Accommodation

1 Night @ Hotel Otavalo (breakfast & taxes included) 2 Nights @ Hotel Mamá Cuchara (breakfast & taxes included) 1 Night @ Hacienda Hatp Verde (breakfast, dinner & taxes included) 1 Night @ Hotel EB (breakfast & taxes included) 3 Nights @ Hotel Finch Bay (breakfast & taxes included) 1 Night @ Termas de Papallacta (breakfast & taxes included)

Hygieneprotocol

Galapagos will be the first Ecuador province to be totally immunized the end of May 2021

Others

Horseback riding at Cotopaxi area for 1 hour Equipment with Typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys) on Day 4 Painting demonstration on Day 5 Baltra Ferry Ticket Snorkeling equipment (according to the times we are living these days, we highly recommend to bring your own snorkeling gear)

Meals

Breakfast @ hotels Lunch set menu on Day 6 & 7

Transport

Private transportation for all routes

Guide

English speaking Guide From 1-3 people services with Driver/guide

Not included:

Optional

There are optionals activities which you can add to your experience, please check with us. there are NOT included in the total price of the tour.

Flights

Internal Flights are NOT included, we can certainly help you to book these if you need us to. You must consider: Day 6 Flight from Quito to Baltra in Galapagos Islands. Day 9 Flight from Baltra Island to Quito.

Others

International Air tickets and airport taxes Meals not mentioned on itinerary and Extras or personal expenses Gratuities (optional) Travel insurance Flight to/from the Galapagos Islands 490-510 usd pp. **subject to change without previous notice* Galapagos entrance fee 100 usd pp PAID IN CASH ONLY Galapagost transit card 20 usd pp PAID IN CASH ONLY Galapagos local transport from the airport to the Itababaca channel 5 usd pp per way Massage treatment at Termas Papallacta hotel

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrival At Quito International Airport - Transfer To Otavalo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival At Quito International Airport - Transfer To Otavalo

You will have a private transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Quito with an English speaking driver guide. Look for a sign with your name on it when arriving.

Overnight @ Otavalo Hotel - Deluxe Room
Day 2 Otavalo Market - Kawsaymi Community Visit - Lakes - Transfer Back To Quito
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Otavalo Market - Kawsaymi Community Visit - Lakes - Transfer Back To Quito

After a very nice breakfast, you visit the famous indigenous market of Otavalo that takes place every day and is even bigger on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The colorful market is much more than just a touristic attraction; this gathering of people from the entire region is an ancient tradition and still is an important social and cultural event. The people of the region are very proud of their culture and express this through music, handicrafts, and other arts. A few musicians from Otavalo have even gained international fame.

You have the time to wander around the colorful blankets, handmade ponchos, and alpaca shawls. Also wooden handicrafts, such as masks, and jewelry are offered by the locals. It is a wonderful place to learn more about the local culture and look for souvenirs. If you like, your guide can help you asking about their history and production process.

Overnight @ Mama Cuchara Hotel - Deluxe Room
Day 3 Trip To Mindo Cloud Forest With Hike To The Waterfalls
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Trip To Mindo Cloud Forest With Hike To The Waterfalls

Quito City Tour: Old Town and Middle of the world

With this historical city tour, you will explore the beautiful colonial center of Quito. Your first stop is at Basilica Church, considered to be one of the most important pieces of neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. The tour continues to Plaza Grande (also called Independence Square), to admire its historical buildings, among which the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace. After that, you will visit the imposing San Francisco de Quito Church, the largest religious complex in South America. The church houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artist from the famous Quito Art School. The second part of this tour will take place at the north part of the city (35 minutes’ drive from Quito’s Old Town) where the equator line meets the prime meridian and the coordinates indicate point 0° 0’ 0”.

Visit to Intiñan Museum, a smaller, but highly interactive museum located right next to the Mitad del Mundo Monument. Even though the monument features the division of the equator, when technology improved, geologists and cartographers realized the real equator line was just a bit off. It features outdoor exhibits of astronomical geography and explanations of the importance of Ecuador’s geographical location. One of the highlights are the solar dials, fun experiments that can only be done here, like balancing an egg on a nail, and many more activities, as well as reconstructed native homes found all over Ecuador.

