Totally Ecuador & Galapagos

On arrival, independently make your way to your hotel. Quito is the largest colonial town in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where modern buildings stand alongside centuries-old churches.

After breakfast, we begin a fully guided tour of Quito. We explore the historic downtown — one of the biggest and best-preserved colonial centres in South America. Our first stop is Independence Square, or Plaza Grande, followed by the 17th-century La Compañía de Jesús, widely regarded as one of the finest baroque churches on the continent. We continue to the San Francisco Church and Monastery, built shortly after the Spanish arrival in the 16th century, before driving to the Virgen del Panecillo, an impressive statue set atop the Panecillo hill that offers sweeping views over the city.

After exploring the historic district, we continue to the Middle of the World, around 30 km north of Quito, where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. We visit the main monument, dedicated to the 18th-century French Geodesic Mission, and the Inti Ñan Museum, which marks the true equator. We then return to Quito.

Today we drive north to Otavalo, passing through the Guayllabamba valley where you can sample local exotic fruits. We cross the equatorial line at Cayambe — a spot that, on a clear day, offers views of the snow-capped Cayambe Volcano, the highest point crossed by the equator. This is a good place to taste Cayambe’s traditional salt biscuits with leaf cheese.

We continue towards Imbabura, known as the Lake Province, and enjoy views of San Pablo Lake at the base of Imbabura Volcano. On arrival in Otavalo, we visit its world-famous Indigenous Market — the largest in South America — where vendors display colourful textiles, ponchos, rugs, mittens, scarves and a wide range of handicrafts and jewellery.

Our journey continues to the small town of Cotacachi, renowned for its hand-crafted leather goods, where traditional tanning and moulding techniques have been passed down through generations. In the afternoon, we drive to Papallacta.

This morning we travel along the route taken by the explorer Francisco de Orellana during his search for the legendary El Dorado. As we climb into the eastern Andes, the scenery shifts dramatically with the change in altitude. Set at around 3,300 metres, the Papallacta Hot Springs offer a chance to relax in naturally heated mineral waters surrounded by mountain landscapes.

After lunch we continue to Misahualli, a small town in Napo Province known for its nature, adventure activities and local cuisine. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny riverside port on the Napo River. Here, canoes await to take us on a short downstream journey to the lodge. On arrival, enjoy a welcome cocktail and settle into the gardens filled with jungle plants before dinner accompanied by the sounds of the Amazon.

We begin early with breakfast before setting out along forest trails through primary and secondary jungle. We observe a variety of birds, insects and medicinal plants while the guides explain their traditional uses — from natural remedies to construction techniques. Along the way, there are small adventure challenges, including hanging bridges and jungle vines.

Next, we learn how explorers once travelled the river by helping to build a raft using balsa logs and rope. Those who wish can float downstream for about an hour back to La Casa del Suizo. After lunch, we take an easy walk across a flat river island known simply as The Island, where we may spot interesting plants and insects. We then visit the Butterfly House to observe the life-cycle of local butterfly species.

After breakfast we begin our journey back into the Andes and continue to Baños, a town set in a valley surrounded by waterfalls and hot springs. It sits at the foot of Tungurahua Volcano and is a centre for adventure sports.

We follow Baños’ famous waterfall route along the Pastaza River, which features more than eleven scenic falls. Highlights include Agoyán Waterfall, reached by an exciting cable-car ride, and the slender Bride’s Veil Waterfall, best viewed from close range as the River Chinchín descends into the Pastaza. We also visit the powerful Pailón del Diablo — one of Ecuador’s most dramatic waterfalls, where the spray leaves everything soaked.

Following breakfast, we continue to Cotopaxi National Park. Along the Pan-American Highway we enjoy views of Cotopaxi Volcano — one of the world’s highest active snow-capped volcanoes at 5,897 metres.

We enter the park and drive along a dirt road through pine forests to Limpiopungo Lake, a glacial lake at 3,800 metres. From here, we have striking views of Cotopaxi and the surrounding páramo. We then return to Quito.

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. On arrival, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel on Santa Cruz Island. In the afternoon we head into the highlands to see giant tortoises in their natural environment before returning to Puerto Ayora to check in.

Early this morning we travel by public speedboat with our guide to Isabela Island, where a short boat ride takes us to Tintoreras Islet. Here, you may see sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea turtles, pelicans and Galapagos penguins. The island is an important breeding site for marine iguanas, making it one of the best places to observe them up close.

After a guided walk, you can snorkel in nearby waters teeming with colourful fish, sharks, sea lions and possibly manta rays. Masks and snorkels are provided, and wetsuits are available to rent.

After breakfast we visit the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in the Galapagos, along a trail that introduces the vegetation and geology of Isabela. If conditions allow, you may see flamingos feeding in the lake, which formed after construction excavations filled naturally with rainwater.

The trail ends at the tortoise breeding centre, where we learn about conservation work to restore tortoise populations that suffered from poaching in recent decades. Hatchlings, juveniles and adult breeders can all be observed. In the afternoon we return by boat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz.

Optional — The Tunnels — must be booked in advance
Instead of visiting the Flamingo Lagoon and tortoise breeding centre, you may choose to explore The Tunnels — a network of ancient lava formations shaped millions of years ago. Your guide will take you by boat through this remarkable landscape, with opportunities to snorkel among sharks, lobsters, penguins, sea lions, boobies and sea turtles. A lunch box is provided during the return boat ride.

After breakfast, independently make your way to the airport for your flight home.