Quito - Quilotoa Lake - Baños

Cotopaxi Province - Travel from Quito along the Avenue of the Andean Volcanoes, where you can admire Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador’s second-highest volcano.

Laguna Quilotoa - Explore Quilotoa Lake, known for its stunning emerald waters nestled within a volcanic crater, a true gem of the Andes. The journey to Quilotoa takes you through the Zumbahua canyon and various indigenous villages and farmlands. Once there, several trails are available, but for nature enthusiasts, hiking around the crater is a fantastic option. This scenic walk offers constant elevation changes and provides a complete view of the crater’s beauty. In the afternoon, continue driving to Baños town.

Baños surrounding area, the avenue of the waterfalls

La Casa del Arbol - A must-visit spot, also known as the Swing at the End of the World, located just a 20-minute drive from the main town. It’s a quaint treehouse with swings on either side that extend over the steep mountain slope. The swing offers a breathtaking view of the Tungurahua volcano, especially on a clear day.

Cascada el Manto de la Novia - Explore the “Ruta de las Cascadas” or “Waterfall Road,” which truly lives up to its name. There are three tunnels along the route, designated for motor vehicles. For safety, avoid entering these tunnels on a bike. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous beautiful waterfalls, such as Agoyan and Manto de la Novia, among others. The route also features cable cars and zip lines that take visitors over a gorge with stunning views.

CASCADA EL PAILON - Upon reaching Pailon del Diablo, you have two paths to choose from, each offering a unique experience. The lower path takes you through a lush jungle area, providing a more challenging hike, but leading to a suspension bridge across the river with an incredible view of the waterfall. For a shorter hike and a closer view of the waterfall, take the upper path. In the afternoon, return to Baños.

Baños - Chimborazo Volcano - Alausi

Chimborazo Province - After breakfast, depart for the Chimborazo reserve, home to Ecuador’s highest volcano, standing at 6,310 meters above sea level. While a challenging climb for mountaineering enthusiasts, this tour allows you to explore up to 5,100 meters and appreciate the páramo flora and local fauna, including the vicuña, a camelid species. In the afternoon, continue driving south to Alausi town.

Alausi - This town is nestled halfway down a steep hillside in a breathtaking landscape where the western Andes ridge descends into a series of cloud-covered valleys and a road leading to the coast.

Alausi - Ingapirca Archaeological Ruins - Cuenca

Alausi - After breakfast, continue driving to your next destination, the largest Inca-Cañari archaeological ruins.

Ingapirca Ruins - Visit the Ingapirca archaeological site, the most significant remnant of Inca occupation in Ecuador. Built by the Cañaris and Incas, marvel at the diverse construction styles of the temples, as well as the precise solar calculations and aqueduct system.

Cuenca - Cuenca is synonymous with culture and heritage, elements that, combined with the warmth of its people, captivate all who visit.

Explore Cuenca

Cuenca - After breakfast, explore this charming colonial city, declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. Familiarize yourself with its colonial buildings featuring beautifully decorated patios, its friendly inhabitants, and the cozy atmosphere. A trip to Mirador de Turi is a popular excursion in Cuenca. Turi offers a perfect vantage point to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the entire city. Near the city center, visit a Panama hat factory, where hats made from local ‘Paja Toquilla’ palm leaves are crafted. These hats are originally Ecuadorian, and Cuenca is a major exporter of this renowned product.

Cuenca - Cajas National Park - Cacao Farm - Guayaquil

El Cajas National Park - Located 30 kilometers west of Cuenca in the Ecuadorian highlands, the park covers over 28,000 hectares. The high-altitude grassland ranges from 3,100 to 4,450 meters in elevation. This area is part of the Páramo, characterized by high precipitation, cool temperatures, high humidity, and dry winds, making it an ideal choice for hiking enthusiasts.

Naranjal - Visit a local organic cacao farm to learn about the process of transforming cacao into chocolate. Taste raw cacao, observe the tree’s growth stages, and learn about the processing steps. Of course, sample 100% cacao and processed chocolate. Finally, continue to Guayaquil.

Guayaquil - Guayaquil is not only Ecuador’s commercial hub but also a vibrant, sprawling city, growing in confidence along the Pacific coast. A collection of high-rises gives it a big-city profile, and several hillsides are adorned with colorful houses.

