Ecuador and Galápagos Explorer

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Spend a night in the Otavalo area and visit its world famous handicrafts market, the largest in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come here every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most obvious signs of the Otavaleños' cultural integrity is their traditional dress. This is not just worn for the tourists at the Saturday market, but is worn throughout their daily life. Otavalo is justly famous both for its friendly people and its Saturday animal market. The market dates back to pre-Inca times when jungle products were transported from the eastern lowlands and traded for highland goods. Today's market has two different functions: the local market for buying and selling animals, food, and other essentials, and the crafts market for the tourists and other interested people.

Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for onsite hot springs, optional spa treatments, and hiking excursions. There is plenty of time to soak, relax, and enjoy the mountain views.

Baños is one of the most popular spots in the country. Many Ecuadorian families vacation here. One look at this delightfully green mountain town and you will know why. Baños means 'baths' and this is precisely what the town is famous for. Some are thermal springs from the base of Tungurahua Volcano, which means 'little hell' in Quichua. Other baths have melt water running into them from Tungurahua's glaciated flanks. Locals swear that the baths are good for your health; it’s definitely worth rising early to watch the dawn creep over the mountains from a hot spring vantage point.

The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits. Activities include horseback riding, canyoning, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and rafting on the River Patate.

Early start in the morning. Drive to Coca, the gateway to the Amazon. Continue by motorized canoe to the luxurious La Selva Lodge. Explore the Amazon jungle with a local guide. Activities can include jungle walks, a canopy tower visit, wildlife viewing, canoeing, and photography. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a drink by candlelight, listening to the sounds of the jungle, before retiring to stylish cabanas.

See the canopy of the rainforest from a tower, 43m (141 ft) in height, and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulties; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from the naturalist guide, who accompanies the group to ensure you get the most out of the excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing, and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless.

Travel by boat back to Coca and catch a flight to Quito.

Explore the city of Quito. Ask the CEO for suggestions on what exciting activities to take part in.

Early morning, fly to San Cristóbal. Meet the CEO and transfer to the hotel for a first night's stay in the Galápagos Islands. Following lunch, begin exploring San Cristóbal visiting Laguna El Junco, the only freshwater lake in the islands. After, visit the Interpretation Centre to learn about the history of the islands, explore the paths near the centre for beautiful views.

Before transferring to the boat, visit Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado to see giant tortoises.

Morning landing at South Plaza, home to the largest population of land iguanas, for wildlife spotting opportunities and a walk through the cactus forest. In the afternoon, visit North Seymour for guided walks to observe birds and wildlife, including vast sea lion colonies.

In the morning, the boat arrives to a small little island off the southern tip of Santiago called Chinese Hat, named for its unique shape. Visit Bachas Beach in the afternoon, located on the northeastern tip of Santa Cruz Island.

Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation to see the giant Galápagos tortoises before the flight back to Quito.

Depart at any time.