Once you land in the lively city of Quito, our designated driver will greet you. He will be holding a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will then escort you to your hotel, where you can relax and get settled.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Quito, a city where the divine and the delicious intertwine. This exclusive tour offers you private transportation and the insights of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, making it a seamless exploration of Quito’s architectural splendor and culinary richness. Your adventure starts with visits to the most awe-inspiring churches in the city—La Compañía, known for its stunning Baroque gold interiors; San Francisco Church, a site steeped in history and beauty; the Basilica, with its remarkable neo-Gothic architecture; and the Iglesia Museo Catedral Primada, a museum-cathedral that tells the spiritual story of Quito. Each stop reveals layers of history, art, and devotion, showcasing the city’s deep cultural roots.

The tour then transitions from historical exploration to a delightful culinary experience at a mystery location. Here, with a skilled local chef, you’ll dive into Ecuadorian cuisine, learning to prepare traditional dishes that reflect the country’s diverse flavors and cooking techniques. This interactive cooking class fills your day with fun and flavor and culminates in a delicious lunch where you can savor the dishes you’ve created, sharing stories and impressions with your fellow travelers.

As the day winds down, you’re transported back to your hotel, leaving you with a rich tapestry of experiences from Quito’s holy sites to its hearty cuisine. This half-day tour is more than just a glimpse into the city’s landmarks; it’s an intimate encounter with the soul of Quito, designed for those who seek to understand the essence of places through their history, art, and flavors.

Escape the city’s hustle and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and adventure that lies just outside Quito. Whether you’re drawn to Otavalo’s vibrant culture and artisan markets or the majestic natural wonders of Cotopaxi National Park, a day of unforgettable experiences awaits.

Option 1: Otavalo – A Cultural Journey Begin your day with a scenic drive through the Andean landscape to the town of Otavalo, renowned for hosting one of the largest and most colorful indigenous markets in South America. Here, you’ll be enveloped in a sea of textiles, handicrafts, and local artworks, each piece telling a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Engage with local artisans, learn about their techniques, and perhaps find unique souvenirs to bring home. Beyond the market, Otavalo offers serene landscapes, including the tranquil Peguche Waterfall and the mystical Cuicocha Crater Lake. This option is perfect for those looking to experience the rich cultural tapestry and peaceful beauty of the Andean communities.

Option 2: Cotopaxi National Park – An Adventure in the Wild For the adventurers at heart, a day trip to Cotopaxi National Park promises thrilling experiences against one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. The park’s rugged terrain and stunning vistas make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Embark on a guided hike along the trails that snake around the volcano, offering breathtaking views and encounters with wildlife. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, mountain biking down the volcano’s slopes is exhilarating. The park is also an excellent place for horseback riding, providing a unique way to explore the vast, scenic landscapes. This option is ideal for nature lovers and thrill-seekers eager to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Ecuador’s volcanic landscapes.

Both options offer a departure from the ordinary, inviting guests to either delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Andean people or challenge themselves amidst the natural splendor of Ecuador’s highlands. Whichever path you choose, your day outside Quito in the Andes will be filled with awe, wonder, and adventure.

Embark on a captivating full-day tour to the enchanting city of Cuenca, where history and culture converge amidst the Andean landscapes. Your journey begins with a convenient 45-minute flight from Quito to Cuenca. Accompanied by your guide, who will be with you on the flight, you’ll explore the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage city upon arrival.

Cuenca, known for its colonial charm and cultural riches, awaits to unveil its treasures. The tour includes visits to the city’s two iconic cathedrals, each a masterpiece of religious architecture that tells a tale of faith and history. The New Cathedral, famed for its stunning blue domes visible from various points in the city, and the Old Cathedral, now a religious museum, offer insights into its spiritual heritage.

Your cultural exploration continues at the Banco Central Museum, an Ecuadorian history, culture, and art repository. Here, you’ll delve into the country’s past, discovering artifacts and exhibits from pre-Columbian times to the present, offering a comprehensive overview of Ecuador’s rich heritage.

No visit to Cuenca is complete without savoring the local cuisine. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, where traditional dishes are served with a contemporary flair, allowing you to taste the flavors that make Ecuadorian cuisine unique.

