A Grand Ecuadorian Expedition: 13-Day Andes & Galapagos Ultimate Adventure - Tour

Upon your arrival at Quito airport, you will meet with your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. Situated in a circle of Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital, with arguably one of the finest settings in the world. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was an important part of the Inca Empire, before being destroyed and re-founded by the Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534. The colonial center – declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978 – is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America. It is home to excellent museums, churches, and art galleries, reflecting a rich multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. Your evening will be at leisure, allowing you to relax and prepare for the exciting explorations of the days ahead.

Your day starts by exploring the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical center in the Americas. You visit some of its most important churches such as the impressive Cathedral, the majestic Compañía, and the iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. You begin the tour by visiting the Main Square, then you go through the colonial churches and you will finish at the "Panecillo" hillside with its breathtaking views of the old and modern city surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains. As an addition to the Quito Colonial City Tour, you will travel to the “Equatorial line” complex. Its monument is located at the latitude 0º 0´0" and provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to straddle both hemispheres or hop between the two in the blink of an eye. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. The site occupies an important place in the solar-based Andean cosmovision since ancient Andean people were aware of its significance many thousands of years ago. The Ethnographic Museum at the complex provides a fine overview of Ecuador’s varied cultures and geography.

This morning you leave to Otavalo, the famous artesian market town. There, we visit the textile market located at the “Plaza of Ponchos”; this is one of the most famous markets in South America. You can find all kinds of handcrafts, including tapestries made on the Spanish weaving loom as well as the indigenous backstrap loom. Afterwards you enjoy some free time for bargaining and buying from the friendly Otavaleños. We also visit some craft workshops dedicated to the manufacture of Andean instruments such as crawlers, panpipes, flutes, recorders, among others. They also make string instruments like charango, mandolins, and guitars. These products are sold in stores and during the fair in town. In the afternoon we continue to Cuicocha. This lagoon is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Afterwards you will head to your hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, your journey continues to Baños, a town situated in a valley of waterfalls and hot springs. It has become a mecca for international travelers seeking year-round temperate weather, a small-town atmosphere, and a base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors. Baños, or "baths" in English, is named after its famous hot springs and thermal baths. There is lots on offer from waterfalls to horse riding. Don´t miss the active Tungurahua volcano which is visible from anywhere in Baños. You will take a short tour and visit the center. The city enjoys a pleasant subtropical zone climate. Later, we begin the route of waterfalls, including Agoyán, Heavens Door (Puertas del Cielo), Weddings Veil (Manto de la Novia), Devils Pan (Pailón del Diablo), Machay, and many more. Then you go to rest and have dinner at the Hotel.

Today after breakfast you return to the city of Quito but first you will visit Cotopaxi Mountain and its famous lake Limpiopungo. Cotopaxi is Ecuador´s highest volcano and actually one of the tallest in the entire world. Its name comes from the Quechua and means "cuello de luna" or in English "neck of the moon". In the morning, after arriving at the reserve, you will hike and drive up to Limpiopungo Lake. From there it is possible to observe the traces left by the ancient volcanic eruptions of the majestic Cotopaxi; same activity that has given rise to the formation of the Limpiopungo Lake. If you are lucky you can see herds of llamas, some other species of mammals, especially rabbits and deer, and a great variety of birds. Over there you have a Box Lunch so you can enjoy the view. After visiting the Cotopaxi Reserve we will be heading back to Quito. You arrive in the late afternoon, and you have free time to enjoy the city. On this day you stay at Quito´s hotel again for overnight.

Today after breakfast you will be met by your guide and transferred to Quito Airport. You will then catch your flight to San Cristobal airport in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport, you will be transferred to the M/C Elite vessel. In the afternoon, you will visit the David Rodriguez Breeding Center. This center provides vital information about the origin and evolution of the giant tortoise and explains why it's crucial for safeguarding the future of these incredible creatures. Walking through the reserve's trails, you can observe baby tortoises being reared in semi-natural conditions, a brilliant demonstration of local commitment to preserving Galapagos wildlife. Activities include walking, rated as "Soft" difficulty.

This morning, you will explore Suarez Point on Española Island, a site abundant with wildlife. Following a circular walking trail, you'll pass nesting sites of large colonies of Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and mockingbirds. Unique to Española Island are the beautiful waved albatross, which can be seen majestically launching themselves from the cliffs, and the red and green marine iguanas. A geological highlight includes several blow holes, capable of shooting water 25m into the air, making for a spectacular photo opportunity. This walking activity is rated as "Moderate" difficulty. In the afternoon, you'll visit the pristine white sandy beach of Gardner Bay, dotted with sea lions, offering a perfect spot to relax. Kayaking or paddle boarding provides a fantastic way to observe the large number of waved albatross who use this beach as a breeding site. A short dinghy ride will take you to Gardner and Osborn Islets, superb locations for snorkeling with young sea lions and a variety of colorful tropical fish and corals. These activities (walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, kayak) are rated as "Moderate" difficulty.