Flight Guayaquil to Galapagos, Santa Cruz Island

Guayaquil - After breakfast, a driver will pick you up to head to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Islands - Known as the Enchanted Islands, this bucket-list destination is perfect for animal lovers due to its abundance of friendly and diverse wildlife. There’s no other place where you can experience such a concentration of natural wonders and unique flora and fauna.

Rancho Primicias - After a 2-3 hour flight, arrive at the Galapagos Islands. The first stop is the “Gemelos” Twins, not actual craters but formations created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. Next, visit a ranch in the highlands with lush vegetation, where you can observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Another highlight is an excursion through the lava tunnel. Lunch will be served here before continuing to Puerto Ayora town.

Santa Cruz Island, Visit Charles Darwin Station - boat to Isabela Island

Charles Darwin Research Station - Today, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, established in 1959, which conducts educational and developmental projects supporting the National Park Service, focusing on conservation and sustainable management of flora and fauna. Their goal is to preserve this natural habitat, allowing visitors to appreciate the original ecosystems.

Puerto Ayora - In the afternoon, board a public yacht to the largest island, Isabela Island, where a local driver will transfer you to the hotel in Puerto Villamil, located just 3 minutes from the main pier.

Isabela Island: Excursion to Wetland area and Snorkel at Tintoreras Islet

Isabela Island Wetlands Complex - Visit the Wetland area, home to lagoons where flamingos live among swamps and mangroves. A variety of unique bird species, such as common stilts, gallinules, and white-cheeked pintails, also inhabit the area.

Las Tintoreras - Las Tintoreras is a renowned snorkeling spot on Isabela Island. This small islet is named after the reef sharks, also known as white-tip sharks, that can be seen swimming alongside fish and sea lions in the channels during low tide. Take a boat to the islet and follow a short trail to see sea lions and a stunning water alley filled with resting sharks. Then, prepare to jump into the water and admire the marine life.

Isabela Island: Hike to Sierra Volcano - Boat to Santa Cruz Island

Sierra Negra - After breakfast, prepare to explore the Sierra Negra Volcano. Ensure you have comfortable walking shoes and possibly a rain jacket, with cameras stored in waterproof bags, sunscreen, hats, water, and a boxed lunch from the hotel. Travel approximately 45 minutes by truck or bus to the starting point of the 12 km hike. The hike is long but relatively easy, with no steep climbs or descents, leading to the world’s second-largest crater, measuring 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. If time permits, visit Volcan Chico for a spectacular view of the moonlike terrain. Return to town at noon.

Puerto Ayora - In the afternoon, board a public yacht to Santa Cruz Island, where a local driver will transfer you to the hotel in Puerto Ayora, located 5-15 minutes from the main pier.

Free day at Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora - Spend the day exploring Puerto Ayora Town at your leisure, visiting places like Las Grietas, Tortuga Bay, or simply relaxing at your hotel before returning to the mainland.

Flight Galapagos to Quito or Guayaquil

Baltra - After breakfast, prepare for private transportation to Baltra’s airport to board a flight back to Quito or Guayaquil. END OF SERVICES.

• Excursions as mentioned in the program
• Shared Transportation
• Meals
• Public boat ticket to travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island and vice versa
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Shared excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano & Tintoreras Islet with Snorkel gear
• Accommodation based in double or triple room (Single room is with an surcharge)
• Breakfast
• Shared English speaking guide service

• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Flight ticket to Galapagos 490-520 usd pp aprox. pp
• Entrance fees to the places mentioned in the program
• Local bus at Baltra airport to get to the channel 5 usd pp per way
• Local water taxis 5 usd pp for the whole program
• Gratuities
• Isabela dock fee, Galapagos
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees

Explore the Avenue of the Volcanoes in the Ecuadorian Andes, renowned for its breathtaking volcanic peaks and rugged Andean landscapes. This region is home to some of Ecuador’s most popular attractions, including the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, the expansive Quilotoa Lake, a massive crater lake, the vibrant holiday town of Baños, and Ecuador’s tallest peak, Chimborazo. Continue the journey to Cuenca, known for its charming old town filled with colonial plazas and squares. The land tour concludes in Guayaquil, a city on the Pacific coast, from where travelers can depart to the captivating Galapagos Islands, famous for their unique flora and fauna.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.