14-Day Ecuador Tour with Amazon Adventure and Galápagos Islands

• Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you to transfer to your accommodation in the city center, a one-hour trip.

Meals included: None

• Wake up early to enjoy the biggest indigenous city in Ecuador and home of the well-known indigenous market where artisans come to sell colorful textiles and other traditional goods.
• Snack on fruits and other snacks while you browse the stalls for paintings, carvings, hand-painted bowls, and much more.
• Enjoy some street food (try the salted mango or fritada con mote—fried pork with cooked corn), then continue to the nearby town of Cotacachi for some free time and more shopping (the town is famous for its leather products).
• In the afternoon, stroll along the shores of the volcanic crater lake of Cuicocha.
• Your guide will tell you about the high-altitude flora and fauna and the history of the lake.
• You can even take a boat ride around the two islands.
• In the afternoon, you will return to Quito, where you will spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast Included

• Today you will explore the lush green cloud forest of Mindo. Located on the western slopes of the Andean highlands, this region has mild temperatures and lots of rainfall, stretching over 48,000 acres (19,200 hectares) and reaching heights of 15,700 feet (4,778 meters).
• You will get the chance to visit a butterfly farm, trek to waterfalls, go river tubing, fly between the treetops on a zipline, and taste locally made chocolate and coffee.
• Late in the afternoon, return to Quito for a good night's rest.

Meals: Breakfast Included

• Embark on a Journey of Discovery through Quito's Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest, most impeccably preserved historical complex in the Americas.
• As you traverse the route, you will encounter a series of awe-inspiring churches, each with its own unique charm.
• In the afternoon, you will head towards Baños de Agua Santa.

Meals: Breakfast Included

• Today, ride along the scenic Ruta de Cascadas (Waterfall Route) toward the village of Rio Verde.
• Along the way, you will see the route's namesake water features.
• When you arrive in town, take a short hike to one of the better-known waterfalls in the area, El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil's Cauldron). Here, the water cascades 265 feet (81 m) down through the cloud forest.
• Then, head back toward Baños to take a dip in its thermal pools, check out its many Catholic churches, or visit the Casa del Arbol to soar on a swing placed at the edge of a mountain.

Meals: Breakfast Included

• Arrival to the lodge and have lunch. After a short rest, we will have a walk to a beautiful waterfall, where you can give yourself an energetic bath.
• During the tour, you will see medicinal plants, a lagoon, the Huasquila tree, and have the experience of hanging off a vine.
• After this trip, we will return to the lodge, where we will wait for a delicious dinner accompanied by a “frog concert” from the lagoon in front of the restaurant.
• Later, you will be the protagonist of a chocolate session in which you will learn about its elaboration process, starting by roasting the cacao beans, continuing with the grinding until tasting a delicious dessert with fruits.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included

• After breakfast, we will start a jungle trek (approximately 3 hours) surrounded by primary and secondary forest. We will cross a cave of 120 meters long where you can find fruit bats.
• A few meters away and next to our native guide, we will go to the waterfall "Golondrinas" which has a height of approximately 14 meters, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in its waters.
• Upon return, you will visit a Guayusa plantation and factory.
• In the afternoon, after lunch, we will visit the Kichwa Community, and you will be part of their typical dances, their culture, and the preparation of the famous “chicha” made out of manioc.
• In the evening, you will enjoy a dinner with specialties from the region.
• After your meal, you will have a 40-minute night walk around the gardens where you can see frogs, grasshoppers, insects, and with a bit of luck, bioluminescent fungi.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast and check out from the Amazon Lodge.
• On the way, you will see how landscapes change from green to Andean mountains.

