Andes Haciendas, Galapagos Islands & Amazon 15-Day Tour

The wonders of Ecuador will never cease to surprise you, and the beauty of the country and its natural regions are certainly an experience worth living. On this carefully designed tour of Ecuador you can experience the best of the country, from the indigenous markets and the customs of the Andes people, to the amazing beauty of the Galapagos and its glorious beaches. And why not include some adventure and visit the Ecuadorian Amazon and its unexplored rainforest while you’re here?!

Upon your arrival, our team will be ready to receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel where you can prepare for the adventure that waits ahead.

We start our tour traveling north, passing through the small town of Otavalo, to the city of Ibarra. From here, we will take the train to the valley of Salinas. Surely one of the most beautiful and inspiring train rides, the railroad crosses over rivers, sugar cane plantations and gives you a glimpse of the amazing beauty of the country. In Salinas you will be welcomed by a cultural presentation, and afterwards you can have lunch in the local restaurant and taste the local flavor.

Afterwards we will return south to our hotel where we will prepare for the next day’s adventure.

In the morning of the third day of our tour, we will visit the indigenous market of Otavalo. Otavalo market is a unique place, where hundreds of merchants gather to sell the most delicate handicrafts. Here you can find delicate, woven blouses, alpaca sweaters, handmade tapestries, and many other wonderful pieces of art. Practice your bartering skills, and share a good time with the local merchants.

After your visit to Otavalo, we will visit one of the most amazing natural formations in Ecuador – a lagoon inside a live volcano. Although the activity of the Cuicocha volcano is almost imperceptible, you can see bubbles of gas coming out to the surface.

We will return to Quito in order to prepare for day 4.

Early in the morning, we will travel south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Our destination will be Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador’s first national park and home of one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, which gives its name to the park. In the park you will be able to visit the nearby lagoon and take amazing photographs of the colossal volcano. We will visit a traditional Andean hacienda, where we will have lunch and learn some of the traditions and history of the colonial era in Ecuador.

After lunch and some time to relax, we will return to Quito for the night.

Our adventure takes us deep into the largely unexplored Amazon basin. After being transferred to the Quito airport we will take a 45-minute flight to the city of Coca, where we will take a motorized canoe that will bring us to the lodge. With a 2-hour navigation down the Napo River, you will get a first glimpse of the rainforest.

We will transfer again into a dugout canoe, and a 45-minute ride down a small creek will bring us to our lodge, where the staff will meet you and give you an introduction about the lodge and activities.

Our adventure in the jungle will take you across the thick rainforest, trekking in under the shade of huge kapok trees, hearing the colorful tropical birds sing, and watching monkeys swing from one branch to another. A viewing tower that rises above the canopy of the forest will be the perfect viewing point from where you will be able to discover the world above, a good set of binoculars is required to spot the different types of birds that duel above the treetops.

During your stay, you will visit a local indigenous community and an interpretation center, where your guide will teach you more about the local culture, their ancient traditions, their food and natural knowledge. This is a perfect chance to buy some local souvenirs to remember your visit to the jungle.

After breakfast, we will depart back to the city of Coca, again taking the motorized canoe up river. This is our last sight of the Napo River and the beautiful vegetation, islands, and riverside communities in the Napo region.

Upon arrival in the city of Quito, your guide will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for your next adventure in the Galapagos Islands.

Your Galapagos cruise awaits you. You will be transferred to the Quito International Airport, where you will take your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide to begin your cruise.

During your cruise, you will discover the magic of the Enchanted Islands. Each one is a different world, and on each one you will discover a new secret.

Your guide will take you through a truly magical adventure, where you will be able to spot the different creatures that have given the Galapagos its reputation.

White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are the perfect place to do some snorkeling and be wonderstruck by the colorful fish that swim in the reefs; sea turtles gliding gracefully through the water will be your companions while you enjoy this underwater world.

On shore, lazy sea lions will be basking in the sun and playing, before going for a dip in the calm waters of the Galapagos archipelago. Take a look at the blue footed boobies doing acrobatic stunts in the air before diving to catch their prey.

Depending on your itinerary, you might be able to look at the stately albatrosses landing to nest or the unique Galapagos penguins swimming playfully next to rocks.

The best way to describe your cruise in the Galapagos Islands is an adventure in paradise.

On the last day of your cruise, you will be taken to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Once in Quito your guide will be waiting for you in order to take you to your hotel where you will be able to rest. If you wish, you can take advantage of the night to explore this lively city.

Your tour in Ecuador ends with a transfer from your hotel to the airport for your international flight.