Best of Ecuador: Andes, Amazon & Galapagos

Your unforgettable Ecuador adventure starts the moment you land in Quito, the world's highest capital, nestled at 2,850m (9,350ft). A local driver will be waiting to meet you at the airport and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Once settled in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing after a long flight and acclimatizing to the Andean height.

Start by exploring Quito's magnificent historic heart, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which showcases the lively blend of colonial architecture and everyday city life. Highlights around Independence Square include the San Francisco Church, the ornate Carondelet Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, and La Compañía de Jesús, famed for its gold-covered interior and exquisite baroque detail. Continue to El Panecillo Hill, crowned by the iconic Virgin of Quito statue, offering sweeping views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.

Today's journey continues at the Middle of the World, with the good chance to stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the Equator line. The final stop is the fascinating Intinan Equator Museum, delving into ancient Andean knowledge of astronomy and culture. Return to your hotel in Quito.

This morning, leave Quito behind and travel north to Otavalo, a town well-known for its vibrant indigenous market. Here, you'll browse an incredible array of alpaca wool sweaters, handwoven blankets, jewelry, and textiles directly from the skilled artisans who have perfected their crafts over generations.

Next, we explore the charming Cotacachi, renowned for exquisite leather goods, from finely crafted handbags to jackets. The day culminates at the breathtaking Cuicocha Lake, a sparkling volcanic crater lake nestled in the mountains. Walk along its rim for stunning alpine views, spot hummingbirds, and watch for gas bubbles rising from the deep, mineral-rich waters.

Finally, transfer back to Quito for the night.

This morning, catch the short flight (around 35 minutes) to the jungle town of Coca, the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. After a swift transfer to the pier, board a motorized canoe for a two-hour journey down the Napo River, with a box lunch and coffee provided on board. Keep your eyes peeled for Amazon wildlife, such as prehistoric-looking hoatzin and playful monkeys in the treetops.

Your jungle lodge, nestled within the UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve - Yasuni, welcomes you with a hearty lunch. This afternoon, ease into the Amazon with a gentle afternoon exploration, perfect for acclimatizing to this incredible environment.

After an early breakfast, set out by canoe to witness one of the Amazon's most remarkable spectacles. At a nearby clay lick, watch in awe as hundreds of brightly colored parrots and parakeets from more than ten species descend from the canopy to feed on mineral-rich clay that aids digestion. (Binoculars are essential to enjoy this vibrant sight.) Continue to visit KuriMuyu, a cultural center run by Kichwa women, learning about their ancient traditions and crafts.

This afternoon, follow jungle trails to the Añangu stream, passing wetlands, upland forests, and flooded habitats alive with wildlife. As night falls, board a small canoe to glide along the river in search of alligators and other nocturnal creatures. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Begin your day with breakfast at sunrise, then visit community-led projects to understand the local Kichwa people's deep spiritual connection to this land. Continue along winding trails through terra firme forest, home to towering ceiba trees, playful monkeys, and countless plant species.

After lunch, ascend a towering observation tower to take in sweeping canopy views and spot colorful birds. You are then free to relax before savoring an authentic Amazonian dinner featuring regional specialties such as maito (fish wrapped in leaves) and chontakuru (roasted chonta worms).

As night falls, head out on a guided walk into the darkened forest. With flashlights in hand, discover the forest's elusive after-dark residents from fascinating insects to stealthy reptiles.

Wake before dawn for a unique farewell to the rainforest. At 4:30 am, join the Kichwa community in preparing a traditional plant-based ritual drink, accompanied by soulful songs that greet the new day. Once back at your lodge, take breakfast, pack up, and check out before transferring by boat and vehicle to Coca airport.

From here, board your flight back to Quito, where a private transfer will take you to your hotel near the airport or in the city center for the night.

Board your flight to the Galapagos Islands, ready to step into a living paradise.

Upon landing at Baltra Airport, a friendly crew will be there to greet you. You'll then be escorted to the awaiting yacht, setting the tone for an extraordinary voyage through this unique archipelago.

This afternoon, venture to El Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat. You'll witness these remarkable creatures up close, gaining insight into their behavior and conservation. Return to the yacht to relax, have dinner, and reflect on the day's sightings.

Prepare for a day of striking volcanic beauty. This morning, step ashore at Sullivan Bay, where vast fields of solidified lava showcase the raw power of recent eruptions. Walking across the rippling formations feels otherworldly, as though you've landed on the moon itself. Later in the day, head for Bartholomew, a volcanic islet dotted with spatter cones and rugged craters. A hike to the summit rewards you with Galapagos' most iconic panorama of Pinnacle Rock rising sharply from turquoise waters.

Your day begins at North Seymour, home to the Galapagos' largest seabird breeding colonies. Walk just steps away from nesting frigatebirds with their crimson throat pouches and blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dances.

This afternoon, step onto the dramatic, cactus-strewn landscape of South Plaza. This bizarre "Jurassic islet" invites you to observe land iguanas, often called the "Galapagos dragons," that lumber through a vibrant carpet of sesuvium plants.

This morning, head out to explore the historic Pitt Point on San Cristóbal Island, the easternmost tip of the Galápagos and the first land sighted by Darwin aboard the HMS Beagle. Two dramatic wind-sculpted tuff cones rise from the shore, offering a striking introduction to the islands' volcanic landscapes.

As the day unfolds, trade volcanic rock for powder-soft sand at the stunning crescent beach of Witch Hill. Here, stroll the beach, kayak along the shore, snorkel among tropical fish, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Begin your final morning at the Interpretation Centre just outside Puerto Baquerizo, where exhibits and displays provide fascinating insights into the Galápagos' unique ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Following this, board a dinghy, assisted by your naturalist guide and crew, for a smooth transfer to San Cristóbal Airport. Once there, your guide will accompany you to the departure hall, ensuring a smooth check-in process. With fond memories, fly to the mainland to connect with your international flight home.