Day 1 : Arrival in Quito
Welcome to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the City Of Quito. This capital of Ecuador, which sits high on the foothills of the Andean Mountain Ranges, is the best preserved and least altered historic centre in Latin America. On arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the in leisure, exploring nearby places and acclimatising properly to the environment.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Hotel Sheraton
Meals: None
Day 2 : Quito Free Day
After breakfast, this will be the day for you to spend on your own. You can head out and explore this amazing city or relax at your hotel and make use of the amenities to rejuvenate.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Hotel Sheraton
Meals: Half Board
Day 3 : Quito - Mindo (2 hrs 10 mins)
After breakfast, checkout of the hotel in Quito to start your sightseeing expedition in Ecuador. Start off by making your way to the famous Equator Monument Complex which is 19 miles north of Quito. The centre of the world is one place that cannot be missed out on during your visit to Ecuador.
Your next stop will be Pululahua Crater - world's 3rd largest inhabited volcanic crater which is also home to a wealth of flora decorating its slopes and ravines.
Later, head over to Mindo, which is the final destination for today. Surrounded by the gorgeous and lush cloud forest and home to a variety of birds, this place is every nature lover and bird watcher's paradise.
Afternoon in Mindo will be spent taking a tour at a chocolate distributor. The tour will take you through the journey of how chocolate is harvested from Cocoa seeds, processed and brought to your table in the form of a brownie or hot chocolate.
Finally, make your way to the hotel in Mindo where you will be checked in.
Overnight in Mindo
Hotel: Séptimo Paraiso
Meals: Half Board
Day 4 : Mindo Cloud Forest Visit
After breakfast you will head over to explore the Mindo Cloud Forest - an ecological reserve, world renowned for its incredible lush greenery, collection of birds, butterflies and more! It is also a hub of thrilling outdoor adventure sports.
After exploring the forest trails and viewing jaw dropping visuals at the butterfly nursery. You can also feed them by dipping your fingers in a banana concoction and attracting some of the hugest butterflies to sit and feed on your fingers.
By afternoon you can indulge in several outdoor adventure sports activities and get your heart racing! You can choose from white water rafting or tubing, canopy zip lining etc.
After an eventful day, head back to your hotel in Mindo.
Overnight stay in Mindo
Hotel: Séptimo Paraiso
Meals: Half Board
Day 5 : Mindo - Otavalo (3 hrs10 mins) - Cotacachi (20 mins) - Pinsaqui (15 mins)
Check out of your hotel in Mindo after breakfast and start off to your next destination - the famous indigenous town of Otavalo. On reaching, explore the rich heritage of the locals through their incredible selection of handicraft items, textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewellery and more. This will be the perfect opportunity for you to buy souvenirs and gifts.
By afternoon, you will be driven up to your next destination of Cotacachi which is famous for its leather goods. Enjoy the beauty of this small village where you will get time to stroll around and check out the local shops.
Finally, Head over to Pinsaqui which will be the stop over location for today. Check in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight in Pinsaqui
Hotel: Hotel Las Palmeras Inn
Meals: Half Board
Day 6 : Pinsaqui - Papallacta (2 hrs 15 mins)
After breakfast check out of your hotel in Pinsaqui and head over straight to Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. This place is home to a variety of ecosystems, wildlife and climates. the area holds great importance on a global scale as it is one of the final remnants of the rainforest in the Ecuadorian coastal region. Indulge in an hour long hike along the rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake. For a more close up look at the centre of the active volcano, you can also take a boat ride and watch the bubbles rising.
As lunch time approaches, you will be taken to the small, village of Pijal which is situated in the heart of Andes. Here you will have a deep cultural experience by getting to know more about the Sacha WarmiKuna Project which is an initiative aimed at empowering and encouraging women to be more independent and explore new employment avenues. Be a part of their 'Aji' or spice salsa making process and learn more about their culture and deep rooted traditions. This will be a deeply immersive experience. Don't forget to buy yourself some locally produced souvenirs and support their purpose.
By late afternoon, head over to your destination of the day - Papallacta, a place that is blessed with majestic views of the stunning Andean landscape. On reaching check in to your luxury spa resort and relax.