Meals: Breakfast Included

• Your journey begins at Lake Limpiopungo, where a rich variety of bird species gracefully glide through the air.
• If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of wild horses galloping freely in the vicinity.
• Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Andean plant and animal life that flourishes along the path.
• Keep your camera ready, as this area is teeming with natural wonders waiting to be captured.
• As you venture further into the heart of Cotopaxi National Park, you will be surrounded by rugged landscapes and jaw-dropping scenery.
• Embrace the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cotopaxi Volcano as you ascend to higher altitudes, with each step bringing you closer to the sky-high region.
• Your journey will pause at the Padre Rivas Refuge, located at an elevation of 15,800 feet (4830 meters).
• From this remarkable vantage point, you will be treated to a truly breathtaking view of Cotopaxi Volcano's colossal cone.
• The hike to the refuge is relatively short and does not involve any technical difficulties, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this awe-inspiring sight. Remember to stay hydrated along the way, as the high altitude can have its effects.

Meals: Breakfast Included or Box Breakfast 

• As you step off the plane at Baltra Airport, your guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival.
• They will warmly greet you and accompany you on a scenic journey to Santa Cruz Island, where your Galapagos adventure begins.
• Once you have settled into your hotel and completed the check-in process, you will find yourself with some well-deserved leisure time.
• Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of this remarkable town, following in the footsteps of the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin.
• In the afternoon, after lunch, you will be taken on a small boat to visit exotic places along the bay of Santa Cruz.
• You will arrive at a small islet called La Lobería, named for its great colony of sea lions.
• You can snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish displaying a dazzling show beneath the surface against interesting underwater formations.
• Afterward, it is on to the Shark Channel, where you may spot harmless white-tip sharks and blue-footed boobies.
• You will also come upon the Canal del Amor, where there are sea turtles and many different species of tropical fish.
• You will later take a 10-minute walk and see marine iguanas in their natural habitat.
• There will be plenty of opportunities to take pictures along the way.
• Lastly, you will visit Las Grietas, two large cliffs filled with fresh water at the surface and salt water below.
• Arrive back in Santa Cruz and return to the town for your next activities.

Meals: Breakfast Included or Box Breakfast 

• Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station

Meals: Breakfast

• Embark on a thrilling snorkeling or diving excursion to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Galapagos. Immerse yourself in the clear turquoise waters, encounter fascinating marine life, and witness the mesmerizing coral reefs up close. (Additional cost applies).

• Join a guided wildlife tour to observe the unique and diverse species that call the Galapagos home. From giant tortoises and marine iguanas to playful sea lions and exotic bird species, the archipelago offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. (Additional cost applies).

• Take a boat ride to nearby islands, such as North Seymour or Bartolome, and discover their distinct ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes. Marvel at towering cliffs, volcanic formations, and pristine beaches while encountering more of the Galapagos' remarkable fauna and flora. (Additional cost applies).

• Embark on a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure, gliding through the calm waters and exploring hidden coves and mangrove forests. This allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings and offers a unique perspective of the island's coastal wonders. (Additional cost applies).

• Go on a scenic hike to one of the island's picturesque viewpoints, such as Cerro Mesa or Los Gemelos. These vantage points offer sweeping panoramas of the archipelago, allowing you to appreciate the stunning geological formations and the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. (Additional cost applies).

• Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment or yoga session, allowing yourself a moment of relaxation and connection with the natural surroundings. (Additional cost applies).

Meals: Breakfast

• Embark on an unforgettable adventure to explore the stunning beauty of the Galápagos Islands, home to some of the world's most unique and diverse wildlife.
• During your tour, you will have a chance to visit Santa Fé, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or North Seymour, depending on the permit granted by the National Park authorities for that daily activity.
• As you set sail on your boat, be prepared to witness the awe-inspiring views of the turquoise waters and rocky shorelines of the archipelago.
• Your expert guide will accompany you on a hike to explore the untouched natural habitats of the islands, where you will discover an array of exotic flora and fauna.
• After a morning of exploration, take a break on the deck for a scrumptious lunch, before continuing on your adventure.
• Relax on the pristine beaches and soak up the sun, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim.
• At the end of your tour, return to town, feeling invigorated and inspired by the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

Meals: Breakfast

• If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a last stroll through Puerto Ayora.
• At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross on a ferry.
• For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal, where your program ends with your return flight to mainland Ecuador.

Meals: Breakfast