Galapagos then North to the Jungle - 19 days
Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Avenue of the Volcanoes, Quito, Amazon Jungle
Ecuador is a country filled to the brim with differences, from the famous Galapagos Islands to the Andes with jungle and cloud forest in between. In this itinerary you can see the best of Ecuador in under 3 weeks. Start off having unique experiences in the Galapagos Islands, snorkel and stroll your way around the islands, you will lose count of the number of birds and animals you see. Onto mainland Ecuador, you will be awe-inspired by this beautiful country, and its natural beauty. Feel dwarfed in the valley as you make your way north along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. You will come to know about how verdant Ecuador is as you learn about chocolate, roses and hat making. Finish off your time in Ecuador with a trip to an Amazon Jungle Lodge. Spot flora and fauna you could only imagine, this is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a great way to see local life in a very different format to that you will see in the Andes.
In Brief
Day 1: Arrival in Guayaquil and Transfer to Your Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Guayaquil Airport – Flight to San Cristobal Island (Galapagos Islands)
Day 3: Visit Kicker Rock or Lobos Island with the Chance to Snorkel and Swim
Day 4: Transfer to San Cristobal Airport – Flight to Baltra, Santa Cruz Island – Visit a Highland Ranch
Day 5: Full Day Boat Trip Visiting Another Island
Day 6: Flight to Guayaquil and Transfer to Your Hotel
Day 7: Travel to Cuenca via El Cajas National Park
Day 8: Cuenca Tour with Local Knowledge and Insights
Day 9: Visit Ingapirca Archaeological Site
Day 10: Chimborazo National Park Visit and Hike
Day 11: Visit Cotopaxi National Park and a Rose Plantation
Day 12: Quito Tour Including a Chocolate Experience – Visit the “Middle of the World”
Day 13: Visit the Angla Community and Otavalo Indigenous Market
Day 14: Transfer to the Amazon Jungle and Your Selected Lodge
Day 15: Amazon Jungle Lodge Activities
Day 16: Amazon Jungle Lodge Activities
Day 17: Amazon Jungle Departure – Flight to Quito
Day 18: Free Time in Quito
Day 19: Transfer to Quito Airport – Departure
- 19 Days / 18 Nights
- Group Size: Customised Itinerary for You
- Accommodation: Hand-Picked Hotels
- Start: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Finish: Quito, Ecuador
Included
- 18 Nights Accommodation
- Breakfast Daily
- 9 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- Domestic Flights as Mentioned
- English and Spanish Speaking Guides
- Private & Shared Tours
- Private Transfers
- Entrance Fees (as Described in the Itinerary)
- In Country English or Spanish Speaking 24 Hour Assistance
- Contribution to the Community
- Local Experiences
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Meals Not Mentioned
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
- Additional Entrances Not Specified in the Itinerary
- Visas
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival in Guayaquil and Transfer to Your Hotel
Welcome to Guayaquil and welcome to Ecuador!
On arrival in Guayaquil, a bilingual guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. They will be able to assist you in anything you may need.
Overnight in Guayaquil
Day 2 - Transfer to Guayaquil Airport - Flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos Islands
At an appropriate time, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Guayaquil`s airport for your flight to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands.
After arriving at San Cristóbal Island, you will visit the Interpretation Centre, where you will learn more about the origin of the archipelago, its flora, and fauna, the history, and stories of its first inhabitants.
Afterwards, we will hike for about 2 hours to reach Frigate Hill, where we will enjoy the endemic vegetation and the beautiful view of the island and its surroundings. The main attraction here are the frigate birds with their red puffy necks soaring above your head.
At the end of the day, we will visit Frigate Bay and do some snorkelling before returning to your hotel.
Overnight on San Cristobal Island
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 - Boat Trip to Kicker Rock or Lobos Island
Kicker Rock (León Dormido in Spanish) is located on the northwest side of San Cristobal Island. To visit this famous snorkelling and diving site, it is important to begin the navigation early in the morning. Once you are there, you can snorkel, to observe different species of sharks, rays, and fish.
After this visit, you’ll visit one of the following beaches where you can swim in clear waters and laze on white sand beaches: Playa Ochoa, Playa Puerto Grande, or Playa Manglecito.
