ECUADOR’S NATURE HIGHLIGHTS
ECU-53 / 14-day trip with 5-day Galapagos cruise
Ecuador is one of the Countries with the highest biological diversity in the world.
During this 14 days our will visit some of the diferent ecosistems, flora and fauna. The journey starts in Quito. From here, continue to the Mindo, known for its Cloud Forest and great nature experiences. Arrive to Mindo by biking downhill the cloud forest. Hike to the waterfalls, enjoy the treetops from above and get familiar with the butterflies and orchids in Mindo. Continue to Otavalo, where you will experience the Andes Mountain landscapes and the Indigenous population.
Continue to Galapagos where you will experience an impressive wildlife first from the Sea on one of our Cruises, then from the islands.
Please contact us for further advise and to recieve a quote.
See reviews from former clients.
The trip is suited for families and active travellers.
Day 1 | Arrival in Quito |
Day 2 | Quito: City Tour |
Day 3 | Bike downhill to the Cloud Forest |
Day 4 | Hiking to the waterfalls. Zipline, orchids, butterflies & Chocolate |
Day 5 | Otavalo Indian Market, Peguche Waterfall & Hacienda |
Day 6 | Cuicocha Crater lake, Equatorial line & return to Quito |
Day 7-10 | Galapagos: 5-day Cruise |
Day 11 | End of cruise. Travel to Isabela Island |
Day 12 | Isabela Island: Hiking to volcano Sierra Negra |
Day 13 | Isabela Island: Snorkeling tour to Tintoreas |
Day 14 | Departure |
Day 1 | Arrival in Quito |
Day 2 | City Tour in Quito |
Day 3 | Bike downhill the Cloud Forest. Visit Colibri in Nono. End in Mindo From None, we will take the bikes and follow an unpaved Nono-Mindo Road from Nono to Tandayapa. There is fantastic birding all along the road and we will make stops to observe the wild-growing Orchids, and the outstanding flora and fauna. In Tandayapa we will visit the Colibris in a reserve. |
Day 4 | Hiking to the waterfalls & Zipline. Butterflies, Orchids / Chocolate The first activity is hiking near the Waterfalls of Mindo. The hike starts from the Waterfalls and goes through the tropical forest. The length and duration can be from 1 to 3 hours, according to the clients and their wishes. The next activity is the Mindo Zipline. Here we will use the 10 different cables, and do a 1,5 h and 3600-meter-long tour over the treetops while enjoying the forest from above. The zipline tour includes all the necessary safety equipment; cable with a double line, Petzel equipment, track pulleys, helmets, gloves, carabiners and 100% trained guides. It is combined to fly by the cables with short walks between arrival and departure points. During the experience, we will observe the diversity of flora and fauna (toucans, tangaras, orchids, and landscapes). Return to Mindo for lunch. In the afternoon, choose between 2 activities: 1: Visit the Butterfly reserve and the Orchid farm 1: The Butterfly reserve “Mariposario de Mindo” is a beautiful breeding farm dedicated to the exhibition, reproduction and conservation of butterflies. Visitors witness the whole process of the birth and flight of these lovely creatures. 2: Visit the chocolate factory, El Quelzal. Here you will have a chocolate tour with an explanation of the process from beans to bar. Visit the small farm and learn more about the harvesting and processing of cacao, with a guided tasting of the unique cacao flavours and the brownie. |
Day 5 | Mindo – Otavalo. Visit the Indian Market and Peguche Waterfall |
Day 6 | Otavalo – Cuicocha Crater Lake – Quisato Equatorial line – Quito |
Day 7 – 10 | 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 |
Day 11 | End of cruise. Travel to Isabela Island |
Day 12 | Excursion to the Sierra Negra volcano |
Day 13 | Isabela – Visit to Tintoreras Island |
Day 14 | Departure |
INCLUDED
- All transfers
- English speaking guide during activities/tours
- All activities/tours in private services
- Entrance fees for tours
- Hotels according to “hotel list” (the availability will be confirmed at the moment of the booking)
- Meals as described in the itinerary
NOT INCLUDED
- International & domestic flights
- Galapagos entrance fees: Galapagos Park Entrance fee (200 USD), Ingala (20 USD) and Isabela Island Local Taxes (10 USD)
- Galapagos Cruise (price depends on length and final choice of cruise – see options here)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Meals not mentioned in the program
QUITO: Hotel Ikala or similar
MINDO: Casa Divina Ecolodge or similar
OTAVALO: Hacienda Cusin or similar
ISABELA – GALAPAGOS: Hotel La Casa de Marita or similar