Day eight immerses you in the captivating contrasts of Floreana Island. In the morning, you will visit Cormorant Point, featuring two contrasting beaches: one with olive-green sand due to olivine crystals, and another with pure white ‘Flour Beach’ derived from pulverized coral. The saltwater pond is a must-see, frequented by one of the archipelago’s largest populations of Galapagos flamingos and other shorebirds. Afterwards, guests will take a dinghy ride to Devil’s Crown, an almost completely submerged underwater volcanic crater. Snorkelers will discover a vast underwater world full of coral reefs and a myriad of marine species. Birds are also part of this visitor point due to its open-water location. Activities include walking, snorkeling, and dinghy ride, with a "Moderate" difficulty rating. In the afternoon, your journey continues to Post Office Bay, a man-made site offering insight into an 18th-century mailing tradition. The beach provides good snorkeling and kayaking, and it's possible to walk through a lava tube. Next, take a dinghy ride to the Baroness’ Lookout, a volcanic rock formation with panoramic views. Activities include walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, and kayak, with an "Easy" difficulty rating.

Day nine begins with a captivating visit to Mosquera Islet in the morning. This small, flat, sandy islet, located between Baltra and North Seymour islands, has no fixed trail, allowing you to freely explore its beautiful surroundings on foot. You will encounter a large population of sea lions, shorebirds, and the striking Sally Lightfoot crabs. The numerous coral reefs also make it a fantastic site for snorkeling and catching sight of a range of marine life including sharks, turtles and rays. Activities for this morning include walking and snorkeling, with a "Moderate" difficulty rating. In the afternoon, the expedition takes you to Santa Cruz Island to explore Bachas Beach. This beautiful white-sand beach features the remnants of a rusted barge from WWI. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so snorkeling here might mean sharing the water with these wonderful creatures. The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs, and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the saltwater pond located just behind the beach. Activities include walking and snorkeling, with an "Easy" difficulty rating.

Today’s exploration focuses on the remote and pristine Genovesa Island, renowned as a birdwatcher's paradise. The morning begins with an ascent of El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, a rocky stairway that leads past a colony of Nazca and red-footed boobies up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the Palo Santo forest, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching over the ocean. A dinghy ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals. Snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species. Activities for this morning include walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, and kayak, with a "Moderate" difficulty rating. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Darwin Bay, which has a small sand and coral beach, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters with hammerhead sharks, rays and colorful reef fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to various land bird species. The trail culminates at a viewpoint overlooking the cliffs and the bay below. Activities include walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, and kayak, with a "Moderate" difficulty rating.

Your day commences on the northern coast of Santiago Island with a visit to Espumilla Beach, an exquisite white sand beach whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here, and it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans. This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions. A dinghy ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations. Activities include walking, snorkeling, dinghy ride, and kayak, with a "Moderate" difficulty rating. In the afternoon, you will explore Egas Port. Once the site of a salt mine, this impressive black sand beach is now an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas. A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade. Activities include walking and snorkeling, with an "Easy" difficulty rating.

Your penultimate day in the Galapagos begins with a serene and captivating visit to Black Turtle Cove in the morning, located on the north shore of Santa Cruz. It is a living illustration of how mangroves alter the marine environment to create a rich and unique habitat. Three mangrove species crowd the area from the shore out into a shallow lake. As you drift through quiet waters in the dinghy, you are likely to see spotted eagle rays and diamond-shaped mustard rays. White-tipped reef sharks slip beneath the dinghy and Pacific green sea turtles come to the surface for air and to mate. Waterfowl, including pelicans, herons and egrets, all feed in the cove. It’s a peaceful place where visitors often have up-close encounters with Galapagos wildlife, often making it a highlight of the trip! This dinghy ride activity is rated as "Easy" difficulty. In the afternoon, your journey continues to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the famous giant tortoises in the wild. Birdwatching is also one of the activities to do in the Santa Cruz highlands, since this area is home of finches and other Galapagos birds. After the visit to the highlands, we continue to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station that provides guests with a unique opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. The Research Center is also home to a significant breeding program for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s. These captivating reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups. This walking activity is rated as "Easy" difficulty.

Your final morning in the Galapagos Islands offers one last cherished wildlife encounter before your departure. Accessed by dinghy, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here. Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well. Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates. Activities for this morning include walking, snorkeling, and a dinghy ride, with a "Moderate" difficulty rating. After this final immersion in Galapagos' unique biodiversity, you will depart directly from San Cristobal airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, concluding your unforgettable 13-day grand Ecuadorian adventure.