Highlights:

• Fun local Cooking Class, exploring Local Markets

• River Journey to Napo Cultural Center – Indigenous Community Contact – Playas Trail Hiking & Wildlife Watching or Kayaking

• Parrot Clay Lick – Interpretation Center – Observation Tower Wildlife-Watching – Ancestral Catamaran Experience

• Kichwa Community Encounter – Canoe Ride along Añangu River – Traditional Amazonian Dinner – Nocturnal Safari

• Traditional Kichwa Ceremony – Flight from Coca to Quito - La Mariscal Artisan Market

• Relaxation and a wonderful soak in Papallacta Hot Springs

• Galapagos Islands...wildlife galore and stunning landscapes!

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Day 1 Quito

Welcome to Ecuador! You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel hotel in Quito.

 

Day 2 Quito

Quito City Tour and Cooking Class

Depart the hotel at 8:30am with our guide for a fascinating journey through Quito's rich history. Explore the city's evolution from its pre-Columbian roots and colonial past to the vibrant capital it is today, and discover why UNESCO designated Quito as the world's first Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.

Next, immerse yourself in local life at a bustling market in the Historic Centre, where colourful produce, traditional foods, and centuries-old Andean customs come together. Meet local women, hear their stories, and, if you wish, experience a traditional spiritual cleansing using herbs, flowers, and incense.

The experience continues with a local chef introducing Ecuador's unique native fruits and vegetables before you enjoy a hands-on cooking class and delicious traditional lunch. Afterward, return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore at your leisure.

Meals: B, L

 

Day 3 Quito to Coca

Flight from Quito to Coca – River Journey to Napo Cultural Center – Indigenous Community Contact – Playas Trail Hiking & Wildlife Watching or Kayaking

This morning, fly from Quito to the Amazon gateway town of Coca, where your rainforest adventure begins. Travel by motorized canoe along the Napo River, spotting herons, kingfishers, and other wildlife while taking in the stunning riverbank scenery.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you'll be welcomed with a traditional drink before settling into your cabin in the heart of one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Meet members of the local Kichwa Añangu community and enjoy a refreshing cup of traditional wayusa tea.

Later, explore the Playas Trail for your first taste of Amazon wildlife, with opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and other rainforest creatures. For those interested, an optional kayak trip offers the chance to experience a spectacular sunset over the Napo River. After dinner, relax to the soothing sounds of the Amazon and enjoy your first night in the rainforest.

Meals: B, L, D

 

Day 4

Parrot Clay Lick – Interpretation Center – Observation Tower Wildlife-Watching – Ancestral Catamaran Experience

AM: Breakfast and early departure on board the motorboat to visit an amazing parrot clay lick. Easily accessible, this site brings visitors face to face with approximately 11 species of parrots (including parrotlets and macaws), depending on the seasons, weather conditions and good luck (though this activity is usually fruitful). We end this morning with a visit to the “Kuri Muyu” Interpretation Center, which is run by the women of the community. Here, you can learn directly from the people of the community about Kichwa culture, crafts, traditions and the traditional use of natural resources. We return for lunch and take a break at the lodge.

PM: This afternoon we will walk for about an hour and then climb up a 35-meter-high observation tower, where from above the forest's canopy you are likely to see a variety of birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots and sloths. We will return to the hotel by motorized canoe for a traditional dinner that is typical of the area. Dinner is followed by a unique activity on the Napo River: an ancestral catamaran ride where you will learn indigenous legends and take part in traditional chants while delicious snacks are grilled over a fire.

Meals: B, L, D

 

Day 5

Kichwa Community Encounter – Canoe Ride along Añangu River – Traditional Amazonian Dinner – Nocturnal Safari

Wake to a spectacular Amazon sunrise before visiting the local Kichwa community, where you'll gain insight into their traditional way of life, sustainable initiatives, and deep connection to the rainforest. Continue along the Mama Kuna Trail, keeping an eye out for wildlife while discovering the towering ceiba trees, bamboo groves, and unique plant life of Yasuní National Park.

After lunch, explore the tranquil blackwater channels of the Añangu River by canoe. Watch for monkeys swinging through the canopy, caiman basking along the banks, and, if you're lucky, giant river otters hunting for fish.

