11 Nights /12 Days
Day 1: Canada - Quito (Ecuador)
Flight with a good itinerary. Upon your arrival at the airport, a transport service will take you from the airport to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Quito. (Dinner)
Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city at an altitude of 2,850 m, the capital of Ecuador still has the best preserved historical center in Latin America. The city of Quito is an important witness of Spanish colonization, and maintains until now unity and harmony in its urban structure.
Day 2: Quito - Otavalo
After breakfast, you will set off to explore Quito, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit of the historic center of Quito with its architectural heritage dating from the 17th and 19th centuries. Continue to Independence Square where stands the famous Cathedral of Quito and the Church of the Society of Jesus. Discovery of the San Francisco de Quito church, built on the foundations of an Inca palace whose interior houses masterpieces of Latin American sacred art. Tasting in a local sugar factory and demonstration of its artisanal elaboration.
Lunch in a restaurant with a tasting of locro quiteño (potato soup), then departure to the north of Ecuador towards Otavalo. Upon arrival, visit the Otavalo market. Stroll through this market divided into several parts: fruits, meats, crafts, and more. It is here that the local indigenous communities regularly meet with their traditional costumes. Dinner and overnight in Otavalo. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Day 3: Otavalo - Equinoctial Line - Amazonia
After breakfast, you will take the road to the Quitsato Equinoctial line. You can then set foot on latitude 0! This place has a great historical value, because it was here that the French geodetic mission came in June 1736. Its results are engraved on a large stone plaque currently exposed in the astronomical observatory of Quito.
You will continue towards the tropical plain of the Amazon, observing the striking changes of landscapes as you cross the mountains of the Andes Cordillera. You will stop at the Mirador de la Virgen de los Guacamayos, from where you will have a magnificent view of the forest of the Antisana Reserve and the Sumaco National Park.
Lunch on the way to Baeza to taste one of the best trouts in the region. Arrival in the Cosanga region, at your lodge, where you will be welcomed with a traditional drink. You will meet your native guide and visit a traditional Quichua community's house. You will discover the different cultures and techniques used by this community to harvest cocoa, then you will return to the lodge to participate in the development of artisanal chocolate. Chocolate tasting. Dinner and overnight in your lodge in the Amazon. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Day 4: Amazon - Riobamba
After breakfast, you will set off to explore the Amazon rainforest, accompanied by your local guide; you will be able to swim in the river if you wish. Return to the lodge and departure towards Baños.
You will stop during the journey for your lunch, where you will taste the best fish in the Amazon: Tilapia. Then, ascent of the Cordillera in the direction of Puyo where you can visit a store of balsa wood objects. Continuation to Baños, a charming little town located at 1800 meters above sea level which is overlooked by the magic of Mount Tungurahua from which many waterfalls spring. You will stop at the famous Pailon del Diablo, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Ecuador, then continue for a city tour. You will stroll through the pedestrian streets, where you will meet many merchants selling fresh sugar cane juice and "melcocha" (sugar cane marshmallow). At the end of your tour, you will take the road back to Riobamba via the mythical Pan-American Highway, through the Andes. Upon arrival in Riobamba, you will take a walk through the historic center of this typical city, from where you will observe Ecuador's highest volcano from afar: Chimborazo (6310m). Dinner and overnight in Riobamba. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Day 5: Riobamba - Cuenca
After breakfast, departure by the Pan-American road to reach an area of large fertile valleys. Along the way, you will pass the church of Balbanera, the first in Ecuadorian territory built during colonization in the 15th century. Arrival by bus to the Indian community of Tolte, you will take vehicles to descend towards the Chanchan canyon. Then, you will go in the direction of Sibambe station from where you can take magnificent photos of the famous devil's nose, a rock formation made in a zig zag. Return to Tolte, before taking the road to Sibambe.
**If the Andes Train is in operation at the time of your visit, the program in Tolte, will be replaced by the following description: Arrival in Alausi and boarding the Andes Train to Sibambe station. Crossing different wonderful landscapes before arriving at the Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose). Stop at Sibambe where you will refresh yourself and enjoy the landscape.
Arrival in Sibambe, where you will be welcomed by a group of Nizag dancers. You can visit the small museum maintained by the Indians of Nizag. Return to Alausi where will see from afar a fortress of the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, dating from the 15th century, located at 3100m above sea level. Lunch in a local restaurant of an Indian Cañari couple where you will enjoy a meal accompanied by a barley soup. Ecuador is also known for having more than 400 soup recipes. Departure to Cuenca, one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador thanks to its architecture, landscape and customs. Dinner and overnight in Cuenca. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Day 6: Cuenca - Guayaquil
After breakfast, you will leave with your guide for a city tour of Cuenca, a cultural city with colonial and republican churches built on the ruins of the ancient "Tomebamba". You will pass by some amazing places such as : "the road of the French", "San Sebastian", "the house of the Biennale" and the flower market which is by a well known church. Continuation to the belvedere del Turi, from where you will have a very beautiful panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Visit to the Ortega family's Panama hat factory and museum. Historically, these hats were made in Ecuador to protect the workers who built the Panama Canal. You will also visit the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures which brings together archaeological, cultural and ethnographic pieces from Ecuador.
