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Arrive in Quito, Ecuador any time and check into your hotel.
If you arrive early, you can use your free time to get aquatinted with one of the highest capitals in the world sitting at just over 9,000 feet above sea level. The city is nestled in a long, narrow valley of the Andes and flanked by the Pichincha Volcano to the west. For a great view and a little exercise, Pichincha is easily accessible for a day trip. If you’re in a cultural mood, head to the Old Town to stroll through the magnificent cathedrals and take in the colonial architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' is located high atop a hill in the Old Town and is a major Quito attraction boasting a panoramic view of the city. Museums are scattered throughout the New and Old Town as well as local artisan markets that are great for picking up souvenirs. The New Town is teeming with cafes and restaurants and is a vibrant mix of locals, expats, and fellow travelers. New Town and Old Town are easily accessible by trolley or taxi. If you’d prefer, we’d be happy to help arrange these pre-tour activities for you. We can also assist in booking any accommodation you may need if arriving earlier or staying later in Quito.
Breakfast & Lunch Provided
Experience a thrilling full-day adventure from Quito to Mindo, departing by 8 am for a jam-packed itinerary. Just 2 ½ hours away, Mindo's lush cloud forest offers a haven for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Begin your journey in the Alambi Cloud Forest, where dozens of hummingbird species await your discovery, providing an up-close encounter with these mesmerizing birds.
Continue your nature immersion with a gondola ride to the breathtaking Sanctuary of Waterfalls in the Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve. Traverse winding trails amidst towering waterfalls, encountering diverse wildlife such as squirrels, woodpeckers, and the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock. Indulge in a rewarding 5km hike, with options ranging from easy to challenging, each offering spectacular waterfall views.
Recharge with a delicious lunch at a local spot before exploring Mindo's Orchid Garden, a sanctuary for endangered orchid species. Marvel at over 250 flourishing orchid species, contributing to Ecuador's astonishing 4,500 orchid varieties. Delve into the enchanting Butterfly Garden, housing over 1,000 butterfly species in various stages of metamorphosis.
Conclude your adventure with a visit to El Quetzal de Mindo for a tantalizing chocolate experience, learning about Ecuadorian chocolate production and sampling locally-made delights. Our guide will ensure a safe return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, as we prepare for another exciting day ahead.
Breakfast provided
Embark on an early morning adventure to explore a birding paradise just 35 minutes away from Mindo, one of Ecuador's premier destinations for birdwatching. Our visit to the Refugio Paz de las Aves Reserve promises encounters with over 200 bird species amidst its prolific birdlife, making it a birdwatcher's dream come true. Prepare to be astonished as we aim to witness a record-breaking spectacle of birdwatching, with an astounding 155 different species observed in a single day.
Following our birdwatching excursion, we'll journey to the Museo Intiñan, where ancient traditions and modern science converge to celebrate the Equator. Here, you'll have the thrilling opportunity to stand in the middle of the world and partake in fascinating experiments showcasing the unique forces at play on the equatorial line.
Concluding our adventure, we'll enjoy lunch at El Crater restaurant, offering stunning views of the Pululahua crater, before providing drop-off service at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories of a day filled with exploration, discovery, and wonder.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Provided.
Your Galapagos adventure kicks off as you land on Baltra Island, just off the coast of Santa Cruz. Your guide will be there to greet you, and the experience begins immediately.
After crossing to Santa Cruz, we head into the lush highlands to visit a private reserve where giant tortoises roam freely. It's an unforgettable chance to see these incredible creatures up close in their natural habitat. You’ll also explore fascinating lava tunnels carved by ancient volcanic activity.
We’ll enjoy a hearty local lunch surrounded by the greenery and calm of the highlands, before continuing to Puerto Ayora, the island’s main town. After settling in, we’ll gather for our first dinner together, sampling the local flavors of the islands.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner provided.
This morning begins with a scenic 45-minute walk to the stunning Tortuga Bay. As you follow the well-maintained trail, keep an eye out for lava lizards and native birds among the island’s unique vegetation.
At the end of the trail, we’ll continue walking along the wide stretch of white sand until we reach Playa Mansa—a calm, mangrove-lined bay that’s perfect for kayaking. Paddle through tranquil waters as you spot sea turtles, rays, and even white-tipped reef sharks gliding below. It's a peaceful experience suitable for all skill levels.
After returning to Puerto Ayora for lunch, we’ll board a boat to Isabela Island—the largest of the Galapagos. Once checked in, enjoy a relaxed walk through the laid-back town of Puerto Villamil, then wind down your day on the soft white-sand beach, just in time for a spectacular sunset.
Breakfast and Lunch Provided.
This morning, set out by boat to explore one of the Galapagos’ most iconic marine sites—Los Túneles. Formed by ancient lava flows, this surreal landscape of arches, tunnels, and calm pools offers some of the best snorkeling in the islands. With crystal-clear water and rich marine life, you’ll swim alongside sea turtles, colorful reef fish, rays, sea lions, and white-tipped reef sharks.