Following a traditional Amazonian dinner, venture out on a guided night walk. Armed with your flashlight, discover a fascinating world of nocturnal creatures, from colourful insects and reptiles to monkeys and other rainforest wildlife that emerge after dark.

Meals: B, L, D

 

Day 6 Coca to Quito

Traditional Kichwa Ceremony – Flight from Coca to Quito - La Mariscal Artisan Market

AM: This rainforest experience comes to a memorable close with a “wayusa” ritual. During this spiritual experience, you can get up at around 4:30 am to share in drinking the sacred “wayusa” infusion. This ritual, which is commonly performed by Kichwa families, has been a way for them to pass down their ancient knowledge to the new generations. During your early morning experience, you can also share in traditional chants and have the chance to “interpret dreams” with the wisest “mamakuna” in the community – a mystical experience indeed.

Afterwards, we will head back to the lodge for breakfast before taking a motorized canoe back to the town of Coca and then flying back to Quito. Upon your arrival, we will go to a hotel in Quito to relax, leave our luggage, and enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the Mariscal Artisan Market – because who can’t resist a spot of local shopping - where you can explore and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Meals: B, L, D

 

Day 7 Quito

Visit to Guango Lodge and Relaxation at Papallacta Hot Springs

After breakfast, we will travel through the scenic Andean highlands towards Guango Lodge, a peaceful retreat nestled in a beautiful cloud forest. Upon arrival, we will take a short nature walk along the lodge’s trails, ideal for birdwatching — especially the incredible variety of hummingbirds that inhabit the area. We will then enjoy a delicious lunch at Guango Lodge, prepared with fresh local ingredients and served in a tranquil mountain setting.

After lunch it’s time for some indulgence…we’ll continue our journey to Papallacta, where you’ll have time to relax and unwind in the famous hot springs, surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes. The warm, mineral-rich waters are perfect for soothing muscles and enjoying the serene mountain atmosphere. In the late afternoon, we will return to Quito, where we’ll have dinner together and prepare for the next day’s exciting adventure to the Galápagos Islands.

Meals: B, L, D

 

Day 8

Flight from Quito to San Cristobal Island - Interpretation Center - Frigatebird Hill and Carola Beach

This morning we fly to San Cristobal Island. It is the fifth largest and easternmost island of the Galapagos. It is composed of various fused volcanoes, all extinct. In San Cristobal, the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos province. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and head to the hotel for check-in. Then, after a short briefing, you will visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about Natural History in the Galapagos and to learn about the San Cristobal History too. The Museum of Natural History displays information on the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. Human history is also showcased, chronologically narrated by the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the islands.

Frigatebird Hill: It is also called Tijeretas because this is the name commonly known for the frigate birds, it involves a high-intensity walk amidst beautiful landscapes and a magnificent view at the foot of a frigatebird nesting colony. *Note: Itineraries are subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, national park regulations, or unforeseen situations. Hike: approx. 2 hours / Length: 3.5 km

Meals: B, L

 

Day 9 San Cristóbal

Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)

Today, we board a speedboat and head to the spectacular Kicker Rock (León Dormido), one of the Galápagos Islands' most famous natural landmarks. Rising dramatically from the ocean, this towering volcanic formation is split by a narrow channel that creates an incredible setting for snorkeling.

Slip into the crystal-clear waters and discover a vibrant underwater world. Keep an eye out for Galápagos and reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, sea stars, and schools of colourful tropical fish. With a little luck, you may even spot the elusive hammerhead shark gliding through the depths.

Above the water, the cliffs are alive with seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies. Combining breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable marine encounters, Kicker Rock is one of the true highlights of the Galápagos Islands.

● Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours by speedboat (please note: from August to October, the seas can be rough).

● Difficulty Level: Intermediate

● Highlight Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, and a short beach hike Meals: B, Box lunch (aboard)

 

Day 10

Speed boat to Santa Cruz Island - Visit Giant Tortoises and Lava Tunnels - Tortuga Bay Beach

After a scenic two-hour boat ride, we arrive at Santa Cruz Island and continue to Puerto Ayora, the lively heart of the Galápagos. From here, a short drive takes us into the lush highlands, where private reserves protect native forest and create a sanctuary for one of the islands’ most iconic residents—the giant Galápagos tortoise.

