Ecuador complete experience Highlands, Amazon & Galapagos - 15 days

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will begin your day by exploring the historic center of Quito. This colonial city was the first to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 due to having the best preserved historic center in the Americas. The tour will show you the highlights such as La Plaza de la Independencia, La Iglesia de San Francisco, and the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional. During this time you will learn more about Quito’s interesting and colorful history while taking in the sights and sounds of daily Ecuadorian life. 

Afterward, you will visit Mitad del Mundo or the “Middle of the World”. This is where you can stand with one foot in the Southern hemisphere and the other in the Northern hemisphere near the large monument. A visit to the Intiñan Museum will allow you to participate in experiments demonstrating the uniqueness and magic of this special location.

Following the Middle of the World, you will visit the unique crater of Pululahua. This dormant volcano offers impressive landscapes and it is one of only two volcanos in the entire world that is inhabited. Indigenous people have settled here, taking advantage of the fertile lands for farming, while many endemic birds can be found only here.

Otavalo Town

About two hours north of Quito, we find a magical land of lakes, beautiful green scenarios, and living cultures known as the Province of Imbabura. During this full-day excursion, you will visit some spots on the way to Otavalo, the Quinsato complex, and the Otavalo Indian Market, famous for its colorful textiles and unlimited display of amazing handicrafts.

Your first stop will be in Cayambe where you will taste the town’s famous bizcochos, which are traditional biscuits baked on an open fire. From there you will make your way towards Otavalo whilst admiring the beautiful scenery of San Pablo Lake. Once in Otavalo, you will discover the most famous indigenous artesian market in Ecuador. You will have free time to explore and purchase local handicrafts and the guide will explain the local indigenous culture. You then continue to the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods then onward to the incredible Cuicocha lagoon.

All Otavalo tours will always include a visit to the main marketplace known as Plaza de Los Ponchos (according to operational days). This visit can be combined with either one of the following destinations: Cotacachi, Peguche, Cuicoha, or Parque Condor, according to the clients' particular interests, so please ask your guide.

Optional activities:

Cuicocha & Cotacachi

Cuicocha Lagoon is a collapsed volcanic crater that was filled with water thousands of years ago from surrounding melting glaciers. Two islands are found in the middle of the lagoon, they were formed from the previous volcanic activity of three different volcanic domes; now dormant. The word Cuicocha is derived from the Quichua native word for a guinea pig. The lagoon was given this name due to the resemblance of one of the islands to the animal. Whilst hiking around the lake, you will have the opportunity to see unique Andean flora such as native orchids, highland birds, and animals. With some luck, you can see the majestic Andean condor flying overhead.

If time allows you according to the suggestion of your guide and your preference. You may also visit the village of Cotacachi located at the foothills of the Cotacachi Volcano for best-quality leather goods shopping or a visit to local families if you prefer a cultural experience.

Otavalo Market

On Saturday there is a huge market held on the ¨Plaza de Ponchos¨ in the beautiful town of Otavalo. At the market, you will find a large gathering of indigenous people from the 17+ surrounding communities that compose the Otavalo ethnic group. Learn to bargain for ponchos, sweaters, and locally handcrafted goods produced in different small villages, all specializing in their type of craft. There is also the opportunity to visit the local fruit and vegetable markets, which show the wide range of colors of different produce.

Every Saturday there is also an animal market held, which makes a fun visit! You need to be there before 7 am to be able to fully enjoy this spectacle where indigenous come from surrounding communities with their cows, pigs, sheep, chicken and so much more! It´s a real authentic experience!

Parque Condor - if time allows and the place is open

Parque Condor (open from Wednesday to Sunday), overlooking Otavalo, is dedicated to the conservation and protection of birds of prey in Ecuador. The park rescues injured birds and works towards rehabilitating them to be re-introduced into the wild. Birds end up at the park due to a loss of their natural habitat, hunting and capturing, and use as pets. You will learn about the various species of birds including the famous Andean Condor and view an impressive show of the birds flying.

In the afternoon you make the way to your Hotel

About one and half hours of a fantastic scenic drive south of Quito, standing tall within the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" is the misty Cotopaxi Volcano, covered with a perpetual blanket of dazzling white snow and glaciers.