In the afternoon, the tour takes a creative turn with a visit to Eduardo Vega’s ceramic studio. Renowned throughout Ecuador and beyond, Vega’s work is celebrated for its innovative designs and vibrant representations of Andean life. Witness the artistic process and perhaps find a piece to take home as a souvenir.

The day concludes with a visit to a Panama hat factory, where you’ll discover the intricate craftsmanship behind these world-famous hats. Learn about the traditional techniques used to weave these iconic pieces from toquilla straw, a testament to the skill and dedication of local artisans.

This full-day tour to Cuenca promises an unforgettable blend of history, culture, art, and gastronomy while experiencing this beautiful city’s warmth and hospitality. With your guide by your side, you’re assured a knowledgeable and personalized exploration of one of Ecuador’s most cherished destinations.

Your day will begin in the heart of Cuenca, where you will get ready to embark on a journey through the mesmerizing Andes countryside. As we venture eastward, your eyes will feast upon an ever-changing tableau of breathtaking landscapes.

Our first stop is the enchanting town of Chordeleg. Here, the ancient art of filigree comes alive in the hands of master craftsmen. Imagine artisans meticulously twisting fine threads of silver and gold, breathing life into intricate designs. This is not just jewelry; it embodies an age-old tradition, a testament to human ingenuity and creativity.

From Chordeleg, we journey to Gualaceo, a charming hamlet nestled 2,250 meters above sea level. Picture yourself meandering through the bustling traditional market. Can you hear the rhythmic banter of vendors, smell the tantalizing aroma of local cuisines, and feel the vibrant energy that pulsates through the crowd? As you explore, you’ll uncover unique products – from hand-woven textiles to artisanal goods, each echoing the rich culture and customs of Gualaceo.

The grand finale of our tour awaits at Ecuagenera Orchids farm. This is not just a farm; it’s a sanctuary for one of nature’s most exquisite creations – orchids. Here, a passionate family dedicates their lives to preserving and propagating various orchid species and hybrids. Witness their relentless pursuit of discovering new species, commitment to conservation, and devotion to creating breathtaking hybrid combinations.

This day is dedicated to an immersive journey from the Andean highlands to the coastal city of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s primary port and shipyard. You’ll marvel at the stark contrast between this remarkable country’s varying ecosystems and rich biodiversity.

Our journey begins with a visit to Cajas National Park, a stunning paramo that boasts over 200 freshwater lakes and serves as one of Ecuador’s most vital water reservoirs. The serene beauty of this landscape, now part of a private reserve, will leave you in awe.

As we descend through the Andes Mountains towards the coast, the dramatic shift in vegetation and climate becomes apparent within mere minutes. En route to Guayaquil, we’ll pass expansive plantations of bananas, plantains, cacao, and other large-scale agricultural farms offering breathtaking views.

Next, we stop at the Hacienda Cacao y Mango, where you’ll get an enlightening tour of the cultivation and production process of Ecuador’s star product – cacao. A delectable lunch on the premises follows this sweet experience.

The day concludes with a comfortable drop-off at your chosen hotel in Guayaquil.

AM: ARRIVAL AT BALTRA AIRPORT

Your voyage to the captivating Galapagos Islands commences! Upon arriving at Baltra Airport, you’ll be greeted by our National Park-certified naturalist guide, who is ready to introduce you to the unique wonders of this pristine archipelago.

PM: BLACK TURTLE COVE

We dive into our Galapagos adventure at Black Turtle Cove, aptly named for the thriving “Tortugas negras” population or green sea turtles. We navigate this natural sanctuary on dinghies, cruising amidst serene mangrove forests and tranquil water channels. Expect sightings of reef sharks, diverse ray species, and a plethora of bird species, including herons, pelicans, and boobies. Remember, this magical cove is a significant breeding ground for turtles and a nursery for various shark species!

Highlights: White-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, rays, herons, blue-footed boobies, and mangroves.

AM: EDEN ISLET

Eden Islet, true to its biblical name, evokes a paradisiacal oasis. Located near Santa Cruz Island, this tiny isle boasts heavenly beaches and crystal-clear waters reminiscent of the quintessential “deserted island.” With a diameter of just 600 meters and its highest point reaching 77 meters, its small size is juxtaposed with its immense charm, home to nine turtle species.