Overnight @ Mama Cuchara Hotel - Deluxe Room
Day 4 Cotopaxi National Park - Horseback Riding Hacienda El Porvenir-Lasso Town
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cotopaxi National Park - Horseback Riding Hacienda El Porvenir-Lasso Town

Today’s adventure starts early in the morning when you go south on the Avenue of Volcanoes. The destination of today is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and a popular highlight of Ecuador: the elegant Cotopaxi (5897 meters). Upon arrival at the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, your guide explains you about the unique flora and fauna of the area, and about the history of the volcano. Subsequently, you continue to the Limpiopungo Lake (3850 meters), to you enjoy a hike through the stunning paramo landscape where you can see hummingbirds, wild horses, and other animals. All this time, the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano is just a few steps away and on a clear day you can admire him in its full glory. In the afternoon you head to your hotel located close to the Cotopaxi National Park.

Horseback riding: starts with a brief riding lesson from one of the guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), we ride out across the slopes of the extinct volcano, Rumiñahui. A legendary chagra from the area will come with us and share some of his deep knowledge of the country life. The ride lasts for approximately 2 hours.

Overnight @ Hacienda Hato Verde - Standard Room
Day 5 Quilotoa Lagoon - Return To Quito (Airport Hotel)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Quilotoa Lagoon - Return To Quito (Airport Hotel)

Visit to the Quilotoa Crater Lake & Tigua

You will leave in the morning to visit the beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lake on top of the extinct Quilotoa volcano; it is one of the most spectacular places in the Ecuadorian Sierra region. Its name comes from two Kichwa words "Quiru" which means “tooth”, and "Toa" which means queen due to the shape of the lagoon. The mineral-rich waters of the lake are an emerald green, which can vary to bluish green or almost yellow depending on the season. It also has a large quantity of carbon dioxide mixed with hydrogen sulfide and is not suitable for human consumption. You can hike down to the lagoon and then back to the top of the crater (you can either hike or rent a mule).

On the way back, you will stop in a little village that is famous for its local paintings and masks, called Tigua. Painting demonstration is included.

Overnight @ EB Quito Hotel - Standard room
Day 6 Transfer Out Quito - Transfer In Santa Cruz Island - Highlands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Transfer Out Quito - Transfer In Santa Cruz Island - Highlands

You will have a private transfer from your selected hotel to the Quito airport with an English speaking driver/guide.

Today you will fly from from Quito to Baltra in Galapagos Islands. The air ticket is included.

´LOS GEMELOS’, LOCAL RANCH AND CHARLES DARWIN STATION VISIT

At Baltra airport meet the guide and transportation in order to go ahead to visit the Twins “Gemelos” not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers.

Afterwards, we continue to one of the ranches in the highland area with abundant green vegetation, where we can observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Another attraction here is an excursion through the lava tunnel. Lunch will be served here.

Finally continue to Puerto Ayora town where is based most of the hotels.

Overnight @ Finch Bay Hotel - Standard Room
Day 7 Tortuga Bay - Charles Darwin Station
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tortuga Bay - Charles Darwin Station

AM. Charles Darwin Research Station visit Your descent to Puerto Ayora, the main town of Santa Cruz Island. Here, you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Founded in 1959, the center has an interpretation center where you can learn more about the ecosystems and species of the archipelago, as well as the conservation efforts of the government and NGOs. Also, you can admire the tortoises, land iguanas, and other species that are part of the programs of the research station.

PM. Visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago, Tortuga Bay. You can get there by foot. The walk in the sun is rewarded with a spectacular white sand beach stretching across the southern coast of Santa Cruz. Tortuga Bay beach is famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline that gradually descends into the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place to try some surfing or just relax.

Overnight @ Finch Bay Hotel - Standard Room
Day 8 Navigable Tour To Bartolome/ North Seymour/ South Plazas (Subject To Previous Availibility)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Navigable Tour To Bartolome/ North Seymour/ South Plazas (Subject To Previous Availibility)

LAS BACHAS & NORTH SEYMOUR

Wet Landing: Las Bachas, located in northern part of Santa Cruz, consists of two beautiful white sandy beaches, it is a perfect site for practicing snorkeling and swimming. The predominant vegetation is of the coastal zone, several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea are the feeding grounds of various birds, from stilts to flamingos.

Dry landing: North Seymour is located north of Baltra. The total distance of the trail is 2 miles. A forest of Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing site. During the walking you will be able to see sea lions, land iguanas and the “magnificent” and “great” frigate birds. Sometimes blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls nest along the path.

SULLIVAN BAY & BARTOLOME:

Dry landing / Wet landingThis site is of great geological interest. It is located southeast of James Island, the landing can be performed either in the rocky shore (dry landing) or the white sand beach (wet landing). The length of the trail is approximately 1.5 km. The huge eruption that happened in this place in the late 1800s is clear evidence of the volcanic past of the islands. 200 m around the landing, you can see patterns of vegetation that were burned during the eruption.

