Highlights
- Explore Quito at your own pace, stopping at landmarks like Independence Square
- Climb Sacha Lodge's Danta Tower or Kapok Tower to see wildlife and volcanoes
- Visit the Museo Casa del Alabado to admire over 5,000 pre-Columbian artifacts
- Meet the local residents—giant tortoises—in two reserves in the Galápagos Islands
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Quito, Explore Ecuador's Capital at Leisure, Cocktail Class | Quito |
| Day 2 | Fly to Coca, Transfer to Sacha Lodge | Yasuni National Park |
| Day 3 | Explore Sacha Lodge's Private Jungle Trails & Canopy Walk | Yasuni National Park |
| Day 4 | Hike to Lagarto Cocha, Watch the Sunset From Kapok Tower | Yasuni National Park |
| Day 5 | See the Parrots in Parque Nacional Yasuní, Hike Pantano Trail | Yasuni National Park |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Coca, Fly to Quito, Visit the Museo Casa del Alabado | Quito |
| Day 7 | Fly to Puerto Ayora, Transfer to the Galápagos Safari Camp | Puerto Ayora |
| Day 8-9 | Cruise to Uninhabited Galápagos Islands | Puerto Ayora |
| Day 10 | Guided Hike in Cerro Mesa, Relax at Playa el Garrapatero | Puerto Ayora |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Isla Baltra, Fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Explore Ecuador's Capital at Leisure, Cocktail Class
Welcome to Quito, Ecuador's vibrant capital nestled high in the Andes. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to the nearby EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito. Check into your luxurious airport hotel and unwind by the pool, or head into the city for a bit of self-guided sightseeing. A good place to start is the UNESCO-listed historic center, where you can see ornate examples of Baroque and Neoclassical-style architecture lining the cobbled streets. Head to Independence Square to watch lively street performances and savor traditional Ecuadorian snacks.
Day 2: Fly to Coca, Transfer to Sacha Lodge
After a restful night in the capital, transfer back to the airport for a 35-minute flight to Coca, your gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. When you arrive, enjoy a quick lunch before transferring to the docks, where you can board a canoe for a two-hour journey along the Río Napo to the luxurious Sacha Lodge. As you glide through the serene waters, keep an eye out for glimpses of Amazonian wildlife, as herons and kingfishers often fly alongside the boat. After the canoe ride, go on a 30-minute hike through the rainforest to Lake Pilchicocha.
Day 3: Explore Sacha Lodge's Private Jungle Trails & Canopy Walk
Spend the day exploring the lodge's private ecological reserve, starting with a trek along Liana Chica. This well-maintained path winds through lush vegetation to get to the Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge that connects three observation towers. Climb up one of the towers and stop at the different observation decks along the way to search for wildlife, like colorful birds flying overhead or playful monkeys swinging through the trees. When you reach the 940-foot-long (275 m) walkway suspended 94 feet (36 m) above the treetops, cross it slowly and take in uninterrupted views of the reserve.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Hike to Lagarto Cocha, Watch the Sunset From Kapok Tower
After breakfast at the lodge, set off on a hike along Lagartococha Trail, where you can gain a better understanding of the region's Indigenous people and their relationship with the forest. Learn about the sacred trees that locals believe to be the dwelling places of their ancestral spirits, as well as the duende, mischievous beings known for playing tricks on those who wander into their forests and jungles. When you arrive at Lagarto Cocha, go on a relaxing canoe ride through the natural swamp, which is home to anaconda, caiman, and capybara.
Day 5: See the Parrots in Parque Nacional Yasuní, Hike Pantano Trail
Get ready for an early wake-up call this morning as you leave the lodge for a 30-minute canoe ride to the neighboring Parque Nacional Yasuní. When you arrive, follow your guide to some of the park's clay licks, where large numbers of parrots and other bird species gather to ingest mineral-rich clay from the riverbanks. They do this to neutralize the toxins found in their natural diet, such as certain seeds and unripe fruit that can be harmful in large quantities. Arrive back at the lodge around in the late morning for a refreshing swim before lunch is served.
Day 6: Transfer to Coca, Fly to Quito, Visit the Museo Casa del Alabado
Enjoy your final breakfast at the lodge before departing early for a leisurely walk along the boardwalk. Look out for monkeys swinging through the trees or birds flying overhead as you board the boat back to Coca. When you arrive, transfer to the airport to catch a 35-minute return flight to Quito. After checking in at EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito again, go on a private tour of the Museo Casa del Alabado, housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century colonial building. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the art and artifacts of Ecuador's ancient civilizations.
