THE BEST OF ECUADOR
A trip through mainland Ecuador's best places, visiting the most impressive of the country, and a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. The country has four drastically different regions: the mountain Andes, the exuberant Amazon jungle that allows us to connect with nature and allows us to reflect on how important it is to conserve it, the Pacific coast, and finally of course marvelous Galapagos Islands on board of comfortable cruise. Each region has its unique fauna, flora, climate, and culture that characterizes and differentiates each one. You can visit the entire Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in this fantastic tour of 20 days.
AMAZON JUNGLE
ANDES
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
CULTURE
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Quito: the capital of Ecuador, is perched high in the foothills of the Andes at 2,850 m (9,000 ft) . It was built on the foundations of an ancient Inca city and is famous for its well-preserved colonial old town , with several 16th- and 17th-century churches, and other structures that blend European, and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, on the Plaza Grande, and the highly decorated Jesuit church of the Compania de Jesus.
- Mitad del Mundo: This is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, You can visit the monument or the insitu museum called Inti-Ñan . You can discover the great details of the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator and ancient cultures and much more..!
- Yasuni National Park: Yasuni, continental Ecuador's largest protected area, is host to impressive levels of biodiversity in the heat of the Amazon tropical rain forest and also protects part of the Waorani nationality territory. Species records demonstrate this biodiversity for various groups of flora and fauna, species never before registered in any other protected area. Here we find hundreds of tree species, wide rivers that overflow with the torrential rains, and large animals such as the jaguar , anaconda, and harpy eagle. We also find very small animals such as leoncillo or pocket monkey, the smallest primate in the world, and a great variety of reptiles and amphibians that make this park among the most bio-diverse in the world.
- Cotopaxi National Park: The Cotopaxi volcano, an almost perfect snow cone that rises to 5,897 meters is unique in the world. It is perhaps, next to the Galapagos, the greatest symbol of our natural geography, recognized worldwide. The imposing Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, dominates the protected area's landscape, which also includes two smaller volcanoes close by; Morurco (4,880 m) and Rumiñahui (4,722 m) . Cotopaxi is located in an area called "Avenida de los Volcanes" (Avenue of the Volcanoes).
- Quilotoa Lagoon: Quilotoa is the westernmost volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes. A caldera with a diameter of almost 9 km has formed inside its crater. This is the product of the collapse of the volcano, which occurred some 800 years ago. In the 2 50 m deep caldera, a lagoon known as La " Laguna del Quilotoa " has been formed. The minerals have given the surface a greenish and bluish hue when it receives the impact of sunlight. Inside, there are springs that can be perceived from the shore as bubbling trails that rise to the surface.
- Baños de Agua Santa: Baños de Agua Santa is a town in Ecuador's Tungurahua Province and is a gateway to the Amazon Basin. It is known for its access to hiking trails on the active Tungurahua Volcano to the south and its mineral-rich hot springs. In the Downtown of Baños , the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Water has paintings depicting miracles attributed to the Virgin Maria. To the east, El Pailón del Diablo and Agoyán are spectacular waterfalls on the Pastaza River.
- Ingapirca: which means "Inca Wall" was, above all, an astronomical observatory of the movement of the sun and the moon, it was also a sacred space dedicated to the worship of their gods built by the Incas on the basis of a first Cañarí settlement, which populated the southern Ecuadorian.
- Galapagos National Park: Extraordinary flora and fauna, geological features, and many unique species have made this park a major global center for scientific research and nature tourism. In recognition of its natural values, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. Despite all the problems it has faced, especially by organisms introduced from the mainland, is one of the best-preserved archipelagos and a world leader in the management of fragile ecosystems.
- Otavalo: Is a city in the Andean highlands of Imbabura Province, northern Ecuador. It is surrounded by volcanoes, including the Imbabura Volcano. It is known for its Otavalo Indigenous Market in the central Plaza de Ponchos, where locals dressed in traditional indigenous clothing sell colorful textiles and handicrafts.
DAY 1: TRANSFER AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL
Our Guide will receive you at the Airport in Quito at your arrival. He will take you to the hotel in Quito. Overnight in Quito.
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Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 2: CITY LINE (OLD TOWN OF QUITO + MITAD DEL MUNDO) + TELEFERICO
We will visit some of the most famous squares the old town Quito, churches, and colonial buildings. The Plaza de la Independencia with its Presidential Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Building, the Statue of Independence, and the Cathedral. We will continue to the churches of El Sagrario and La Compañía, and then the church and convent of San Francisco. We will take a look inside the church and be amazed by the exuberant gold that was used to decorate the oldest church in Quito. Then we will move to the Panecillo and the statue of the Virgin of Quito. From here we will have the opportunity to see both parts of Quito and the surrounding snow-capped volcanoes! In the afternoon we will continue the famous Mitad del Mundo. This is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, you can visit the monument or the in situ museum called Inti-Ñan. You can discover the great details of the solar system, the effect that the position of the equator and ancient cultures and much more...!