For your lunch, you will enjoy a meal consisting of "tamale cuencano" (a kind of corn pancake), grilled pork meat accompanied by llapingachos (potato base), and fruit salad. Then, you will take the road towards Guayaquil, passing through the Cajas National Park, an area with an area of 29,000 hectares with 275 lakes and known as a rainforest, home to a wide variety of animals and plants. You will have photo stops along this magnificent road. Arrival in Guayaquil and panoramic city tour. Dinner and overnight in Guayaquil. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Day 7: Guayaquil - Baltra - Santa Cruz (Galápagos Island)
After breakfast, transfer to Guayaquil airport in the morning from where you will take your flight to Baltra, your first stop upon arrival in the archipelago of the Galápagos. Greeting at Baltra's airport by your local representative, before taking a collective transfer to the Itabaca canal (about 10 minutes by bus). Once you arrive at Itabaca Channel, you will board a ferry to Santa Cruz Island (The ferry ride will take approximately 10 minutes).
Upon arrival on Santa Cruz Island, board a private bus and head to Los Gemelos craters, impressive volcanic pits. The place is populated by free-roaming turtles and birds, including the “red tyrant” and the “chaffinch”. Lunch at a local ranch in the region. You will then leave for the highlands to visit the Charles Darwin Station, a non-profit organization of scientists that ensures the preservation of the fauna and flora of the Galápagos Islands. At the end of the tour, you will drive back to your hotel. Rest of the day free, then dinner in a local restaurant with the group and overnight in Santa Cruz. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Day 8: Santa Cruz Island - Isabela Island (Galápagos Island)
Breakfast at your hotel, then you will travel to a new island in the Galápagos: Isabela.
The group will travel to the port of Santa Cruz to board a motor boat, for a navigation of approximately two hours to Isabela Island. Upon your arrival, you will transfer to your hotel and then have lunch in a local restaurant.
In the early afternoon, you will visit a giant tortoise breeding center. Then you will walk through the “Humedales” area, which has a unique biodiversity of flowers and animal species, such as the flamingo and the marine iguana. This lagoon is the largest lagoon on the coast of the Galápagos Islands and is the main breeding site for flamingos. Once the visit is over, you will leave for "Concha y Perla", a bay of shallow, peaceful and transparent water that allows you to observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, pelicans, marine iguanas as well as other animal species. Don't forget your swimsuit, as you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with this incredible wildlife. Return to your hotel at the end of the day. In the evening, you will have dinner with the group in a local restaurant. Overnight on Isabela Island. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Day 9: Isabela Island - Tintoreras - Santa Cruz Island
Breakfast at your hotel and departure for the visit of Tintoreras, an islet which has a fissure of volcanic lava which has formed lava tunnels which have become a favorite place for white tailed sharks (an endangered species from the Galápagos Islands).
The excursion begins at the Puerto Villamil wharf, from where you will board a small boat to navigate to Tintoreras islet (about 10 minutes). Once there, you will walk about 30 minutes on the volcanic terrain of the islet, a unique place. During this walk you can see tintorera sharks, sea iguanas, endangered birds, sea wolves, turtles, sea lions and other animal species.
After touring the island, the guide will take you to a great spot for snorkeling. Here you will have the opportunity to go swimming with sea lions, rays, turtles and a variety of colorful fish in crystal clear waters. The guide will give you masks and snorkels so you can enjoy this remarkable environment for about an hour. Once the activity is over, you will have lunch in a local restaurant before returning to Santa Cruz Island. You will return to your hotel for a moment of relaxation before joining the group for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight on Santa Cruz Island. (Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
Day 10: Santa Cruz Island
Breakfast at your hotel and free day to stroll around Santa Cruz Island, or opt for an optional day excursion($) to one of the islands of the Galápagos archipelago. (Breakfast)
*Optional excursion to Bartolomé island ($):
You can take the opportunity to explore Bartolomé island. You will leave Santa Cruz early morning by boat and will return around 4/5PM (lunch included). You can swim and snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, and see some great marine species such as sea turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish and more. Take comfortable walking shoes, as you will also be walking around the island.
**Please be aware that when you pre-book this excursion, you secure your access to one of the stunning Galapagos Islands. While it is possible to book the excursion at your destination for a potentially lower rate, we cannot guarantee availability.
**Additionally, please note that circumstances beyond our control may lead to the substitution of the planned island once you arrive at your destination.
Day 11: Santa Cruz - Baltra (Galápagos Island) - Guayaquil (Ecuador)
After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Puerto Ayora to catch your ferry for the Itabaca Canal, to get to Baltra airport. You will then take your flight to Guayaquil at the end of the morning.
Arrival in Guayaquil in the afternoon. Your hotel shuttle will meet you at the airport and then drop you off at your hotel for your last night on the Ecuadorian mainland. Rest of the day free. (Breakfast)
Day 12: Guayaquil - Canada
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight with your hotel shuttle. (Breakfast)
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