Overnight in Papallacta
Hotel: Papallacta Spa & Resort
Meals: Half Board
Day 7 : Papallacta - Cotopaxi (2 hrs 30 mins) - Quito (2 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Papallacta. Take a quick dip in the natural hot water spring before heading for one of the highest active volcanoes in the world - Cotopaxi (5,911 metres above sea level). This 2nd highest summit in Ecuador is a snow capped wonder that is surrounded by national park, iconic Inca ruins and abundant flora and fauna. Kickt start your visit by checking out the interpretation centre which is situated at the entrance of the park.
Later on, continue your road journey across the Paramo and to the Limpiopungo Lake, a stunning turquoise lake. Take a walk along the boundary of the lake and observe with glorious wilderness and a thriving ecosystem of rich diversity around it.
At the end of the day, head back to Quito where you will be checked in to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Hotel Sheraton
Meals: Half Board
Day 8 : Ecuador Departure - Arrival in Galapagos
After check out you will be transferred to the airport where you will be boarding the flight headed for Galapagos.
On arrival at the airport in Baltra Island, Galapagos, you will be transferred to the ferry heading for a nearby island - Santa Cruz. On reaching head for the highlands of Santa Cruz which is home to the famous giant Galapagos Tortoises. You will be taken to a private ranch for a more immersive experience followed by lunch. After lunch, walk out looking for giant tortoises in their natural environment. Also take a tour to the lava tubes around the area. these tubes are created naturally when the lava steam solidifies as soon as it reaches the surface.
After the tour, you will be taken to your hotel for check in. Rest of the evening will be free for you to spend in leisure, relax and acquaint yourself to the island.
Overnight in Santa Cruz
Hotel: Hotel Ninfa
Meals: Half Board
Day 9 : Bay Tour Exploration
After breakfast, head out for a half day tour of Academy Bay. Pack wisely for this tour since you will be indulging in water based and outdoor sports activities. The bay houses the Charles Darwin Research Station that aims at preserving and studying the Galapagos wildlife. You will be taken to Academy Bay in a boat. If you want to snorkel, then free snorkelling equipment will be provided. You can swim and snorkel with the rich marine life and exotic fishes, some of whom may approach to swim with you. Truly an experience of a lifetime!
Afterwards, climb up to the nearby viewpoint from where you can see the endless ocean. If lucky you can also spot white tipped reef sharks swimming around.
Later on, take a walk along the Playa De Los Perros a small islet where you can witness numerous sea iguanas basking in the sun among other interesting marine life and exotic birds.
Overnight in Santa Cruz
Hotel: Hotel Ninfa
Meals: Half Board
Day 10 : Santa Cruz - San Cristobal (2 hrs speedboat)
check out of the hotel in Santa Cruz after having breakfast and head over to the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station. Here you will learn all about the various endemic species, ongoing conservation efforts and more.
After an enriching experience, you will be taken to the speedboat headed for San Cristobal. During the stunning boat ride be on a lookout for dolphins and whales.
On reaching San Cristobal you will be checked in to your hotel here. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax and spend in leisure.
Overnight in San Cristobal
Hotel: Hotel Blue Marlin
Meals: Half Board
Day 11 : San Cristobal - Isla Lobos Excursion - San Cristobal
After breakfast, you will be checked out of the hotel and transferred to the dock where you will be boarding the boat for Isla Lobos. The small island of Isla Lobos is a protected area and a natural reserve. It is known for its untouched beauty, ecological diversity and a rich variety of wildlife.
On reaching observe the exotic collection of birds, marine life, manta, sea lions and sometimes sharks. After spending time on the pristine beaches, clear waters and gorgeous natural beauty head back to your hotel in San Cristobal.
Overnight in San Cristobal
Hotel: Hotel Blue Marlin
Meals: Half Board
Day 12 : San Cristobal - Quito
After breakfast in the morning, check out of your hotel and head for the airport in San Cristobal to board your flight back to Quito, mainland Ecuador.
On reaching Quito, you will be checked in to your hotel here. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in leisure.
Overnight in Quito
Hotel: Hotel Sheraton
Meals: Half Board
Day 13 : Quito Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Quito and head for the airport. The drop off will be the end of your memorable Ecuador and Galapagos package. Head back home with amazing memories and interesting stories.
Meals: Breakfast
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