Or
Lobos Island is named after the large number of sea lions that inhabit the island. It is located 20 minutes by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. There is a half mile long trail where it is possible to see a small colony of blue-footed boobies as well as frigate birds nesting in the shrubs. In addition to the hike along the trail, it is possible to snorkel and swim among the two species of sea lions that inhabit the island, while also being able to see rays and sea turtles among other species.
After spending some time on Isla Lobos, we will continue the journey to Playa Ochoa to enjoy the beach.
Lunch will be served on board, and, in the afternoon, we’ll return to San Cristobal, where we will have time at your leisure.
Overnight on San Cristobal Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 - Transfer to San Cristobal Airport - Flight to Santa Cruz Island - Visit a Highland Ranch with Giant Tortoises
After breakfast, you will be transferred to San Cristóbal Airport for your inter-island flight to your next destination: Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is known for its biodiversity and the iconic Giant Tortoise population.
Flight San Cristobal -> Baltra
On arrival on Santa Cruz Island, you will journey across the island into the highlands, experiencing the island’s variety of wildlife and landscapes along the way. In the highlands area, you’ll make a stop at one of the ranches where you will have the chance to have lunch surrounded by the archipelago’s iconic giant tortoise species, which are easily observed in the area. After this visit you will head to Puerto Ayora to your hotel.
Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 - Boat Trip to a Nearby Island
Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy a daily tour to one of the nearby islands, as an opportunity to discover the diversity of the Galapagos Islands.
Depending on the day you are travelling, one of the following islands will be offered:
Bartolome Island: Discover an amazing landscape as well as fascinating geological formations like Pinnacle Rock. Snorkelling in this area is offered, and is amazing!
North Seymour Island: The main species on this island are the Land Iguanas, the Magnificent Frigate Birds, characterised by their incredible scarlet pouch, the famous blue-footed boobies, and their particular courtship dance as well as the playful sea lions surfing across the waves.
South Plazas Island: This is a small island, yet it has an outstanding concentration of wildlife, dramatic cliffs, spectacular natural red carpet of algae and great contrasts to be seen.
Santa Fe Island: This island has a lot of diversity. The lagoons of the Santa Fe Island provide an excellent place for snorkelling alongside colourful fish, sea lions, giant tuna and even small sharks that are often sited in these environments.
Overnight on Santa Cruz island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 - Flight Santa Cruz to Guayaquil and Transfer to Your Hotel
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland. Arrival in Guayaquil. A bilingual guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Flight: Baltra -> Guayaquil
Overnight in Guayaquil
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Visit El Cajas National Park on your Way to Cuenca
After breakfast, you’ll start out on your mainland journey. You will start to head north, towards Cuenca. But before you reach the “Athens of Ecuador”, you will make a stop at El Cajas National Park. This nature reserve consists of over 200 bodies of water and has a surface area of 28.544 hectares. It is a very important water resource for Cuenca and Ecuador as a whole. The National Park was named part of the international Ramsar wetland category in 2002, which means it is an area of international importance for bird conservation and was also a Candidate to be named as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The rivers and tributaries that originate here flow into the Pacific Ocean and Amazon River. We can find the “Intercontinental Water Division” in this area. We’ll have a quick visit of the National Park, with a small hike to explore “Tres Cruces” Hill, the highest part of the park which is located at approximately 4000 metres above sea level, giving us a fantastic vantage point to observe the many lakes of the area.
You will then continue to Cuenca.
Cuenca is one of the most important and probably the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. Here you can appreciate the true essence of this awe inspiring country. In Cuenca you will find Inca history, wonderful European Colonial architecture mixed with fascinating local culture You can learn all about the tradition of the “Panama Hat” in one of the hat factories, where straw hats are still made in their most authentic manner, it could be a great opportunity to take home a very unique gift for someone special, or yourself!
Getting around in the tranvia’ or streetcar/tram will make it easier for you to see the most important sites, such as the main cathedral and the ancient Inca citadel of Pumapungo.
You could definitely spend a lot of time in Cuenca with its chilled out vibe and picturesque streets.
