Highlights of Ecuador & the Galapagos

Begin the adventure in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, high in the Andes. To make things easy, there are free transfers from the airport to the hotel for everyone today – check the Joining Instructions for further details. Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Ecuadorian welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Quito? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Start with a tour of Quito’s historic centre, a World Heritage site. Led by our tour leader, we visit the highlights, including the Plaza de la Independencia, home to the Carondelet Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, famous for its gold-decorated interior. After, we head to Casa Agave to learn about the cultural and economic importance of agave in Ecuador and enjoy a tasting of agave products, including miske, an indigenous alcoholic drink. Lunch is served at this venue, a delicious sample of local cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Intiñan Equator Museum, which is located near the equator line. This fun interactive museum explores indigenous culture and traditions, as well as unique phenomena related to the geographic location.

Travel (two hours) to Cotopaxi National Park in the morning, home to Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Here, we embark on a one-hour hike through the stunning park, which sits at 12,470ft (3,800m) above sea level. Our route is a circular trail around Limpiopungo Lagoon, whose waters can reflect the volcano. Enjoy lunch at La Cienega, a colonial hacienda turned restaurant, eating traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a historic setting. Following lunch, we transfer (two hours) to Baños de Agua Santa, a town known for its thermal baths and adventure activities. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore, visit cafes, or relax in the thermal baths. Upgrade to the Highland suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Begin with a visit to Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), a powerful waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. To get to the base of the falls, we take a trail (30-40 minutes) with hanging bridges and viewpoints where you can enjoy spectacular views and feel the power of nature. After, we return to the vehicle and drive to the Swing at the End of the World, where you can swing out over a cliff to enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and mountains. In the afternoon, we return to Baños for time to explore at your own pace. Visit the hot springs, stroll through local markets, or relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Upgrade to the Highland suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Leave Baños in the morning and transfer (three hours) to Tena, the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The journey takes us through spectacular landscapes, from Andean mountains to lush rainforest. Enjoy lunch in Tena, then continue to our rainforest lodge – a 1hr 30min drive, followed by a 15-minute canoe ride. Settle in and enjoy dinner before we take a 45-minute night walk around the lodge with an expert naturalist to discover our new surroundings. There are fantastic sounds to listen out for, including the calls of frogs, oropendolas, jays and a variety of insects – a wonderful experience amid the rainforest humidity.

Begin with a visit to amaZOOnico, taking a short motor canoe ride to get there. A rescue and rehabilitation facility for jungle animals, it’s home to various Amazonian species, such as monkeys, toucans and ocelots. During the visit, we learn about their conservation efforts and the threats these animals face in their natural habitat. Guides provide detailed information about the different animals and the stories behind each rescue. After returning to Liana Lodge for lunch, we embark on an exploration of the Amazon jungle guided by local experts who show the rich biodiversity of the Amazon ecosystem. During the hike, we learn about medicinal plants, local flora and fauna, and survival techniques used by Indigenous communities. The order of activities today may change depending on water conditions and other factors.

Bid farewell to the Amazon after breakfast and head to Papallacta, a town renowned for its thermal baths. A drive (at least 4hr 30min) takes us through the Amazon rainforest to the high Andes, offering diverse views of Ecuadorian landscapes. This afternoon, rejuvenate in the thermal waters at the hotel (which are heated by underground volcanic activity and said to have therapeutic properties) or explore the nearby trails. Upgrade to a room with a Jacuzzi today – speak to your sales representative for more details