At 19,348 feet (5,897m) above sea level, it is considered the highest active volcano in the world and home to Cotopaxi National Park. The park offers a tundra-like environment and is surrounded by other volcanoes both active and extinct. The area offers great hikes with the opportunity to explore and enjoy its unique geology and flora and chances to see local fauna including wild horses and the Andean Condor, the world´s largest flying bird. it is also home to llamas, foxes, rabbits, high paramo bird species, condors, and herds of wild horses. Cotopaxi National Park tour is an exciting day that begins with spectacular views of the unique Andean landscape in the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Inside the National Park, you can even hike up to the main refuge of Jose Rivas, which is situated at 4,810m near the Cotopaxi snowline.

Depending On Conditions you can hike up to 5,000 meters where it may be possible to see the beginnings of Cotopaxi’s glacier. Since this tour can go up to a height of 4,810m, you must be prepared for this kind of altitude and keep in mind your health and safety first. Please let your guide know if you are not feeling well. This is why we recommend you to acclimatize for at least two days around 3,000m.  

Ever growing in popularity and understandably so, Quilotoa is a must-see when visiting Ecuador. This volcanic crater is filled with crystal-blue water and holds a special place in local indigenous mythology for being bottomless. Along the drive to reach the crater you will pass by local markets in Saquisili (Thursdays) or Pujilí (Sundays) where you will gain an appreciation for the indigenous way of life. You’ll also pass through the canyon of Zumbahua, which makes for a great photo opportunity, and close to there, you will visit an indigenous family (subject to change due to the Covid pandemic). When you reach Quilotoa you can decide if you would like to walk down from the crater rim and down to the water’s edge. You can appreciate the beauty up close for yourself. Kayaks are also available for rent for an additional cost if you feel up for the adventure. Or you may decide you would like to enjoy the crater from other angles and hike the loop around the volcano crater. If you hike to the bottom, keep in mind that the way back up is rather steep, good hiking shoes are recommended. There is also the option of renting a mule to ride back up for $20 per person.

Baños is a small city in the Andean highlands under the smoke of the Tungurahua volcano and surrounded by green lush mountains. Its name, which in Spanish means ¨baths (of sacred water)¨, comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. Baños is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador – you can do all sorts of adventure activities in the area surrounding Baños, such as horseback riding, biking, hiking, canyoning, bungee jumping, ziplining, white water rafting, and a lot more! It´s quite a tourist place, so there are lots of hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and tour agents.

The Valley of the Waterfalls outside of Baños is much visited by tourists, and the Paillon del Diablo is the most impressive of all. There is also the famous Swing of the Edge of the World which you can visit for a stunning swing!

Suggested activities in Baños and its surroundings

The Town: bike and quads rental, walking around the village, shopping for handicrafts, excellent typical gastronomy, visiting the city’s historic Cathedral with its impressive paintings, and visiting one or more of the thermal baths, public and private.

Swing at the end of the world 

If you are in Baños town, make it a point to make a trip to Casa del Arbol in Baños. This is where the famous Ecuador swing is located. Currently, there are three swings and a zip line in the area. There is also a small snack bar. The whole park is being managed by the family of Carlos Sanchez who volunteered to monitor the Tungurahua volcano.

The famous Ecuador swing is attached to the same tree that holds the treehouse known as Casa del Arbol which serves as a seismic monitoring station. It is located at 8530,184 ft or 2,600 meters above sea level. For a long time running, it has been manned by a local named Carlos Sanchez, and its purpose was to observe and monitor Mt. Tungurahua.

Visit “Pailon del Diablo” Waterfall: 30 minutes from Baños, on the road to the Amazon Rainforest this breathtaking waterfall can be admired. Beautiful natural surroundings and some hiking trails are some of the highlights of this incredible site. Hiking down to the waterfall can take about 40 minutes while going up can take about one and a half hours, depending on pace and physical conditions. From Baños you can visit Pailon del Diablo either by car or by renting a bike.

Expert tips

Baños is a small city in the Andean highlands under the smoke of the Tungurahua volcano and surrounded by green lush mountains. Its name, which in Spanish means ¨baths (of sacred water)¨, comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. Baños is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador – you can do all sorts of adventure activities in the area surrounding Baños, such as horseback riding, biking, hiking, canyoning, bungee jumping, ziplining, white water rafting, and a lot more! It´s quite a tourist place, so there are lots of hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and tour agents.

