Guide

Private Spanish/English Speaking Cerfitied Tour Guide Galapagos Naturalist Guide

Transport

All transportation mentioned in program

Meals

Breakfast every day of the tour Lunch specified in program 4 Lunch Dinner specified in program 4 Dinner

Others

Entrance fees according to itinerary mentioned as INCLUDED All Sightseeings in Ecuador Mainland & Galapagos according itinerary Travel Assistance All hikes mentioned in program Meals specified in program. Jungle Explorations

Flights

Round Trip ticket to Galapagos Guayaquil - Baltra - Quito

Accommodation

18 Days / 17 Nights hotel accommodations (Tourist Superior & Tourist CATEGORY rooms) DBL / TWIN Ask for single supplement

Hygieneprotocol

What you can expect during this experience Face masks required for travelers in public areas Face masks required for guides in public areas Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff Regular temperature checks for staff Temperature checks for tour participants upon arrival Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Not included:

Insurance

Not Included ( mandatory ) , we encourage all of our guest to get the insurance prior their arrival to Ecuador.

Others

International airfare to Guayaquil or Quito Galapagos Park fee USD 100 pp Galapagos Control Card ( Galapagos ID ) 20 usd pp Isabela Dock Fee usd 10 pp Meals not specified in itinerary Gratuities Any personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls Any activity not specified in program Any hotel nights before or after our Tour Program , if you would like to add ons please let us know in advance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrival To Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival To Quito

This is the arrival day for all of our tour participants and depending of your flight arrival times you can have a day exploring one of the UNESCO heritage sites in world (Quito’s Old Town) or simply rest at the Hotel before our Tour Guide meet you at the Lobby at 6:30 pm for our Orientation meeting and briefing before the starting of the tour. During this meeting you can clarify everything as you might be concerned or curious to know about the tour overall. We can still assist you arranging a full day in Quito or surroundings if you let us know in advance.

Meals included: N/A

Accommodation included: Overnight at Ibis Hotel or Similar ***
Day 2 Quito City Tour - Transport To Otavalo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Quito City Tour - Transport To Otavalo

Early in the morning we will start our city tour at Panecillo viewpoint to admire the Quito´s wonders from above, then we will walk around two hours visiting the highlights of the old city such as; San Francisco Church, Compañia de Jesús Church and Sagrario Church located on “Calle de la Siete Cruces” or Garcia Moreno Street. Then we will visit the Presidential Palace lobby at Quito´s main Square. Finally we will visit the first Gothic Church of Ecuador, considered the highest one in the city. This is another beautiful viewpoint to observe “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”.

Then we will drive 2 ½ hours to the northern side of the Ecuadorian Andes, where we will tour one of the most visited areas by foreigners and local tourists; the area is known as Imbabura, also called ´The Lakes Province´.

We will then begin our journey going across the Guayllabamba Valley (Green Valley) where we can enjoy delicious fruits, typical of the area, such as Cherimoya and Lima.

We will then continue our trip through an area with several viewpoints – these are the perfect places for people who like photography, finally arrival in Otavalo for overnight.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui or Similar ****
Day 3 Otavalo Market - Transport To Papallacta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Otavalo Market - Transport To Papallacta

In the morning ,we will visit Otavalo Indian Market, which is very famous for its quality handicrafts, and its exportation to all over the world.

Then we will take you to visit a wonderful waterfall known as Peguche, it’s a sacred place where the locals renew their energies and you will also do!!!

After it, It is time to stop at Cotacachi Area, which is known for its famous-quality cow and sheep leather articles and also we can have a stop for lunch, there are several typical dishes and you can have a chance to try guinea pig if you desire…

Finally we will visit Cuicocha well known as Guinea Pig Lake for awesome pictures, then we will drive towards Papallacta hotsprings for overnight.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Termas Papallacta or Similar ****
Day 4 Flight To Coca - Napo Wildlife Center Or Similar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Flight To Coca - Napo Wildlife Center Or Similar

After breakfast , it is time to return back to Quitos airport for a short flight to Coca ( Jungle City) Then you’ll get on board a motorized canoe that will take us to the welcoming area of the Napo Wildlife Center. During the 2-hours ride you will have the opportunity to see some aquatic birds and nature surrounding the Napo River.

