Ecuador & Galapagos Islands Tour

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

We begin with a walking tour of Quito, Ecuador’s mountain capital and the second highest capital city in Latin America. One of South America’s most beautiful cities, Quito lies in a narrow valley at the foot of Pichincha volcano, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and extinct volcanoes. The fascinating UNESCO Heritage site of the Old City, with its rich blend of colonial architecture, imposing churches and bustling local markets, makes for a stunning introduction to this most enchanting of regions. We will visit some of the main sites, including the Plaza de la Independencia, the cultural heart of the colonial city, and La Compañía church with its magnificent gilded altars, walls and ceilings. At the church of San Francisco we are introduced to Quito’s largest and oldest colonial church, built in 1553. A climb to the top of nearby Cerro Panecillo affords us one of the best views across the city and the surrounding mountains, presenting us with an unparalleled vista of the encircling Andes from the viewing platform offered by the statue of the Virgen de Quito.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Quito this morning we head south, towards the Central Highlands and the small town of Patate near Baños. Our journey takes us through some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the entire country, into the landscapes so aptly described by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt as the ‘Avenue of the Volcanoes’. En route we drive into the spectacular Cotopaxi National Park, where we shall see one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Ecuador’s second highest mountain, Cotopaxi is a classic volcanic cone, snow covered and rising an imposing 5897m from the valley floor below. We will take some time whilst we are here to walk around the Limpiopungo Plateau (1.5 hours), where a shallow glacial lake presents us with a perfect spot to explore something of the rich flora and fauna of the páramo (high altitude Andean grasslands). Set between the imposing masses of Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui, the plateau is a haven for birdlife, as well as wild horses and even the elusive mountain lion. From here we continue to our nightstop near Patate. We stay in a hacienda set amidst a valley with spectacular views of the Tungurahu volcano.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

