lodge in Yasuni.

Today’s adventure begins with a guided hike through terra firme and swamp forests, habitats for capuchin monkeys, sloths, tamarins, and more. After lunch at the lodge, relax before boarding rowing canoes to quietly navigate the streams and lagoons. This serene activity provides more chances to admire the region’s unique biodiversity and immerse yourself in the sounds of the jungle. The day ends with a delicious dinner and the tranquility of the Amazon rainforest.

• Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
• Overnight: Standard room at Lodge in Yasuni.

flight back from Coca to Quito after your jungle trip. Our guide will wait for you and he will take you to a colonial hacienda in Cotopaxi volcano area. Overnight in local Hacienda in Cotopaxi area.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Cotopaxi.

Departure from your hotel in Quito. Today we venture into the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes—Cotopaxi, rising to an impressive 5,897 meters (19,347 feet). Our day begins with a visit to the National Park’s Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn about the park’s unique ecosystem, geology, and the cultural significance of the volcano. We then continue to the scenic Limpiopungo Lagoon, a high-altitude lake where, on clear days, Cotopaxi’s snow-capped peak is reflected in the water—an ideal spot for photography and wildlife observation. From there, we ascend by vehicle to the Cotopaxi parking area. Our adventure continues on foot as we hike approximately 800 meters over sandy terrain to reach the José Rivas Refuge, located at 4,810 meters (15,392 feet) above sea level. The hike takes about an hour and offers stunning panoramic views and a close-up look at the volcano’s glaciers. After this unforgettable experience, we’ll return to the local hacienda.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Cotopaxi.

Today you’ll set out on a scenic journey to one of Ecuador’s most stunning natural wonders: Quilotoa Crater Lake a volcanic caldera filled with striking turquoise water. According to local indigenous legend, the lake is believed to be bottomless, adding to its mystique. Before reaching Quilotoa, we’ll also pass through the Zumbahua Canyon, a dramatic landscape that makes for an excellent photo stop. Upon arrival at Quilotoa, you’ll have the chance to hike from the crater rim down to the lake’s edge, where you can fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of this magical place. The hike back up is steep and physically challenging In the late afternoon, we’ll travel to the Banos.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Banos.

We will explore the charming town of Banos, visiting the main church and several local attractions. Then we’ll embark on the scenic “Route of the Cascades”, one of the highlights of the region. Along the way, you’ll visit stunning Cascades such as Manto de la Novia, San Pedro, and others nestled in the lush cloud forest. The main highlight is the Pailón del Diablo, a spectacular and powerful cascade surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery perfect for photos and a short hike.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to the city of Riobamba. En route, we’ll make a brief stop near Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador’s highest peak, for panoramic views and photos.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Riobamba.

We’ll explore a few historic and cultural highlights of Riobamba, a city rich in colonial architecture and Andean heritage. We then head south, stopping at the Balbanera Church, the first church ever built in Ecuador, dating back to 1534. Nearby, we’ll enjoy a peaceful walk around the Colta Lagoon, a tranquil spot surrounded by unique Andean landscapes. Continuing our journey, we’ll pass through the area of the famous Devil’s Nose (Nariz del Diablo), once home to one of the most dramatic railway routes in the world. Although the train is not currently operating due to the closure of the national railway company, your guide will explain the history, engineering marvel, and significance of the route. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Ingapirca Ruins (Ingapirca Operation days: Wednesday to Sunday), the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. Located at 3,160 meters above sea level, Ingapirca meaning “Inca Wall” in Kichwa offers deep insight into the Inca civilizations. This sacred site, part of the Qhapaq Ñan (the Andean Road System), once served as a ceremonial and administrative hub connecting diverse cultures throughout the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire). After this fascinating visit, we’ll continue our drive to Cuenca, one of Ecuador’s most beautiful colonial cities.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Cuenca.

We’ll begin the day with a guided city tour of Cuenca, a stunning city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we explore, you’ll discover the rich cultural and architectural diversity that makes Cuenca so unique. The tour includes visits to the city's most important churches, historical landmarks, and monuments. We will also stop at the Turi Viewpoint, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of Cuenca and its surrounding landscapes. After lunch (not included), we’ll head to the nearby colonial towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg—two of the most charming and culturally significant towns in the region. These towns are renowned for their artisan handicrafts, especially fine jewelry made from gold and silver, as well as their deep-rooted colonial traditions.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Cuenca.

Today begins with a short hike through El Cajas National Park, a stunning natural reserve located in the Andean highlands. This unique landscape is home to numerous glacial lagoons, remnants of the last Ice Age, interconnected by small rivers that eventually flow into the Pacific Ocean. During the hike, you’ll also pass through the fascinating “paper tree” forest, known for its rare Polylepis trees, adding to the park’s biodiversity and mystical atmosphere. After exploring the park, we’ll continue our journey toward the Ecuadorian coast, descending into the lowlands to reach Guayaquil, the country’s largest and most dynamic city. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief city tour that includes highlights such as the Malecon 2000, Las Peñas neighborhood, and other notable landmarks.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Guayaquil.

Early transfer to Guayaquil Airport for a 2 hours flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Welcome on board to the Galapagos cruise.

PM: SANTA CRUZ: BLACK TURTLE COVE

After lunch our first visit is to Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern region of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible only by dinghy only. The shallow cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here.

• Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
• Overnight: Galapagos Cruise.

