Arrival in Quito
Ecuador, a country in South America, is renowned for its remarkable diversity and stunning landscapes. It is often referred to as “The Land of Volcanoes” due to its numerous active and dormant volcanoes that shape its terrain. These volcanoes, part of the Andean Volcanic Belt, contribute to Ecuador’s rich geological and ecological tapestry.

The country’s volcanoes offer not only spectacular scenery but also opportunities for adventure and exploration. From the towering Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, to the majestic Chimborazo, whose summit is the closest point on Earth to space, Ecuador’s volcanic peaks attract mountaineers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.

Beyond their physical beauty, Ecuador’s volcanoes hold cultural and historical significance. Indigenous communities have long revered these mountains, considering them sacred and integral to their identities. Many of Ecuador’s towns and cities are situated near volcanoes, adding to the country’s unique charm and character.

Overall, Ecuador’s volcanoes symbolize both the raw power of nature and the resilience of the people who call this diverse country home. They stand as iconic landmarks, inviting visitors to marvel at their grandeur and explore the breathtaking landscapes they shape.

Arrival in Quito and transfer to hotel.
Included meals: None

City Tour in Quito
Half-day private city tour in the historical part of Quito, including La Basilica Church, La Compañia Church and El Panecillo Hill. We leave the hotel, by private transportation, and will see the transformation from the new part of the city to the absolutely beautiful historical and colonial part of Quito. We will have time to see all the interesting churches, plazas etc.
But also simply enjoy the local atmosphere, the many shops and sellers. After these interesting sights, we continue to “El Panecillo”, the hill in the centre of Quito overviewing the city and the historical centre. Also from here, on clear days, we may observe several of the snow-capped volcanoes surrounding Quito.
Night in hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast

“Mitad del Mundo” Equatorial line & Otavalo Indian market.
Departure from Quito in the morning. First visit is the “mitad del Mundo” museum, where you can stand on the equatorial line and do some fun experiments.
Afterwards continue to the town of Otavalo. Visit to the famous indigenous market, where it is possible to find all sorts of souvenirs while watching the local people and the daily life.
There is a wide variety of bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy the rest of the day.
We will reach the Hacienda in the outskirt of Otavalo by the end of the day.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cuicocha lake trek & Horseback riding. Return to Quito
Pick-up at the hacienda and transfer to Cuicocha’s volcanic lake (30 min). The hike starts at the Cuichocha Park entrance, following a very good trail that goes around the crater’s rim. The walk will go almost all the way around the lake, but not entirely, as a short section is by dirt road. Here the transport will be waiting.
It’s a very easy hike with great photo opportunities and an amazing landscape.
Before heading back to the Hacienda, we will make a stop in Cotacachi, a small village known for its handcrafting of leather goods.

Once back in the Hacienda in Otavalo, there will be a 2 h tour of horseback riding. Experiencing the Andean landscape on the back of a horse is a lifetime experience for all family members.
By the end of the day, drive back to the airport hotel near Quito to be ready for the next day’s Galapagos adventure.
Included meals: Breakfast. 

Junge tour 4D/3N:

The YARINA Ecological Reserve is an eco-lodge, built with high-quality standards, using typical materials of the area such as caña guadua, and paja toquilla, maintaining the harmony of the sector, in a symbiosis of architecture, jungle environment and comfort, which will allow tourists and visitors to have a good night’s sleep and dawn with the bird song concert.
All huts are equipped with bathrooms and hot showers, as well as all the services for your relaxation and comfort, designed and created with biodegradable materials.
We offer accommodation in double, triple, quadruple and family huts

Water is provided 24 hours a day in showers and bathrooms, as well as a permanent station of pure water for drinking. Energy (24 hours a day), with voltage 110 v.
In our spacious dining room, 3 meals a day are served, and it is a fantastic viewpoint, perfect at dawn, to enjoy bird watching, and in the afternoons – evenings – to be inspired by the magical sunsets worthy of beautiful photographs.

Our menu, of typical Ecuadorian and local food, is combined with options for vegetarians, vegans, celiacs, or another type of food preference.
YARINA Eco Lodge is a member of the YUTURI CONSERVATION GROUP, an organization involved in many rainforest conservation projects, that is supported by national and international organizations with the same feelings…

Sample itinerary:

The order of the visits might differ depending on the starting / ending day.

First day:
Meeting at Coca airport
Canoa transfer at 11:30. Arrival to Yarina at 12:30.
Lunch
The day program starts after lunch

Last day:
7 am: breakfast
8 am: Departure from Yarina Lodge & transfer to Coca Airport.

Monday .- Breakfast. After breakfast, we will take a small canoe to navigate on the Manduro River to the Sapococha Lagoon. We will walk around the lagoon enjoying a concert of sounds of birds, frogs, monkeys, etc; in addition, we will learn about different types of aquatic plants. Return to the lodge and lunch.
After lunch, we will visit the Socali path, characterized by a variety of different jungle lands. This path is used as an introduction trail to learn about the flora and fauna that is possible to find in different types of forests. Return to the lodge to have dinner and resting time.

