The 4 worlds of Ecuador
Andes, Coast, Amazon & Galapagos
19 days

Ecuador is one of the smallest South American countries and by far one of the most privileged in the world, because is divided in four distinct regions. They range from the diversity of the Amazon to the wonder of the Andes, then to the ecological beaches of the pacific coast and to the enchanted Galapagos Islands, and of course can not missing the cultural wealth. All this makes Ecuador the perfect place to visit, so we invite you to explore these fascinating worlds and have an authentic experience.

Overview Itinerary

Day 1 – Fri: Arrival to Quito
Day 2 – Sat: Otavalo indigenous market
Day 3 – Sun: City tour of Quito + Equator monument
Day 4 – Mon: Quilotoa Crater Lake
Day 5 – Tue: Drive to Tena for jungle experience
Day 6 – Wed: Jungle exploration
Day 7 – Thu: Jungle exploration
Day 8 – Fri: The route of the waterfalls & Baños
Day 9 – Sat: Hiking at Chimborazo Mountain
Day 10 – Sun: Devil’s Nose Train ride + Ingapirca
Day 11 – Mon: Cuenca, the hidden jewel of the Andes
Day 12 – Tue: Hiking El Cajas National Park
Day 13 – Wed: Hacienda Totorillas
Day 14 – Thu: Guayaquil – City tour and Historical Park
Day 15 – Fri: Flight to Galapagos – Cruise begins: Bachas beach
Day 16 – Sat: Galapagos – Plazas Island & Santa Fe Island
Day 17 – Sun: Galápagos – Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay (Española island)
Day 18 – Mon: Galápagos – Pta Cormorant – Devil’s Crown and Post Office Bay     (Floreana Island).
Day 19 – Tuesday: Galapagos – Charles Darwin Station – Return to Guayaquil

Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday: Arrival to Quito
Arrival to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and an urban jewel designated by the UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 2 – Saturday: Otavalo indigenous market
We drive to Otavalo for about 2 hours to visit this famous indigenous market that shows visitors many kinds of textiles and handicrafts (ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts, hats, handbags) and more. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains.  Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and everyday life.  Back to Quito for overnight. - L -

Day 3 – Sunday: City tour of Quito + Equator monument
Quito lies at 2800m above sea level. Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sunday is the best day to visit it as it is closed to traffic, so we walk to the main attractions such as: The Independence Plaza, The metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Temple of La Compañia de Jesus and its gilded interior, Monastery of San Francisco one of the great religious buildings of the New World, among others.

We then continue along the modern town to the Equatorial Monument, 25 Km north of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude Oº, where you can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. Besides you can visit the ethnographical museum or the Museo del Sol.

The Cable Car is something special if you want to enjoy the most spectacular view of the city and the surrounding valleys with snow capped volcanoes from the high Pichincha volcano (optional). - L -

Day 4 – Monday: Quilotoa Crater Lake
Early morning we drive south onto the western Andes, pass Zumbahua an Indian community famous for the colourful Tigua paintings and finally to the very same edge of Quilotoa crater, which is perhaps one of the most impressive volcanic formations in Ecuador. We hike down to the crater to witness the colour changing of the crater sulphur lake, from deep blue, to light blue, green and turquoise. After a box lunch, we will go up (mules available). Overnight in Lasso area, at the foothills of the Cotopaxi (5910m), the highest active volcano in the world. - L, D -

Day 5 – Tuesday: Drive to Tena for jungle experience
Today we do a scenic drive passing through wonderful Andean landscapes and then down to the Ecuadorian jungle. On the way we stop at Papallacta at 3700m high which is nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazon jungle and features several hot thermal spring pools. We will have lunch and enjoy the pools and facilities of Papallacta Hot Springs. In the afternoon we continue down pass Archidona, already in the jungle with a warm and humid climate where there are many attractions and natural sites.  Finally we arrive to the Tena area which offers flexible jungle experiences and adventure alternatives. Overnight accommodation at a charming lodge.  - L, D -  

Day 6 – Wednesday: Jungle exploration
We begin the day with a special breakfast.  Afterwards, you have the opportunity to explore the tropical rainforest with many options: Experience life the Quichua way, the native people of this area. At their homes we will notice the great amount of medicinal plants and fruit trees as well as small home yucca, banana, coffee and cocoa plantations.  Also we can do some jungle hikes to some ecological reserves and protected forest areas. We could also visit some impressive caves as the Jumandy one, to name but a few adventure activities possible in the area. - L, D -