Peruse the impressive collection of over 5,000 pieces, including intricate ceramics, goldwork, and ritual objects from cultures such as the Valdivia, Bahía, and Incas. A highlight of the museum is its namesake, the Alabado Stone, which is believed to have had ritual significance. After spending 1.5 hours at the museum, make your own way to La Mariscal, a lively neighborhood known for its diverse range of restaurants, cafés, and bars. Indulge in local dishes like locro de papa (Andean potato soup) or hornado (slow-roasted pork accompanied by corn and potatoes).
Day 7: Fly to Puerto Ayora, Transfer to the Galápagos Safari Camp
Leave the capital and mainland Ecuador behind this morning as you transfer to the airport for a 3-4-hour flight to the Galápagos Islands. The archipelago is home to 18 main islands with over 100 smaller islands, islets, and rocks. You'll be flying to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, one of the largest and most populous islands in the archipelago. As you arrive at the airport three hours before your flight, you'll have time to get the Transit Control Card, a mandatory document for all visitors to the Galápagos Islands.
After touchdown, meet your naturalist guide and start the 30-minute transfer to the luxurious Galápagos Safari Camp, on the edge of an extinct volcanic cone. On the way, stop at Los Gemelos, two volcanic craters formed by the collapse of underground lava tubes. During a gentle hike around the rim, your guide will point out endemic birds like Galápagos doves and Darwin's finches. Back in the car, continue to Reserva El Chato, where you can see free-roaming giant tortoises. Follow your guide along a circuit trail to see tortoises leisurely grazing on grasses or sunning themselves on the trails.
You may also see shot-eared owls as they're occasionally spotted in the trees. Pass through underground lava tubes, offering a glimpse into the volcanic history of the islands, before having lunch at a local restaurant. Complete the drive to camp and settle into your safari tent overlooking the Parque Nacional Galápagos and the Pacific Ocean. When you get hungry, make your way to the on-site restaurant to indulge in a four-course tasting menu featuring traditional dishes and locally sourced products paired with South American wine.
Day 8-9: Cruise to Uninhabited Galápagos Islands
Over the next two days, you'll discover some of the uninhabited islands near Santa Cruz by motorboat. At each island, you'll go on a guided walk and snorkel to search for wildlife, taking a break for lunch on board. You and your guide will choose which island to visit each day between: Seymour Norte, Bartolomé, Plaza Sur, or Santa Fé.
On Seymour Norte, you'll walk through a dry, rocky landscape teeming with blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and land iguanas, while the surrounding waters are perfect for snorkeling with vibrant marine life. Bartolomé is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands. It's also a great spot for snorkeling, where you may encounter sea lions, tropical fish, and even penguins.
Plaza Sur is home to both land and marine iguanas, with their striking red and green vegetation, while Santa Fe is famous for its endemic land iguana species and pristine beaches where you can swim with sea lions and enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. At the end of each day, you'll return to camp in time for an evening stroll or a dip in the pool, followed by a sunset cocktail and dinner.
Day 10: Guided Hike in Cerro Mesa, Relax at Playa el Garrapatero
Your penultimate day in Ecuador begins with a 30-minute transfer to Cerro Mesa, a private reserve on the eastern side of the island. Discover the network of trails with your guide, keeping an eye out for wildlife like giant tortoises, lava lizards, and Darwin's finches. End the hike at a viewpoint overlooking Santa Cruz, the surrounding waters, and distant neighboring islands. Then, continue to Playa el Garrapatero by car or bicycle. This remote beach is known for its black lava formations, white sands, and turquoise waters.
Day 11: Transfer to Isla Baltra, Fly to Quito or Guayaquil, Depart
After a delicious breakfast at camp, it's time to return to the mainland for your flight home. Meet your driver and transfer to the port for a short ferry ride to Isla Baltra. As you cross the Itabaca Channel, you'll get one more look at the turquoise waters, rugged islands, and wildlife like seabirds or sea lions. Disembark and head to the airport for a 2-3-hour flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Both cities have major international airports where you can catch a connecting flight home. Safe travels!
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