On arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, you'll meet your tour leader in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing. At this time, you will discuss the details and any questions you may have regarding the upcoming journey through Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands before enjoying the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Today is yours free at leisure to enjoy Quito, the largest, best-preserved colonial city of America which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the cultural capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha Volcano so there's plenty to discover or you can take the opportunity to join an optional city tour (not included).

Optional Activity: Full Day Quito City Tour

Today you'll drive north of Quito to the Ecuador monument complex before visiting the 'middle of the world' which is a must when in Ecuador. It’s the place where you will be able to stand on both sides of the hemispheres, north and south at the same time and feel the neutral forces of the equator.

On the way, you'll stop for a view of the Pululahua Crater, the third-biggest inhabited volcano crater in the world with a population of more than 400 people. Then you will continue onwards to the little town of Mindo, a village in the Andes Mountains that's known for the many bird species, butterflies and orchids found in the surrounding cloud forest.

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of a chocolate factory where you will have the chance to follow the process of cocoa from harvesting the seed to the final product. Here you may also enjoy a delicious brownie or a cup of hot cocoa before transferring to the hotel and enjoy being situated in the middle of the beautiful cloud forest.

After breakfast, you’ll explore the pristine cloud forest, crossing cable cars and hiking along waterfalls during a moderate hike (approximately 20 minutes) while being surrounded by a lush green forest that's filled with toucans and colourful birds.

One of the highlights of today is also the opportunity to visit a butterfly farm that's located on a private reserve called ‘Mariposas of Mindo’. Here you can watch gargantuan butterflies dry their wings after emerging from their jewel-like cocoons before dipping your fingers into a banana concoction and watching as unique butterflies land on your hands for a snack.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the several optional activities offered in this area. You can participate in whitewater tubing (several large inner tubes tied together) as your guides steer you through thrilling rapids, or try canopy zip-lining where you’ll sail along one of 13 zip-lines over the beautiful canopy of the cloud forest.

Please note: These optional activities are at your own expense and paid directly to the tour operator whilst on tour.

The day starts with a unique scenic drive back up to the highlands where you will reach the Pan-American Highway that travels north to the world-famous indigenous town of Otavalo. Enjoy time to stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets which are filled with Otavalo indigenous people wearing the typical blue ponchos and explore the handicraft market with its wonderful textiles, native paintings, ceramics, jewellery, tapestries and more.

In the afternoon, you'll drive to Cotacachi which was made famous for its production of amazing leather goods and its beauty as a small village. You will have free time to explore the shops or simply stop and enjoy one of the best coffees in Ecuador at the main square. Later, you'll arrive at the historical hacienda of Pinsaquí and enjoy a typical Andean cocktail as a welcome before learning about the history of Hacienda.

Today, you'll start the day with a visit to Cotacahi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve to witness the breathtaking scenery of the crystalline-clear waters of this active volcano and the amazing

surrounding landscapes. At the end of a short hike, enjoy a boat ride on Cuicocha Crater Lake to the centre of the crater to observe the activity of the volcano such as bubbles coming up from the centre of the caldera.

Later, you’ll make your way to Pijal, a small village located in the heart of the Andes where you will have an unforgettable cultural experience as you immerse yourself in the true spirit of the South American Highlands. You’ll spend time with local women from the village and learn about their lifestyle and knowledge of textiles and culinary traditions from past generations. You’ll also get to help the locals prepare a delicious lunch using fresh products harvested the same day from the surrounding organic fields and share with them precious moments of conviviality.

This morning, enjoy the chance to take one last dip in the open-air hot springs before driving south on the Pan-American Highway towards one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi.

The snow-capped volcano is surrounded by national park and is home to abundant plant life, rich fauna and Inca ruins. You will begin at the Interpretation Centre which is at the park’s entrance, before continuing across the páramo to Limpiopungo Lake. During a short walk around the lake, observe a variety of birds and enjoy the stunning views of the almost symmetrical cone of Cotopaxi.

Afterwards, you'll continue back to Quito where you will check into the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

After breakfast today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Island of Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival you will be picked up and transferred to Santa Cruz, a nearby island, crossing the narrow Itabaca channel by ferry before continuing by car. Your first stop will be at the highlands of Santa Cruz, the “Parte Alta”, as the highlands are called in Spanish, are very lush and home to the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises. Here you will visit a private ranch where you will enjoy lunch before heading out on a walk in search of the giant tortoises.

During this visit, you will also visit lava tubes which are formed when the surface of a lava stream solidifies but the inside remains liquid and flows out like a river. After this tour, you will continue by private transport to the hotel where you will have a meet and greet with a local guide who will explain the following day's itinerary to you before you can enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

This morning you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the

endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon you will be met and transferred from the hotel to the dock of Santa Cruz from where you will take a boat (approximately 2 hours) to the island of San Cristobal.

Upon arrival at the dock in San Cristobal, you will be transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here you will have a meet and greet with another local guide who will explain the rest of your itinerary to you before you can enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure on this stunning island.

After breakfast this morning, you will be met and transferred to a dock where you will take a short boat ride to the nearby Isla Lobos. During this boat trip, you will observe a lot of sea life before even setting foot on the island. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour where you will have the chance to observe frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions that all inhabit the island. Afterwards, you will have time for swimming or snorkeling in the beautiful waters.

You'll then continue onwards to a nearby beach in San Cristobal where you may enjoy an included packed lunch and some time at leisure. The white coral beaches of San Cristobal are great for walking around, relaxing and swimming in the shallow waters before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Enjoy a leisurely free day in San Cristobal, where you can explore at your own pace. Wander through charming streets, visit local markets, relax by the coast, or discover hidden gems while soaking in the island’s laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty.

Today, take a flight back to the mainland and transition from island life. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace—relax, explore nearby surroundings, or unwind as you reflect on your journey.

Today you will be transferred to Quito International Airport for your return flight back to your country

Meals: Breakfast