Ecuador and Galapagos 21 Days

The Ecuador and Galapagos tour is a comprehensive experience designed for travelers who want to discover the best of the country in a single trip. This itinerary combines culture, nature, adventure, and biodiversity, exploring the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, the coast, and culminating in the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's most important natural destinations.

What is included in the tour?

• Specialized guide certified by the Ministry of Tourism
• Private transportation
• Accommodation in hotels, lodges, and hostels
  Meals (breakfast, lunch/box lunch, dinner)
• Permits and entrance fees to national parks, reserves, museums, and churches.
• Flight Quito/Guayaquil - Galapagos.

What is NOT included in the tour?

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Personal and technical mountain equipment; everything not mentioned is included.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Quito.

Day 2 - Quito - Otavalo
Visit Quito's Historic Center, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. See a large number of churches that speak of the colonial era. The Church of the Society of Jesus (La Compañía de Jesús) is one of the most representative and is in the Baroque style. Also visit the Government Palace and Plaza Grande.

In the afternoon, we travel to Otavalo in our private transport.

Day 3 - Otavalo - Cuicocha
We depart early in the morning to hike along the rim of the Cuicocha Volcano crater. Inside, there is a lagoon and two islands rich in flora and fauna. The hike takes 3 to 4 hours, during which we can observe orchids and cloud forest. The highest point will be 3,500 meters.

In the afternoon, we will visit Peguche, a town known for its music and textiles.

Day 4 - Otavalo – Fuyafuya (4260 m.a.s.l.) - Otavalo.
We depart very early in the morning for Monjanda (3740 meters). From here, we begin our ascent to the summit of the Fuyafuya volcano, which gives its name to the region and offers a beautiful viewpoint of the Andes Mountains. Return to Otavalo and visit the Plaza de Ponchos (Poncho Square).

Day 5 - Otavalo - Papallacta - Punta Ahuano
We depart very early in our private transport, following the Cinnamon Route. We will pass by the Papallacta hot springs to enjoy the thermal baths and continue towards the Amazon.

Day 6 - Amazon
Hike through the rainforest. The guide will teach us about the use of medicinal plants and building materials. In the afternoon, we have the option of visiting an animal rescue center.

Day 7 - Amazon
Hike for 4 hours through the jungle and in the afternoon visit an Indigenous family. Day 8 - Amazonia - Baños
We depart for Baños, visiting the waterfall avenue, Trabitas, and the bridge waterfall. We will then visit the city of Baños.

Day 9 - Banos Ecuador
In the morning, we hike up to 3400 meters and descend by bicycle to 1800 meters, enjoying a variety of landscapes.

Day 10 - Baños - Chimborazo - Riobamba
We depart for Chimborazo, Ecuador's highest mountain, to hike up to 5300 meters. In the afternoon, we arrive in Riobamba for a short city tour.

Day 11 - Riobamba - Devil's Nose Train - Ingapirca - Cuenca
We depart very early in the morning to take the train and travel through one of the most exceptional landscapes in our country: the Devil's Nose. After a two-hour journey, we take our transport to continue to Ingapirca, the most important and best-preserved Inca archaeological site in our country. After another two hours of transport, we arrive in Cuenca.

Day 12 - Cuenca

We visit this beautiful city, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, including the Toquilla Straw Hat Factory (known as Panama Hut), the Turi viewpoint, and the Central Bank of Ecuador Museum.

Day 13 - Cuenca - Cajas National Park - Guayaquil

We explore Cajas National Park, renowned for its springs, lagoons, and breathtaking landscapes. We'll hike through the high-altitude grasslands (páramo) to admire this natural beauty. We then continue our journey to the Pacific coast. We'll visit the city, its Malecón (boardwalk), and the lighthouse. Dinner and rest are included.

Day 14 - Guayaquil - Baltra - Santa Cruz

We depart on the first flights to the Enchanted Islands. Today we'll visit the volcanic formation known as Los Gemelos (The Twins). We'll continue to lunch and visit the Galapagos Giant Tortoises and the lava tunnels. In the late afternoon, we'll arrive in Santa Cruz for dinner and rest.

Day 15 - Santa Cruz - Isabela Island
After breakfast, we'll take our boat for 2 hours to Isabela, the largest and youngest island in this archipelago. We'll then drive for 30 minutes to the top of the Sierra Negra Volcano and hike for approximately 2 hours to the sulfur mines located in the crater of this active volcano. We'll admire the immensity of its caldera. Return to the starting point, and the afternoon is free for snorkeling at Concha Perla. Dinner and rest.

Day 17 - Isabela island
The morning will be dedicated to visiting the lava tunnels and snorkeling, where we can admire the rich marine flora and fauna, swim with white-tailed sharks, seahorses, turtles, and colorful fish. In the afternoon, we'll hike to the Wall of Tears, encountering turtles feeding along the way, as well as birds. Return to the starting point, dinner, and rest.

Walking towards the Wall of Tears Day 18 - ISABELA – Santa Cruz
In the morning we will visit the Tintores Islands to see resting sharks, iguanas, turtles, and birds. With the help of our guide, we will go snorkeling. In the afternoon, after lunch, we will take our boat to Santa Cruz.

Day 19 - Santa Cruz Island
We will hike to Tortuga Bay, a walk through the dry forest that will take about an hour. We will arrive at Tortuga Bay for swimming and snorkeling. In the afternoon, we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we can observe all the conservation efforts in this small paradise. Dinner and rest.

Day 20 - Santa Cruz - Quito
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Quito.

Day 21 - Quito - Airport
Transfer out