Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Explorer (Private)

Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city in South America, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Known as the Cultural Capital of South America, it lies on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.

Once you have arrived in Quito, make your way to the hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, then you may have some time to explore Quito's historic old town and its surroundings.

Tour Style: This tour is semi-private. It departs on a day of your choice and you will not travelling as part of a group, but water transportation and included excursions in the Galapagos will be on a shared basis, with other travellers.

Today, head into Quito’s history with a unique walk through its charming streets. Explore and see the iconic sites like the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square. Along the way, stop by Luis, an artisan whose family has been making the traditional candy "Colaciones" for over 100 years at his workshop, “Cruz Verde,” keeping Quito’s sweet traditions alive.

For lunch, sit down with locals and enjoy a freshly prepared meal using local ingredients. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to further explore Quito independently.

Quito - Mindo. Leaving Quito, journey north to the iconic Equator Monument—stand in both hemispheres at once and feel the magnetic pull of the Middle of the World. En route, pause to admire the Pululahua crater, a vast volcanic caldera that is remarkably home to over 400 residents.

From here, descend into the lush cloud forest of Mindo, a haven of biodiversity and a paradise for bird lovers—keep an eye out for hummingbirds! In the afternoon, indulge your senses at a local chocolate producer, follow the journey from cocoa bean to rich brownie or velvety hot chocolate. Spend the night in Mindo.

Today, delve deeper into Mindo’s magical cloud forest, riding cable cars and hiking to waterfalls through emerald canopies alive with toucans, hummingbirds, and other colourful birdlife.

In the afternoon, choose from a range of optional activities. Soar across treetops on a zip-line or brave the rapids with white water tubing as expert guides navigate the current. Then, visit to a butterfly sanctuary, where giant-winged beauties flutter around you—dip your fingers in banana nectar and feel them gently land on your outstretched hands. Spend a second night at a hotel in Mindo.

Mindo - Otavalo. This morning we explore the vibrant Otavalo Market, meeting the Otavalo Indigenous people dressed in their traditional blue ponchos, white trousers, and long braided hair. Learn about their daily life, local cuisine, and native language and wander through the market’s colourful stalls brimming with textiles, alpaca throws, rugs, knitted clothing, ceramics, jewellery, tapestries, and more—all at bargain prices.

For lunch, we visit Pijal, a charming Andean village, where we join the women of Sacha WarmiKuna to prepare traditional “Aji” sauce and enjoy a meal made from fresh local ingredients. Explore their crafts, gain insight into Andean culture, and pick up a handmade scarf as a meaningful keepsake. Later, we continue to our accommodation, where we enjoy a relaxing evening.

Otavalo - Pijal - Papallacta. Today begins with a visit to the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, where you can marvel at the stunning scenery of the active volcano and its crystal-clear crater lake. A boat ride takes you to the centre of the crater, offering a close look at the bubbling volcanic activity, followed by a walk around the lake to enjoy panoramic views of the water and the island at its centre - a perfect opportunity for photos and to soak in the dramatic landscape (the walk can be adjusted to suit your comfort).

Later, drive to Cotacachi, a charming town renowned for its high-quality leather goods, where there's free time to explore the shops or relax in the main plaza with one of Ecuador’s finest coffees. In the late afternoon, arrive at the luxury Papallacta Hot Springs Resort, set against the backdrop of the majestic Andes, where you can unwind and enjoy the soothing thermal waters and spa facilities.

Papallacta - Cotopaxi - Quito. After breakfast and a final soak in the hot springs, head south along the Pan-American Highway to Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano. Surrounded by a national park teeming with diverse flora, fauna, and Inca ruins, the adventure begins at the park's interpretation centre.

Then drive across the Cotopaxi National Park to Limpiopungo Lake, where a short walk offers spectacular views of the nearly perfect cone of Cotopaxi and an opportunity to spot local birdlife. Afterward, then return to Quito.

Quito - Baltra Island (Galapagos Islands) - Puerto Ayora. After breakfast, head to the airport for the onward flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, be met and transferred by ferry to Santa Cruz Island, crossing the Itabaca Channel.

Travel to the Santa Cruz highlands, home to the giant Galapagos tortoises, a lush, volcanic landscape with dense forests, unique flora, and dramatic craters. At a private ranch, search for tortoises and explore lava tubes formed by solidified lava streams.

Afterward, head over to the hotel. Take the rest of the evening to relax in the hotel and experience the island at your leisure.

This morning, embark on a half-day tour of Academy Bay. Here, take a short boat ride from Santa Cruz Island to the bay, swim and snorkel alongside sea lions, exotic fish, and other marine life. These curious creatures may even swim right next to you. As we sail, you might even spot the blue-footed boobies, renowned for their striking blue feet, which make them highly sought after by birdwatchers and photographers.

Next, head to a viewpoint where, if lucky, get a chance to spot white-tipped reef sharks swimming below. Afterward, head over to Playa de los Perros, where we will walk along the beach and potentially see marine iguanas basking in the sun. The deep red colour of the rocks and the turquoise, sparkling ocean provide stunning photo opportunities.

Please note: Make sure to bring all necessary items like a change of clothes and a towel, complimentary snorkel gear is available for those who wish to explore underwater.

Puerto Ayora - Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Today, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the active conservation and preservation initiatives on the Galapagos Islands.

In the afternoon, travel by speedboat to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, head to the hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, head to the dock for a boat ride across to Isla Lobos, located off the coast of the much larger San Cristobal. Along the way, spot various marine animals, such as sea lions, manta rays, and possibly even sharks or dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Upon arrival, embark on a tour of the island, exploring the white coral beaches to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, manta rays, sea lions, and occasionally sharks, all thriving in the island’s waters and landscape. Take some time to enjoy a walk along the beach, swim or spot more wildlife before returning to the hotel.

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno - Quito (Ecuador). Take the morning at leisure to explore San Cristobal. Later, head to the airport for the included flight back to Quito.

Upon arrival in Quito, head to the hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

The tour ends today after breakfast. Your airport transfer is not included, so you can make your way to the airport or continue your travels independently.