Embark on a 16-day adventure through the captivating landscapes of Ecuador, where rare beauty and fascinating experiences await. Begin your trip in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant culture steeped in pre-Incan and Spanish history. Explore the Old Town, with its stunning architecture and ancient landmarks. Try your hand at preparing traditional Ecuadorian ceviche, make luxurious chocolate truffles, and wander through charming cobblestone streets and lively plazas.

Travel from the Andean capital to the lush Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve. Experience the rich wildlife and vegetation through a canopy gondola ride, scenic hikes, and intriguing nocturnal excursions in this biodiversity hotspot. Continue your adventure with a luxurious cruise in the Amazon, where you'll encounter diverse wildlife and meet authentic Quechua tribes.

Your journey concludes in the Galápagos Islands, a renowned destination famous for its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and distinctive wildlife. This remarkable archipelago, celebrated by Charles Darwin, promises to be a highlight of your adventure.

16 Day Galapagos Itinerary

Day 1 - 2: Quito

Arriving in Quito, you will be greeted by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Nestled among Andean peaks and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito boasts excellent museums, churches, and art galleries. Start with a city tour that includes both the modern and historic parts of Quito. Visit Independence Square, surrounded by significant landmarks like the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and City Hall. Enjoy the El Sagrario Church and the ornate facade of La Compañía Church, then visit San Francisco Church, built atop Inca palace ruins in the 16th century. Experience a delightful chocolate tasting at Galeria Ecuador, where you’ll learn about cacao cultivation and make your own chocolate truffles. Afterwards, head to Cafe Plaza Grande for a cooking class to explore Ecuadorian cuisine. Post-lunch, visit the Equatorial Monument, commemorating French scientists from the 1700s, and the Ethnographic Museum showcasing Ecuador’s diverse ethnic heritage.

Day 3 - 5: Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve

Following breakfast, a Mashpi Guide will escort you to the Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve, a sanctuary for wildlife. Trek through the forest, take a dip in waterfalls, and observe colorful birds. Explore the canopy from the Air Tram (canopy gondola), with opportunities for extended wildlife observation. Relax at the Life Centre, learn about local butterflies, and wander through a small orchard with medicinal plants. Discover 11 trails with a bilingual naturalist and local guide, and enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower. At night, experience the transformed forest with its array of insects, frogs, nocturnal birds, and bioluminescent fungi. Try the Sky Bike to pedal across a cable spanning a ravine.

Day 6: Quito

After an early breakfast, enjoy a final excursion in the cloud forest. With a box lunch provided, return to Quito for an afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the Otavalo Market for local crafts and jewelry.

Day 7 - 10: Amazon

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Coca, in the Amazon. Embark on a motorized canoe ride along the river, immersing yourself in the Amazon’s sights and sounds. Participate in night walks to observe nocturnal activity and vibrant biodiversity. Explore Yasuni National Park, spotting pink dolphins, anacondas, river turtles, primates, and the unique Hoatzin bird. Canoe in a blackwater lake home to giant otters and elusive manatees. Hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest and visit a Quechua family on the Napo River. Experience a nighttime canoe trip in search of black caimans.

Day 11: Quito

Upon arrival in Quito, be picked up by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure in this historically rich city.

Day 12 - 15: Santa Cruz Island, San Cristobal Island, Santa Fe Island & South Plaza Island

After breakfast, head to the airport for your Galápagos journey. Explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, observing land iguanas and a lagoon with flamingos and endemic birds. Enjoy snorkeling offshore. Discover Kicker Rock off San Cristobal Island and visit Witch Hill. Take a zodiac ride through striking rock formations and relax on a white sand beach with clear waters ideal for snorkeling. On Lobos Island, see blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and marine iguanas. Swim at Gardner Bay, a prime breeding site for waved albatross. Hike at Suarez Point, passing nesting sites and a geyser. Snorkel with sea lions at Sante Fe Island and spot various seabirds at South Plaza Island.

Day 16: Departure

Visit the Darwin Research Centre to see giant tortoises before being transferred to Baltra Island Airport for your flight back to Quito. From there, board your international flight, marking the end of your adventure.

16 Day Galapagos Itinerary Includes

Accommodation

Three meals daily

Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, and refreshments on excursions

All excursions including panga tours, hikes, island visits, beach walks, visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, sea kayaking and snorkelling (included snorkelling gear: short wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins)

Guides' Journal with illustrations of fauna and flora to record your sightings

Area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

VAT

VIP Lounge at the Galapagos’ airports, road transfers to and from Galapagos Airport (Baltra or San Cristóbal Island)

Limited laundry

Internet (via Starlink)

16 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights

Exploring the Galápagos Islands: Experience the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, including the iconic blue-footed boobies on Lobos Island and the elusive waved albatross at Gardner Bay.

Mashpi Rainforest Adventure: Discover the vibrant biodiversity of the Mashpi Rainforest, from observing wildlife from the Air Tram to exploring the forest canopy on the Sky Bike.

Chocolate Tasting in Quito: Enjoy a hands-on chocolate tasting at Galeria Ecuador, where you’ll learn about cacao cultivation and create your own chocolate truffles.