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

Bike downhill the Cloud Forest. Visit Colibri in Nono. End in Mindo
Departure after breakfast.
The first stop is at Nono (2700 m), which is known for its birdlife, especially the Colibri.

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.
A boxed lunch is provided and will be enjoyed on the way.
Continue the last part to Mindo in the vehicle.
Arrival and check in to hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hiking to the waterfalls & Zipline. Butterflies, Orchids / Chocolate
After breakfast, we will explore the nature of Mindo.

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
2: Visit the chocolate factory, El Quelzal.

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.
Visit the Orchid farm, which houses a fascinating collection of about 200 different species. This farm also has a small viewpoint for bird watching and especially to observe hummingbirds.

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.
Included meals: Breakfast

Mindo – Otavalo. Visit the Indian Market and Peguche Waterfall 
Departure from Mindo after breakfast.
The drive is fascinating, driving through the relatively dry areas, caused by the “rain shadow” from the volcanoes and it is easy to observe the sediments suggesting the formation of this part of the Andes. We cross the Equatorial line and soon pass into the lush Otavalo region, where the Otavalo Indians have continued their proud traditions. This valley is gorgeous and surrounded by smaller volcanoes and lakes. We visit the Otavalo market where you will find all sorts of souvenirs but it is perhaps even more interesting to watch the local people and their daily life.
Before heading to the Hacienda, visit the waterfall Peguche. The Peguche waterfall is powerful, and the beauty is best appreciated from the viewpoint. Peguche waterfall is essential for the indigenous Kichwa culture and is used for a purification ritual for the Inti Raymi the Inca solstice and the summer solstice.
 Arrive at the Hacienda by the end of the day. Here, you will have a nice dinner included.
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Otavalo – Cuicocha Crater Lake – Quisato Equatorial line – Quito
After breakfast, visit the beautiful Cuicocha Crater Lake. It is a beautiful view of this lake and the green mountains surrounding it. The hiking around the lake takes around 1 hour.  Afterwards, we’ll continue to Cotacachi, a small village, known for its handcraft in leather materials.
On the way back to Quito, visit the Quisato Monument.
Quisato is the only monument of the Middle of the World located on the Equatorial line. It is a large sundial of 52 meters in diameter, made with a large stone mosaic that indicates the different lines of the solstices and equinoxes, as well as the hours of the day.
Return to Quito by the end of the day.
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. Travel to Isabela Island
The cruise ends during the morning hours in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz). Some hours free to visit Galapagos biggest town, Puerto Ayora, and to enjoy the restaurants before checking in to the ferry and head for the largest (and some would say the most beautiful) island, Isabela.   The ferry takes of at 2 pm and its a 3 h boat ride. Arrival to Isabela and transfer to hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast

Excursion to the Sierra Negra volcano
Sierra Negra is the only major volcano on Isabela whose crater regions are currently open to tourism. Its impressive caldera is the largest of the Galapagos Islands. This quite long and strenuous, but adventurous hike, lets you experience dramatic scenic contrasts.
On the tour to Sierra Negra, you will start the day by boarding a local chiva-ride (an open truck with wooden benches) from Puerto Villamil to the National Park entrance. After crossing a barren lava flow with cacti and passing a flamingo lagoon, the main dirt road leads through Isabela’s surprisingly lush agricultural highlands. While gaining altitude, no fewer than five vegetation zones will be passed.
A trail along the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano leads to a viewpoint where you can try to grasp the incomprehensible dimensions of its caldera (clear weather is unpredictable, but thanks to prevailing winds, fog usually tends to dissolve on approach). Besides this, you will also enjoy watching songbirds amid the steaming volcanic landscapes.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Isabela – Visit to Tintoreras Island
Depending on the time of the year, you will either have the tour to Tintoreas in the morning or in the afternoon. Pick up at the hotel and a short boat trip to “Los Tintoreras”, named after a shark which is abundant around the Galapagos. On this small island we have the chance to spot many marine iguanas and also the Tintoreras sharks in a canal. The snorkeling is excellent around this island, and we reserve plenty of time to enjoy the waters and the wildlife.
Included meals: Breakfast

Departure
End of Galapagos tour. Early morning transfer to the peer in Villamil and ferry to Santa Cruz. From here transfer to Baltra airport. Flight to Guayaquil and international connection in the afternoon. 
Included meals: Breakfast