Bartolome offers emblematic sceneries of the Galapagos Islands. A 600 meter pathway complete with stairs and a boardwalk will take you to the highest point of the island where you will be able to learn about the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands and have a splendid panoramic view of the island and the majestic Pinnacle Rock. The old crater in the island’s interior makes interesting hiking, and there are beautiful sand beaches.Along the coastline you will have the opportunity to see the Galapagos penguin and sea lions. Depending on the shedule of the day, you will be able to do snorkeling at Sullivan Bay or at Bartolome Island.

SANTA FÉ ISLAND

Departure to Santa Fe island starts at 8am where our guide will meet you at the ”muelle de pasajeros” in Puerto Ayora, from here we will take you on board and start a short navigation of approximately 1 and a half hours. Once there we will have a wet landing on a white sand beach that’s home to a large colony of sea lions, the visit to Santa Fe takes us along a trail with lush vegetation, one of the main attractions is the giant cactus trees named Opuntia, there is also the opportunity to see a different species of land iguanas, shore and marine birds.Following this walk we return to the yacht and lunch will be served. After lunch we can get our snorkeling gear and go swimming along the rocky coastline where there is lots of fish but normally the main attraction is swimming with sea lions.In the afternoon we make our way to Canal de Itabaca for aprox. 2 and a half hours where a bus will be waiting for us and take us to Puerto Ayora , the ride is aprox 45 minutes and we will drop you off at your hotels.

SOUTH PLAZAS & PUNTA CARRION

We will observe enormous prickly pear cactus and the endemic succulent sesuvian. Land iguanas huge colony in Galapagos we will see the yellow-brown land iguanas feeding on the fruit and pads of the prickly pear cactus, also marine iguanas living along the coast and a hybrid iguana between male marine iguanas and females land iguanas.

Great snorkel to see a variety of fish, rays, and if lucky the white tip sharks. From Punta Carrion we navigate a short distance through the beautiful Itabaca Channel with its turquoise waters, return to Puerto Ayora.

Overnight @ Finch Bay Hotel - Standard Room
Day 9 Transfer Out Santa Cruz - Transfer In Quito - Termas De Papallacta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Transfer Out Santa Cruz - Transfer In Quito - Termas De Papallacta

Private transfer from your selected hotel in Santa Cruz Island to Baltra´s Island airport.

Today you will fly from Baltra Island to Quito. The air ticket is included.

Private transfer from Quito Airport to Papallacta with an English speaking driver/guide.

Hot springs of Papallacta visit

You leave Ecuador’s capital in the morning to drive over the Eastern Cordillera, up to an impressive altitude of 4065 meters, before arriving at the small town of Papallacta (3300 meters). On a clear day, you get amazed by magnificent views of the Antisana Volcano and the surrounding paramo highlands. In this beautiful region you can spot birds, wild horses, and even spectacled bears, with some luck. It is a breathtaking and mystical area. Upon arrival in Papallacta, you visit the thermal hot springs of Papallacta that are naturally heated by the volcanic activity in the area. Thanks to the volcanoes, this water contains minerals that make bathing here benefiting your mind and body. With this tour you will experience ultimate relaxation in a beautiful environment. If you like, there is also time for a short hike to explore the area further.

Overnight @ Termas de Papallacta Hotel - Standard Room
Day 10 Leisure At Termas De Papallacta - Transfer Our International Flight
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Leisure At Termas De Papallacta - Transfer Our International Flight

Private transfer from your selected hotel in Papallacta to Quito Airport with an English speaking driver/guide.

END OF OUR SERVICES

10 days tour

Private 10 Days Experience @ Ecuador Highlights & Galapagos

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Private 10 Days Experience @ Ecuador Highlights & Galapagos

Arrival At Quito International Airport - Transfer To Otavalo

Otavalo Market - Kawsaymi Community Visit - Lakes - Transfer Back To Quito

Trip To Mindo Cloud Forest With Hike To The Waterfalls

Cotopaxi National Park - Horseback Riding Hacienda El Porvenir-Lasso Town

Quilotoa Lagoon - Return To Quito (Airport Hotel)

Transfer Out Quito - Transfer In Santa Cruz Island - Highlands

Tortuga Bay - Charles Darwin Station

Navigable Tour To Bartolome/ North Seymour/ South Plazas (Subject To Previous Availibility)

Transfer Out Santa Cruz - Transfer In Quito - Termas De Papallacta

Leisure At Termas De Papallacta - Transfer Our International Flight

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