Recommendation:

As you will have a guide only for you as a private service, so you can choose between several activities that you will be able to do there, he will be very flexible.

You can stop along the way to take pictures, or spend more or less time in each place how you prefer. The guide will try to adapt the tour to your interests. However, in case you want to include different places or activities, it is best to let me know in advance so I can check what the possibilities are within the time you have.

Early morning, departure from Baños

We start our Amazon tour at the Arajuno bridge, where we will take a motorized canoe that goes upriver for 20 minutes through the tropical forest to Itamandi Eco lodge.

On this boat trip, you can appreciate the magic and beauty of the Amazon rainforest by traveling along a river that zigzags through the jungle like a giant snake, considered the main system of the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).

Once we arrive at the Itamandi EcoLodge dock area, our staff will welcome you. From there we will continue to relax in the lounge with a fresh tropical snack and a short briefing that will contain general information about the accommodation and activities, provided by one of our naturalist guides, and thus proceed to lunch.

Night hike in the jungle

A flashlight and camera are the most important tools on this nighttime excursion, allowing guests to hear and capture the nocturnal sounds of fishing bats, owls, some insects, tarantulas, toads, frogs, and possibly snakes. If the sky is clear, we could have the opportunity to observe a large number of stars.

After breakfast, we walk through the primary and secondary forests. This activity lasts about 2 - 1/2 to 3 hours.

In the afternoon it is time to enjoy a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichwa community passed us by and we will learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the jungle.

In this meeting, that part of the Amazon that is not found on maps will be shown: the Amazonian people in their daily lives. Part of our visit to the community consists of sharing the famous "chicha", a fermented yucca drink that has become part of their festivities and daily consumption.

We will participate in the preparation of this drink and try some of the traditional dishes. We will end the visit with a traditional dance performed by the children of the community and we will also have time to buy some handicrafts made by the indigenous people of the area. This small company is of great help to support the daily life of the indigenous people.

Early in the morning, we take a 15-minute canoe ride upriver to visit the Saladero de Parrots and appreciate a unique place where parrots and parakeets meet to obtain the minerals that will help them digest the fruits or seeds they have consumed. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets will approach the treetops and then descend on the clay wall to eat this mineral-rich soil. Binoculars are essential to enjoy this magnificent natural cooperation.

Our tour ended at 9:30 am with a ride in a motorized canoe for 20 minutes to the Arajuno bridge.

Your guide will take you back to Quito to spend the night at your hotel near the airport.

Transfer out Quito

At a scheduled time, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos

Transfer in Baltra - Puerto Ayora with highlands

Once you arrive at the Baltra Airport you will take a bus to the Itabacca Channel, crossing on a ferry. Once on the other side and on Santa Cruz Island, a Spanish-speaking driver will be waiting to meet you and drive you to the Highlands of Santa Cruz before continuing to Puerto Ayora. 

The highlands of Santa Cruz are lush and green, contrasting beautifully with much of the drier landscapes of the lower areas of the island. The dominant vegetation in the highlands is the Scalesia trees, providing an array of green tones. 

When arriving at the highlands you will visit a Galapagos Tortoise ranch where you can see the gentle giants roaming freely, as well as other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, yellow warblers, and finches. Walking among the tortoises in the wild will be one of the most treasured moments of your trip.

After visiting these prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat and depending on the time, you may have the opportunity to visit an illuminated lava tunnel. With a natural ceiling nearly 20 feet high in some places, this is an incredible opportunity to see lava stalagmites, stalactites, sulfur, mineral-colored walls, and the rippled floor formed from lava along these unique lava formations.

After the visit, you will be transported to your accommodations in Santa Cruz.

At the designated time to be confirmed, you will arrive at the Puerto Ayora passenger pier to check in for your speedboat to Isabela Island. Before your arrival, we will have the name of the speedboat for you ready.

From the Puerto Ayora pier, you will use a water taxi to arrive at the speedboat. The water taxi is $1 per person. Once you are aboard and seated on the speedboat it will take between 2 and 2,5 hours to arrive at Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island.

Upon your arrival to Isabela Island, there is an entrance fee of $10 per person. Once you have passed the entrance, continue walking up the boardwalk to find your driver or a taxi as discussed with your travel agent to arrive at your hotel.  