Upon arriving to the Napo Cultural Center, located in the Kichwa Anangu community, guests are welcomed with a nice and refreshing traditional drink and then shown to their cabins with stunning views of the wilderness and natural gardens bordering the lodge.

In the afternoon, you can join us in a short walk to the Napo riverbank to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beaches and natural islands of the Napo riverbank. Then, we’ll return back to the lodge to have a delicious traditional typical dinner at the restaurant. You are welcome to see how the meals are cooked by the chef since the kitchen area is open to visitors.

Meals included: B/D

Accommodation included: Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center or Similar *****
Day 5 Jungle Explorations
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Jungle Explorations

(OPTIONAL) We get up early in the morning at 4:30 am before sun rises to participate in one the most ancient customs of the Kichwa Anangu community, making the wayusa tea to energize the body and then follow the ritual of listening to kichwa songs and mind and meditate about life and important issues in a peaceful way.

After a buffet-style breakfast at the restaurant we’ll visit tthe Canopy observation Tower, a place where you’ll experience the life in the jungle atop the trees.

The 36-meter Canopy tower is about 30 minutes from the lodge deep in the forest. A place as any other! Get a close up view of colorful birds such as tanagers, toucans, macaws, parrots, flycatchers and some mokey species as Spider or Howler monkeys that feed with the fruits and seed found in the nearby trees.

After visiting the Canopy tower, we’ll go to the NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER to have a delicious typical Ecuadorian local lunch at the restaurant of the lodge that features a 360° view of the Anangu Lake and surrounding nature. After lunch time, you can choose from the many options the NWC offers you: relaxing on the hammocks, read a book or climbing the dinning room observation tower for birdwatching.

In the afternoon, you’ll go hiking through a stunning terra-firme forest where you will discover the complex ecosystem living in the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, vines, orchids, bromeliad, ancient rees and different animals such as insects, spiders, mammals, birds, monkeys, etc. After the hike, you’ll ride on the surrounding creeks on paddle-canoe to explore the aquatic wildlife. Dinner at the lodge at about 7:30pm.

Meals included: B/L/D

Accommodation included: Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center or Similar *****
Day 6 Jungle Exlorations
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Jungle Exlorations

Get up early in the morning to visit the most stunning parrot clay licks in the Amazon jungle in Ecuador!! We’ll paddle downstream on the Anangu creek until reaching the Kichwa Anangu community. Then, after a 10 minutes ride on a motorized canoe we’ll get to the parrot clay licks where hundreds of wonderful colorful birds gather to lick the mineral contained in the soil that help them to digest the fruits and seeds they feed up with.

Then, back to the community welcoming area we’ll go on a short walk to the parakeets clay lick to see hundreds of parakeets atop the trees waiting for the best time to eat the minerals and salt contained in the soil.

Lunch will be served in the welcome are and then, in the afternoon, we’ll visit the Interpretative Centre where you will be welcomed by women of the community. Learn about their customs and traditions at the same time you enjoy from community the typical rituals and dances.

Late in the afternoon, we’ll go back to the lodge to have dinner and rest for the next day adventure.

Meals included: B/L/D

Accommodation included: Overnight at Napo Wildlife Center or Similar *****
Day 7 Flight Back - Transportation To Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Flight Back - Transportation To Quito

After an early breakfast we’ll go they way we came back to Coca city. In this last excursion upstream the Napo River you may see some new sights of the Amazonia flora and fauna.

Upon arrival in Quito Ariport , we will drive you trough the hotel in Quito City for overnight.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Ibis Hotel or Similar***
Day 8 Cotopaxi Volcano - Transport To Baños
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cotopaxi Volcano - Transport To Baños

After breakfast we will drive towards Cotopaxi National Park, which consists of 34,000 hectares, and has a large variety of trails, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and, of course, it’s Volcano, which will captivate you with its majesty and beauty. In the area of the lagoon, Limpiopungo, at 3830 meters above sea level, you will find an enormous diversity of flora and fauna – it is also possible to hike around the lagoon´s shore, where native birds of the Andes are plentiful.

