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: 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.

PM: HIGHLANDS OF SANTA CRUZ
Whether you start your visit from Puerto Ayora or Baltra, the upper part of Santa Cruz is about 45 minutes by bus and is a highly green area all year round. Here, you will visit giant tortoise reserves (up to 300 kg) to observe these gentle giants in their natural environment. These tropical forests are also excellent for seeing finch species and other birds not seen in the arid areas near the coast. You will also visit a lava tunnel (depending on the itinerary) and understand the origin of these curious geological formations.
Attractions: Giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, owls, curassows, flycatchers, lava tunnels, native plants.
Distance: 1-1.5 km

AM: PUNTA CORMORANT / DEVIL’S CROWN 
At this visitor site, we will explore a saline coastal lagoon to observe shorebirds, ducks, and an essential colony of pink flamingos. The trail also allows us to visit a beautiful beach of very fine coral sand, one of the Galapagos’s most critical sea turtle nesting sites. It is expected to see blue sharks and rays while walking barefoot on the beach.
Snorkeling: You can snorkel in the famous Devil’s Crown, considered one of the best diving sites in the islands due to the enormous number of fish, reef sharks, rays, and turtles.
Attractions: Sea lions, pink flamingos, patillos, white sand beach, sea turtle nesting (Dec-May).
Trail: 1.6 km

PM: POST OFFICE BAY
At the time of the whalers, this bay was used assiduously as a resting place to supply the water they had to obtain from the highlands. For this reason, the crews used a barrel to leave messages to be passed from one ship to another. This centuries-old tradition survives to this day. In addition, you can take a panga excursion to see sea lions, turtles, shorebirds, and, with a bit of luck, Galapagos penguins. After the visit to the main barrel, you can enjoy the beach for swimming or snorkeling.
Snorkeling: You can snorkel from the beach or the panga. There are many sea turtles, tropical fish, and hopefully penguins.
Attractions: Mail barrel, sea lions, iguanas, sea turtles, sharks, and rays.

AM: PUNTA SUAREZ
This rocky trail is an experience for any wildlife lover. From the moment we disembark and all along the trail, the amount and variety of wildlife is truly impressive. Sea lions and marine iguanas will welcome us, giving way to colonies of seabirds, including blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies, gulls and tropical birds. At the far end of the trail, we will have the opportunity to visit a colony of waved albatrosses, the most giant bird on the islands and one of the most interesting, both for its powerful flight and elaborate courtship ritual.
Attractions: Galapagos albatrosses, sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos hawks, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, tropical birds, night gulls, lava lizards.
Distance: 1.7 km

AM: GARDNER BAY
Gardner Beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands, both for its white sand and the turquoise-blue water surrounding it. An important colony of sea lions is lucky enough to inhabit this lovely place. You can stroll along the beach while watching the sea lions playing in the waves or the stoic marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocks.
Snorkeling: There are several snorkeling spots in the area, all excellent for seeing large numbers of fish and also for swimming with sea lions.
Attractions: Beautiful white sand beach, sea lions, marine iguanas, Española mockingbirds, Galapagos hawks.

AM: INTERPRETATION CENTER / SLEEPING LION 
Located just outside of town, this center is dedicated to the human history of the Galapagos. From the time of the first Spanish explorers to the present, including whalers and illustrious visitors such as Charles Darwin, this permanent exhibit will take you through the dangers and hardships that early settlers had to endure to survive in the harsh environment of the Galapagos Islands.
Attractions: Endemic plants and human history exhibit.
Trail: 0.2 km
This impressive rock formation rises from the seabed to about 140 meters. Its vertical cliffs are home to a large number of nesting seabirds, including gulls, boobies, tropical birds, and frigate birds.
Snorkeling: When the sea is calm, you can see sharks, turtles, rays, and a great variety of fish.
Attractions: Sleeping lion rock, sea lions, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, tropical birds, frigate birds.

PM: LOBOS ISLAND
Lobos Island is a small islet located near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. It has a rocky trail, but, despite its small size, this island has a large amount of wildlife, including a small colony of blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and many sea lions. If there is time, snorkeling is also possible.
Snorkeling: This is an excellent place to swim with sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and many fish.
Attractions: Sea lions, frigate birds in courtship, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, snorkeling with sea lions and turtles.
Trail: 0.6 km

AM: BACHAS
The word “Bachas” comes from two barges abandoned on the beach by the Americans during World War II. At low tide you can still see the metal skeletons of these structures. Between November and May, this beach is a significant nesting area for sea turtles. In addition, there are several salt ponds where you can see flamingos and other birds typical of coastal wetlands.
Snorkeling: You can swim or snorkel from the beach after the hike. There are excellent rocky areas where you can see a great diversity of fish, octopuses, and, with a bit of luck, blue sharks.
Attractions: Flamingos, ducklings, shorebirds, lava gulls, boobies, white sand beach.

Then, transferred to the airport to take the flight back to mainland Ecuador.