Day 7 – Thursday: Jungle exploration
If you want a great Amazon adventure, then you will be transported to the Upper Napo River know as the “Jatunyacu” to experience the emotion of white water rafting (optional). After receiving your equipment and full safety instructions you will be ready to enjoy 25 km of rapids and natural pools and breath taking jungle scenery.  Rafting also includes a hidden canyon walk, a delicious riverside lunch and for the more adventurous the possibility of using a sit on top kayak. As an alternative, visitors can stay at the lodge and enjoy the peacefulness and relaxed facilities in and around the lodge. - L, D -

Day 8 – Friday: The route of the waterfalls & Baños
Today we drive back to the Andes along one of most impressive roads in the country up to the town of Baños. During the ride you can enjoy of the most beautiful tropical forest and visit any of the attractions on route: Wildlife Refuge Yanacocha, ethno botanic park Omaere, Orchid Farm where you can see hundreds of orchid species and other exotic rainforest plants, Ecopark Monte Selva, among others. We continue our journey to the village of Rio Verde, where you can hike down to the well-known Pailon Del Diablo waterfall.  Late in the afternoon we will arrive to Baños at the foothill of active Tungurahua volcano. Here you can enjoy some hot springs and the lively night life of this special town.  Overnight. - L -

Day 9 – Saturday: Hiking at Chimborazo mountain
Our journey continues driving from Baños up to the Chimborazo mountain, the highest in Ecuador (6310m). We will drive close to the first refuge known as Whymper Hut (5000m). Then, following “Edward Whymper`s Route we will try a moderate hiking up to 5200m enjoying the breath taking glaciers of El Chimborazo. In the afternoon we’ll have lunch with an indigenous community at the local village of Calpi.  Overnight accommodation at Lodge Estrella del Chimborazo, located at Totorillas valley at 4000m, at the foothills of the majestic volcano. - L, D - 

Day 10 – Sunday: Devil’s Nose Train ride + Ingapirca ruins
After an early breakfast we go to the train station in Guamote, this train station was built at the beginning XX century and has a neoclassic style.  The Devil’s Nose train ride is a famous portion of the Ecuadorian railway accessible from here, where in order to descend a sheer mountain face, the railway engineers decided to build a zigzag track where the train descends backwards for over 2 Km. The train station of Alausi is the last stop, from here the trip continues south along the Pan-American Highway, with another stop to visit Ingapirca, the main Inca ruins in the country.  We then continue to the charming city of Cuenca for a late afternoon arrival. - L -

Day 11 – Monday: Cuenca, the hidden jewel of the Andes    
A walking tour of the old town will take us through magnificent churches, beautiful old buildings with wrought iron balconies and carved wooden doors, flower and handicrafts markets, art galleries, workshops and all the wonders that Cuenca, with its colonial style and pleasant atmosphere, offers its visitors. We will ride along the Tomebamba river admiring the ancient houses perched on the river bank above. We will drive through some modern neighborhoods and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the vintage point of Turi. We will also visit ceramic art gallery, a straw hat factory or an artist’s workshop, depending on your personal preferences. We will have lunch at a typical restaurant and a free afternoon to explore Cuenca - L -

Day 12 – Tuesday: Hiking El Cajas National Park
Drive from Cuenca to the impressive Cajas National Park about 35 minutes.  On our trip, we do a moderate hike for about 3 hours through some of its 230 glaciers lakes, the walks are in very different environments, admiring the moorland vegetation with amazing micro flora and the cloud forest zone rich in plant life and abundant in species of birds, some patches of Quinoa primary forest and spectacular rocks formations. For lunch we go to a local restaurant or we take a packed lunch. Overnight accommodation in Cuenca. - L –

Day 13 – Wednesday: Hacienda Totorillas
After a half hour drive from Cuenca, we reach Totorillas, a charming farm in an amazing natural spot, located in the area known as the mountains of Tarqui. This journey is aimed at passengers that would like to witness and experience daily countryside life. Horse riding is definitely one of the specialties and little experience is required. On the horses, we will ride along countryside trails through indigenous and private farming sites, areas of primary forest, the ancient Inca trail and small hidden villages. Optionally we can participate on activities involved in farming duties (agricultural, animal raising or dairy processing) do rural walks, biking or simply relaxation and enjoyment in a pleasant environment. We will have dinner and overnight at Hacienda Totorillas for an ecuadorian home touch experience.  - L, D -

Day 14 – Thursday: Guayaquil – city tour and Historical Park
Today we drive from Cuenca to Guayaquil for about 3 hours. This scenic road crosses El Cajas NP and down to the lowlands passing by several tropical farms that produce cocoa, bananas, coffee and several tropical fruits. Once in Guayaquil, the main commercial and industrial city in Ecuador, we will have a short city tour to witness the highlights such as the Iguanas park, the boulevard walk, the old narrow road Numa Pompilio Llona with very old and nicely preserved wooden buildings overlooking at the Guayas river. We will then visit The Historical Park, which has a lively exhibition of how life used to be in Guayaquil and its surroundings back in the nineteen and early twenty century. Here we find a wild life zone where we could see monkeys, crocodiles, eagles, macaws, etc typical from the tropics. Also there is an architectural zone with houses and farms from the early years and finally a botanical zone showing all sorts of plants and crops from the tropics. - L -
 
