Discover the highlights of Ecuador and the incredible Galápagos Islands

Itinerary

1. Days

   1-2

   Arrive in Quito, Ecuador

   Quito, Ecuador

   Embark on your South American adventure, flying to Quito from the UK.

   Once you land in Quito, you'll get the chance to explore one of the largest, best-preserved colonial cities in The Americas. Just south of the equator at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano, Quito was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and is considered the Cultural Capital of South America.

   Your tour of the city includes the leafy Independence square, overlooked by the Presidential Palace, cathedral and Archbishop's Palace. Just a short walk away is the baroque Jesuit church of Compania de Jesus, with its incredible gilded interior. Another of Quito's highlights is the church and convent of San Francisco, the largest religious complex on the continent.

2. Day

   3

   Cross the Equator

   Mindo, Ecuador

   Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience today as you get the chance to stand on both the north and southern hemisphere at the same time. You'll head to the Equator line, where you'll learn about its interesting history and the physics of the location.

   Afterwards, you'll continue to the little town of Mindo, set amidst lush, forested hills, where you'll check in for two nights in a lodge hotel. Here, you'll be surrounded by the exotic cloud forest, home to an incredible array of birds.

3. Day

   4

   Mindo Cloud Forest

   Mindo, Ecuador

   Today you'll explore the pristine cloud forests and hike along waterfalls close to your lodge.

   At an altitude of 1,300m, Mindo lies between Ecuador's lowlands and highlands and has a year-round mild climate. This, and the plentiful rainfall, mostly between January and April, has created lush forests, perfect for a wide variety of birdlife - with an incredible 140 species of hummingbirds recorded.

   You can also join an optional activity to head up into the cloud forest canopies on a spectacular open-air cable-car, specially designed for you to take in the most wonderful views. You'll feel completely immersed in this extraordinarily beautiful landscape as you glide over the treetops soaking up the sights and sounds of the forests' fascinating wildlife.

4. Day

   5

   Pululahua Crater

   Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador

   Head south today on the Pan-American highway and drive along the Avenue of the volcanoes, towards the Cotopaxi National Park.

   You'll stop on the way at Pululahua, the third largest inhabited volcano crater in the world. From the rim of the extinct volcano you can enjoy the panoramic views over the green farmland in the base of the crater.

5. Day

   6

   Cotopaxi and Riobamba

   Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador

   This morning you'll head to Cotopaxi National Park for some stunning views and to see the highest active volcano in the world. Snowcapped year-round, the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone is one of the greatest sights in South America.

   This afternoon, look forward to a trip to a fragrant rose farm. Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of roses and you can learn more about the growing and exporting process while taking in views of colourful fields.

6. Day

   7

   Riobamba and Cuenca

   Cuenca, Ecuador

   This morning you'll be free to relax in the surroundings of your historic Hacienda hotel in Riobamba.

   Alternatively, you're welcome to join an optional tour of the local area to appreciate the fascinating life and culture of this agricultural community. Highlights include the Iglesia la Concepción, a beautiful; architectural structure just opposite the Plaza Roja, where you'll fine an artisanal indigenous market, perfect for buying souvenirs.

   This afternoon, you'll continue your journey along the Pan American highway, arriving in the amazing colonial city of Cuenca, where you'll have dinner as a group.

7. Day

   8

   El Cajas National Park

   Cuenca, Ecuador

   Today you'll visit the incredible El Cajas National Park.

   Less than an hour northwest of Cuenca, this rugged landscape features pristine parkland reminiscent of the Scottish highlands, with rocky green mountains interspersed with over 780 crystalline lagoons and a network of trickling streams.

   For almost as far as the eye can see, the ground is covered in wildflower-strewn shrubs and grasses - the only sounds are running water, wind and the call of birds overhead.

8. Day

   9

   Cuenca

   Cuenca, Ecuador

   Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cuenca today.

   This city is a treasure-trove of charming colonial churches, mansions and squares, which are all easily walkable. The main square is overlooked by the town's vast cathedral, said to be modelled on St Peter's in Rome.

   The city is also known for its Panama hats, which are in fact hand-made in Ecuador, not Panama!

   Join a fascinating city tour to take in all these sights as well as a visit to a Panama hat factory. The tour ends at one of the fascinating local markets, where you can admire the colours of the fresh produce as well as the traditional arts and crafts of the Andes.

   This afternoon you will fly from Cuenca to Quito.

9. Day

   10

   Fly to San Cristobal Island, Galápagos

   Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

   This morning you'll catch the short flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galápagos . As the most easterly island in the archipelago, this was the first to be visited by Charles Darwin in 1835. You'll be staying for two nights close to the centre of the island's small main town of Puerto Moreno.

   On arrival, you'll have some time to settle into your hotel and relax for a while before your afternoon activities.

   Later on, you'll explore the wildlife along nearby La Loberia's white sand beach, with a chance to swim or snorkel. You are bound to spot marine iguanas, sea lions and plentiful birdlife.

   This evening, look forward to dinner at a local restaurant, where you can reflect on your first exciting day in the Galápagos Islands.

   Please note - Galapagos National Park entrance fee not included

10. Day

    11

    San Cristol & Isla Lobos, Galápagos

    Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

    Today you'll board a small boat for the short trip to Isla Lobos, where you'll see families of frigate birds and blue footed boobies.

    Although the path on the island is uneven and rocky in parts, the effort is worth it to see these iconic birds up close.

    You'll have lunch on board, followed by an opportunity to swim or snorkel off the boat in the lagoon, where inquisitive seals may come and swim with you.

    In the afternoon, you'll learn about conservation work on the islands during a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Centre.

11. Day

    12

    Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos

    Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

    This morning you'll catch a speedboat ferry service to nearby Santa Cruz Island.

    On arrival, you'll visit the famous giant Galápagos tortoises in the beautiful El Chato highland reserve - a truly unforgettable experience.

    Within the grounds, you may also explore one of several underground lava tubes, left over from when the island's volcano was active.

    If you wish, you can choose to explore more of the natural wonder of El Chato Reserve, as you wander some of its picturesque trails on a scenic walk. Having worked up an appetite, sit back and relax as you are served a hearty traditional lunch at a local farm then enjoy a visit to a distillery, culminating in a traditional digestif (at own expense).

12. Day

    13

    Santa Cruz, Galápagos

    Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

    This morning, look forward to a boat tour of the nearby Academy Bay, with an opportunity to snorkel with the Galápagos ' exotic marine life. You may see the likes of sea lions, rays and even sharks.

    After an included lunch, you'll continue for a tour of the famous Charles Darwin Research Station, where you will be able to see the remains of 'Lonesome George', the last surviving Pinta Island tortoise, stuffed and on display.

    There are also pens where you can observe baby giant tortoises being looked after before being released into the wild.

13. Day

    14

    Optional Trips: Bartolomé or Santa Fe Islands, Galápagos

    Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

    Today you're free to enjoy Santa Cruz at your own pace, where you can meander around Puerto Ayora or relax at the unspoilt Tortuga Bay.

    You can also personalise your trip with a pre-bookable boat trip to nearby Bartolomé or Sante Fe islands, subject to weather and availability.

14. Days

    15-16

    Return to the UK

    Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

    Today it's time to say your goodbyes to the wonderful Galápagos Islands and fly home via Guayaquil and Bogota, arriving back in the UK the following day with wonderful memories of your once-in-a-lifetime-trip.