Honeymoon 
Family 
Culture 
Archaeology 
Adventure & Nature 
Red: Worst time to visit, due to extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or heat.
Day 1 : Quito
Arrival: Mariscal Sucre International Airport
Transfer to the hotel. (1 hour)
Accommodation: Finlandia Hotel 3+* www.hotelfinlandiaquito.com
Day 2 : City Tour - "Mitad Del Mundo" (Equator Line)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Quito city tour is perfect for seeing fascinating panoramas, churches, domes and roofs that have an important historical value. You will admire and learn about colonial art, architecture, culture, legends, and traditions. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 9.350 feet. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic Center in Latin America. The architecture and rich interiors, are pure examples of Quito School of sculpture, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.
After four incredible hours exploring the Old Town, you'll understand why Quito was the world's first city named to UNESCO's Cultural Heritage list.
At the afternoon, you will visit: “Cuidad Mitad Del Mundo” and Intiñan Museum
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo :
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo” is the touristic, cultural, scientific and commercial smallest city of Ecuador. Its architecture is based on colonial style. An obelisk and a museum relevant to its geographical location were built at the Middle of the World site. All of this is found among the drastic landscape surrounded by nature and modern buildings. The monument is crowned by a metallic sphere that represents the Earth. It is named Equatorial Monument and it geographical orientation coincides with the four cardinal points and is located precisely at Earth’s midpoint — 0 degrees latitude, 0 minutes, 0 seconds.
Intiñan Museum :
Since the year 1960, the Intiñan Museum in Quito has been a center for the promotion of the many aspects of Ecuador’s culture. This museum offers interactive exhibits on how the Incas determined the middle of the earth, plus interesting science experiments such as balancing an egg on a nail.
Return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Finlandia Hotel 3+* www.hotelfinlandiaquito.com
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 : Quito – Papallacta – Amazon
Breakfast at the hotel.
The first stop is in Papallacta. Papallacta is famous for its hot springs,. Papallacta is a small village in Ecuador located at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes just off the Eastern Cordilleras on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. Descending from the peak to Papallacta, one passes through the portal where the ecosystems transform from alpine to tropical jungle.
There are three important reasons to visit “Termas de Papallacta”: Health, recreation & relaxation.
The thermal baths are located on the banks of the Papallacta River in a unique natural environment; here we can find nine hot thermal pools and three cold water pools. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Papallacta´s thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odorless, colorless but have a slightly salty taste.
The baths' curative properties are anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-rheumatic.
Continue to Tena.
Arrival at Jardin Aleman Lodge in the afternoon.
Check in 14:00:
In this program we will discover the nearby Amazon,
We will sail on the Napo River, we will know the flora and fauna in a natural environment.
Welcome drink
Accommodation in the cabins
· 18:30 - Walk at dawn in the Laguna Paikawe
· 20:00 - Dinner three-course menu in the restaurant
Accommodation: Jardin Aleman http://www.eljardinaleman.com/
Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Day 4 : Amazon - Quito
· 07:30 Breakfast at the restaurant
· 08:30 We meet at the beach of the Lodge Canoe navigation by the Napo river
· Walk for 45 min. in the primary forest until reaching the ceibo giant, observation of flora and fauna.
· Navigation to Anaconda Island.
· Visit a Kichwa family for a chicha de yuca demonstration, making chocolate and practicing the blowgun.
Hike to the Caimanes Lagoon
Return to the Canoe for navigation back to the Lodge.
· 14:00 Three-course lunch at the restaurant
After lunch – return to Quito
Accommodation: Finlandia Hotel 3+* www.hotelfinlandiaquito.com
Meals: Breakfast /Lunch
Day 5 : Quito - Quilotoa
Breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast we will drive to the famous Quilotoa Crater Lake. On our way we will pass by the Tigua workshop and admire some impressive local artwork with impressions of life in the Andes.
At our arrival to the Quilotoa Loop, we will appreciate an emerald green lake inside the crater of an extinct volcano with steep jagged cliffs. We are going to trek into the crater to the lake shore and the return to the top of the crater is a mule ride. Kayak on the lake (optional).
Accommodation: Finlandia Hotel 3+* www.hotelfinlandiaquito.com
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 : Quito – Galapagos
Breakfast at hotel
Transfer to the airport - flight to the Galapagos Islands.
When you land in Baltra a guide will be waiting for you. You will arrive at Santa Cruz Island crossing the Itabaca Channel, it is a waterway that connects two islands,(Baltra and Santa Cruz), in 10 minutes.
Then we continue to Highlands of Santa Cruz. Here you may observe the famous Giant Tortoises in their natural environment, which also known as Galapagos, and from where the name of the Islands derive. Also catch sight of the famous Galapagos Finches, Bird Wizards, as well as endemic vegetation such as Escelacias forests and Matazarnos. After this encounter with the Giant Tortoises.
Later you will have free time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora, where you can several souvenir shops.
Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta 3+* www.galapagoshotelfiesta.com
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7 : Galapagos
Visits to the islands are confirmed one week before arrival. Visits could be to the following islands (one island per day):
North Seymour Island :
North Seymour is a small island near to Baltra Island in the Galapagos Islands. It was formed by uplift of a submarine lava formation. The whole island is covered with low, bushy vegetation.
This island is home to a large population of blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. It hosts one of the largest populations of frigate birds in Galapagos.
North Seymour has a visitor trail approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) in length crossing the inland of the island and exploring the rocky coast.