In the afternoon, return to Isabela for a relaxed walk through the island’s wetlands. The trail winds past lagoons and mangroves teeming with birdlife, including flamingos and marine iguanas—perfect for photography and wildlife spotting. The walk ends at the Arnaldo Tupiza Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where you’ll see juvenile and adult tortoises and learn about conservation efforts to protect these iconic animals.
Breakfast and Lunch Provided.
Lace up your hiking boots—this morning we’re heading up Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos. Its last eruption was in 2018, and the hike to the caldera’s edge reveals both dramatic volcanic landscapes and fascinating geology. As you ascend through the highlands, keep an eye out for native birdlife like the vibrant Vermilion Flycatcher and the elusive short-eared owl.
At the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views across one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world—an awe-inspiring sight stretching nearly 9 kilometers across.
In the afternoon, take a short flight to San Cristobal, the oldest island in the archipelago. After settling into the hotel, hop on a bike for a ride to La Lobería, a picturesque beach known for its colony of sea lions. Watch them bask on the sand or splash in the surf—and if you're up for it, take a dip alongside these playful and curious creatures.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided.
Today, we venture offshore for one of the most unforgettable marine experiences in the Galapagos. A scenic boat ride from San Cristobal takes us to Kicker Rock—a dramatic volcanic formation where two towering cliffs rise from the sea, separated by a narrow channel teeming with marine life.
Snorkel along the vertical rock walls and through the channel, exploring deep, clear waters home to sea turtles, rays, starfish, and colorful tropical fish. With a bit of luck, you might even spot Galapagos sharks or a hammerhead gliding silently below—thrilling and totally safe to witness.
Afterward, we’ll stop at a secluded, boat-access-only beach for a relaxing swim and beachside downtime. Enjoy lunch on board with Kicker Rock’s iconic silhouette as your backdrop.
Back on land, our afternoon continues with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center to explore the natural and cultural history of the islands. We’ll then walk to Tijeretas Hill, where frigatebirds often glide overhead and panoramic views of the coast offer a perfect final photo opportunity.
Tonight, we’ll celebrate with a farewell dinner at one of our favorite open-air spots—an ideal way to toast the adventure and your last night in the Enchanted Islands.
DIVING: the option to dive is available. Please inquire in advance.
Breakfast and Lunch Included.
This morning is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take a final stroll along the waterfront, pick up a few last-minute souvenirs, or squeeze in one more swim in the Pacific before saying goodbye to these extraordinary islands.
In the early afternoon, you’ll catch your flight back to the mainland. If your adventure in Ecuador continues, it’s a great opportunity to explore more of this diverse country with a day tour or a visit to another incredible region.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided.
Embark on an exhilarating journey from Quito into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. After a brief stop in Coca for refreshments, you'll be escorted by lodge staff to the pier for a scenic motorized canoe ride along the Napo River, where you'll have the opportunity to observe diverse bird species such as herons and spoonbills.
Upon reaching Sacha Lodge, nestled across Pilchicocha Lake, a leisurely 30-minute walk through the lush rainforest may reward you with sightings of playful monkeys.
Arriving at the lodge, settle into your thatched roof hut and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Take a refreshing swim in the lake, observe colorful butterflies at the Butterfly Farm, and enjoy a guided night hike or canoe ride to spot nocturnal wildlife. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Amazon!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided
Wake up to the serenade of the forest as your day begins with an exciting canopy walk along the Liana Chica trail, just a short distance from the lodge. Elevated 36 meters above ground and spanning 275 meters, this canopy walk offers unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching and observing the lush Amazonian canopy.
Following the canopy walk, descend to ground level to explore trails adorned with towering fig and kapok trees, where native guides will impart knowledge on the traditional medicinal uses of Amazonian plants.
In the afternoon, choose your own adventure from a variety of activities, including leisurely walks along the Napo River, challenging hikes in search of the elusive dusky titi monkey, or simply unwinding amidst the breathtaking forest views from the lodge's hammock-laden viewing areas. The choice is yours to make the most of your Amazonian experience.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Provided
Your adventure begins with the Lagartococha trail, offering insights into native culture and the intricate relationship between the Amazon forest and its people. Traverse through lush landscapes believed to house spirits and legendary tales of the devil-man of the forest, culminating at Lagartococha lake, home to anacondas, capybaras, caimans, and various monkey species.
After a satisfying lunch at the lodge, embark on a piranha fishing lesson before setting out on a thrilling wildlife canoe trail. Glide through monkey habitats, catch glimpses of howler monkeys, river otters, and three-toed sloths, and ascend the towering Kapok tree tower for a breathtaking sunset view over the forest canopy. With luck, spot birds and animals amidst the Andean mountains on clear days. Conclude the day with a mesmerizing night canoe and hike excursion, immersing yourself in the nocturnal wonders of the Amazon forest.
Breakfast Provided.
After an early morning breakfast, say goodbye to your Amazon home and the creatures that live here. A motorized long boat ride back up the river will take you to Coca. You’ll be assisted to the airport to board your flight to Quito, from where you’re free to continue your own travels in Ecuador.