Highlands of Ecuador to the Galápagos Adventure - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Quito & Get to Know the City

Welcome to Ecuador! Your flight will touch down in Quito, the capital city, where a private driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodation. During the 45-minute trip, they'll introduce you to Quito and give you a rundown of the itinerary for the next day.

After settling into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore. Sitting in the valley of the Volcán Cotopaxi, Quito has an elevation of 9,350 feet (2,850 m) above sea level, making it the second-highest capital city in the world. You're in for a fantastic adventure here as you explore the city's many neighborhoods—from the incredibly well-preserved colonial center, to the lively bars and nightclubs around Plaza Foch. Take a walk through the Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua, the largest urban park on the continent, or ride the TelefériQo to the top of Cruz Loma for dramatic views.

Day 2: Colonial Quito City Tour & Mitad del Mundo 

Today, join a walking tour of the famous colonial center of Quito. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this neighborhood is filled with stunningly well-preserved architecture. Start in Independence Square and visit La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, a 17th-century church covered in detailed carvings made of volcanic rock. Next, visit La Basílica y Convento de San Francisco. Finish with a walk down La Ronda, a street that began as a pre-Columbian walking trail and has transformed into a romantic destination full of cafés, live music, and eclectic shops. 

Later on, head north of the city to visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo ("City at the Center of the World"), a park dominated by the 98-foot (30 m) monument created in honor of the Spanish-French Geodesic Mission seeking to find the circumference of the Earth at the equator. Stand on the yellow line marking the equator, posing with one foot in each hemisphere (though the true equator is a few hundred feet away). Around the monument, you'll find a planetarium, a small-scale model of Quito, several museums, an old train station, and a small chapel.

Day 3: Transfer to Cotopaxi, Bike the Andes in Cotopaxi National Park

Early in the morning, leave Quito and transfer south until you reach the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, weaving through the pine forest to arrive at the park's Visitors Center. Continue the ascent in a 4WD vehicle until you reach the highest point of the tour at 15,000 feet (4,500 m). The view from this point is stunning; on a clear day, you'll be able to see eight volcanoes. Put on helmets, gloves, and protective pads, and begin your bike adventure on the world's highest active volcano.

The first 5 miles (8 km) will take you down dirt roads through volcanic ash and the páramo (alpine tundra) landscape. At 12,467 feet (3,800 m), you will have to do some pedaling as you head down another 5 miles (8 km), past volcanic rocks and wild horses, to your lunch spot by an Inca ruin at 12,139 feet (3,700 m). With some luck, you might see a condor or a caracara. After lunch, put the bikes back on the Jeep and head for Limpiopungo Lake, where you will start a 10-mile (16 km) downhill ride to complete your adventure. End the day at your accommodation, a hacienda in the Cotopaxi area.

Day 4: Alpaca Encounter & Kayaking at Quilotoa Lagoon, Transfer to Baños

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then, accompanied by an expert guide, visit Quilotoa Lagoon—a blue-green volcanic crater lake that sits in the rugged Andean countryside south of Quito. Make stops at a quiet village and local markets along the way.

Once you arrive, you have the option to walk along the crater's rim, or enjoy a 45-minute, 2.5-mile (4 km) moderate hike down a path to the lake. There, you'll get the chance to see the shimmering green waters up close and enjoy the beautiful weather from a kayak. If you wish, there is a jetty here that you can walk on, or you can just sit on the beach and take in the view. The return hike may take a bit longer, so you have the option to rent a mule for the uphill journey. Afterward, transfer to the city of Baños, sometimes known as the "Gateway to the Amazon." 

Day 5: Canyoning in Baños

For an adventurous day out, consider going canyoning at Casahurco outside of Baños. Professional guides will show you the ropes of this thrilling activity. You'll get to jump from waterfalls, rappel down the sides of the canyon, slide down natural chutes, and swim in freshwater pools. Otherwise, spend the day exploring Baños on your own. 

Day 6: Visit Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, Transfer Back to Quito

This morning, ride along the scenic Ruta de Cascadas ("Waterfall Route") toward the village of Río Verde. Along the way, you'll be sure to see the route's namesake water feature. When you arrive in town, take an easy one-hour hike to one of the better-known waterfalls in the area, El Pailón del Diablo ("The Devil's Cauldron"). Here, the water cascades 265 feet (81 m) down through the cloud forest. Then, head back toward Baños to take a dip in its thermal pools, check out its many Catholic churches, or visit the Casa del Arbol to soar on a swing placed at the edge of a mountain. At the end of the day, transfer back to Quito.

Day 7: Fly to the Galápagos, Visit Santa Cruz Highlands & Charles Darwin Station

Take a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight to the Galápagos Islands. After arriving at Baltra Airport, you'll hop over to the beautiful island of Santa Cruz, where your guide will be waiting to take you to your accommodation. On the way, stop off at a local farm in the highlands, where there are dozens of giant tortoises. Wander around and enjoy a delicious lunch, then continue to Puerto Ayora and check into your hotel. 