Overnight in Cuenca
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Cuenca City Tour with Local Knowledge and Insights
Your tour of Cuenca begins with a visit to the city’s Historic Centre. You will visit the major sites of this city on this private tour. The main sites visited will be: San Sebastian church and its picturesque and traditional neighbourhood; the Modern Art Museum, where the famous International Biennial of Painting takes place each year; Calderon Park (the city’s central park); the Flower Plaza; the “Del Carmen” Church; the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, best known as the “New Cathedral”, considered one of the largest churches in Latin America. You will also visit the “El Sagrario” Cathedral, commonly known as the “Old Cathedral”, the first to be
built in the city.
Afterwards, you will visit the “Paja Toquilla” Hat Museum, and learn more about one of Ecuador’s most important products: The so-called “Panama Hats”. The misnamed “Panama Hat”, has its origins in Ecuador! Known as the Toquilla Straw Hat or Jipijapa Hat, this hat is a staple throughout the Southern and Coastal regions of Ecuador and is a must have item for every visitor to the country. Your route will continue with a visit to the “El Barranco” of the Tomebamba River, which constitutes a communion between architecture and the natural environment. The tour will end at the “Turi” viewpoint, where the landscape of a valley full of red roofs and church domes is framed by imposing mountains.
Overnight in Cuenca
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 9 - Visit Ingapirca Archaeological Site
You will drive to Ingapirca, the best preserved Inca site in Ecuador, as well as being a very important Pre-Columbian and Inca Site that was used for more than 500 years.
This four hectare archaeological site is a must see for visitors interested in following the Inca Trail as Ingapirca was a very important trading post and ceremonial site for the Inca and considered, alongside Machu Picchu, as one of the crown jewels of the Inca Empire.
The highlight of the site is definitely the “Templo del Sol” or Temple of the Sun, a large construction made of volcanic rock which, due to the solar alignment of all of the buildings, is always full of light. The Ingapirca site is an important part of the Inti Raymi celebration in June which celebrates the summer solstice.
Overnight in Cuenca
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 10 - Visit Chimborazo Volcano and Surrounds
The Chimborazo Volcano stands at 6,310 metres above sea level and, due to its location on the equator, its peak is the farthest point from the centre of the Earth technically making it the highest peak in the world.
Your first stop will be the small district of Colta, which houses the Balbanera church (the first Catholic Church to be built on Ecuadorian soil), the highest city in the country (Cajabamba) as well as being an incredibly key area during the Spanish conquest of Ecuador.
You will then drive up to 4,800 masl, where you can leave the car behind and take a short hike up to the second refuge located at 5,000 masl.
Along the way and inside the National Park, you’ll be able to observe the area’s endemic flora and fauna, such as Vicuñas grazing among the numerous local Chuquiragua plants.
Overnight in Cuenca
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Travel to Quito Visiting Cotopaxi National Park and a Rose Plantation
Start your day travelling along the southern part of the highlands, through the “Avenue of the Volcanos”. During the journey, you will enjoy marvellous views of the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active snow capped volcanoes in the world. Cotopaxi Volcano stands at 5897 masl (19,347 ft.). To enter the national park, you will follow the Pan-American Highway, until the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park and then drive on a dirt road through a pine forest before we arrive at the Limpiopungo Lake. Limpiopungo Lake is a glacial Andean Lake located at 3,800 metres (12467 ft) above sea level. From here, we will have a magnificent view of the impressive Cotopaxi volcano and its surrounding Paramo landscape.
Leaving the National Park you will visit one of the many rose plantations in the Cotopaxi area. Ecuador’s roses are recognised worldwide as some of the best. It is a very interesting and obviously beautiful experience to see how these flowers, the symbol of love worldwide, are produced. You will be able to observe the diverse types of roses grown and harvested at the plantation, additionally you will learn about the care needed to make some of the world’s best roses. If there is an opportunity you should taste chocolate with rose petals, it is a very delicate flavour, but one you will want again so make sure you buy some blocks to take home with you.
Overnight in Quito
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 12 - Tour Quito, Including a Chocolate Experience - Visit the “Middle of the World”
Today you will be getting out in Quito to visit the downtown area, one of the biggest and best preserved colonial centres in South America. Your first visit will be Independence Square or
“Plaza Grande” which is surrounded by important historical buildings. Afterward you visit the iconic La Compañia de Jesus church, which dates to the 17th century and is considered one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America. As well as these places, other must see highlights that follow are The San Francisco Church and Monastery, built a few months after the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century and the Virgin of the Panecillo, an enormous statue built on top of Panecillo Hill overlooking all of Quito, which is a truly unique view.
