Day 1: Quito World Heritage site

Welcome to Ecuador´s capital city, we will discover this charming city and its secrets by driving through the modern section of Quito towards the city’s historic district. Visit San Agustin Monastery and its impressive Sala Capitular. Continue through Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall. Stroll past El Sagrario Church and marvel at the exquisite stone facade of “La Compañía” Church. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, built over the ruins of an Incan Palace. Ride up the road to the top of Panecillo Hill for a breathtaking view of Quito. Drive to the Sanctuary of Guapulo, which is located on the route traversed by Francisco de Orellana to discover the Amazon River.

A short ride north of Quito, the environment turns semi-arid under the shadow of the Andes range. The Equator Monument stands tall as a tribute to the French scientists who made history by determining the shape of the earth. Visit the Ethnographic museum inside de monument, where the colorful way of life of Ecuador’s different ethnic groups is displayed. You may take a picture with one foot on the North Hemisphere and the other on the South. The Equator monument is located only 20 min from Quito. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: Otavalo and its famous market

A day trip to Otavalo to visit the indigenous market and the lakes district north of Quito. Otavalo’s Market is famous in Ecuador and worldwide because of its fine handicrafts and colorful textiles. Our journey begins in Quito heading northward, Via Cayambe, across the Equator line, enjoying breathtaking views of the volcanoes nearby such as the Cayambe, Fuya Fuya and Mojanda Cajas. We will stop at the San Pablo Lake’s observation point, where we’ll have great photo ops. Browse through Otavalo’s open-air Market. We will have lunch in one of the traditional restaurants in the area. In the afternoon, visit to the town of Cotacachi where leather crafts are made and Cuicocha Lake. Return to Quito in the late afternoon. Overnight in Quito.

Day 3: Amazon jungle experience

Fly from Quito to the Jungle. * Expedition in the jungle:

Day 4: Jungle program

Enjoy your Amazon expedition, nature, wildlife and culture

Day 5: Jungle program

Enjoy your Amazon expedition, nature, wildlife and culture

Day 6: Jungle program

Enjoy your Amazon expedition, nature, wildlife and culture

Day 7: Fly back from the jungle to Quito.

Usually early morning departures depending the lodge or program you have chosen, we take you on time to get your flight. Meet and transfer from airport in Quito to hotel, free NIGHT in Quito. Overnight in Quito.

Day 8: Cotopaxi

The Cotopaxi National Park is one of the many highlights in Ecuador, this pristine area is one of the most visited continental national parks in Ecuador´s mainland after Galapagos. In the morning we go southbound through what is known as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. We’ll notice the magnificent scenery on the way, surrounded by many volcanoes. We will visit the highland areas known as “paramos” a unique ecosystem that provides water to the lowlands. Upon arrival to the park’s gate, we need to check in and then continue to the Limpiopungo valley and its lake. If the weather is favorable, we will be amazed by the perfectly cone-shaped Cotopaxi volcano. In the afternoon we will enjoy lunch and we will stay at a colonial Hacienda. Night the Cotopaxi region.

Day 9: Baños

Early in the morning excursion to visit the “Route of Waterfalls” to see the “Devil’s Cauldron” one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Time for lunch and free afternoon to visit the small city of Baños. Overnight in Baños.

Day 10: Riobamba

In the morning, time to enjoy the thermal waters of Baños and the Natural SPA at the hotel. After lunch, departure to Riobamba through the páramo where wildlife such as the Andean vicuña can be spotted occasionally. Arrival in Riobamba followed by a panoramic visit of the city. Overnight in Riobamba

Day 11: Riobamba train adventure – Cuenca

After breakfast, you will be taken to the Riobamba train station for the breathtaking railway journey through the mountains. The railway line was completed in 1902 and is the steepest railroad in the world, a true technical masterpiece! The train travels through the beautiful countryside and the highlight is the stretch known as ‘Nariz del Diablo’ (the Devil’s Nose). You will disembark at the Alausi station. From here you travel to the beautiful city of Cuenca. On the way you stop at the famous ‘Ingapirca archaeological site’ (Quechua for “stonewalls of the Inca”), the most important and best preserved Incan ruins in Ecuador. Here you can explore the beautiful site and visit the small museum. We continue to Cuenca. Night over in the hotel of your choice.

Day 12: Cuenca

City tour in Cuenca. Visit the famous Panama’ hat factory. Lunch. In the afternoon visit the city of Chordeleg famous for its great jewelry and Gualaceo. Overnight in Cuenca.

Day 13: Cuenca to Guayaquil

Early in the morning, we go to Guayaquil passing by the Cajas National Park located thirty minutes from Cuenca. Here you will find a network of around 200 lakes left over from the ice age, which today form an extensive recreation area at an average altitude of 3000m / 12000ft. Small rivers connect the series of lakes and these eventually flow into both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. Next, you will continue to Guayaquil driving through the mountains on the way down to the coastal plains of the Pacific shore. Night over in Guayaquil.

Day 14: Galapagos

From Cuenca to Galapagos (you will take the cruise of your choice)
* Cruise in Galapagos: Choose your Galapagos Cruise

Day 15: Cruise in Galapagos

Enjoy Galapagos and cruising the islands, endless wildlife encounters

Day 16: Cruise in Galapagos

Enjoy Galapagos and cruising the islands, endless wildlife encounters

Day 17: Cruise in Galapagos

Enjoy Galapagos and cruising the islands, endless wildlife encounters

Day 18: From Galapagos to Quito

We take you from the cruise or hotel back to the airport on time to meet your flight back to main land.

Day 19: Free day in Quito.

Time to relax or further explore the city of Quito, last minute shopping or anything you may want to add to your trip, we will be more than happy to help organize.

Day 20: Last day in Ecuador, transfer from hotel to the airport

Breakfast / Transfer to the airport.