Ecuador Unveiled: 12 Nights in Quito, the Andes, Amazon, and Galapagos Cruise
Ecuador Unveiled: 12 Nights in Quito, the Andes, Amazon, and Galapagos Cruise
Set off on an extraordinary 12-night adventure across Ecuador, where majestic Andean peaks, lush Amazon jungles, and the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands combine into one unforgettable journey. This itinerary takes you from Quito’s colonial charm to the wild beauty of the Amazon, and ends with an unforgettable cruise through the Galapagos — a true haven for wildlife and natural wonders.
✨ Trip Highlights:
✅ Quito – Begin your journey in Ecuador’s cultural capital, Quito. Spend two nights exploring the cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and stunning viewpoints of this UNESCO World Heritage city. It’s the perfect introduction to Ecuador’s rich history and vibrant culture.
✅ Andes & Otavalo – Journey through the breathtaking Andean highlands. Visit traditional Andean villages like Otavalo, famous for its colorful indigenous market, and Pijal, where local women are preserving ancient crafts. Stay in a charming hacienda and immerse yourself in the rural beauty and culture of the Andes.
✅ Amazon Rainforest – Continue your adventure into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Spend two nights at the eco-lodge Itamandi, where you’ll hike through the dense jungle, visit a local Kichwa community, and discover the wonders of the rainforest, including a hands-on chocolate-making experience.
✅ Galapagos Islands – End your adventure with a 5-day cruise through the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. Board a luxurious catamaran and explore the islands' unique wildlife, from giant tortoises to vibrant sea lions. Each day brings you closer to nature, with guided excursions and opportunities to snorkel and discover the archipelago’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, culture lover, or nature adventurer, this expertly crafted itinerary brings together the very best of Ecuador, offering a perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in 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.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a private transfer to your hotel. During the ride, you’ll receive a welcome briefing, where we’ll go over the exciting adventure ahead and answer any questions you may have.
Today is all about getting settled, adjusting to the altitude, and taking in your first impressions of this remarkable city.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Sheraton Quito Hotel 
Day 2: Traditional City Tour and Equator Line
Today, we’ll explore Quito through the eyes of the locals. Wander through the city’s charming narrow streets and visit some of its most iconic landmarks — the dazzling Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square — each rich in history and stunning architecture.
Next, we’ll visit Luis' family workshop in the Cruz Verde neighborhood. His family has been making Colaciones, a traditional Quito candy, for over a century. Get a behind-the-scenes look at this craft and hear the family’s story that keeps the tradition alive.
For lunch, we’ll share a meal with locals, savoring a spread of 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 fun challenge of balancing an egg on a nail — it's trickier than it sounds!
Hotel: Sheraton Quito Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Journey Through the Andes — Otavalo & Pijal
We’ll depart Quito early and head north through the dramatic landscapes of the Andes. Along the way, we’ll stop at a scenic viewpoint for a photo opportunity with views of Imbabura Volcano and Lake San Pablo.
Our first stop is Pijal, a small Andean village, where we’ll visit Sacha Warmikua — a community project led by local women dedicated to preserving ancestral knowledge and crafts. This insightful encounter offers a deep look into the lives of highland women and their resilience.
Next, we’ll continue to Otavalo, home to one of South America’s most famous indigenous markets. Stroll the cobbled streets, meet the Otavalo people dressed in their distinctive 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, bargaining is encouraged!
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Hacienda Las Palmeras Inn, a charming and comfortable hacienda where we’ll spend the night.
Overnight in Otavalo
Hotel: Hacienda Las Palmeras Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Transfer to Amazon Lodge
We’ll start early this morning, driving along a scenic road into the heart of the Amazon basin. As we descend from the Andean highlands to the lush, tropical rainforest, you’ll witness a dramatic shift in landscape.
En route, we’ll stop at the Guacamayos Macaw Lookout for a breathtaking view of the Amazon cloud forest — dense, misty, and almost otherworldly.
By midday, we’ll reach the Arajuno River, where a motorized canoe will take us upriver to the Eco Lodge — your home in the jungle for the next few days.
Hotel: Itamandi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Amazon Hike and Kichwa Community Visit
We’ll begin the day with a guided hike into the tropical rainforest. Our guide will share insights about the ecology, medicinal plants, and wildlife that thrive here. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, colorful birds, and insects you won’t find anywhere else.
Later, we’ll visit a local Kichwa community to learn about their daily life and their deep connection to the forest. The women of the community are skilled artisans, and you’ll have a chance to see how they craft pottery by hand — a tradition passed down through generations.
To finish the day, we’ll experience 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 delicious result.
Hotel: Itamandi Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: From Amazon Lodge to Papallacta Hot Springs
After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to relax and reflect on your time in the rainforest. You can take a quiet walk, listen to the sounds of the jungle, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
In the afternoon, we’ll head back toward the Andes, with a well-deserved stop at Papallacta Hot Springs. These thermal pools, nestled high in the mountains, are surrounded by lush Andean scenery. Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters — the perfect way to relax and recharge before continuing your journey.
Overnight in Papallacta
Hotel: Termas de Papallacta Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Papallacta Hot Springs - Drive to Quito
Enjoy a relaxing morning in the hot springs. Afterward, we’ll transfer to a hotel conveniently located near the airport 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-Day Cruise
Fly to the Galapagos Islands this morning. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, Galapagos National Park staff will inspect your luggage to ensure no foreign species are introduced. You’ll need to pay the park entrance fee of $200 per person.
Once cleared, our naturalist guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the pier, where you’ll board your Galapagos cruise and begin your exploration of this extraordinary archipelago.
Cruise: Catamaran Seaman / Catamaran Anahi / Letty Yacht
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Return Flight to Quito
After breakfast, enjoy a final look at the sea lions and wildlife before leaving the Galapagos. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Ecuador, either to Guayaquil or Quito, depending on your itinerary.
Once in Quito, you’ll be transferred back to Wyndham Quito Airport for your last night in Ecuador.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Wyndham Quito Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Departure - Transfer to Quito Airport
All good things must come to an end. Today, you’ll head to the airport for your international flight home, leaving Ecuador with unforgettable memories and stories to tell.
Meals: Breakfast