Then we will drive higher up to Cotopaxi Staging Area, at 4500 masl. In the Staging Area, it is often possible to admire a Condor in flight. From this point it is possible to climb to the basecamp. Finally we will drive to Baños City for overnight.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at La Floresta Hotel or Similar ***
Day 9 Baños & Surroudings
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Baños & Surroudings

Early in the morning, we will start our tour visiting some Banos City sights like the local market, the main Church , the Melcochas tasting. Then we will continue towards the Famous Waterfalls Avenue ( it is the route to the Jungle with more than 30 waterfalls) on this tour we will visit the most beautiful ones as follows: Agoyan ( here you can do zipline with an extra cost ) , Manto de la Novia ( here you can go across Pastaza Canyon by cable car , known as Tarabita ) , Pailon del Diablo ( at this poitn we will walk donw to see the largest waterfall and discover its 6 balconies few feet away the water).

Then we will transport towards Riobamba City for overnight.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Wanderlot Hotel or similar ***
Day 10 Drive To Ingapirca Runs & Hat Factory
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Drive To Ingapirca Runs & Hat Factory

Morning 2 hours transportation to Ingapirca Archeological Complex, the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. (1-hour walk) through the site to get to know more about the Pre-Incas & Incas history.

Then Drive to Cuenca City, upon arrival we will visit the famous HAT MUSEUM (Panama hat Factory)

Finally, we will get to the hotel for overnight.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Victoria Hotel or similar ****
Day 11 Cuenca City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cuenca City Tour

In the morning, we will visit Cuenca City (declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO). The most representative sites in Cuenca are: Calderon Park (Central Square), the Modern and Old Cathedrals, the Flower Market, and Larga Street with its colonial houses, all of which are unforgettable. We will also visit the Tomebamba River and the Broken Bridge, since they are famous landmarks. Of course an attraction impossible to skip is the Ethnographic Museum (Museo de las Culturas Aborigines). The Ethnographic Museum is a must-see because of its unique art collection from across the country.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Victoria Hotel or similar ****
Day 12 Transportation To Loja - Vilcabamba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Transportation To Loja - Vilcabamba

After breakfast , it is time to continue enjoying the Andes !!! we will drive towards to Loja City ( the last city in the south the Ecuadorian Andes ) as people say there if you havent seeing Loja - you dont know Ecuador...

Upon Arrival , we will walk around the City visiting some intresting places such as: San Francisco Church , Main Square , the City Musuem & The City Gate.

Then we can grab something to eat along the way towards to Vilcabamba Valley.

Finally , the rest of the afternoon , you can relax at the hotel pool or just walk around the Hotel Garden.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Paraiso or similar ***
Day 13 Vilcabamba Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Vilcabamba Valley

On this day , you can chose between several options such as:

6 Hours Hike up to Mandango Hill ( demanding tour ) ,

3 Hours Hike trough the surroundings of Vilcabamba Village ,

Short walk to town ,

Relax at the Pool and take yoga classes at the hotel and

Biking Tour around

All these activities are included in program , but you can only chose 1 for the Day

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Paraiso or similar ***
Day 14 Transport To Guayaquil
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Transport To Guayaquil

Early in the morning , we will continue our drive towards down to the Coast of Ecuador.

A long the way , we will have several stops to admire, this wonderful change in vegetation and altitude . This is a magical drive with many pictures opportunities , finally we will continue to Guayaquil ( the largest city in Ecuador ) for overnight.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Grand Hotel Guayaquil or similar ***
Day 15 Flight To Galapagos (Baltra) - Highlands Of Santa Cruz
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Flight To Galapagos (Baltra) - Highlands Of Santa Cruz

Early depart to Guayaquil ’s International Airport for your local flight to the Galapagos Islands, this flight takes 3 hours ( with an stop in Guayaquil ). Upon your arrival at Baltra’s Airport , clear customers and ready to meet your Naturalist Guide from Galapagos. After the guide will take you to Charles Darwin Research Station ( this is the most important research center of the entire Galapagos ) Later in the afternoon you will go to visit a Tortoise Ranch in the highlands of Santa Cruz , where you will see a very big land wild tortoises in natural state.