Snorkeling Experience: Marvel at the sea stars that cover the ocean floor and the endemic fish, like the white-tailed damselfish, that call it home.

PM: RABIDA

Rabida Island, recognized for its unique reddish lava rocks enriched with iron, has a distinct appearance in the Galapagos. The beach’s unusual red hue reflects this characteristic, serving as a home for a small sea lion colony. If you’re lucky, you’ll discover a small saltwater lagoon inhabited by ducks, stilts, and flamingoes.

The trail invites you inland, offering spectacular beach and lagoon views. Keep an eye out for Darwin finches, flycatchers, and mockingbirds. Along the coastline cliffs, you can observe Nazca & blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, herons, and the two species of sea lions: the Galapagos and fur seals.

Snorkeling Experience: Embark on a snorkeling adventure from the beach and explore a protected rocky area brimming with fish, sea lions, and reef sharks. The vertical walls are a natural canvas showcasing an impressive variety of small invertebrates.

Highlights: Red-sand beach, Galapagos sea lions, hawks, flycatchers, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, ducks, and flamingoes.

AM: SULLIVAN BAY

Step back in time at Sullivan Bay, an open book to the volcanic birth of these islands. Traverse the well-preserved Pahoehoe lava field, studying its delicate, unique textures. The seemingly lifeless landscape gradually unveils a resilience of nature, with pioneer plants, lava lizards, and tiny birds emerging on careful observation. Keep your eyes on the shoreline for resident penguins, pelicans, and oystercatchers.

Snorkeling Experience: A dip in the water here starkly contrasts the barren land. The coral sand beach and the dinghy access point reveal a marine world with fish schools, Galapagos penguins, reef sharks, turtles, and rays.

Highlights: Pahoehoe lava, Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks.

PM: BARTOLOME

Stand atop Bartolome Island for unparalleled views of the lunar-like landscape, punctuated by scattered volcanic cones, Pinnacle Rock, and the bay of Sullivan. Bartolome is a jewel in the Galapagos crown and home to a vibrant population of penguins.

Snorkeling Experience: A swim or snorkel from the beach opens up an underwater playground renowned in the Galapagos. Penguins, many fish, colorful invertebrates, sea lions, turtles, rays, and reef sharks make this snorkeling experience unforgettable.

Highlights: Galapagos penguins, volcanic landscapes, Pinnacle rock, blue-footed boobies, herons, sea lions, sharks.

AM: CHINESE HAT

Welcome to the perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone of Chinese Hat! Separated from Santiago by a slender channel, this idyllic islet is framed by turquoise waters, coral sand beaches, and dark lava rocks – an unexpected haven for penguins. A shore trail brings you up close to a small colony of sea lions.

Snorkeling Experience: Experience a world of vividly colored fish, sleek reef sharks, and perhaps a swift penguin chasing after a school of anchovies. It’s a mesmerizing underwater spectacle you want to take advantage of.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, Galapagos penguins, lava tubes, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks.

PM: MOSQUERA

Our afternoon destination is Mosquera, a barren sand bar with rocky outcrops and salt-resistant vegetation. Stroll along the beach, observing the playful antics of sea lion pups in the surf and tide pools. Watch for endemic lava gulls, often spotted in mid-flight hunting for their next meal.

Snorkeling Experience: Given favorable wave conditions, snorkel at the northern tip of the island or one of the smaller, sheltered beaches for another immersive marine encounter.

Highlights: Galapagos sea lions, lava gulls, oystercatchers, shorebirds

AM: CHARLES DARWIN STATION

Spend your morning at the renowned Charles Darwin Station. As a nonprofit organization working closely with the Galapagos National Park, the station is committed to the preservation and study of the archipelago’s biodiversity. Discover the myriad initiatives underway to safeguard native species and combat invasive threats to the Galapagos ecosystem. This visit offers the unique opportunity to see giant tortoises bred in captivity.

Highlights: The breeding program for giant tortoises and land iguanas, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, Galapagos flycatchers, and yellow warblers.

Following your visit to the Charles Darwin Station, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, concluding your unforgettable Galapagos journey.