📌Day 1: Quito✈️
Airport transfer to hotel. Dinner out.

📌Day 2: Quito - City Tour
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters. It boasts numerous colonial architectural monuments, and its historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. After breakfast, we will explore the old colonial parts of the city, visiting the Convent of the Americas, the Church and Monastery of San Francisco, and Santo Domingo. In the afternoon, we will visit "La Mitad del Mundo" (Middle of the World), the museum built on the supposed equator. After the tour, we will transfer to a beautiful hotel on the outskirts of Quito.

📌Day 3: Mindo
Early in the morning, we depart for the misty cloud forest that stretches across the surrounding mountain slopes. Our first stop will be a short hike to Nambillo Waterfalls, where lush vegetation surrounds us and the sound of the cascading water creates a unique atmosphere.

 Next, we'll visit the butterfly garden, where you can admire hundreds of colorful butterflies in their natural habitat. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, there's a canopy tour, a zip line ride over the cloud forest: a guaranteed adrenaline rush and exceptional views.

📌Day 4: Birdwatching in Mindo
This morning we will dedicate ourselves entirely to tropical birdwatching in the cloud forests of Mindo, home to more than 350 species. Wake up at 5:00 a.m. to enjoy the peak bird activity hours. During our guided morning walk, we will see toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, and other rare and endemic species. This is a unique opportunity to experience the richness of tropical wildlife and capture the extraordinary colors and sounds of the Amazonian cloud forest. The return to Mindo is scheduled for around 11:00 a.m. Today we will visit a local chocolate factory, where we will learn about the entire chocolate-making process, from cacao beans to finished bars. The Mindo region is famous for producing some of the best chocolate in Ecuador, so there will also be an opportunity for a tasting. We conclude the day with an overnight stay in the picturesque town of Mindo, overlooking the surrounding forest and mountain landscapes.

 We will spend the night in a beautiful hotel in a tropical setting.

📌Day 5: Otavalo – Cuicocha
Visit the Otavalo market. We will see many ethnic minorities selling their products. Here you can also buy some of the most unique souvenirs from Ecuador. Next, we will head to Cuicocha Lagoon, where we will hike around it. If time permits, we will go to Peguche Waterfalls for a beautiful hike. Overnight in Otavalo.

📌Day 6: Cotopaxi National Park
Departure from our hotel to Cotopaxi National Park. Our first stop will be Limpiopungo Lagoon, where we will take a walk and learn about the local flora and fauna. Then, we will take our private bus to the parking area at 4,500 meters above sea level. From there, we'll hike for one hour to the José Ribas Refuge, located at 4,800 meters above sea level. Weather permitting, we'll take an additional hour-long hike along the edge of the glacier near the refuge. Lunch will be served at the refuge. We'll spend the night at Tambopaxi Lodge, a beautiful lodge.

📌Day 7: Ascent of Rumiñahui Volcano
After breakfast, we'll ascend to the summit of Rumiñahui Volcano (4,640 m – approximately 5 hours ascent and 3 hours descent). We'll enjoy panoramic views of Cotopaxi National Park. We'll have a packed lunch along the way. We'll return to our lodge. Tonight we'll spend our second night at Tambopaxi Lodge.

Hiking time: approximately 7-8 hours

📌Day 8 : Cotopaxi National Park – Quilotoa Lagoon
After breakfast, we will depart from Cotopaxi National Park and head to the stunning Quilotoa Lagoon, one of Ecuador's most spectacular volcanic craters. Upon arriving in the village of Quilotoa, we will have time to walk around the lagoon, admiring its turquoise waters and the crater's dramatic walls.

For those who prefer a shorter route, there is an easier section along the rim, with perfect viewpoints for taking photos. The hike is adapted to the fitness level of the participants; regardless of the choice, every step offers incredible panoramas and the opportunity to experience the rugged Andean landscape. Overnight stay at a beautiful hacienda near Quilotoa Lagoon.

📌Day 9: Quilotoa Lagoon – Baños
After breakfast, transfer from the Quilotoa Lagoon area to Baños. Activities in Baños: visit to the famous Tree House. Dinner in Baños.

📌Day 10: Baños
After breakfast, we begin the day in the charming town of Baños, located 1800 meters above sea level, where the imposing Andes Mountains meet the rainforest. We embark on a hike through the rainforest to reach the impressive Pailón del Diablo waterfall. The hike includes crossing a suspension bridge, which offers breathtaking views.

For those seeking an extra dose of adrenaline, you can cross a glass bridge, zip line over a waterfall, or try swinging over a precipice. In the afternoon, relax at Luna Volcán, a picturesque spa with volcanic hot springs, or at the local hot springs. Overnight in Baños.

📌Day 11: Baños – Quito
After breakfast, we will drive from Baños to Quito. En route, we will stop at a local hacienda for horseback riding. Overnight in Quito.

Day 12: End of the Ecuador trip + 5 optional days in the Galapagos Islands. Otherwise, transfer to the airport and return to Europe.

GALAPAGOS SUPPLEMENT:

📌Day 12: Galapagos (San Cristóbal, Day 1)
In the morning, we will fly from Quito to San Cristóbal Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. After checking in, we will head to the coast, to Tijeretas Beach, where our first adventure in crystal-clear waters awaits. While snorkeling, we will spot sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, and numerous tropical fish. After our aquatic adventures, we'll take a walk to a nearby hill, which offers a picturesque panorama of the island.

📌Day 13: Galapagos (San Cristóbal, Day 2)
Today we'll embark on an exciting 360° excursion, sailing around San Cristóbal Island, with stops at some of the most beautiful snorkeling spots. We'll swim among manta rays, sea lions, green turtles, and numerous tropical fish, and with luck, we might even spot sharks at the famous Kicker Rock. Upon our return, we'll relax at the hotel and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

📌Day 14: Galapagos (Santa Cruz, Day 3)
In the morning, we'll travel to Santa Cruz Island. Our first attraction will be a boat trip to Tortuga Bay, where we'll observe seabirds, iguanas, and local vegetation, including giant cacti and mangroves. At the end of the tour, we'll find a beautiful beach, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or kayaking. In the afternoon, we'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we'll learn about the work of scientists, see turtles and iguanas breeding, stroll through a cactus forest, and observe a variety of birds. This is a place where history and nature combine in a unique way.

📌Day 15 – Galapagos (Bartolomé, Day 4)

Full-day excursion to Bartolomé Island, one of the most picturesque islands in the archipelago. During the yacht cruise, we'll admire panoramic views of the island and enjoy lunch on board during breaks. Those interested can snorkel on the white sand beaches. We'll observe Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish up close.

📌Day 16 – Galapagos (Santa Cruz, Day 5 / Return)

Very early in the morning, we'll depart for Santa Cruz Island to see the Twin Craters. Afterward, we'll transfer to Baltra Airport and fly to Guayaquil, where we'll begin our return journey to Europe.

Included in the tour price:

Not included in the tour price: