DAY 1: Arrive in Quito

Fly home to Quito. (Flights are not included, and can be booked on your own or with our flight partners at Exito Travel. For a quote, please let us know your home airport.)

Upon your arrival in Quito, you will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel in the city center.

Overnight in Quito: Hotel NH or Hotel Mercure or similar
Meals Included: –

DAY 2: Hike in the Pasochoa Wildlife Reserve (Santa Rita) and Mountain Bike at Cotopaxi National Park

We depart in the morning from Quito due south through the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes. On the way, we enjoy spectacular views of the Pita Canyon River Gorge in the foothills of the Pasochoa Volcano. We will visit the private reserve of Santa Rita; this lively forest boasts a wide range of highland trees and shrubs, as well as orchids, bromeliads, lichens, and ferns. Prolific birdlife includes at least 11 species of hummingbirds, and many birds endemic to Ecuador are easily spotted along the trails. If the skies are clear, the hike is made even more magical by the stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks in the distance.

We continue driving towards the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, where we begin our mountain biking adventure. After a safety briefing, we explore the park’s highland plateaus as we observe typical highland vegetation, ancient Inca ruins and fauna with stunning volcano scenery as a backdrop. We visit Limpiopungo Glacier Lake and exiting the park through the south entrance. We spend a relaxing evening at a famous local hacienda.

Overnight at Cotopaxi: Hacienda La Cienega or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Horseback Riding at Tilipulo Hacienda & Explore Andean Forest

After breakfast, we drive to the ancient farmlands of Hacienda Tilipulo, located in an inter-Andean valley surrounded by interesting native vegetation and astounding views of the nearby volcanoes. After a safety briefing will be given before our departure towards the western cordillera bound to the highlands of Atapulo where we will be able to observe small farmlands called chacras, adobe houses, livestock such as llamas, sheep and others. The indigenous way of life, the occasional view of volcanoes Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Illiniza, Chimborazo and Altar will accompany us throughout this journey in the spectacular trails that go over hills, ravines and dirt roads.

We continue our journey driving through the Avenue of the Volcanoes up to the Leito Valley. We enjoy spectacular views of the Tungurahua Volcano and the Patate River. In the afternoon we reach a cozy Andean Hacienda and if time aloud we will hike in to the Andean forest and beautiful waterfalls. Return to the farm house to relax and dinner.

Overnight in Patate: Hacienda Leito or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Biking to the Amazon & Visit the Famous Waterfall Route

In the morning, we drive to the edge of Llanganates National Park, gaining altitude until we reach an area with one of the best views of the – often fuming – Tungurahua Volcano. Here, we set up our mountain bikes for a scenic ride through highland paramo, which gradually melds into mountain cloud forest, and then lowland rainforest. We pass through a dry basaltic gorge that is a great spot to look for wild orchids. We continue our ride along the Pastaza River Gorge, one of the principal waterways that feed into the Amazon Basin. This is an especially scenic route, with high rock walls giving way to deep cloud forest canyons. We stop to admire some of the spectacular waterfalls in the area, such as Pailón Del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride’s Veil). Switching from 2 wheels to 4, we drive until we reach Puyo, an Amazon frontier town where we learn about the manufacture of products made from Balsa wood, bamboo, ceramics, and other local materials. We enjoy lunch in Puyo before setting out along the Amazon highway to reach our Jungle Lodge. Once we settle into our lodge, if time aloud we will visit a Kichwa indigenous community. Here, we learn about their way of life, culture, traditions, and customs of the Amazon. At the end of the day, we settle into our jungle lodge ready for a peaceful evening surrounded by rainforest sounds.