Day 15 – Friday: Flight to Galápagos – Cruise begins: Bachas beach
For the Galapagos Island trip, you could choose from an 8 or 5 days cruise around the islands on one of the several boat options and categories available; or take our special land based or island hopping programs: Active Galapagos 7 days or Enchanted Galapagos 5 days. These trips visit the least crowded places where cruise boats don’t go.

For this 19 days program we list a 5 days itinerary of a first class boat, which visits the following sites:
After breakfast in Guayaquil you will take a flight to Galapagos airport at Baltra island.  Baltra is a fairly small island (27 sq. km) off the north coast of Santa Cruz.  From the airport to the dock is only a few minutes drive; pelicans and noddies will greet you at the harbor so you can begin seeing the wildlife. After a short navigation we reach the first site, Bachas beach, on the northwest coast of Santa Cruz lies this long white sand beach, which is an excellent place to enjoy the landscape and observe shore and sea birds such as frigates, oystercatchers and gulls. During the warm season sea turtle nesting areas appear on this beach. It is recommended to do a walk along the shore or to go swimming here. - L, D -
Day 16 – Saturday: Galapagos – Plazas Island & Santa Fe Island:   
After breakfast you will travels to Plazas Island, two small islands located just off the east coast of Santa Cruz. The islands were formed by a geological uplift due to faulting. A dry landing on the North Plaza's jetty brings you to Opuntia cacti forest, which is the main diet for the abundant land iguanas. Red billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and pelicans are also common on these islands. Santa Fe, a 24 sq. km island is the result of an uplift that raised the sea floor 259 m above the sea level. A short trail takes you to one of the tallest stands of Opuntia cacti in the island. Two endemic animal species highlight this island: The Santa Fe land iguana and the Galápagos rice rat. Snorkelling is also a "must do" along the coast of Santa Fe. - L, D -

Day 17 – Sunday: Galápagos – Punta Suárez & Gardner Bay (Española Island)
This relatively flat island (206 meters in altitude) is a true highlight. Its rocks are among the oldest in the archipelago. Some geologists describe Hood Island as the remains of an eroded archaic volcano. The vegetation corresponds to that in arid and transition zones. Española has the only colony of waved albatross, one of the Galápagos most spectacular seabirds. Other birds to look for are the Hood mocking bird, swallow - tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, blue footed and masked boobies and oystercatchers. Gardner Bay also on the northern coast of Española is a long white sand beach with a very large colony of sea lions. From here you can take a dinghy to Roca Tortuga for an amazing snorkelling experience. - L, D -

Day 18 – Monday: Galápagos – Punta Cormorant – Devil’s Crown & Post Office Bay (Floreana Island)
Floreana is the remains of a half submerged volcanic cone. Parasitic cones dominate the gentle landscape. Punta Cormorant has a nice trail, which combines a greenish sand beach, a blackish lagoon with flamingos and a white sand beach considered as one of the main nesting sites for sea turtles. Close to the shore snorkeling is great at the Devil’s Crown. Floreana was the first inhabited island of the archipelago and is endowed with a bizarre collection of stories. At Post Office Bay whalers opened an unofficial post barrel which is still used by all the visitors and where the cost still remains zero. - L, D –

Day 19 – Tuesday: Galápagos - Charles Darwin Station – Return to Guayaquil
The Charles Darwin Research Station was established in 1964 to ensure the conservation of this fragile and unique ecosystem as well as promote scientific research. The interpretation center shows clearly all the work they have done from eradication of introduced animals to reproduction in captivity and reintroduction of Giant Tortoises of different species into the islands from where they originated.

Afterwards we drive across Sta Cruz island and ferry crossing to Baltra airport for your flight back to the mainland.

Included
Private transportation, bilingual professional certified guides, accommodation on double basis at selected tourist superior and/or first class hotels, lodges haciendas and Galapagos boat, all breakfasts and meals as listed on itinerary, all excursions mentioned above, main land’s national park entrances and fees, equipment used on activities, 5 days Galapagos tour on first class boat (itinerary according to boat selected).   L=Lunch, D= Dinner
Not included
International flights and airport taxes, personal drinks, return flight tickets to Galapagos, Galapagos national park entrance fee ($100) and migration card ($10), travel insurance & personal expenses.

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