Walking along winding trails through this verdant landscape, you’ll have excellent opportunities to observe these incredible creatures roaming freely, grazing, and cooling off in natural mud pools. It’s a rare chance to see them up close in their natural habitat.

Later in the day, we head to beautiful Tortuga Bay. A gentle 40-minute walk leads us to a stunning stretch of white sand framed by mangroves and turquoise waters. At Playa Mansa, you can relax, swim, or snorkel in the calm, warm sea before returning after a memorable day in the Galápagos.

Accommodation: La Isla    Meals: B, L

 

Day 11

Navigable Tour to Bartolome, North Seymour, or South Plazas (subject to availability)

Bartolomé Island

Named in honor of Sir Bartholomew Sulivan of the British Navy, Bartolome Island covers an area of 1.3 square kilometers and reaches a maximum altitude of 115 meters. This island offers some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes in the Galapagos Archipelago. On our day trip to Bartolome, we will hike to the top of an extinct volcano along a wooden pathway, climbing almost 395 steps. During the hike, we will pass by fascinating geological formations created by the last volcanic eruption, such as small lava tunnels, spatter cones, and scoria cones. It will feel like walking on the moon! Along the way, we may spot endemic vegetation like Lava Cactus and Tiquilia plants, as well as some of the island’s famous Darwin Finches. Once we reach the summit, we’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Pinnacle Rock, a striking volcanic tuff cone that rises from the water.

 

North Seymour Island

North Seymour is a small island in the Galapagos Archipelago, home to a rich diversity of wildlife. It is one of the best places to observe the frigatebirds with their dramatic red balloon-like throats, as well as the blue-footed boobies performing their charming dance. We will also encounter land and marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, fur seals, and various seabirds, including swallow-tailed gulls, shearwaters, and tropic birds. Our walk on this magical island will take about 2 hours, immersing us in its vibrant ecosystems. After our hike, we will return to the boat for lunch and then sail to Bachas Beach, a key nesting area for sea turtles. Here, we may also spot flamingos in the small lagoon. This day will also include a snorkeling activity, where we may have the chance to swim with sea turtles, rays, white-tip reef sharks, and colorful fish.

 

South Plaza Island

South Plaza is located off the east coast of Santa Cruz Island. It was formed by uplifted marine lava and is one of the smallest islands in the archipelago, yet it boasts some of the densest wildlife concentrations in the Galapagos. We will disembark at a small dock often occupied by sea lions, then continue our walk through a forest of prickly pear cacti adorned with yellow flowers. Along the way, we may see land iguanas waiting for fruits and flowers to fall from the cacti. As we reach the cliff, we will often spot a shoal of the endemic yellow-tailed mullet. The cliff is an excellent vantage point to view seabirds, including swallow-tailed gulls, tropic birds, frigatebirds, and pelicans. At the eastern end of the island, bull sea lions gather to rest after losing their territory and regain their strength in hopes of becoming the beach master once again. After this fascinating walk, we’ll return to the boat for lunch and sail to Punta Carrion for another snorkeling adventure. Here, we may encounter sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, sea lions, and a variety of fish. We will return to Puerto Ayora around 16:30, having experienced a day full of unforgettable wildlife encounters. After some free time to relax and reflect on your journey, we’ll gather for a memorable farewell dinner to celebrate the incredible experiences and memories made during your trip.

Meals: B, Box lunch (aboard), Dinner

 

Day 12

Today we bid farewell to the incredible Galápagos Islands and mainland Ecuador, taking with us a lifetime of memories from this truly extraordinary journey. After breakfast, we transfer to Baltra Airport for our flight back to the mainland, where the landscapes shift one final time as we leave the archipelago behind.

On arrival, we settle into a comfortable hotel conveniently located near the airport for our last night together. It’s a chance to unwind, reflect on the adventures we’ve shared—from the Amazon rainforest to volcanic islands and vibrant Quito—and to enjoy one final evening of connection and stories before the journey home.

As we rest, we carry with us the spirit of Ecuador: its wild beauty, warm people, and unforgettable moments that will stay long after we’ve returned home.

Meals: B

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Day 13 Departure day

Depending on the departure time of your international flight, we will arrange yourshuttle transfer to the airport accordingly, ensuring a smooth and timely connection for your journey home. Meals: B