Ecuador & The Galapagos

Days 1-2: Arrive in Quito and start your Ecuador experience with a two night stay in the capital. We can take you on an optional city tour in the afternoon of the first day or on the second day upon request, but the rest of the time is yours to explore this beautiful colonial city. The capital sits high in the Andes at 2,850 metres above sea level. Quito’s old town is one of South America's greatest surviving monuments to the colonial era, full of incredible architecture dating back to the 17th Century, with hidden squares and ancient churches waiting to be discovered.(B)

Day 3: Take the short but incredible journey south through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, giving you the chance to explore the impossibly beautiful Cotopaxi National Park. It is not just the famous Volcano that makes this place so special. Pine forests, crystal lagoons and wild horses make it such a special place. With Lunch and a beautiful Hacienda, this will be such a wonderful day.

After you have explored you will continue on to your stunning hacienda. These are working Haciendas where you will be able to be a part of true Andean Culture. They are all based at the foot of Cotopaxi Volcano, where you will be surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery.(B)

Day 4 : Today you get the chance to spend up to 2 hrs (you can also do up to 5 hrs) exploring the area on horseback, guided by the local cowboys and eating warming mountain food. The afternoon is then free to explore on your own, including attempting the high ropes course at the lodge  (B)

Day 5: You will be driven through the very heart of the western Andean range, to the breath taking Quilotoa (3900 m.a.s.l.) This is a water-filled volcano that erupted 800 years ago for the last time and is one of Ecuador’s most picturesque eye-catchers. Hiking over the outer rims of the volcano is very rewarding.

Once there, you will admire the vibrant emerald-coloured lake, which in conjunction with the patchwork countryside, sacred rocks, and dramatic canyons, forms a romantic backdrop that has been depicted in fine painting for many decades. After you have had your fill of the epic scenery you will continue on to the town of Baños(B/L/D)

Day 6: Baños de Agua Santa is a small town in the central highlands of Ecuador, tucked away in a valley on the Pastaza River. It is only 8km from the crater of the active Tungurahua volcano, which means “throat of fire” in the indigenous language Quechua. The 16,500ft volcano provides a unique backdrop to an area full of dramatic waterfalls, deep river gorges and dense vegetation that attracts nature and adventure lovers alike. Baños is part of a stunning region where the Andes meet the Amazon, where the slopes of the mountains are overtaken by lush tropical forests and flowing rivers.

Day 7: Today you will have free to explore the delights surrounding this amazing town (B)

Days 8 - 10: The day’s adventure begins with stunning drive down into the Amazon Basin and on to the Amazonian frontier town of Tena and on to your beautiful lodge overlooking the Napo River for your 3 nights in the Amazon adventure. This is an immersive journey through the Amazon. You will experience breath-taking landscapes, unique wildlife, and connect with the rich culture of the jungle.  (B/D)

Day 11: After your mornings activity in the Amazon you will meet your driver driver once again to head north along the Amazon Basin and Back up into the Andes to spend some lovely time in the town of Papallacta. This is a place where you can relax and enjoy the incredible Andes landscape whilst soaking in the volcanically-heated mineral waters. After you have fully immersed you will get changed and continue on to your hotel situated close to Quito Airport. (B/L/D)

Day 12: You will be met and transferred to the airport in time for your flight from Quito to Santa Cruz Island, in the Galapagos, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation. On the way In you will have guided tour of the Santa Cruz Highlands that includes a visit to the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve where you can witness these magnificent animals roaming free. Your afternoon will be free to explore the local town and bustling docks of Puerto Ayora. (B/L)

Day 13: Bartolome is a volcanic islet just off the east coast of Santiago Island, named after Sir Bartholomew James Sulivan, a naturalist and lifelong friend of Charles Darwin as well as Lieutenant aboard HMS Beagle. The tiny island offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Galapagos, with multicoloured rock formations visible from the summit of an easily-climbed extinct volcano. You can also swim or snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, home to Galapagos penguins, marine turtles and white tipped reef sharks, while on land you may see herons and green turtles nesting in season. (B/L) 

Day 14: This morning you will take an Island water taxi over to Isabela Island, one of the most beautiful Islands in the Galapagos. In the afternoon why not take a bike or walking tour of the Isabela Wetlands. This experience will takes you through some stunning wet habitats as well as the chance of seeing Flamingos in the surrounding lagoons and a second chance to experience a Giant Tortoise breeding centre.(B)

Day 15:This morning you will be taken to a forgotten marine paradise and one of the best places to snorkel in the Galapagos. Around a 30- to 40-minute boat ride from Puerto Villamil, Los Tuneles are formed by convoluted lava formations standing between mangroves and the open sea. Due to its remote but exquisite location, Los Tuneles is unique as it is not a part of any cruise itinerary. You can expect t snorkel with White Tipped Reef Sharks, Green Turtles, Manta Rays. Sea Lions and Sea Horses.(B/L)

Day 16: An 18km long route on the flank of the volcano Sierra Negra heads uphill to the edge of the crater. The volcano is 1500m high and with a crater diameter of around 9km, this is the second-largest volcano on earth. On the edge of the crater you will walk to volcano Chico, which last erupted in 1979. From here you have a good view of the distant volcanoes Alcedo and Wolf. Sierra Negra has some of the most beautiful and breath taking scenery in the whole country. Today’s trip will be shared with other people. (B)

Day 27:In the morning you will have another incredible snorkel expereince. Las Tintoreras are a small group of islands off the coast of Isabela that form a series of sea channels where white tipped reef sharks doze and playful sea lion pups give chase. It’s a magical place for observing the amazing marine wildlife of Isabela’s emerald green waters; marine iguanas and the Galápagos penguin can also be seen here. One of our local guides will lead you on foot from the dock, over a small bay onto the beach to Las Tintoreras. At the nearby sea lion colony you can snorkel in the water where newborn sea lions learn to swim amongst shoals of colourful fish. Catch sight of penguins – this is surely the only place on earth where you can experience both in one day!

After this magical experience you will head back to your hotel to get your backs and take the speed boat back over to Santa Cruz Island where you will have one last evening in the Galapagos.(B/L)

Day 18: Sadly all good things come to an end… Today it’s time to pack up and head to the airport for your onwards flight, leaving the Galapagos with lots of amazing memories and photos. On  arrival back into Quito you will be met once again and taken to your hotel near the airport.(B)

Day 19: At the Appropriate time you will be taken back to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Prices from: £2995 per person
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24 hour assistance.
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut - just ask us!