AM: GENOVESA: DARWIN BAY

wet landing, coral beach, activities for this day: short walks, photography, swimming, snorkeling. Genovesa is a small island in the north of the Galapagos. Our unloading in Darwin Bay will be wet. Near the beach is a mangrove swamp where we will find a colony of frigates, marine iguanas, red-footed boobies and mask boobies, the great terrestrial finch, seagulls, herons, and cactus finch. Following the land visit, our passengers can enjoy a swim in the bay. Snacks and refreshments are available.

PM: GENOVESA: BARRANCO

Dry landing, activities: hiking. Also known as Prince Phillip’s stairs. Here, we will go for a walk on the Barranco path. On our journey we will observe tropical birds, petrels, common frigate, red-foot boobies, mask boobies, doves, and finches.

• Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
• Overnight: Galapagos Cruise.

AM: SANTIAGO: SULLIVAN BAY

Wet landing and hiking. Description: Virtually uneroded lava flows cover an extensive area of this island. Lava pahoehoe (basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, undulating or ropy surface), hornitos, and mollugo (a lava colonizer) can be seen. Snacks and refreshing beverages await you on board the ship.

PM: BARTOLOME ISLAND

Dry landing, wet landing for the beach. Activities on this island include: walking, swimming, snorkeling, and photography. We will follow a path to the top (114m) where we can see pioneering plants such as tiquilia, chamaesyce, and scalesia. The island has been formed by cones, lava pipes where lava once flowed. Following the wet landing at the beach, we will follow a path through mangrove swamps and sand dune vegetation, to the south beach. At the north beach, guests can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. From the top of Bartolome, we will be able to see the islands of Santiago, Rabida, and Isabela. We will see penguins in the Rock Pinnacle.

• Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
• Overnight: Galapagos Cruise.

AM: SANTIAGO: CHINESE HAT

A small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It’s shaped like a Chinese hat when seen from afar. It is an island consisting of a cone type “Splatter” (lava ejected as drops which fall close to where they came from, which form an inclined cone) that forms the summit and many lava tubes that go down to the coast. On the west side you can see pillow-type lava formations, which are an indicator that the flows were formed under the sea and have been raised upward, which is why coral heads are found on the lava. This visit provides an excellent opportunity for the interpretation of geological features such as lava tubes and lava flows. The trail is 700 m (round trip) and the minimum time it takes for this trek is 30 minutes.

PM: MOSQUERA ISLAND

This islet is located between Baltra Island and North Seymour. Here, we find the biggest sea lion colony; it is also possible to observe several species of birds. Enjoy the white sand beach.

• Meals included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner.
• Overnight: Galapagos Cruise.

AM: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: CHARLES DARWIN STATION – AIRPORT

we will visit Charles Darwin Station which is located in the main port on Santa Cruz Island; we will take a private bus to the entrance of the breeding center where we will see tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. This center is the main breeding site on the islands. Animals that were in danger of extinction on the various islands are maintained in captivity. Thanks to the dedicated work of several institutions, some species are being saved. Here lived Lonesome George, the famous last survivor of the giant tortoise species found on Pinta Island. Transfer to the airport. Upon your arrival at Quito Airport, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Quito.

The tour begins in Quito, traveling along the Pan-American Highway towards Cayambe, where you'll stop to sample traditional bizcochos (sweet biscuits) served with cheese or manjar (dulce de leche). Next, you'll continue to the San Pablo Lake viewpoint to enjoy the Andean landscape and take photographs. The following stop is the Peguche Waterfall, a natural site of great spiritual significance to the Kichwa community, accessible via a short hike. Afterward, you'll visit Otavalo, famous for its indigenous market, where you'll have free time to explore the colorful stalls selling handicrafts, textiles, and traditional souvenirs. The tour then proceeds to Cotacachi, renowned for its high-quality leather goods, with time to visit its shops. Finally, you'll visit the Cuicocha Ecological Reserve, home to the lagoon of the same name, located in a volcanic crater. You'll have the option of hiking along the border or taking a boat trip (additional cost), surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Quito for your last night in Ecuador.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: Hotel in Quito.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at the scheduled time of your international flight, allowing ample time to transfer you to Quito International Airport (UIO) for your departure.

• Meals included: Breakfast.
• Overnight: No Hotel.

END OF OUR SERVICES.

• Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide-driver.
• Accommodation in double room with private bathroom.
• Meals according the description of the program.
• Excursions according to the itinerary.
• Museum entrance fees during the land program.

JUNGLE TOUR:

• Air tickets Quito – Coca – Quito.
• 5-day tour in Double cabin at Lodge in Yasuni with full board.
• River transportation Coca - Lodge - Coca.
• Water, instant coffee or tea.
• Rain poncho and rubber boots.
• Naturalist English speaking guide.
  

GALAPAGOS CRUISE:

• Air tickets Quito – Galapagos – Quito.
• 5-day tour aboard the Galapagos yacht with full board in double cabin.
• Naturalist English-Speaking Guide.
• Airport reception and assistance.
• Activity daily briefing
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, Tub snorkel, fins).

• Meals not specified in the program.
• Extra activities are not specified in the program.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Personal expenses.
• Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park. $200 pp.
• Transit control card to Galapagos Island (TCT) $20 pp.
• Gratuities.
• Wire transfer costs or credit card fees.
• Any other non-specified.