Day 1: Quito World Heritage site

City tour in Quito to explore this beautiful colonial capital. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Middle of the World Monument.

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 – Quito

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: Cotopaxi National Park

Early in the morning departure from Quito through the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Visit the Cotopaxi National Park and the surrounding areas. In the afternoon we will enjoy a local lunch and will continue to Baños. Night activities can include Tungurahua Volcano observation, watching how the night is illuminated by pyroclastic eruptions. Overnight in Baños.

Day 4: Baños

Early in the morning excursion in Chivas (open bus typical from the coastal area) 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 5: Baños – Riobamba the very center of Ecuador

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 6: 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 7: Cuenca: The most beautiful city in Ecuador

Cuenca sits high above a valley in the Andes, it is Ecuador’s third-largest city and some would say it’s the most beautiful. Certainly its beauty is one reason so many foreigners have moved to the city recently. Ever since it was founded in 1557, its colonial center, El Centro, has been inhabited. Unlike some Spanish Colonial towns, it’s not a touristy museum; it shows all the lived-in wear and tear that any place would have after all that time. And that gives it much of its character.

Enjoy a walking city tour and discover Ecuador`s hidden treasure, the tour includes a visit to the famous Panama’ hat Factory, good opportunity to buy these fine hats, main cathedral, flower market, the bohemian neighborhood of El Barranco, and a stroll along the Tomebamba River. Enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon visit the city of Chordeleg, famous for its great jewelry and Gualaceo. Night in Cuenca.

Day 8: Cuenca World Heritage site

Free day to visit Cuenca and time to rest before going to Galapagos or to the Jungle. Overnight in Cuenca.

Day 9: 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 10: Galapagos or Jungle extension

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos or to the Jungle. You choose your program:
Choose your Galapagos Cruise
Choose your Amazon jungle lodge

Day 11: GALAPAGOS or JUNGLE EXPEDITION

Cruise in the Galapagos or Expedition in the Jungle

Day 12: GALAPAGOS or JUNGLE EXPEDITION

Cruise in the Galapagos or Expedition in the Jungle

Day 13: GALAPAGOS or JUNGLE EXPEDITION

Cruise in the Galapagos or Expedition in the Jungle

Day 14: GALAPAGOS or JUNGLE EXPEDITION

Flight from Galapagos or the Jungle back to Quito.
Meet and transfer from the airport to your hotel Overnight in Quito

Day 15: GALAPAGOS or JUNGLE EXPEDITION

Free day in Quito (we recommend you visit the museums). / If you do not have time, we can organize your departure this day.

Day 16: Last day in Ecuador, transfer out to the airport

Breakfast. Transfer to the Airport.