Embark on an unforgettable journey through the natural and cultural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. From the cobbled streets and colonial grandeur of Quito to the dense emerald canopies of the Amazon Rainforest, this itinerary is designed to immerse you in the vibrant diversity of one of South America’s most captivating countries.
You’ll descend into the heart of the jungle for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a remote Amazon lodge, where wildlife encounters, river tubing, and rainforest conservation come to life. Back in the highlands, savour Ecuador’s finest artisanal chocolate before flying to the iconic Galápagos Islands — a living laboratory of evolution and inspiration for Darwin’s legendary theories.
Explore San Cristóbal Island, home to sea lions, giant tortoises, and blue-footed boobies. Discover stunning beaches, volcanic highlands, and world-class snorkelling spots. Enjoy scenic hikes, panoramic viewpoints, and close encounters with unique species found nowhere else on Earth.
Your adventure ends with breathtaking views from Quito’s TelefériQo cable car and a heartfelt farewell in the highlands — though the journey will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home. Optional extensions to Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, or even a cross-border visit to Peru and Machu Picchu are available to enhance your travel experience further. These can be added conveniently during the online booking process under the “Add Ons” section.
The short itinerary
Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK / QUITO ARRIVAL DAY - TRANSFER IN
Day 2 : DISCOVER THE RICH HERITAGE AND FLAVOURS OF QUITO
Day 3 : INTO THE AMAZON – JOURNEY FROM THE ANDES TO THE RAINFOREST
Day 4 : AMAZOONICO WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER & TUBING ADVENTURE
Day 5 : RETURN TO QUITO & ARTISANAL CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
Day 6 : ARRIVE IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – WELCOME TO SAN CRISTOBAL
Day 7 : GALAPAGUERA – PUERTO CHINO – LA LOBERIA WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
Day 8 : FREE DAY IN SAN CRISTOBAL – OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS TO EL JUNCO LAGOON OR LOBOS ISLAND
Day 9 : RETURN TO QUITO & RISE ABOVE THE ANDES ON THE TELEFERIQO CABLE CAR
Day 10 : LEISURE DAY IN QUITO WITH OPTIONAL CULTURAL TOUR TO OTAVALO
Day 11 : DEPARTURE – FAREWELL TO ECUADOR
We carefully select a diverse range of accommodations to enhance your travel experience, ensuring comfort, character, and cultural connection throughout your journey. From boutique heritage hotels to premium modern stays, each property has been hand-picked for its ambience, service quality, and location. Below is the list of hotels you are likely to stay in during this tour. If any of the listed properties are unavailable, similar standard accommodations will be offered.
Place |
Hotel Name |
Description |
Quito |
Sheraton Quito Hotel |
A sophisticated hotel located in the heart of Quito’s commercial district, offering upscale amenities, mountain views, and easy access to key city attractions. |
Amazon Rainforest |
Itamandi EcoLodge |
Nestled deep in the rainforest, this eco-friendly lodge blends comfort with sustainability, featuring riverfront cabins, wildlife encounters, and guided nature experiences. |
San Cristóbal (Galápagos) |
Opuntia Hotel |
Stylish beachfront hotel offering easy access to town and the natural beauty of the Galápagos coast. |
Enhance Your Journey with Curated Extensions
Each of the following extensions has been hand-picked to deepen your South American adventure. They can be easily added to your booking during the online booking process—simply select your preferred add-on and we’ll tailor your itinerary accordingly.
2-Night Baños Extension – Gateway to Adventure & Hot Springs
Tucked at the base of the active Tungurahua Volcano, the vibrant town of Baños de Agua Santa is Ecuador’s ultimate playground for nature and adventure seekers. Just a scenic 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive from Quito, Baños promises thermal springs, gushing waterfalls, and adrenaline-fuelled activities all set against a lush Andean backdrop.
Spend your time exploring the legendary Route of the Waterfalls, where thundering cascades such as Pailón del Diablo await. Thrill-lovers can zipline across canyons, go white-water rafting, or swing over the edge of the world at the famed Casa del Árbol. After a day of excitement, unwind in natural thermal baths fed by volcanic springs.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, soaring above valleys, or soaking in hot springs, Baños is the perfect extension for those looking to add adventure and rejuvenation to their Ecuador journey.
Ideal for: Adventure lovers and nature seekers
What’s Included:
– 2 nights accommodation in Baños
– Daily breakfast
– Private transfers between Quito and Baños
– Return-home flight adjustment (if applicable)
3-Night Cuenca Extension – Colonial Architecture & Andean Elegance
Step into the heart of Ecuador’s cultural soul with a visit to Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city nestled in the Andes. Known for its cobbled streets, elegant colonial architecture, and rich artistic traditions, Cuenca offers a slower pace and an immersion into the country’s historic elegance.
In just a 45-minute flight from Quito, you’ll arrive amid flower markets, cathedrals, and the gentle flow of the Tomebamba River. Explore the Ingapirca ruins—Ecuador’s best-preserved Inca site—and browse artisan towns like Gualaceo and Chordeleg, renowned for textiles and silverwork.
Whether you’re sipping coffee in a historic plaza or admiring Andean vistas from a hillside terrace, Cuenca’s authenticity makes it an enriching cultural extension.
Ideal for: Culture, history, and architecture enthusiasts
What’s Included:
– 3 nights accommodation in Cuenca
– Daily breakfast
– Round-trip flights (Quito – Cuenca – Quito)
– Return-home flight adjustment (if applicable)
Deepen your journey with a spectacular week in Peru. Begin in Lima before flying to Cusco, gateway to the Sacred Valley and iconic Machu Picchu. Wander cobbled streets steeped in Inca heritage, visit colourful markets, and ride the train to the Lost City of the Incas—all amid breathtaking Andean scenery.
Ideal for: Lovers of Andean culture and bucket-list explorers
What’s Included:
– 7 nights accommodation (Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu)
– Daily breakfast
– Flight from Quito to Lima
– All domestic Peru flights per itinerary
– All transfers and guided services per itinerary
– Return-home flight adjustment
Experience Colombia’s dazzling diversity over nine nights, from Bogotá’s colonial core to Medellín’s innovative spirit and Cartagena’s Caribbean charm. Discover world-class museums, street art, coffee culture, and vibrant coastal life, all linked effortlessly by domestic flights.
Ideal for: Culture lovers, city explorers, and music fans
What’s Included:
– 9 nights accommodation across selected cities
– Daily breakfast
– Flight from Quito to Bogotá
– All domestic Colombia flights per itinerary
– All transfers and guided services per itinerary
– Return-home flight adjustment
3-Night Panama City Stopover – Gateway of the Americas
Add a touch of cosmopolitan flair with a short stopover in Panama City. Explore the colonial charm of Casco Viejo, marvel at the Panama Canal, and enjoy tropical sunshine on nearby beaches or rainforest day trips—a perfect way to break your journey home.
Ideal for: Urban explorers, history buffs, beach-goers
What’s Included:
– 3 nights accommodation in Panama City
– Daily breakfast
– Flight from Quito to Panama City
– Return-home flight adjustment