Tuesday and/or Saturday: After breakfast, we will visit the Capibara path. An adventure trail with many swamps. On this trail, you will see some palm trees that are possible to see in other places. Return to the lodge to take lunch. Late in the afternoon without rubber boots and wearing comfortable dresses (shorts is recommended). The local guides are going to teach us how to use the blowpipe. After this activity, we will take a small canoe to enjoy piranha fishing. Return to the lodge to take dinner. Resting time.

Wednesday: Breakfast. After taking our rubber boots and jungle dresses we will take a canoe to navigate up river watching birds, butterflies, orchids, and amphibians, all this till reaching the trail “Dos Ramas”. We will have a short trek to learn about medicinal plants, birds and animals. Return to the lodge, lunch.
After lunch we will take the Tucan trail, this trail will take us to one of the tallest birdwatching towers in the Ecuadorian jungle. On the canopy, we will stay some minutes watching some species of birds of high altitudes. Return to the lodge, dinner and resting time.

Thursday and/or Sunday: After breakfast, we will take the motor boat to go out of the borders of our reserve and visit an indigenous family of the Quichuas del Oriente community. Our guides will talk to you about the traditions and costumes of these tribes. Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon we will walk through the “Guatusos trail”. A new opportunity to learn from our guides the utility of some plants, birds, insects and animals. Return to the lodge, dinner and resting time.

Friday:  After breakfast, we will take a small canoe to navigate on the Manduro River to the Sapococha Lagoon. We will walk around the lagoon enjoying a concert of sounds of birds, frogs, monkeys, etc; in addition, we will learn about different types of aquatic plants. Return to the lodge and lunch.
After lunch we will visit the Socali path, characterized by a variety of different jungle lands, This path is used as an introduction trail to learn about the flora and fauna that is possible to find in different types of forest. Return to the lodge to have dinner and resting time.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

End of Jungle tour & Papallacta Hot Spring
7 am: Breakfast
8 am: Departure from Yarina Lodge & transfer to Coca Airport.

Flight to Quito: OCC – UIO 10:30 – 11:05

At arrival to Quito, transfer to Papallacta.
Check in and enjoy the hot spring in Papallacta.
Included meals: Breakfast

4 or 5 days Galapagos Cruise  

We highly recommend continuing your journey with an unforgettable Galapagos cruise, a true highlight of any trip. Please note that the cruise is not included in the price, as it depends on your final selection. Choose from the options listed here or inquire for additional alternatives.

Every cruise includes full-board, daily activities like snorkeling, and exciting family adventures. With a cozy atmosphere and a maximum of 16 guests, your family will enjoy an intimate experience. Explore pristine beaches, swim with sea lions, and discover unique wildlife like giant tortoises and marine iguanas. Expert naturalist guides ensure each day is a new adventure, creating lasting memories for all ages in this breathtaking destination.

We suggest a 4 or 5-day itinerary on one of our cruises.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

End of Cruise – free day in Galapagos
The cruise ends during the morning hours. Transfer to hotel at Galapagos. Day free for own plans.
Included meals: Breakfast


Tour to the Highlands of Santa Cruz
Meeting with the guide who will be waiting for you at the arrival lounge.
First visit is to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where we will experience the strange and impressive phenomenon of the “Twins” (Spanish: Gemellos), two very deep depressions in the forested highlands. Later we visit a farm neighboring the national park. The farm “Rancho Primicias” attracts the wild giant tortoises with its green grass, and therefore this site is the best place to spot one of these amazing creatures that have given Galapagos its name. Lunch at the farm. Afterwards, transfer to hotel en Puerto Ayora. Afternoon for own plans.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Free day at Galapagos
Day free for own exploration (no guide service included).
We recommend:

Self-guided visit to Charles Darwin Centre:
The Charles Darwin Station is a reservoir of information on habitats and local conservation as well as other fascinating relevant statistics. The most striking attraction of this station is certainly the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to view tortoises of varied sizes and shapes. Here, we can freely walk and get their photos. Among other inhabitants at the centre, you can see the land and marine iguanas and different species of birds. Nowadays, it is possible to appreciate the embalmed body of the most famous tortoise: Lonesome George.

Self-guided tour to Tortuga Bay:
The trail to Tortuga Bay starts from the main street in Puerto Ayora and takes about an hour walking. The trail goes through the arid zone and many land birds can be seen along the way. Arriving at Tortuga Bay beach you will find the first beach “Playa Brava” This beach is with open waters and strong undercurrents not recommendable for swimming, if you continue walking to the right side (15 minutes) you will arrive at “Playa Mansa” ideal for sunbathing, swimming and photo shooting, you will also find marine iguanas along the shore.
Included meals: Breakfast

Galapagos – Guayaquil – End of tour
End of Galapagos tour and transfer to airport. Flight to Guayaquil and international flight in the afternoon.
Included meals: Breakfast