You will also visit an artisanal chocolate shop, where we’ll learn more about Ecuadorian Fine Aroma Cacao and about the chocolate making process and get to taste a bit of this delicacy.
After your visit to Quito’s historic district, continue toward the Middle of the World. The drive is about 30 km (18.6 mi) north of Quito to reach the site where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. First, you will visit the main monument built in honour of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the 18th century, then you will visit the correct location of the equator line, at the Inti Ñan Museum.
You will then return back to your hotel in Quito.
Overnight in Quito
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 13 - Visit the Angla Community - Enjoy a Shopping Experience at Otavalo Indigenous Market
After breakfast, you will start your day by driving north towards Imbabura, also known as the Lake Province. Along the way you will delight your senses with a tasting of exotic fruit from the Guayllabamba Valley, which you’re travelling through. Cross the Equatorial Line in Cayambe, where on a clear day it is possible to admire its majestic snow-capped volcano (5,790 masl/18,996 ft), the world’s highest point crossed by the equator. This is an ideal spot to try Cayambe’s famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese, this region’s traditional snack, followed by an exploration of the rich flavours of locally produced agave based beverages. Dive into the essence of Cayambe’s gastronomy with this delectable experience. Here you can also witness
the creation of artworks made from agave.
At the base of Imbabura volcano, you will be able to enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador’s largest lake – Lake San Pablo.
Continuing on, you will visit the local Angla indigenous community. During this visit you will have authentic insights into the community’s everyday life, actively learning about their traditions and experiencing unforgettable cultural encounters. You will enjoy a natural healing ritual called Andean “Chakana” which merges traditional indigenous and religious beliefs. You will also create cherished memories with the community by making traditional beverages and feel the peace of being surrounded by the awe inspiring Imbabura Volcano and the stunning San Pablo Lake. This visit will undoubtedly immerse you in Ecuador’s indigenous culture.
After your Angla community visit, you will travel to the town of Otavalo, where it will be time to visit its world famous Indigenous Market, the largest in South America. Here is where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of weavings such as the famous ponchos, among other textiles like rugs, mittens, and scarves. This market is like a rainbow due to the colours of the textiles on exhibit. Without a doubt, it is an ideal place to find handicrafts, jewellery, and other artisanal craftwork. You may be able to pick up a bargain, so practise your numbers in Spanish!
Overnight on Quito
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 14 - Journey into the Amazon Jungle
At a designated time in the morning, you will check out of your hotel storing any large items of luggage so you are able to travel with just a small cabin bag for the next three days. You’ll be met by your English speaking guide and transportation, which will transfer you to the jungle town of el Coca.
Overnight in Amazon Jungle lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 15 & 16 - Amazon Jungle Lodge Activities
Immerse yourself in a unique experience in the Amazon rainforest. Each day you will be provided with activities tailored to the options available at the lodge of your choice. From exploring the lush vegetation and spotting fascinating wildlife to immersing yourself in the rich local culture and enjoying exciting aquatic adventures, every moment will offer you an opportunity for discovery. Your Amazon experience will be authentic and fascinating, giving you a unique insight into this vast ecosystem.
Activities available at the Amazon lodge will vary depending on the specific lodge chosen.
Overnight in Amazon Jungle lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 17 - Departure from Amazon Jungle - Flight to Quito and Transfer to Your Hotel
At the end of the jungle program, you will be transferred to Coca airport to take your flight back to Quito.
On arrival in Quito a bilingual guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight in Quito
Meals: Breakfast
Day 18 - Free Time in Quito
Today, you will have the chance to explore Quito for some last minute shopping or cuisine sampling. If you prefer, use this day to relax in your hotel before your travel day tomorrow. The day is yours to use as you please.
Overnight in Quito
Meals: Breakfast
Day 19 - Transfer to Quito Airport - Departure
Enjoy your last morning waking up in this beautiful city before a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Sadly your arrangements with Real Local Experiences, and your time in Ecuador have come to an end.
You will take home with you memories of a lifetime, many photos and perhaps a few great souvenirs!
