Welcome to Quito! America’s largest, best-preserved colonial city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Day trip available by request.

ACCOMMODATION: Illa Experience Hotel

We will go north, but before reaching Otavalo, we will make a stop at Quitsato for a complete “Middle of the World” experience. Then, you will explore the colorful Otavalo Market or “Mercado del Poncho”. Then, in the afternoon, you can enjoy the leather goods, shops and food in Cotacachi. You will spend the night at Hacienda Zuleta.

ACCOMMODATION: Hacienda Zuleta

On day 3, you will have a complete experience in the luxurious Hacienda Zuleta. From seeing the traditional roots that are present in the surroundings of the Hacienda to riding horses raised in the zone, you won’t lack diversion. If you want to feel like a local caballero or have a breath of nature with complete comfort, this day will be perfect for you.

ACCOMMODATION: Hacienda Zuleta

After breakfast, prepare for a trip to the Cotopaxi volcano. This snow-capped giant is home to a diverse plant life and fauna. After a visit to the Interpretation Center, we will meet the Limpiopungo Lake and enjoy the landscapes of the zone. At the end of the day, you will be driven to Hacienda San Agustin de callo, a colonial hacienda built on the site of an Incan palace.

ACCOMMODATION: Hacienda San Agustín

You can enjoy Hacienda San Augustin’s facilities in the morning. Then, we head south to the impressive town at the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano: Baños de Agua Santa. The volcano is the town’s main attraction, but there are plenty of activities to enjoy, and you will get to explore in the afternoon. If you are lucky, you might get a picture in the Swing of the End of the World.

ACCOMMODATION: Samari SPA Resort

After enjoying the natural and cultural wonders in Baños, we head south towards Cuenca. Before reaching Cuenca, you will see the Inga Pirca ruins, Ecuador’s most impressive Inca ruins. These ruins mix the Incan and local Cañari architecture. After learning about its history and complex structure, we will finally head to Cuenca.

ACCOMMODATION: Itza Boutique Hotel

This day focuses on the beauty of Cuenca and its history. Among the notable places of the city, we can find Calderon Square, the New Cathedral, El Barranco, and El Turi lookout point. In the afternoon, you will see how Panama Hats are made in a Panama Hat factory, learning the traditional manufacturing process and why they are popularly named “Panama Hats”.

ACCOMMODATION: Itza Boutique Hotel

Before starting the journey to the Galapagos, you will meet another one of the big cities in Ecuador. Guayaquil is called “the Pearl of the Pacific” and has plenty of notable places to visit, such as Simon Bolivar Park, Malecón 2000, the docks and the Rotonda. You will enjoy a city tour of the town and enjoy its colors and life.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel del Parque

We’ll fly from Quito to San Cristóbal and head to our hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a quick briefing. In the afternoon, we’ll visit La Loberia beach, home to Galapagos sea lions. We’ll see birds like blue-footed and Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, and Darwin’s finches. In these locations, we might spot marine iguanas, which are also nearby. Afterward, we’ll snorkel with sea lions and turtles and have time for a swim.

ACCOMMODATION: Indigo Hotel

We’ll boat to Kicker Rock, off San Cristóbal’s coast, nicknamed the Sleeping Lion due to its appearance. This lava cone remnant features two 500-ft (150 m) vertical rocks forming a navigable channel for small boats. It’s a natural spectacle with tropical birds, frigate birds, boobies, and vibrant marine life like rainbow fish and hammerhead and white-tip sharks. After exploring the interpretation center and Tijeretas, we’ll return for an Ecuadorian cuisine cooking class.

ACCOMMODATION: Indigo Hotel

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll fly from San Cristóbal to Isabela Island. We’ll explore the stunning lava formations at Cabo Rosa, known for its crystal-clear waters and wildlife. Filmed by BBC and National Geographic, this area features sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more. We’ll snorkel in "Los Tuneles" where curious Galapagos penguins often play in the rocks. It’s the perfect spot to experience the island’s natural beauty.

ACCOMMODATION: Iguana Crossing Hotel

After driving from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, we’ll hike through Sierra Negra Crater's rim. This young forest ecosystem is an active volcano that last erupted in 2005. We’ll enjoy stunning views and explore the massive crater, over six miles across. For those up for it, we can continue to Volcan Chico, with its fumaroles and colorful lava formations. We’ll then have lunch in Campo Duro and spend the afternoon relaxing at our hotel.

ACCOMMODATION: Iguana Crossing Hotel

In the morning, we’ll fly from Isabela to Baltra and then drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Here, we’ll visit a private ranch, enjoy lunch, and walk in search of the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises. We’ll also explore lava tubes formed by solidified lava streams. Later, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Station and Puerto Ayora, the busiest town in the Galapagos. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a special dinner in a natural cave.

ACCOMMODATION: Montemar Eco Luxury Villas

Island options (subject to availability):

Bartolome Island: It is a small, famous island known for its volcanic landscapes and wildlife. The summit trail starts with a dry landing and offers views of craters and volcanic ash. The only vegetation is Tiquilia and Chamaesyce plants. Bartolome is one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos, where we can swim near Pinnacle Rock, spotting parrotfish, marine turtles, sea lions, and, if lucky, Galapagos penguins.

Seymour Island: It is a highlight of any Galapagos itinerary, easily accessed from Santa Cruz. It’s home to impressive wildlife, including frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. The boobies don’t build nests but lay eggs in a simple ring of white guano.

ACCOMMODATION: Montemar Eco Luxury Villas

After our final breakfast and last photos with sea lions, we’ll transfer to Baltra airport for our flight back to the mainland.

Our trip ends today, and you’ll have your international departure. Take your memories and photos with you, and leave a piece of your heart, as you’ll want to return to Ecuador soon.

And, as always, "Buen Viaje"!