Finally, you will visit the Teleferiqo (cable car) of Quito. Over 2,500 meters you will reach the top of the Pichincha Volcano, this great visit is a unique experience, which offers a great view of the landscape of the north, center, and south of the city. After this visit, we will be dropped off at our hotel. Overnight in Quito.
DAY 3: FLIGHT TO COCA FOR JUNGLE TOUR
The guide takes you to the airport in Quito for the flight to Coca city.
DAY 3 TO 7: JUNGLE LODGE IN YASUNI NATIONAL PARK - 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS – FULL BOARD
DAY 7: FLIGHT TO QUITO - TRANSFER TO COTOPAXI VOLCANO AREA
Return flight from Coca to Quito after your jungle trip. Our guide will be waiting for you and he will take you to the Cotopaxi area. Time for enjoying the optional activities of the hacienda such as horseback riding, rose farm visit, biking, and more… You will spend the night in a local hacienda at the Cotopaxi Area.
DAY 8: COTOPAXI VOLCANO - QUILOTOA LAGOON - BAÑOS
After Breakfast, we will visit the Cotopaxi National Park. A short visit the Museum, then a hiking around the Limpiopungo Lagoon. And great views of the volcano would be possible if the weather permits. After this visit you will continue the trip towards south to the Quilotoa Lagoon. The magical lagoon is in middle of a crater with water color turquoise, making the place in one of the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of Ecuador. We take a short hike to appreciate the magnificent view of the volcano (if weather conditions allow). Then we’ll have the option to hike to reach the banks of this marvelous lagoon. (Requires advanced physical level) Late in the afternoon we'll go to Baños, where you will spend the night. Overnight in Baños.
DAY 9: BAÑOS - "ROUTE OF THE CASCADES" - RIOBAMBA
After breakfast, we will visit the surroundings of the town of Baños, the main church, and some other places... After this visit, you will visit the famous "route of the cascades" where you will visit some different cascades such as Manto de la Novia, San Pedro, and more... The highlight of this route is the famous "Pailon del Diablo cascade"; a beautiful and majestic waterfall around the cloud forest of the zone. In the afternoon we'll go to Riobamba city. On the way we will make a brief visit of the Chimborazo volcano for photos. Overnight in Riobamba.
DAY 10: RIOBAMBA - INGAPIRCA - CUENCA
After Breakfast, we will visit some interesting historic places of the city of Riobamba in the morning... Then we'll go towards the south and we'll the Balbanera church, which is the first one founded in Ecuador. A short time around the peaceful lagoon of Colta Lagoon. These two are unique Andean landscapes of the area.
We’ll reach the area of the Andean train called the famous "Devil’s Nose”, the tour is not operating at this time due to the company of trains being “out of business” but our guide will show you the operation and the route… After this visit, we'll continue south and we’ll reach the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, (Days of service: Wednesday to Sunday) famous place of Inca ancient times. Ingapirca is the most important pre-Columbian archaeological site in Ecuador. It is located in the southern Andean region of Ecuador, at 3,160 meters above sea level, in the province of Cañar. Finally, we'll reach Cuenca city. Overnight in Cuenca.
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- Meals included: Breakfast.
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- Accommodation in a double room in a hotel of your choice.
DAY 11: CITY TOUR IN CUENCA - GUALACEO - CHORDELEG
After breakfast, we will start our adventure of this day and have a city tour through the city of Cuenca, a beautiful city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will be able to discover its cultural and architectural diversity. visiting the most important churches and monuments of this city. We will also visit the Turi viewpoint, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire city. After lunch (not included) we will visit the colonial tows of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two of the most important towns near the city, famous for their handicrafts made with gold and silver, and for their colonial traditions. Overnight in Cuenca.
DAY 12: EL CAJAS NATIONAL PARK – GUAYAQUIL CITY
After breakfast, we will go to a short hiking excursion around the El Cajas National Park. This is an interesting visit full of nature, the lagoons are the remains of the last ice age. The small and big lagoons are connected by internal small rivers, whose crystal-clear waters flow into the Pacific Ocean. The hiking also includes a part of the famous forest of "trees of paper". After this visit, we'll continue the trip towards the coast of Ecuador to reach the city of Guayaquil. On your arrival, we'll make a short city tour around the city and its main tourist places. Overnight in Guayaquil.