First thing this morning we plan to visit (subject to local restrictions due to recent eruptions of the Tungurahua volcano) the nearby Pailón del Diablo waterfall (the Devil’s Cauldron), considered by many to be the most beautiful in the area. If the weather is clear Tungurahua presents a stunning backdrop to the scene and a walk up to the viewing platform allows us to view these impressive falls from above (1.5 hours), looking down onto the whirlpool of foaming water below. From here we continue to Latacunga, where we find one of the largest markets in Ecuador, attracting hundreds of Indians from the surrounding villages. Capital of the Cotopaxi Province, this traditional mountain city has managed to retain much of its original character and charm and its streets present a picturesque mix of colonial architecture and indigenous colour. After exploring the market and maybe even finding a few bargains, we continue to the town of Marchachi, slap bang in the middle of cattle country. Set before the majestic grandeur of the imposing peaks of Pasochoa, Rumiñahui and Corazón, Machachi is in the heartland of the traditional Ecuadorian cowboy, the Chagra, individuals who pride themselves on their skills on horseback, so much so that each year the town hosts its own version of a rodeo. We will spend the evening here, amongst a stunning landscape of fertile valleys surrounded by the dominating peaks of the Andes.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Following the Panamericana Highway this morning we head north, towards the small market town of Otavalo, set within a beautiful fertile valley encircled by imposing sacred mountains. The town is one of South America’s most important areas for ethno-tourism and its regular markets attracts traders and artisans from as far away as Peru and Bolivia. The Otavaleños are an incredibly dignified and assured people, proudly displaying their cultural traditions and ancient heritage for all to see and their market is a rich confusion of goods and styles from right across the region, with jewellery, rugs, woven linen bags, woodcarvings and leather goods on display throughout the town. Add to that the visual majesty of the setting and the colourful costumes of the protagonists and you have a truly remarkable cultural experience. This afternoon we take a drive out to the tranquil setting of Cuicocha, a turquoise crater-lake located at 3,100m and approached though a wonderful landscape of alpine vegetation. Located in the Western Cordillera, at the foot of Cotocachi, this now dormant volcanic caldera is a prime spot to find the “King of the Andes”, wide-winged condors that soar high above the valleys in graceful flight. There may be the option to go for a walk around the lake (1.5 hours) before moving on to the indigenous village of Peguche, famed for its local families who make colourful weavings plus others who play traditional Andean music by using several types of panpipes made by themselves. We will stop and enjoy visiting one of the musician families before returning to Otavalo for the evening.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Today we have a full day to explore the environs around the town of Otavalo. We intend to visit the colonial town of Ibarra, and drive around Imbabura Mountain passing the traditional haciendas of Zuleta and Angochagua. Near San Pablo Lake we plan a gentle walk to take in the surrounding countryside (1.5hrs) with a stop for lunch enroute. Near the lake we may get an opportunity to visit a bird rescue centre that particularly looks after Condors – the largest bird in the Andes. Later in the afternoon we return to Otavalo.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we drive to Quito via the Equator line, stopping off in the ‘Middle of the World’ to visit the interesting Solar Museum at Inti Ñan. Some believe that the original meaning of Quito is the centre of the earth and it is commonly believed that the pre-Hispanic people of this region knew of the importance of their mountainous location. A monument left by the French is actually some 200 metres off track, whereas the wonderfully eclectic museum is actually slap bang on zero. A visit to this most entertaining of locations presents us with a range of interesting facts and figures about Ecuador’s geographical position, as well as supplying us with some scientific experiments in the effects of spiralling bath water and the balancing of eggs on nails! We also plan to visit Mirador Pululagua and have lunch in a nearby restaurant before returning to Quito.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we fly to the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz, our gateway to the wonders of nature at her most spectacular. The Galapagos are an isolated chain of volcanic islands supporting a distinct and unique flora and fauna, including prehistoric creatures found nowhere else on earth. On the way to Puerto Ayora we travel through the Highlands where we will visit a ranch where we can hopefully see some Giant Tortoise roaming around. We then continue our journey and stop at Los Gemelos (The Twins), two “pit craters” that were empty magma chambers that collapsed in on themselves due to the weight of the overlying rocks, before heading down to the harbour of Puerto Ayora where we check into our hotel and have time to relax, have lunch and explore the town; looking forward to the days ahead in this unique environment. Of the extraordinary animals to be found in the Galapagos many are reptiles, such as the great tortoise, large land iguanas, numerous lizards and three species of non-poisonous snakes. There are also several species of turtle, which come ashore to mate. Up to three quarters of a million seabirds flock to the islands, including a third of the world’s blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, albatross and petrels. Most out of place of all the animals on the equator though is perhaps the penguin. Only 35cm tall, the Galapagos penguin can be seen swimming among tropical mangroves, whilst offshore it is common to see dolphins, sea lions and fur seals playing in the water.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we depart Santa Cruz and journey west by boat, crossing the open waters to nearby Isabela Island where we will spend the next two days. The largest of the Galapagos Island, Isabela is formed from 5 volcanoes, of which 2 are still active. An idyllic paradise of white sand beaches and swaying palms it is home to the second largest caldera on earth and the highest point in the archipelago. As with Santa Cruz we will base ourselves here, in the small town of Puerto Villamil on the southern coast, and take excursions out around the island. On arrival we intend to walk to the ‘Wall of Tears’ (Muro de las Lágrimas), a grim reminder of the human presence on the islands. The wall dates back to a thirteen-year period between 1946-1959, when the island served as a penal colony. A local police chief ordered the building of the wall, resulting in the deaths of many of the prisoners, before a prisoner revolt in the February 1958 resulted in international pressure on the government of the day to close down the colony, ending the barbaric practice. En route to the wall we pass through a gentle landscape of lagoons and trails, where we find flamingos and other birds gathered around the shores of the lakes.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our second day affords us the opportunity to explore the island more fully: we will take a walk up to the Sierra Negra Volcano, where we will find the aforementioned caldera, measuring in at an impressive 12kms (the largest caldera incidentally is the Ngorongoro Crater in Africa). The volcano dominates the southern half of the island, presenting us with some spectacular views from the top across the island and towards Santiago to the northeast. This afternoon we may also have the chance for snorkelling at Concha y Perla.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we have the opportunity to take a small boat to the nearby Tintoreras Islands (optional) - these are formed from the lava flows from volcanoes and are fantastic for viewing wildlife.  As we walk around we may see a vast array of bird life and an abundance of famous marine iguanas (only found in the Galapagos) whilst in the water giant turtles, Galapagos penguins and sea lions may curiously swim around.  Aside from the incredible diversity and unique qualities of the wildlife on these islands is their complete acceptance of our presence, making it possible to view birds, reptiles and mammals alike from as close as a few feet.  We may also have the chance to visit a tortoise breeding centre before taking the boat back to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island where we will spend the next 3 nights.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we plan to take a full day excursion to Seymour Island. Here there are land iguanas and sea lions to view playing in the water just off shore. The island is also reknowned for its population of magnificent red throated frigate birds and the blue footed boobie. Time permitting we will also have the opportunity for some snorkelling.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we take a walk to Tortuga Bay where we have the opportunity to swim at one of the most spectacular beaches of the entire chain and an important turtle nesting ground. After lunch we will visit the nearby Charles Darwin Research Station which has been responsible for conservation projects within the islands since 1959 (the centenary of the publication of Origin of the Species). During our time here we will visit the centre to learn more about the unique collection of animal and plant life that resides here.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving the Galapagos behind we fly back to Guayaquil today. On arrival the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. The largest city in Ecuador and its principal port, Guayaquil is a bustling, lively city with a number of churches and museums you might like to visit. Alternatively you might like to wander through the old district of Las Penas, an area of cobbled streets, painted houses and cafes, where you can sit and watch the world go by and reflect on the wonders you have seen.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast