Once you arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, your driver will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name to take you to your private transportation.
Transfer to the hotel. (1 hour)
Check in – 14:00
Accommodation: Dann Carlton Hotel 4+*
Breakfast included.
Point de départ
Via Collas Tababela, Quito - Pichincha, 1709, Ecuador
The Quito city tour is perfect for experiencing fascinating panoramas, historic churches, domes, and rooftops that hold great cultural and historical value. You will admire and learn about colonial art, architecture, culture, legends, and traditions.
Early in the morning, we will drive you through the captivating Historic Center of Quito, where you can appreciate and visit the largest Neo-Gothic church in South America, the "Basilica del Voto Naciona"l. We will then continue to Plaza de la Independencia, also known as Plaza Grande, the heart of the city.
Our adventure continues with visits to other magnificent and opulent churches, including the Compañía de Jesús and San Francisco.
Finally, we will head to El Panecillo Hill, where you can admire Quito’s wonderful landscape, before continuing our journey to the Middle of the World monument and the Intiñan Museum, where you will discover fascinating scientific experiments and cultural insights.
Accommodation: Dann Carlton Hotel 4+*
Breakfast included.
After a delightful breakfast, we will begin the day by driving south of Quito along the Pan-American Highway, also known as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes.” Our journey continues until we reach the Toachi Canyon, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Toachi River. This canyon was formed by eruptions of the Quilotoa volcano, offering a spectacular view from its highest points. Inside the canyon, the river descends more than 100 meters as it flows toward Ecuador’s coast.
After this visit, we will continue to the Quilotoa Lagoon. Quilotoa features a caldera nearly 9 km in diameter, formed inside the crater of the volcano after its collapse about 800 years ago. Studies indicate that the volcanic flow from this eruption even reached the Pacific Ocean.
Upon our arrival at the Quilotoa Loop, we will admire the stunning emerald-green lake that lies inside the crater of this extinct volcano, surrounded by steep, jagged cliffs.
Finally, we will arrive to the hotel for overnight in Baños.
Accommodation: Sangay Hotel 4 *
Breakfast included.
Baños, known as “The Gate to the Amazon.” This charming town, located on the outer slopes of the eastern Andes, is the perfect place to relax and explore. Baños is world-famous for its stunning crystalline waterfalls.
Today, we will visit Río Verde, home to the impressive "Pailón del Diablo" waterfall, considered one of the top ten largest waterfalls in Ecuador. "Pailón del Diablo" is the most majestic along the famous Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfalls Route), with a drop of 80 meters, located at 1,410 meters above sea level.
Our journey continues along the Waterfalls Route, where we will make several stops to admire and explore the area’s natural beauty. First, we will observe the Agoyán Waterfall, and then continue to the Manto de la Novia Waterfall, where we will have the opportunity to cross the river on a tarabita (cable car).
Accommodation: Sangay Hotel 4 *
Breakfast included.
After breakfast, we will visit Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary covering 88,920 acres and home to the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5,897 meters (19,347 feet) above sea level. The evergreen landscapes of the Ecuadorian highlands, with valleys and mountains adorned by multicolored fields, make this one of the region’s most stunning attractions.
Upon arrival, we will have a short introductory briefing at the Interpretation Center, where you will learn about the "Andean Paramo" ecosystem, its unique flora, and fauna. We will then continue to Limpiopungo Lagoon, a peaceful site ideal for observing a variety of bird species and, occasionally, wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano provides a breathtaking backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon also offers the chance to admire the rich Andean flora.
Afterwards, we will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we will return to Quito.
Accommodation: Dann Carlton Hotel 4+*
Breakfast included.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos.
Upon arrival at Baltra Island, a guide will be waiting for you.
You will then cross the Itabaca Channel, a short 10-minute waterway that separates Baltra from Santa Cruz Island. From there, we continue to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you may observe the famous giant tortoises in their natural environment—creatures so iconic that they gave the Galápagos Islands their name. You may also spot the well-known Darwin’s finches, Brid Wizards (Frigatebird), along with unique endemic vegetation such as Scalesia forests and matazarnos.
Later, you will have free time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora, where you can browse a variety of local shops and find souvenirs.
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4* Suite
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Bartolomé Island is a volcanic islet located just off the east coast of Santiago Island in the Galápagos. As one of the “younger” islands in the archipelago, it covers a total land area of only 1.2 km², yet offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Galápagos.
The island consists of an extinct volcano and a striking variety of volcanic formations in shades of red, orange, green, and shimmering black. Its volcanic cone is easy to climb and rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
Bartolomé is especially famous for Pinnacle Rock, the island’s most distinctive feature and one of the most iconic landmarks of the Galápagos. Here, you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, where the underwater world is just as impressive as the scenery above.
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4* Suite
Breakfast and Lunch included.
North Seymour is a small island located near Baltra in the Galápagos. It was formed by the uplift of a submarine lava formation and is almost entirely covered with low, bushy vegetation. The island is home to a large population of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and one of the largest colonies of frigatebirds in the archipelago.
A visitor trail of approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) crosses the island’s interior and extends to the rocky coastline. North Seymour is an extraordinary site for observing breeding birds. Nesting blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigatebirds can be seen throughout the year. Visitors may also witness the fascinating mating rituals of the boobies, as pairs offer each other gifts, whistle and honk, stretch their necks toward the sky, spread their wings, and dance to proudly display their bright blue feet.
South Plaza is a small island off the east coast of Santa Cruz, covering just 0.13 km² with a maximum altitude of 23 meters. It was formed by lava that uplifted from the ocean floor. Despite its small size, it hosts a remarkable diversity of species and is especially famous for its unique flora, making it a very popular visitor site.
On its steep cliffs, visitors can see nesting red-billed tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls, while the island itself is known for its striking prickly pear cactus trees (Opuntia echios) and its large colony of Galápagos land iguanas. Depending on the season, the ground vegetation sesuvium changes color—from bright green during the rainy months to vivid orange and purple in the dry season.
Exploring South Plaza is an unforgettable experience, whether you are admiring the panoramic views from the cliffs or strolling along the shoreline at the base of the island.
Accommodation: Ikala Hotel 4* Suite
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Early in the morning, you will take a public speedboat to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, we will visit Tintoreras Islet, located just 10 minutes by boat from Puerto Villamil. This small islet takes its name from the tintoreras (reef sharks) that rest in the calm waters of the narrow channel formed between two vertical rocky walls. It is one of the best places to observe these sharks in their natural environment.
We will then visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, established in 1994 to protect and restore the tortoise populations of southern Isabela. Here, you will see hatchlings as well as adult tortoises in different stages of development.
On the way to the Tortoise Center, we will walk through a Manzanillo Forest and wetlands, where you may encounter the famous giant pink flamingos—a delightful and unexpected sight in the Galápagos.
Transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Albemarle Hotel 4* Ocean View Room
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you to your first adventure of the day: Sierra Negra Volcano. Sierra Negra is one of the most impressive natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands. It boasts the largest caldera in the archipelago and is considered the second largest volcanic caldera in the world, measuring 10 km across from north to south and 9 km from east to west.
Sierra Negra is also one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos, with its most recent eruption occurring on June 26, 2018. To reach the caldera, we will drive about 40 minutes from Puerto Villamil, followed by a scenic 45-minute hike uphill.
Afterwards, we will visit Concha Perla Bay, a natural pool of calm, crystal-clear waters that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Here, you may encounter tropical fish, marine iguanas, playful sea lions, marine turtles, and even Galápagos penguins. The site is accessed via a short wooden pathway surrounded by beautiful mangroves, adding to the charm of this unique experience.
Return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Albemarle Hotel 4* Ocean View Room
Breakfast included.
Today’s adventure takes you to Los Túneles, also known as Cabo Rosa—one of the most spectacular snorkeling sites on Isabela Island. With its crystal-clear, shallow waters and extraordinary marine life, this natural sanctuary is a true paradise for underwater exploration.
Millions of years ago, lava flows created a labyrinth of arches and tunnels, shaping one of the most biodiverse habitats in the Galápagos Islands. The journey begins in Puerto Villamil with a 45-minute boat ride, making a first stop in the open sea near Roca Unión.
Next, we will disembark to walk along the dramatic lava formations, where you may spot playful sea lions resting on the rocks or swimming through the tunnels. The highlight of the day is an unforgettable snorkeling experience in open water. Here, you will enter a vibrant underwater world, swimming alongside white-tip reef sharks, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, marine turtles, seahorses, lobsters, sea snakes, and many other tropical species.
Accommodation: Albemarle Hotel 4* Ocean View Room
Breakfast included.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the dock to take a public speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, you will continue with a transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
Breakfast included.
Point d’arrivée
Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador
Payment Policy:
The following payments are required to confirm your booking:
FIT (Free Independent Traveler/Tourist):
Ecuador Wonders requires 60 days prior to departure (or during last minute booking) the following information for all passengers:
Cancellation policy for FIT:
Hébergement tel que mentionné dans l'itinéraire.
Transport privé en Équateur continental.
Transport partagé dans les îles Galápagos.
Vols de/vers les îles Galápagos.
Vols internationaux.
Frais pour l'île d'Isabela.
Frais d'entrée tels qu'indiqués dans l'itinéraire.
Droits d'entrée au parc national des Galápagos - 200 USD par personne (sous réserve de modifications).
Carte de contrôle du transit Ingala - 20 USD par personne (sous réserve de modifications).
Pourboires.
Les dépenses personnelles.
Tout élément non spécifié dans l'itinéraire.
Repas tels que mentionnés dans l'itinéraire.
Transport privé et visites avec guide parlant anglais/espagnol en Équateur continental comme décrit dans l'itinéraire.
Transport partagé et visites avec guide parlant anglais/espagnol dans les îles Galápagos comme décrit dans l'itinéraire ; transferts aux Galápagos avec chauffeur uniquement ;
Équateur
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