Galapagos Islands, Amazon and Andes 15 Days in Ecuador

Day 1 - Quito City Tour and The Middle of the World

Quito is famous for its colonial architecture, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore it on a City Tour, where you'll explore iconic sites such as Independence Square, the Government Palace, and the Basilica of the National Vow.

Enjoy spectacular views of Quito from the Panecillo viewpoint. Explore the cable car and the Middle of the World City. Finally, visit the Intiñan Museum to observe ancient rituals, dances, and traditions.

Overnight: Hotel Mercure  

Day 2 - Cotopaxi Volcano

We venture through the Andes, visiting Cotopaxi National Park. We'll visit the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, with its snow-capped peak reaching 5,897 meters.

We'll also visit the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon and enjoy breathtaking views of wildlife that will leave you in awe. We'll return to our accommodation in Cotopaxi province.

Overnight: Hacienda la Ciénega

Day 3 - Quilotoa Lagoon

One of the natural wonders of the Ecuadorian Andes is the Quilotoa Lagoon, with its beautiful turquoise waters.

Before arriving, we'll make a brief stop to visit a local Indigenous family and learn about their way of life. We'll then explore the Tigua community and its famous paintings.

Overnight: Hotel  La Floresta

Day 4 - Banos de Agua Santa

Our fourth day is in Banos de Agua Santa, located at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano, at 1,820 meters above sea level and also known as the gateway to the Amazon.

It's a paradisiacal setting filled with verdant mountains and crystal-clear waterfalls, creating a breathtaking landscape. Here, we'll engage in various adventure activities, including the famous Devil's Pailon.

Overnight: Hotel La Floresta

Day 5 - Upper part of the Amazon, Transfer to The La Casa del Suizo

We continue to the Amazon Rainforest the La Casa del Suizo, a two-hour boat ride from the city of Baños and a 15-minute boat ride upriver. We'll arrive at the reserve, where after a short hike, we can relax in a native hut.

The tour is a unique experience, as we'll navigate streams and mudflats under the natural shade of the trees. During this journey, the local guide will share his expertise on plant life and the secrets of the Ecuadorian rainforest.

Overnight: La Casa del Suizo (The House of the Swiss) , Ahuano la Punta

Day 6 - Upper part of the Amazon (The Island), La Casa del Suizo

After breakfast, we'll head out into the forest to observe birds and insects. The guide will explain the importance of the wide variety of plants we'll see. We'll walk over suspension bridges and vines.

After lunch, we'll continue the day with a visit to "the Island." We'll spend about an hour observing plants and insects. In the afternoon, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Butterfly Farm to witness the life cycles of butterflies.

Overnight:  La Casa del Suizo - (The House of the Swiss), Ahuano la Punta

Day 7 - Upper part of the Amazon, Cosano Reserve, La Casa del Suizo (Noon)

The adventure begins with a boat ride to Cosano, a private property with primary forest on the Arajuno River. Hikes of varying difficulty range from 1 to 3 hours.

From various angles, you can observe the native village of Ahuano and the confluence of the small rivers that flow into the great Napo. During the tour, your local guide will share with you the mysterious world of plants and animals.

Overnight: Hosteria La Andaluza

Day 8 - Chimborazo Volcano Tour

We'll travel approximately 1.5 hours from our hotel to Chimborazo Volcano, the closest point to the sun measured from the Earth's center.

We'll hike to Condorcocha Lagoon, passing by two refuges: Carrel and Whymper. With luck, we'll see some wildlife, such as the páramo wolf. After lunch, we'll return to Quito to catch a flight to the Galapagos the next day.

Overnight: Hotel Mercure

Day 9 - Arrived in Quito - Transfer Santa Cruz Island / Upper part

This day begins early, departing for Mariscal Sucre Airport. We'll travel between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the flight, to Baltra Island and then cross by boat for 1 hour to Santa Cruz Island.

Before arriving in Puerto Ayora, we'll visit a ranch for giant Galapagos tortoises, roaming and sleeping freely, one of the highlights of your trip. If the day isn't over yet, we'll visit a lava tunnel. At the end, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Puerto Ayora.

Overnight: Hotel Acacia - similar

Day 10 - Bartolome Galapagos Island Tour

We'll take a boat for approximately two and a half hours to Bartolome Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, we'll hike to the top of the island, where you'll see views of recent volcanic eruptions.

We'll also snorkel in the Galapagos, a type of surface diving perfect for observing penguins, sharks, rays, starfish, and a variety of colorful tropical fish.

Overnight: Hotel Acacia - similar

Day 11- North Seymour Island or Plazas

On Seymour Island, 45 minutes from Santa Cruz Island, we will hike to see blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. Many travelers and ornithologists come to this place for this reason. With luck, you might even see a Galapagos snake.

On Plazas Island, known as one of the smallest and most colorful islands, with an altitude of 23 meters above sea level, the hike begins in a cactus forest where we can find sea lions and land iguanas. Their population numbers approximately 300 individuals.

Overnight: Hotel Acacia- similar

Day 12 - Isabela Island and tour to Tintoreras Galapagos

This day begins with a 2-hour trip from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island to take photos, observe penguins, and blue-footed boobies.

We'll then descend with a guide for a hike through the island's interior to reach Las Tintoreras, a small, warm stretch of sea where blue sharks or whitetip sharks rest.

On this same tour, we'll encounter groups of adult marine iguanas and sea lions with their pups. We'll then prepare to snorkel and see the incredible marine wildlife.

Overnight: Hotel Wooden House - similar

Day 13 - Day trip to the Galapagos Tunnels

We'll arrive in 45 minutes from Puerto Villamil to the Tunnels to cross the lava arches and photograph the landscape. Undoubtedly, a habitat for many local species, it was formed by the lava flows.

Creating arches and tunnels underwater and above the water, we'll snorkel with the guide to observe rays, turtles, fish, and, if we're lucky, seahorses. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel in Puerto Villamil.

Overnight: Hotel Wooden House- similar

Day 14 - Sierra Negra Volcano - Return to Puerto Ayora Galapagos

Adventure lovers can't miss a visit to the Sierra Negra Volcano, just 40 minutes from Puerto Villamil. We'll hike along lava trails.

Towards the Sierra Negra Volcano viewpoint and the Chico Volcano, we'll observe a marked change in scenery. From volcanic dryness with black soil to a humid forest. This place is perfect for observing birds such as finches and curacas. In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Ayora.

Overnight: Hotel Acacia or similar

Day 15 : Transfer to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island to Quito or Guayaquil

We'll start the day with breakfast at the hotel and our luggage ready. Your driver will pick you up and take you to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your return flight.