Overnight in the Amazon: Huasquila Jungle Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Jungle Rafting on the Jatunyacu River

After enjoying breakfast in our lodge, we drive to Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes down into the Amazon basin and is part of an area declared a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. The water that collects in this area forms the Jatunyacu River, which is considered Ecuador’s best one-day river run. We begin the day with a walk in the jungle to reach naturally-formed swimming pools. Upon our return and after a safety briefing, our whitewater rafting adventure begins. A trip down the Jatunyacu River offers spectacular jungle scenery, crystal-clear water, and glimpses into indigenous communities that live along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. The Jatunyacu is also famed for its big waves, fun holes, and high volume of water (Class III – III+). We’ll spend the rest of the day navigating the Jatunyacu, whose waters carry us through breathtaking landscapes with abundant bird life. In the afternoon, we drive back up into the Andes, climbing from 1,500 to 10,000 feet (500 to 3,000 meters) in altitude and passing through a national park and nature reserve until we reach the Papallacta Hot springs Resort & Spa. In the evening, we relax in the therapeutic alkaline-rich natural thermal waters of Papallacta while nestled in fantastic cloud forest scenery. Spa services such as massages, aromatherapy, and other optional treatments can also be arranged in advance.

Overnight at Papallacta Hot Springs or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Quitsato Monument, Otavalo Indigenous Market, Peguiche, & Return to Quito

In the early morning, we leave from Papallacta and head to the Middle of the World monument shaped as a star of eight points, representing pre-colonial and Incan indigenous beliefs that 0º latitude was the center of time and measurement. Here we learn about Ecuador’s geographic position and how its location on the equator influences its many cultures, climates, and biological diversity. Lunch on route and then we spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the towns of Otavalo and Peguche, where Ecuador’s indigenous culture and heritage is visible in their famous markets full of colorful textiles, traditional handicrafts, and more. We spend time one-on-one with local weavers who share the secrets of their craft that have been passed down for generations. After our visit to Imbabura province we return to our hotel in Quito in the late afternoon to prepare for our Galapagos Adventure.

Overnight in Quito: Hotel NH or Hotel Mercure or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Fly to Galapagos & Hike San Cristobal Island

We embark on a morning flight from Quito to San Cristobal Island. (Flight is not included, and it can be booked on your own or with our flight partners at Exito Travel. Let us know if you would like a quote.)

Once we arrive we are briefed on the details of our trip as we have lunch at a local restaurant. Our adventure begins with a hike to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center, where we learn about the volcanic formation of the Galapagos archipelago and the unique evolution of life on the islands. We continue our hike towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock featuring splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, while we explore dry forest and observe cacti, acacia, Palo Santo, Galapagos cotton, and other endemic vegetation. This is also a good time to enjoy our first encounters with local wildlife, since Frigate Hill is often visited by Galapagos species such as the magnificent and great frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, gulls, herons, and numerous other land birds, including Darwin finches, warblers, and mockingbirds. On our way back we may stop for a refreshing swim at Carola Beach. In the evening, we explore town and dine at a local restaurant.

Overnight on San Cristobal Island: Casa Opuntia or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: Sea Kayak & Snorkel on the Northern Coast of San Cristobal

The northern coast of San Cristobal Island is protected from the currents and offers the best sea kayaking in the archipelago. We set out in our expedition kayaks paddling north along the coast, exploring bays and coves filled with wildlife. We visit Darwin Bay, site where the HMS Beagle landed when Charles Darwin first arrived to Galapagos. Along the route we find colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, rays, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds along the cliffs. We may visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo. The visiting site depends on the week day and the National Park regulations. In the afternoon, we return to port for dinner and our last evening in our San Cristobal hotel.

Overnight on San Cristobal Island: Casa Opuntia or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: Mountain Bike & Kayak on Isabela Island

In the morning, we take a small aircraft inter-island flight from San Cristobal to Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest Island in the archipelago, formed by 6 shield volcanoes – Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except one remain active, making this island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. When we arrive we set up our mountain bikes to explore the beautiful coastline for its scenery and wildlife treasures. We begin with a visit to El Muro de las Lágrimas which means Wall of Tears, a historic site that dates back between 1946 and 1959 when Isabela Island was used as a penal colony. The wall was built with lava blocks and had no other purpose than of keeping prisoners busy from the madness of isolation. We continue riding along the coast as we explore expansive white sand beaches, mangroves and brackish lagoons. This area is filled with birdlife such as American oyster catchers, herons, flamingos, finches and many shore birds, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. In the afternoon we take our ocean kayaks and paddle out to Tintoreras, a set of small Islets within Isabela bay. The Islets are filled with wildlife and are home to the Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin that lives in equatorial region. We will also see sharks, marine turtles, sea lions and much more wildlife as we explore its many small coves and beaches. We receive the sunset in Isabela’s white sand beaches and spend the evening in this tranquil port town.