Finally you will return back to town for overnight... Tonight Advise : Don’t miss eating at the QUIOSKOS street a very fresh lobster and many different type of sea food caught in the morning. Also go at night to the Pier, where you can see babies sharks , rays and many other animals very close.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Deja Vu or similar ***
Day 16 Isabela Island - Tintoreras Islet
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Isabela Island - Tintoreras Islet

Today you will have 3 activities in once as follows: Early bus ride for 30 minutes towards Volcan Sierra Negra , hike up to the Volcano Caldera , along the way you can observe some plants and birds endemic from the Galapagos Islands and off course if the wheather allows you will have a great Volcano View. This volcano erupted on July 2018 , so you will see the reminds of the last eruption. Once we returned back to the Park control, you have two options:

#1 to take the transportation back to the hotel and get an snack before the next activity start #2 Take a Biking down hill trough the island crops to and a famous Sucre Cave in the way down to town. ( THIS ACTIVITY IS NOT INCLUDED IN PROGRAM, HOWEVER YOU CAN DECIDE IT RIGHT ON THE DAY OF THIS TOUR , PRICE PER PERSON FOR MTB TOUR USD 70 box lunch included ).

After you return, you will have some time for rest, then we will take to you to another fantastic tour well known as TINTORERAS ISLET At this tour, you will visit a next door islet full of babbie marine iguanas , sea gulls , sea lions, blue footted bobbies , frigatte birds and some Galapagos Penguins. Also depending of the sea tide you will be able to see the TINTORERAS or The White Tip Reef Shark , who rest during day time at the Islet canals.

Then you will go for a magic snorkel at La Calera area , where you will swim together with marine iguanas , sea turttles , sea lions and a great number of colorful fish. Finally you will return back to hotel.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Cally or similar ***
Day 17 Sierra Negra Volcano - Santa Cruz Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sierra Negra Volcano - Santa Cruz Island

Today you will have a free morning to enjoy Isabela Beach or maybe walk trough the wetlands , then in the afternoon you will return back to Santa Cruz by speed boat for overnight...

Tonight Advise : Don’t miss eating at the QUIOSKOS street a very fresh lobster and many different tipe of sea food caught in the morning. Also go at night to the Pier, where you can see babbie sharks , rays and many other animals very close.

Meals included: B

Accommodation included: Overnight at Deja Vu or similar ***
Day 18 18: Flight Back To Quito - Home
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

18: Flight Back To Quito - Home

Free morning , 10:00 am check out and transportation to Baltra’s Airport to take a flight to Quito late in the afternoon , then transportation to the Hotel in Quito.

Unfortunately we have to say good bye after we arrive in Quito and we invite you to see one of our other tours in Ecuador Mainland and Peru Tours.. However if you desire to add one more night in Quito City or extend your staying in Ecuador, we can always help you out with free advise to make sure you optimize the time and continue exploring this paradise called Ecuador.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT FOR NEXT DAY CHECK OUT IS AT 11 am TRANSFER OUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

+15

18 days tour

Ecuador Big Five 18 Days Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Ecuador Big Five 18 Days Tour

Arrival To Quito

Quito City Tour - Transport To Otavalo

Otavalo Market - Transport To Papallacta

Flight To Coca - Napo Wildlife Center Or Similar

Jungle Explorations

Jungle Exlorations

Flight Back - Transportation To Quito

Cotopaxi Volcano - Transport To Baños

Baños & Surroudings

Drive To Ingapirca Runs & Hat Factory

Cuenca City Tour

Transportation To Loja - Vilcabamba

Vilcabamba Valley

Transport To Guayaquil

Flight To Galapagos (Baltra) - Highlands Of Santa Cruz

Isabela Island - Tintoreras Islet

Sierra Negra Volcano - Santa Cruz Island

18: Flight Back To Quito - Home

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