Day 1: Quito
Welcome to Ecuador. Arrive at any time today and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight – Quito.

Day 2: Quito
Take the morning to explore and experience Quito’s vibrant old city. This afternoon we travel by bus through the Andes to the village of Papallacta and relax in the pools of Ecuador’s arguably most scenic and finest hot springs. Overnight - Papallacta.

Days 3 - 4: Rainforest Homestay
Descending into the rainforest and heading for the banks of the Napo River, we spend the next 2 nights with a Quichua family. Take the opportunity to experience their culture, customs and beliefs first-hand. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight (2) - Amazon Homestay.

Days 5 - 6: Jungle Lodge
Travelling to a jungle lodge, with an emphasis on education and cultural learning experiences, we spend the next 2 days exploring the area both on foot and by canoe and discovering the region’s natural history. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight (2) - Jungle Lodge.

Days 7 - 8: Banos
Arriving at the mountain spa town of Banos, we use the next 2 days to pursue outdoor activities. Afterwards, soak aching muscles in one of the town’s many baths. Overnight (2) - Banos.

Days 9 - 10: Cuenca
A full day to Cuenca, we wind along the Avenue de Volcanoes and pass eight of Ecuador’s highest peaks. Arriving this evening, Cuenca with cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and beautiful colonial squares, is considered one of the most impressive in Ecuador.

Day 10 is free – buy a panama hat, fish in the lakes of the Caja National Park or visit the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Overnight (2) - Cuenca.

Day 11: Cuenca
A short flight, to Quito, this evening is free. Overnight – Quito.

Days 12 - 14: Cayambe
Located near the village of Cayambe, our home for the next two nights is in the oldest Hacienda in Ecuador. A great base for horse riding, explore the Hacienda’s extensive grounds and nearby hills or simply relax in the indoor pool.
Overnight (2) - Cayambe.

Day 14: Otavalo
Arriving at Otavalo, we visit the largest handicraft market in South America. More than just for tourists, the food and animal markets, which begin early, are where the Ecudorians still purchase their food, animals and household goods.
Overnight – Otavalo.

Day 15: Quito
This afternoon, we return to Quito, with free time to enjoy as we please.
Overnight - Quito.

Day 16: Quito
Quito – early transfer for our flight to the Galapagos and the beginning of our cruise. Lunch, dinner and overnight – Galapagos motor yacht.

Days 17 - 22: Galapagos Islands
Over the next 6 days we visit any number of the islands below – actual route is subject to season, weather and vessel availability. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight (6) - Galapagos motor yacht.  

Galapagos Islands

Sante Fe: Marine iguanas, sea lions and 10m high cacti are features of Santa Fe and for the fit, trek 1.5km to the highland for the chance to glimpse the indigenous Land Iguanas. Bartolome: Spot penguins, marine turtles and tropical fish while snorkelling off the sandy beaches of this lava landscaped island. Rabida: Travel beyond the dark red beach to a saltwater lagoon where flamingos and sea lions abound. Santa Cruz: the largest and most developed of the islands. We will almost certainly stop here. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, containing not only an informative museum, but also a baby tortoise house and national park information. Floreana (Isla Santa Maria): known for its pink flamingos and tragic history, this is the 6th largest island in the archipelago that was once also a Ecuadorian penal colony. Espanola: Perhaps the most beautiful of all the islands, Espanola is located at the southernmost tip of the group. If arriving between March and December, you may spot the impressive waved albatross. Seymour: magnificent frigatebirds and blue footed boobies are this island’s main attractions, although it is also well known for its sea lions as well as land and sea iguanas, Galapagos snakes and lava lizards. San Cristobel: the second most populace and the only island holding fresh water, perhaps see Chatham Mockingbird or travel to its northern tip to view frigatebirds bathing in the freshwater of the El Junco lagoon.

Day 23: Galapagos Islands
Breakfast – transfer to the airport for our flight to Quito. Overnight - Quito.

Day 24: Quito
Depart at any time today.