Overnight on Isabela Island: Casita de la Playa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: Volcano Discovery Hike in the Isabela Highlands

From Puerto Villamil, we drive up to the highlands to where the road ends. Here we prepare our day backs and walk into an amazing geological world. We walk on dirt trails until we arrive to the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano. Sierra Negra is an active volcano which last erupted in October 2005. We explore along the rim of the huge 6×5 mile-wide (9×8 kilometer) lava-filled crater. We may also get views of the Perry Isthmus and the other Isabela volcanoes. We continue our hike all the way to Volcano Chico, an area of puffing fumaroles and extraordinary lava formations. These are dramatic geological examples of the forces that created the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon we return to Puerto Villamil for our last afternoon in the Isabela beaches.

Overnight on Isabela Island: Casita de la Playa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: Depart Isabela Island & Return to Quito

In the morning we travel to Santa Cruz Island, and then continue onto mainland Ecuador. From either Quito or Guayaquil, you will catch your international flight home. (Flights are not included, and it can be booked on your own or with our flight partners at Exito Travel. Let us know if you would like a quote.)

Meals Included: Breakfast

*PLEASE NOTE* This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last-minute weather conditions, or adjustments to Galápagos National Park policy.

DAY 11: Hike the Santa Cruz Highlands

Wake up with the sea breeze as we travel by speedboat or internal flight to Santa Cruz Island, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. After checking in at the hotel we head to El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands to find the famous giant tortoise in its natural habitat. It is truly an honor to walk in the stately presence of these gentle giants, who can live to be over 175 years old. We will also see pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, frigate birds, egrets, and the vermillion flycatcher.

Our next stop is the incredible lava tunnels, which formed an ideal hideout for the pirates that once frequented the Galapagos. Legend has it that they were also used to hide Inca gold stolen from Spanish ships. We then hike on to Los Gemelos, two deep volcanic sinkholes at the top of the island, with rocky cliffs surrounding the huge pits of empty magma chambers. Our path takes us through a forest of endemic Scalesia trees, where we will be on the lookout for the elusive short-eared owl. The trees are covered with ferns and epiphytes, and lend the forest a quiet, eerie feel.

Overnight on Santa Cruz Island: Hotel Mainao or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: Kayak in Lava Channels and Hike to Tortuga Bay

This morning, we’ll head back to sea in kayaks to explore the unique landscape of Punta Estrada and Divine Bay. As we paddle through towering lava channel walls, we can see rays and white-tipped reef sharks below us in the serene, clear water. We can also paddle right up to the fearless blue-footed boobies, lava gulls, herons, sally lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas perched along the cliffs.

After lunch, we’ll take a short hike through a distinctive dry forest to Tortuga Bay. Along the hike, we find many interesting birds and plants. We emerge from the forest onto Tortuga Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos, with soft, fine sand and pristine turquoise waters, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. As evening comes, we´ll return to our hotel to celebrate a wonderful trip and enjoy our last evening in the Galapagos.

If there is enough time we’ll stop for a visit at the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn from local scientists about the ongoing conservation efforts on these enchanted islands. The Research Station rears endemic plants, land iguanas, and giant tortoises for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes. Here, we can learn more about the diverse evolutionary paths and characteristics of the animals and plants that we just met.

Overnight on Santa Cruz Island: Hotel Mainao or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13: Depart the Galapagos Islands & Return to Quito

In the morning you have a transfer to the Baltra Airport for your flight to mainland Ecuador. From either Quito or Guayaquil, you will catch your international flight home. (Flights are not included, and it can be booked on your own or with our flight partners at Exito Travel. Let us know if you would like a quote.)

Meals Included: Breakfast

*PLEASE NOTE* This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last-minute weather conditions, or adjustments to Galápagos National Park policy.