In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, scientists from all over the world meet to work together on environmental projects covering subjects like water analysis, animal protection, and the effects of tourism on nature. Nearby is the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, named after the Galápagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise. This is the best place in the Galápagos to view different tortoise species, and see how the shapes of their shells have evolved differently to match the terrain and vegetation of their native islands. 

Day 8: Kayaking in Tortuga Bay & Afternoon Bay Tour of Isla Santa Cruz 

Begin your adventure with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery. Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close, and admire the coastline from a different perspective—observing colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating flora. Pelicans and finches are local to the area, and near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you even may spot flamingoes wandering. After kayaking at the nearby cove, sunbathe on the beach before returning to Puerto Ayora.

In the afternoon, take a tour on a small boat to visit places along the bay of Santa Cruz. Visit one or more sites, depending on how much time you have. First, stop at the small islet of La Lobería, where you'll snorkel around sea lions and tropical fish. Afterward, head to the Shark Channel, where you can spot harmless whitetip sharks and blue-footed boobies. Here, you'll come upon the Canal del Amor, home to sea turtles and many tropical fish varieties. A 10-minute walk will give you the chance to see marine iguanas in their natural habitat—you'll have plenty of opportunities to take pictures!

Day 9: Explore an Uninhabited Island

After a very early breakfast, take an amazing day trip to an uninhabited island. Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the National Park, you'll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or North Seymour. Here, you will follow trails and discover the area's natural wonders. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding waters by boat.

Santa Fé and South Plaza are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife. Enjoy a tasty lunch onboard the boat, as well as a snorkeling activity to maximize your experience. In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora for some free time.  

Day 10: Cycling at Cerro Mesa Reserve & Kayaking at Garrapatero Beach

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel to enjoy a day at beautiful Garrapatero Beach on an adventurous trip from Puerto Ayora. First, bike across a lovely stretch of Santa Cruz to the protected Cerro Mesa Ecological Reserve, where you can enjoy a guided nature walk and fantastic island views from a lookout.

Afterward, relax with a waterfront picnic on the pristine white sand of Garrapatero Beach. Venture into the crystalline waters on an optional kayak ride, and soak up the serene, unspoiled landscape populated by flamingoes and mallards. This white-sand beach is the perfect place to see flora and fauna native to the area. It has a spectacular landscape, and is surrounded by mangroves. Return to your hotel for a well-earned rest in the evening.

Day 11: Transfer to Isla Isabela, Excursion to Los Túneles

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Puerto Ayora to take you to the docks. There, you'll catch a speedboat that will take you to Isla Isabela. Settle into your accommodation in Puerto Villamil, then get ready for more wildlife encounters with a thrilling excursion to Los Túneles, a perfect snorkeling spot.

A series of lava flows have produced remarkable geological formations here. There are rock arches and tunnels underneath and above the water, making the area a truly excellent place to swim. In the shallow waters, you can find tropical fish, rays, turtles, seahorses, and whitetip reef sharks! Keep your eyes open for penguins sitting on the rocks, and prepare yourself for the possibility of swimming with majestic sea turtles. At night, relax or explore Isabela Island as you wish.

Day 12: Hike the Sierra Negra Volcano

Today's journey will take you to the majestic Sierra Negra volcano. Your adventure starts by traveling from Puerto Villamil to the beginning of the trail. Once there, prepare your backpack and start your walk through the relatively young woods, which suffer from constant geological changes. You'll do a six-hour roundtrip hike to the active volcano's summit. During your climb, make sure to be on the lookout for the distinctive vegetation that characterizes the area.

Your finishing point is the edge of the volcano's crater, the second-largest in the world. The circumference of the crater is huge, with a diameter of almost 6 miles (10 km) along with its widest point. Walk around the spectacular lava landscapes, taking in the northern volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina in the distance. You'll have some free time after you get back to your accommodation. If you still have energy, you can head to a beach or snorkel at Concha Perla.

Day 13: Rappelling & Biking on Isla Isabella 

Your guide will pick you up early this morning for an excursion to Los Trillizos, an amazing spot to try your hand at the sport of rappelling. Descend 493 feet (150 m) into the dormant volcano to explore the interior of this incredible island from a different perspective.

Return to the hotel for lunch, then head back out in the afternoon for a biking adventure that takes you to the top of the island and on to scenic highlights like Cave Sucre, Mango Viewpoint, and Campo Duro. At the latter, you can stop for a while to observe the native giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Day 14: Paddleboarding in Puerto Villamil, Transfer to Isla Santa Cruz

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and taken to the dock. After a safety talk given by your guide, get ready to paddleboard around Puerto Villamil Bay, observing mangroves and the rocky shores where crabs rest. You may also have the opportunity to spot blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigates, as you paddle around and enjoy the peacefulness of the bay. This area generally has calm waters, which makes it possible for people of all ages, with or without experience, to enjoy paddleboarding here.

After this activity, your guide will take you to Concha Perla to snorkel. Then, at the end of the day, pack up your belongings and catch a speedboat back to Isla Santa Cruz. 

Day 15: Depart the Galápagos

If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a final stroll through Puerto Ayora. At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross on a ferry. For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal, where your journey ends with a return flight to the mainland. Have a safe and comfortable journey home, or to your next destination!