Two Worlds, One Destination: Andes & Galápagos 15 DAYS/14 NIGHTS

DAY 1 – Arrival Transfer: Mariscal Sucre Airport – Hotel in Quito Today you will land in one of the most beautiful cities in the region. Our staff will welcome you upon arrival, offer a briefing about your trip, and provide information about the capital of Ecuador. Quito, located at 2,850 m above sea level, is the second-highest capital city in the world after La Paz. Known as “La Carita de Dios” (“The Face of God”) or “Quito, Light of America,” it is surrounded by eight volcanoes, some with eternal snow-caps, including the Pichincha, which can be reached by cable car. We will explore its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Its well-preserved old town is a maze of narrow streets, colonial churches, monasteries, flower-filled balconies, and lively squares. Wandering its streets will transport you back to colonial times. Here you will find museums, boutique hotels, handicraft shops, chocolate workshops, restaurants, banks, and cafés where you can experience Quito’s rich gastronomy. DAY 2 – Quito City Tour – Chocolate Experience – Middle of the World Monument At the scheduled time, we will begin the tour with a transfer from your hotel to Quito’s historic center, one of the best preserved in Latin America. The visit begins at Independence Square, home to the Presidential Palace and surrounded by important historic buildings. We’ll continue to the Church of La Compañía de Jesús (1605), a jewel of Baroque architecture in the Americas, famous for its gold-covered interiors and intricate Moorish-inspired details. Next, we’ll enjoy a delicious experience in an Ecuadorian chocolate shop, learning about the country’s world‑renowned “fine aroma cacao” and its production process. We will then ascend to El Panecillo viewpoint, one of Quito’s icons, offering panoramic views of the city and its famous Winged Virgin statue. A stop will also be made at the Basilica del Voto Nacional to admire its stunning neo‑Gothic architecture and capture wonderful photographs. You will have free time for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). In the afternoon, we will visit the Middle of the World City, where you can stand on the equatorial line and participate in cultural and interactive activities, as well as learn about the French Geodesic Mission that determined the exact location of the equator. Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Accommodation: Quito – Meals: Breakfast DAY 3 – Otavalo Market – Cuicocha Lagoon – Cotacachi Artisan Town Begin the day with a trip to the famous Otavalo Handicraft Market, one of the largest and most colorful Indigenous markets in South America. Here you will discover the rich culture of the Kichwa people through textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional products. We continue to the impressive Cuicocha Lagoon, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by Andean mountains. The area offers opportunities for a light hike or for simply admiring the breathtaking scenery. Next, we visit Cotacachi, an enchanting town known for its excellent leather craftsmanship. You’ll have time to explore its shops and workshops, offering high-quality jackets, bags, and accessories. After this enriching cultural and natural experience, we travel back to a hotel in Otavalo. (Saturday is the best day for the market fair, but the Plaza de los Ponchos is open every day.) Accommodation in Quito – Meals: Breakfast DAY 4 – Mindo Cloud Forest Discover the magic of the cloud forest and its extraordinary biodiversity. This full‑day excursion takes you to Mindo, located inside the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Cloud Forest Reserve, approximately three hours from Otavalo. During the trip, we visit the Pahuma Orchid Reserve and its botanical garden, where you can admire an impressive variety of native orchids. You will enjoy guided walks along trails surrounded by lush vegetation, epiphytes, and crystal-clear streams. The Mindo cloud forest is world‑renowned for its incredible biodiversity, especially its extraordinary variety of birds. It is one of the best places to observe hummingbirds, butterflies, and many other fascinating species. This primary forest also presents one of the highest levels of plant endemism on the planet, including orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses, and lichens. Located just 84 km from Quito, the Mindo Protected Forest offers an unforgettable natural experience, allowing you to observe hummingbirds, toucans, quetzals, tanagers, and numerous orchids. After this enriching experience and time to relax in nature, return to your hotel in Quito. Accommodation: Valleys of Quito – Meals: Breakfast DAY 5 – Cotopaxi National Park Today, continue your journey south through the province to enter Cotopaxi National Park via the northern entrance, crossing impressive Andean landscapes. You will reach Limpiopungo Lagoon, where you will take a short walk. Weather permitting, you can enjoy spectacular views of Cotopaxi Volcano. Later, visit the Interpretation Center to drink a warm tea or coffee and learn more about the region. Then, a vehicle will take you to the Arenal parking area, from where you begin an uphill walk on a sandy slope. Depending on your physical condition and weather, the hike may last between 1 and 2 hours. Your effort will be rewarded upon reaching José Rivas Refuge at 4,864 meters above sea level. Weather permitting, you may even continue a bit farther to reach the snow. After this unique experience, descend toward a centuries‑old Andean hacienda to enjoy a well‑deserved lunch (not included). Continue the trip to Baños de Agua Santa, crossing beautiful mountain landscapes and Andean valleys. Accommodation: Baños de Agua Santa – Meals: Breakfast DAY 6 – Baños de Agua Santa & Waterfall Route After breakfast, continue exploring the surroundings of Baños by traveling along the famous Waterfall Route, admiring its stunning natural scenery. You will visit iconic waterfalls such as Manto de la Novia, known for its beauty and unique setting. Then visit the Pailón del Diablo in Río Verde, one of Ecuador’s most spectacular waterfalls at around 80 meters high, offering viewpoints and trails that take you close to the powerful cascade. After the visit, continue toward the city of Riobamba, enjoying beautiful Andean landscapes along the way. Accommodation: Riobamba – Meals: Breakfast DAY 7 – Community Visit & Riobamba Transfer to the Palacio Real community, where local guides will welcome you warmly. Begin with a walk to the Taita Chimborazo viewpoint for stunning mountain views. Return to the community to visit the Llama Museum and learn about the importance of llamas in local culture. Then visit an artisan shop where you can see and purchase traditional textiles made from llama and alpaca fibers. You will also have the chance to take photos with Andean camelids in their natural surroundings. Later, take a tour of Riobamba’s historic center, starting in Sucre Park with exclusive access to the León Theater. Continue to Maldonado Park and then visit the Post Office building, where you have exclusive access to the Clock Dome for panoramic city views. Departure for Quito. Accommodation: Quito – Meals: Breakfast / Lunch in the community DAY 8 – Transfer to Airport – Flight to Galápagos Early in the morning, our staff will pick you up to take you to the airport and assist with your departure formalities for the Galápagos Islands. You must be at the airport at least 2 hours and 30 minutes before your flight, as the check‑in process includes: Obtaining the Transit Control Card (TCT) Baggage inspection by SIGAL Airline check‑in and boarding pass issuance Our staff will accompany and assist you throughout the process until boarding. Meals: Breakfast Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, our assistant will welcome you and accompany you to the Itabaca Channel. You will cross the channel by ferry to Santa Cruz Island, where your transportation will be waiting to take you to one of the best private reserves located in the highlands of the island. The journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, during which you can begin to enjoy the unique landscapes of the archipelago. Private Giant Tortoise Reserve – Santa Cruz Highlands Your first visit is to one of the most important private giant tortoise reserves in the archipelago, located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. This natural sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat, with no barriers or fences. Visitors can freely walk through the ranch, where tortoises move peacefully among trails, ponds, and endemic vegetation. Galápagos giant tortoises, such as the species Chelonoidis porteri, are famous for their extraordinary longevity, often surpassing 100 years. Here, you will witness their natural behavior, including interactions, feeding, and even courtship during the rainy season. The cool climate of the highlands provides the perfect environment for these species, making this an essential stop for nature lovers. Lava Tunnels One of the most fascinating experiences inside the reserve is the impressive network of lava tunnels. These volcanic tubes—formed by ancient lava flows—allow visitors to walk below the surface of the island through illuminated underground passages, providing a unique perspective on Galápagos volcanic geology. The reserve also features a charming restaurant where you can enjoy lunch surrounded by nature while observing giant tortoises in the background. Accommodation: Santa Cruz Island – Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. In the late afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, one of the most important research and conservation centers in the world. Here, you will explore: Giant tortoise breeding centers Projects dedicated to species conservation Exhibits explaining the natural and geological history of the islands You may even encounter the iconic “Lonesome George,” symbol of conservation worldwide (if available in exhibition during the visit). A certified naturalist guide will accompany you, offering valuable insights about: Ecosystem origins Conservation programs Reintroduction efforts Control of invasive species The station also features native plant gardens and trails where endemic birds can be observed. This experience is more than a simple visit—it is an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of protecting these unique species. Accommodation: Santa Cruz Island – Meals: Breakfast / Lunch DAY 9 – Bay Tour – Maritime Transfer to Isabela Island In the morning, enjoy a bay tour, exploring some of the most beautiful spots of Santa Cruz: Punta Estrada: calm waters with seabirds and sea lions Snorkeling stop to observe marine life Shark Channel: volcanic formation where sharks can be seen from a lookout Canal del Amor: a beautiful natural fissure with tranquil waters Las Grietas: crystal‑clear turquoise pools between volcanic walls, ideal for swimming and snorkeling In the afternoon, your transport will take you to the pier to board a public speedboat to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, a driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Accommodation: Isabela Island – Meals: Breakfast DAY 10 – Las Tintoreras Islet A shared transfer will take you to the pier to begin the excursion to Tintoreras Islet, one of Isabela’s most emblematic sites. Activities include: Walk along volcanic lava paths Observation of white‑tip reef sharks resting in natural channels Observation of large colonies of marine iguanas Snorkeling with sea turtles, reef fish, rays, sea lions, and—if lucky—Galápagos penguins This experience combines wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and marine exploration. Accommodation: Isabela Island – Meals: Breakfast DAY 11 – Cabo Rosa (Los Túneles) – Snorkeling & Walk In the morning, navigate to the famous Tunnels of Cabo Rosa, spectacular volcanic formations where lava once flowed into the sea, creating arches and labyrinths of pristine waters. During snorkeling, you may see: Sea turtles White‑tip reef sharks Seahorses Manta rays A wide variety of colorful fish The experience continues with a guided walk to observe: Blue-footed boobies Marine iguanas Endemic cacti Unique geological formations Accommodation: Isabela Island – Meals: Breakfast DAY 12 – Excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano & Volcán Chico This extraordinary day begins with pickup at your hotel to explore Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the world’s most impressive volcanoes. Its enormous crater—about 7 km in diameter—is the second largest on Earth. You will take a guided hike of 5–7 hours (depending on weather and group pace), crossing unique volcanic landscapes until reaching the active Volcán Chico area, where fumaroles and surreal lava formations can be observed. After the hike, enjoy lunch at a local ranch in the highlands of Isabela, surrounded by nature and giant tortoises wandering freely. Accommodation: Isabela Island – Meals: Breakfast / Lunch DAY 13 – Free Day at the Beach Free day to relax and enjoy Isabela’s beautiful beaches. Accommodation: Isabela Island – Meals: Breakfast DAY 14 – Transfer to Santa Cruz – Transfer to Baltra Airport – Return to Mainland In the morning, your driver will take you to the pier to board the speedboat back to Santa Cruz. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Upon landing on the continent, another driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for rest. DAY 15 – Outbound Transfer – Hotel – Airport (Quito or Guayaquil) At the indicated time, after breakfast, our staff will transfer you to the airport for your international flight. We wish you a warm farewell and hope you take unforgettable memories of Ecuador that inspire you to return. ***End of services***