Day 1 : Arrival to Quito - Transfer to hotel
Welcome to Quito — the largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Nestled in a valley at the base of the Pichincha volcano, Quito is also known as the Cultural Capital of South America.
On arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. During the drive, you’ll receive a welcome briefing where we’ll go over the adventure ahead and answer any questions you might have.
Today is all about settling in, getting acclimated to the altitude, and taking in your first impressions of this remarkable city.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Sheraton Quito Hotel 
Meals: None
Day 2 : Traditional city and Equator line
Today is about seeing Quito through local eyes. We’ll walk the city’s charming narrow streets and explore some of its most iconic landmarks — the dazzling Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square — each steeped in layers of history and stunning architecture.
We’ll then visit Luis’ family workshop in the Cruz Verde neighborhood. His family has been making Colaciones, a traditional Quito candy, for over a century. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at this craft and the family’s story that keeps the tradition alive.
For lunch, we’ll share a meal with locals, enjoying a spread made with fresh, regional ingredients that capture the flavors of Ecuador.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Equator Line — where you can literally stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Don’t miss the challenge of balancing an egg on a nail — it’s harder than it sounds!
Day 3: Journey Through the Andes — Otavalo & Pijal Otavalo Market
We’ll leave Quito early and head north, driving through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes. Along the way, we’ll stop at a scenic viewpoint to take in the views of Imbabura Volcano and Lake San Pablo — a perfect photo opportunity.
Our next stop is Pijal, a small Andean village, where we’ll visit Sacha Warmikua — a community project led by local women who are preserving ancestral knowledge and crafts. It’s a meaningful encounter that offers insight into the lives and resilience of women in the highlands.
From there, we continue to Otavalo, home to one of the most renowned indigenous markets in South America. Stroll the cobbled streets, meet the Otavalo people dressed in their distinct blue ponchos and white trousers, and observe their daily life. The market is a treasure trove of textiles, alpaca throws, knitted clothing, native art, ceramics, jewelry, and tapestries — and yes, you can bargain.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Hacienda Las Palmeras Inn, a charming and comfortable hacienda where we’ll settle in for the night.
Overnight in Otavalo
Hotel: Hacienda Las Palmeras Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Transfer to Amazon Lodge
We’ll set off early this morning, driving along a winding, scenic road that takes us deep into the Amazon basin. As we descend from 3,000 meters to around 500 meters, you’ll notice the striking shift in landscape — from Andean highlands to lush, tropical rainforest.
En route, we’ll stop at the Guacamayos Macaw Lookout, perched between the Antisana and Sumaco National Reserves. From here, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the cloud forest stretching over the Amazon — a dense, misty canopy that feels almost otherworldly.
By midday, we’ll reach the Arajuno River. A motorized canoe will be waiting to take us upriver — a peaceful 20-minute ride that leads us straight to the Eco Lodge, your home in the jungle for the next couple of days.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 : Amazon Hike and Kichwa Community
We’ll start the day with a guided hike deep into the tropical rainforest. As we walk, our guide will share insights on the forest’s ecology, medicinal plants, and the wildlife that thrives here — keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, colorful birds, and insects you won’t see anywhere else.
Later, we’ll visit a local Kichwa community, where we’ll get a glimpse into their daily life and their profound connection to the forest. The women here are skilled artisans, and you’ll see firsthand how they craft beautiful pottery by hand — a tradition passed down through generations and an important source of income for the community.
To cap off the day, we’ll dive into one of the Amazon’s tastiest traditions: making chocolate from scratch. Starting with raw cacao fruit, you’ll learn each step of the process and, of course, taste the rich results.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 : From Amazon Lodge to Papallacta Hot Springs
After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to soak in your last moments in the rainforest. Whether you’d rather relax at the lodge, take a quiet walk, or just sit back and listen to the sounds of the jungle, the morning is yours to enjoy however you like. It’s a final chance to connect with this extraordinary place, snap a few more photos, or simply pause and reflect on the experience.
In the afternoon, we’ll begin our journey back toward the Andes, with a well-earned stop at Papallacta Hot Springs. Set high in the mountains, these thermal pools are surrounded by lush Andean scenery. Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters — the perfect way to unwind and recharge before continuing on.
Overnight in Papallacta
Hotel: Termas de Papallacta Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 : Papallacta Hot Springs - Drive to Quito
The morning is yours to relax. Take your time, enjoy the peaceful setting, and recharge after the adventures of the past few days.
In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to a hotel conveniently located near the airport. This way, you’re well-rested and perfectly positioned for an easy start to your Galapagos journey tomorrow.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Wyndham Quito Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - 12 : Flight to Galapagos - 5 Days cruise
This morning, the hotel’s shuttle will take you to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.
On arrival at Baltra Airport, Galapagos National Park staff will inspect your luggage to ensure no foreign species are brought onto the islands. You’ll also need to pay the park entrance fee of $200 per person.
Once cleared, our naturalist guide will meet you at the airport and escort you on a short five-minute bus ride to the pier, where you’ll board your Galapagos cruise and officially begin your exploration of this extraordinary archipelago.
Cruise: Catamaran Seaman/ Catamaran Anahi/ Letty Yacht
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: Flight back to Quito
After breakfast, take a few final photos of the sea lions and wildlife before we leave the Galapagos. We’ll transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, either Guayaquil or Quito depending on your itinerary.
On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred via the Wyndham Quito Airport hotel’s shuttle. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, unwind, and enjoy your last night in Ecuador before heading home.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Wyndham Quito Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Departure - Transfer to Quito airport
All journeys must come to an end — today, you’ll head to the airport for your international flight home.
You’ll leave with unforgettable memories, stories, and photos — and likely a piece of your heart still in Ecuador. There’s always more to discover here, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning a return.
Until then, buen viaje — safe travels.
Meals: Breakfast
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