Tintoreras Islet

"Las Tintoreras" is a group of small islets found south of Puerto Villamil. To arrive you will take a speedboat at a coordinated time from the Isabela pier. Upon arriving with your guide you will have the opportunity to explore on land for about 40 minutes on the lava fields. Here you can see a marine iguana colony, Sally light-foot crabs, pelicans, Galapagos penguins, and lava cranes. Viewing the water from above, you can see many white-tipped reef sharks, which “Tintoreras” is named after. The sharks gather here in the natural grottos and pools where the water is warmer due to lower water levels and warmer water temps. Later on, your guide will take you snorkeling, which is the highlight of the activity. The current can be strong, so heed the guide's indications on where it is best to snorkel. In the turquoise water, you’ll find wildlife such as sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and manta rays, and with some luck, you can see Galapagos Penguins.

Cabo rosa tunnels

This is the most spectacular site for scuba diving in Isabela Island. The water is shallow, calm and very clear- a sea sanctuary. A series of lava flows have produced unique geological formations, a series of arcs and tunnels underneath and above the water- a habitat for many local Galapagos Species. The entrance to the site is shallow and the waves can be strong, for this reason, the access can be complicated. The best time to visit the tunnels is between January and May.

It is an exciting boat Adventure to a very unique geological site, a snorkeling paradise and home to various species of the incomparable enchanted islands. There is an extension of 800 meters and an average temperature between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. The large quantities of seabirds such as the Albatros, Flamingos, Blue Footed Boobies, the magnificent frigate bird, are on the banks, where you can also see distinct species feeding such as the tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, penguins, lobsters, and sea snakes. In a geographic context of countless colors and textures due to the different types of volcanic lava, and the colorful desert vegetation which includes Xerophitic plants among: cactus, "Palo Santo" (holy wood), and carob trees.

Speedboat from Isabela Island to Santa Cruz

At the designated time to be confirmed, you will arrive at the Puerto Villamil passenger pier to check in for your speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. Before your arrival, we will have the name of the speedboat for you ready.

From the Puerto Villamil pier, you will use a water taxi to arrive at the speedboat. The water taxi is $1 per person. Once you are aboard and seated on the speedboat it will take between 2 and 2.5 hours to arrive at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

Once you have arrived there is another water taxi to arrive from the speedboat to the Puerto Ayora pier. Once you arrive, you can either walk or take a taxi to your hotel.

Today you have the opportunity to discover one of the uninhabited islands on a navigable excursion. The tour includes a guided hike on the island and some time for snorkeling, with lunch on board the yacht. The exact destination depends upon daily availability, but will be one of the following options:

North Seymour: One of the best islands for Galapagos birdlife, where you can see Frigate Birds, swallow-tailed gulls, and the famous Blue Footed Boobies who nest here. With red-colored soil and red carpet vine growing on the island, the scenery is exotic. Another interesting species found on North Seymour is the Land Iguana, a unique species from the ones seen on other islands.

South Plazas: This small but scenic island has a fantastic concentration of wildlife, from Sea Lions to Land iguanas and many bird species, including Frigate Birds, Lava Gulls, and Red-Billed Tropicbirds. The dramatic cliffs, blue seas, and spectacular natural red carpet of algae make the scenery of this island particularly pretty.

Bartolome: the site of the iconic Galapagos landscape of Pinnacle Rock, where you can take your perfect photo. You do have to climb 364 steps to get here, but the reward is immense. Along the way, you can see lava fumaroles, and enjoy the incredible lunar-style landscape. With a bit of luck, you may also see the world´s only tropical penguin here! After the land visit, you´ll have time to explore the amazing underwater wildlife while snorkeling.

Santa Fe: A very diverse island with a beautiful white sand beach where Sea Lions bask in the sun. The island is covered with huge cactus trees, food for the Land Iguana population that is endemic to this Santa Fe. The walk up is quite rocky but you´ll be rewarded with stunning views at the top. Santa Fe is also considered one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galapagos where sharks are often seen!

At a scheduled time, a Spanish-speaking driver will take you from Puerto Ayora to the Itabacca Channel. Once there, you board the ferry with a cost of $1 pp. Upon arriving at Baltra Island, you will take the "Bus Lobito" with a cost of $5 pp the rest of the way to the airport. 

Arriving in Quito, a driver will take you to your hotel.

Transfer from out to Quito airport