North Seymour is an extraordinary place for breeding birds, and is home to one of the largest populations of nesting blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds. Pairs of blue-footed boobies can be seen conducting their mating ritual as they offer each other gifts, whistle and honk, stretch their necks towards the sky, spread their wings, and dance—showing off their bright blue feet.
Plazas Island :
South Plaza is a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands. It has an area of 0.13 km and a maximum altitude of 23 metres. South Plaza was formed by lava up streaming from the bottom of the ocean. Despite its small size it is home to a large number of species and it is famous for its extraordinary flora. That is why this island is very popular with visitors. On the steep banks it is possible to see a great number of birds such as nesting Red-billed Tropicbirds and Swallow-tailed Gulls, but most of all, enjoying the beautiful view from atop the steep banks or strolling along the base of the cliff is an extremely pleasurable experience. Very attractive are the beautiful prickly pear cactus trees (Opuntia echios) and of course the large colony of Galapagos Land Iguanas. Depending on the season, the Sesuvium ground vegetation changes its colour from intense green in the rainy season to orange and purple in the dry season.
Accommodation: Hotel Fiesta 3+* www.galapagoshotelfiesta.com
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 8 : Galapagos Out
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito or Guayaquil.
END OF OUR SERVICE
Our services include :
- Private transportation and tour with English speaking guide in Mainland Ecuador as described on the itinerary, except Amazon shared excursions
- Shared transportation and tours with English speaking guide at the Galapagos Islands as described on the itinerary, last transfer to the Airport with driver only
- Accommodation as listed on the itinerary
- Meals as listed on the itinerary
- Entrance fees as listed on the itinerary
Our services do not include :
- Flight to/from Galapagos Islands, USD 515 per person.
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee / USD 100 pp (subject to change);
- Ingala Transit Control Card / USD 20 pp (subject to change)
- International flights
- Travel and health insurance
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Items not specified
Accomodations :
- Quito : Finlandia Hotel 3+*
- Amazon : Jardin Aleman
- Galapagos : Hotel Fiesta 3+*
Ecuador, a country straddling the equator on South America's west coast, is known for its diverse landscape, rich culture, and unique biodiversity. From the Amazon rainforest and Andean highlands to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador offers an array of experiences for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts.
Getting There :
By Air: The main international airports are Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito and José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil.
Both airports are well-connected to major cities in the Americas and Europe.
By Land: Border crossings from Colombia and Peru are possible via bus or car.
Accommodation :
Luxury: Casa Gangotena (Quito), Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel (Galápagos), Hotel del Parque (Guayaquil)
Mid-Range: Hotel Plaza Grande (Quito), Mansion Santa Isabella (Riobamba), Hotel Victoria (Cuenca)
Budget: Community Hostel (Quito), Hostal Galápagos Natural Life (Galápagos), Posada del Angel (Cuenca)
Top Attractions :
Galápagos Islands: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the islands are famous for their unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. Activities include snorkeling, diving, and wildlife tours.
Quito: The capital city with a well-preserved colonial center, featuring attractions such as the Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús Church, and El Panecillo.
Cuenca: Known for its beautiful colonial architecture, including the New Cathedral and the historic Tomebamba River.
Baños: A hub for adventure sports, offering activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and hiking to waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo.
Cotopaxi National Park: Home to the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, ideal for hiking and mountaineering.
Amazon Rainforest: Explore the Yasuni National Park and Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, where you can encounter diverse wildlife and indigenous cultures.
Otavalo Market: A vibrant market known for its textiles, crafts, and traditional Andean goods.
Quilotoa Loop: A scenic hiking route around the Quilotoa crater lake, offering stunning views and cultural encounters with local communities.
Activities :
Hiking and Trekking: Popular routes include the Inca Trail to Ingapirca, the Quilotoa Loop, and hikes in the Andes.
Wildlife Watching: The Galápagos Islands, Amazon rainforest, and coastal regions are prime locations for observing diverse wildlife.
Water Sports: Surfing, snorkeling, and diving along the coast and in the Galápagos Islands.
Cultural Tours: Explore indigenous markets, traditional villages, and historical sites.
Adventure Sports: White-water rafting, zip-lining, and mountain biking in places like Baños and the Andes.
Dining :
Traditional Cuisine: Try local dishes such as ceviche, llapingachos (potato pancakes), and hornado (roast pork).
Seafood: Coastal regions offer fresh seafood dishes, including encocado (coconut seafood stew) and arroz marinero (seafood rice).
International Cuisine: In major cities, you'll find a variety of international restaurants offering Italian, Asian, and fusion cuisine.
Street Food: Sample local snacks like empanadas, tamales, and humitas (corn cakes).
Practical Information :
Language: Spanish, with indigenous languages spoken in some regions. English is spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from June to September is ideal for exploring the highlands and the coast, while the Galápagos Islands can be visited year-round.
Local Transport: Buses are the main mode of transport between cities. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are available in urban areas. Domestic flights connect major cities and the Galápagos Islands.
Tips :
Altitude: If traveling to high-altitude areas like Quito or the Andes, take time to acclimate and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
Health Precautions: Vaccinations for yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis are recommended for Amazon regions. Drink bottled or boiled water.
Safety: Be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Avoid traveling alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
Cultural Respect: Learn a few basic Spanish phrases and respect local customs and traditions.
Ecuador's diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife make it a compelling destination for all types of travelers. Whether you're trekking through
the Andes, exploring colonial cities, or discovering the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos, Ecuador promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and discovery.
ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS ISLAND
Reference #: WTP0765
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