Itinerary

Day 1 - Quito

Upon arrival at the airport in Quito, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Day 2 - Quito

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, and at an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,800 meters above sea level), it is the highest official capital city in the world. In the morning, you will start Colonial City tour of Quito, bustling streets and squares of the largest historical old town in the Americas, a multi-ethnic, artistic and cultural heritage destination. Visit the equator “Middle of the world” situated at 0º0’0” latitude. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 3 - Quito / Peguche / Cotacachi / Magdalena Karanki Community

Visit the well-known indigenous market in Otavalo for an arts and crafts shopping adventure. Visit Peguche known for its weavers; visit a wind instruments workshop, Cotacachi known for the manufacture of leather goods,  and Cuicocha crater lake. Arrive to Magdalena Community and overnight. (BD)

Day 4 - Magdalena Karanki Community / Train Ride / Salinas

Discover this hidden mountain niche through a series of activities in the Magdalena Community. Drive to Ibarra and catch the “Liberty Train”, landscapes provide a magical setting as you pass through mysterious tunnels, cross bridges spanning canyons and ravines. Arrive in the Afro-Ecuadorian community of Salinas, well known for its agricultural activities. Overnight in Quito. (BL)

Day 5 - Quito / Cotopaxi / Banos / Riobamba

On the way to Banos, admire the highest active volcano on Earth, Cotopaxi. On a clear day, Cotopaxi is clearly visible on the skyline from Quito and is part of the chain of volcanoes around the Pacific plate known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. It has an almost symmetrical cone that rises from a highland plain of about 3,800 m (12,500 ft), with a width at its base of about 23 km. In Banos admire its beautiful scenery of waterfalls. Then drive south to Riobamba for overnight. (B)

Day 6 - Riobamba / Devil’s Nose train ride / Ingapirca Ruins / Cuenca

Start your day with a drive through some of the most picturesque indigenous areas of the country. Take the Devil’s Nose train ride (Nariz Del Diablo) and continue your way south to the Ingapirca Ruins. These ruins are the largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador. The most significant building is the temple of the sun, an elliptically shaped building constructed around a large rock. Arrive in Cuenca and overnight. (BL)

Day 7 - Cuenca / El Cajas National Park

In the morning, take a city tour of Cuenca, located in the highlands of Ecuador at about 2500 meters above sea level. The center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site because of its many historical buildings. Continue driving to El Cajas National Park. The El Cajas National Park is home to a large variety of animals, some of which are highly endangered. Among the most prominent are the South American Condor, the Curiquinga, a large black and white raptor, and the largest hummingbird of the world, the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas). Roughly forty-four mammalian species have been identified in the park. Species include different types of pumas, foxes, coatis, porcupines, opossums, cats, and bats among others. This area is also known for its beautiful landscapes with at least 200 lagoons, like the famous La Toreadora. After lunch, drive to Guayaquil for overnight. (B)

Day 8 to 11 - Galapagos cruise

Domestic flight to Galapagos. All-inclusive 3-night deluxe cruise. Only a special few have the chance to travel through this paradise, sailing on a charming ship, with nautical interior decoration featuring ample outer decks and sea-view cabins. Set out to explore remarkable island ecosystems as you inch past lounging sea lions, scout for breaching whales offshore and pink flamingos in hidden lagoons. See prehistoric iguanas, giant tortoises, exotic birds, plants and beautiful landscapes of volcanoes, lava cones and magma flows. Swim and snorkel at any time of the year in the warm clear waters among tropical fish, manta rays, sea lions, swordfish, sea turtles and other marine wildlife. Naturalist guides lead shore excursions daily to a place unlike any other full of wildlife that has no fear of man. Lectures explaining the geology, history, evolution, flora and fauna of the islands are provided in several languages. A fine selection of meals will delight you, from buffet breakfast to dinners. Fly back to Quito or Guayaquil. Overnight. (BLD)

Day 12 - Quito or Guayaquil / En route

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)