Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-2: Quito
After a private transfer to your stylish boutique hotel in the historic centre of Quito, choose from a selection of guided local activities. From a classic walking tour, to chocolate tasting and gastronomic experiences, or visits to the workshops of expert artisans. Welcome to Ecuador!
Accommodation: 2 nights at Casona De La Ronda
Intricate work of a Master Weaver
Day 3-4: Otavalo
Head north to Otavalo, a fascinating town with a proud Kichwa indigenous culture. After exploring the famous craft market, we visit the workshop of internationally renowned ‘master weaver’ Miguel Andrango, to learn about his intricate and traditional craftwork. We can also take lakeside hikes, join a cooking class, try some horse-riding, or simply relax in the peaceful mountain air.
Accommodation: 2 nights at Las Palmeras Inn
Day 5-6: Cloud forest
We move into a new and fascinating ecosystem now, the misty high-altitude Mindo cloud forest. Regarded as one the finest bird-watching spots in the world, this is also a place where you can swim next to a waterfall, take part on river tubing or ziplining, or sit back in your hammock and soak up the sounds of pristine nature.
Accommodation: 2 nights at El Monte Ecolodge
The majesty of Cotopaxi
Day 7-9: Cotopaxi
After waving goodbye to the cloud forest, we return to the mountains and one of Ecuador’s most spectacular national parks, Cotopaxi, named after the iconic snow-capped volcano that dominates the landscape. Hiking, horse-riding, and mountain biking are all possible from your mountain lodge.
Accommodation: 3 nights at Chilcabamba Lodge
Day 10-12: Amazon
It’s time to head off-the-beaten track now, as we venture into the Amazon basin. Choose from flying-in to stay at a remote wilderness lodge, or take a unique road trip to witness how frontier towns give way to more traditional cultures as we move deeper into the wild. Either way, a host of fascinating Amazonian flora and fauna awaits us, from monkeys and macaws to caiman and tapir.
Day 13-17: Banos & Cuenca
Leaving the Amazon, we take a road trip along the southern section of the Avenue of Volcanoes, including the outdoor sports mecca of Banos, the famous Devils Nose Train (carved into a 500-meter cliff face), and the Inca complex of Ingaprica. We then spend a couple of days in Cuenca, the most beautiful city in Ecuador, before finishing our road trip at the port city of Guayaquil.
Day 18-22: – Galapagos Islands
Flying out into the Pacific, we reach one the world’s most unique and special wildlife wonderlands; the Galapagos Islands. Choose from a boutique cruise, an island-hopping land-based adventure, or simply settle into a lodge and enjoy easy day trips. Everyone has different ways of enjoying and exploring, so speak to one of our experts and we’ll be sure to find the perfect version of the Galapagos for you.
23 days from £6400 pp
Based on two adults sharing, travelling in low season, subject to availability
Includes
All accommodation, excursions, and transport, including Ecuador to Galapagos return airfare
Excludes
International flights, travel insurance and tips