DAY 13: FLIGHT TO GALAPAGOS FOR CRUISE
The guide takes you to the airport for the flight to the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 13 TO 18:
GALAPAGOS CRUISE - 6
DAYS / 5 NIGHTS – FULL BOARD
SAMPLE OF ITINERARY ACCORDING TO YOUR CHOICE.
6 DAYS ITINERARY – C
SATURDAY
Baltra Island: Arrival and Transfer to the boat
PM: Seymour (SN/HK)
SUNDAY
AM: South Plaza (HK)
PM: Santa Fe (HK)
MONDAY
AM: San Cristobal: Interpretation Center (HK)
PM: San Cristobal: Lobos Island (HK)
TUESDAY
AM: Española: Gardner Bay (HK/SN)
PM: Española: Suarez Point (HK)
WEDNESDAY
AM: Floreana: Cormorant Point / Devils Crown (HK/SN)
PM: Floreana: Alieri Hill (HK)
THURSDAY
AM: Santa Cruz: Highlands (HK)
Baltra: Transfer to the Airport
LEGEND
HK: HIKING
SN: SNORKELING
PR: PANGA RIDE
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- Accommodation at Galapagos cruise of your choice.
DAY 18: FLIGHT RETURN FROM GALAPAGOS TO QUITO
the morning visit the guide of the yacht will take you to the airport for taking the flight back to the continent. Our guide will wait for your and he will take you to the hotel. Overnight in Quito.
DAY 19: OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET AND SURROUNDINGS
Departure from Quito through the Pan-American North Highway until arriving at Cayambe town, where we'll have the opportunity to taste the delicious “Bizcochos”, a type of biscuit baked in a clay oven. Then we'll reach the viewpoint of Lake San Pablo for photos and take some beverages. We'll reach then the city of Otavalo. In this area, we'll visit the beauty cascade of Peguche with a short hike around the place. After this visit, we'll have time to visit the indigenous market of Otavalo, one of the largest in America. In this market, the people of the zone sell their textiles and handicrafts.
After free time in the market, we'll continue the trip to the town of Cotacachi, recognized for leather clothing and crafts. we'll continue with our final visit of the day, the Ecological Reserve Cuicocha, where the main attraction is the lagoon located inside the crater. It’s possible a short walk around the lagoon or a short trip in small boats on the lagoon. (With additional cost). Overnight in Quito.
DAY 20: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR FLIGHT BACK HOME
Breakfast. The guide will pick you up at your hotel at the assigned time according your inbound flight. Transfer to the airport.
END OF OUR SERVICES
YOUR
ACCOMMODATION
CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
---|---|---|
QUITO | IKALA QUITO | BREAKFAST |
YASUNI | YARINA LODGE
https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodges-in-yasuni/yarina-lodge.html |
BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER |
COTOPAXI | VILLA TACVNGA | BREAKFAST |
BAÑOS | SELINA BANOS | BREAKFAST |
RIOBAMBA | CASA REAL | BREAKFAST |
CUENCA | SELINA CUENCA | BREAKFAST |
GUAYAQUIL | GRAND HOTEL GUAYAQUIL | BREAKFAST |
GALAPAGOS | AIDA MARIA YACHT (GALAPAGOS CRUISE) | BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER |
RATES 2024 | PRICE |
---|---|
LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN ECONOMIC HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $1,514 |
YARINA LODGE BASED IN DOUBLE ACCOMMODATION (5D/4N) + AIR TICKETS (UIO – OCC– UIO) | $916 |
AIDA MARIA YACHT (6D/5N) + AIR TICKETS (GYE – GPS – UIO) (Subject to availability on dates) | $3,000 |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON | $5430 |
RATES 2025 | PRICE |
---|---|
LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN ECONOMIC HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $1,552 |
YARINA LODGE BASED IN DOUBLE ACCOMMODATION (5D/4N) + AIR TICKETS (UIO – OCC– UIO) | $1,061 |
AIDA MARIA YACHT (6D/5N) + AIR TICKETS (GYE – GPS – UIO) (Subject to availability on dates) | $3,200 |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON | $5813 |
INCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide-driver.
- Transfers airport – hotel - airport.
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms with private bathroom.
- Meals according the description of the program.
- Excursions according to the itinerary.
- Museum entrance fees during the land program.
- 5 day tour in standard cabin at Yarina Lodge.
- Air tickets Quito – Coca – Quito with assistance.
- Galapagos cruise and Air tickets (GYE-GPS-UIO) (Subject to availability on dates).
- 6 days tour aboard the Galapagos Cruise. (Subject to availability on dates).
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Extra activities are not specified in the program.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park. $200 p.p (Subject to change)
- Transit control card to Galapagos Island (TCT) $20 p.p (Subject to change)
- Gratuities.
- Wire transfer costs or credit card fees.
- Other non expecified.
CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
---|---|---|
QUITO | REINA ISABEL | BREAKFAST |
YASUNI | SANI LODGE https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodges-in-yasuni/sani-lodge.html |
BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER |
COTOPAXI | LOS MORTINOS | BREAKFAST |
BAÑOS | LA FLORESTA | BREAKFAST |
RIOBAMBA | CASA REAL | BREAKFAST |
CUENCA | INCA REAL | BREAKFAST |
GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK | BREAKFAST |
GALAPAGOS | GALAXY YACHT (GALAPAGOS CRUISE) https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/galapagos-islands/first-class/galaxy.html |
BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER |
RATES 2024 | PRICE |
---|---|
LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN 3 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $1,725 |
SANI LODGE BASED IN DOUBLE ACCOMMODATION (5DAYS/4NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (UIO–OCC–UIO) | $1,443 |
GALAXY YACHT (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (GYE–GPS– UIO) (Subject to availability on dates) | $3,010 |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON | $6,178 |
RATES 2025 | PRICE |
---|---|
LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN 3 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $1,681 |
SANI LODGE BASED IN DOUBLE ACCOMMODATION (5DAYS/4NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (UIO–OCC–UIO) | $1,427 |
GALAXY YACHT (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (GYE–GPS– UIO) (Subject to availability on dates) | $3,650 |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON | $6,758 |
INCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide-driver.
- Transfers airport – hotel - airport.
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms with private bathroom.
- Meals according the description of the program.
- Excursions according to the itinerary.
- Museum entrance fees during the land program.
- 5 day tour in standard cabin in Sani Lodge.
- Air tickets Quito – Coca – Quito with assistance.
- Galapagos cruise and Air tickets (GYE-GPS-UIO) (Subject to availability on dates)
- 6 days tour aboard the Galapagos Cruise. (Subject to availability on dates)
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Extra activities are not specified in the program.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park. $200 p.p (Subject to change)
- Transit control card to Galapagos Island (TCT) $20 p.p
- (Subject to change)
- Gratuities.
- Wire transfer costs or credit card fees.
- Other non expecified.
CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
---|---|---|
QUITO | MERCURE ALAMEDA | BREAKFAST |
YASUNI | NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (STANDARD ROOM)
https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodges-in-yasuni/napo-wildlife-center.html |
BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER |
COTOPAXI | LA CIENEGA | BREAKFAST |
BAÑOS | SANGAY | BREAKFAST |
RIOBAMBA | ABRASPUNGO | BREAKFAST |
CUENCA | SANTA LUCIA | BREAKFAST |
GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK | BREAKFAST |
GALAPAGOS | GALAXY CATAMARAN (GALAPAGOS CRUISE) https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/galapagos-islands/first-class/ecogalaxy.html |
BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER |
RATES 2024 | PRICE |
---|---|
LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN 4 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $1,864 |
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER STANDARD ROOM LODGE (5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS) + FLIGHT TICKETS (UIO–OCC–UIO) | $2,124 |
ECOGALAXY CATAMARAN (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (GYE– GPS–UIO) (Subject to availability on dates) | $3,740 |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON | $7,728 |
RATES 2025 | PRICE |
---|---|
LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED IN 4 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $1,835 |
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER STANDARD ROOM (5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS) + FLIGHT TICKETS (UIO–OCC–UIO) | $2,124 |
ECOGALAXY CATAMARAN (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (GYE– GPS–UIO) (Subject to availability on dates) | $4,700 |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON | $8,659 |
INCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide-driver.
- Transfers airport – hotel - airport.
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms with private bathroom.
- Meals according the description of the program.
- Excursions according to the itinerary.
- Museum entrance fees during the land program.
- 5 day tour in standard cabin at Napo wildlife center.
- Air tickets Quito – Coca – Quito with assistance.
- Galapagos cruise and Air tickets (GYE-GPS-UIO) (Subject to availability on dates)
- 6 days tour aboard the Galapagos Cruise. (Subject to availability on dates)
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Extra activities are not specified in the program.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park. $200 p.p (Subject to change)
- Transit control card to Galapagos Island (TCT) $20 p.p (Subject to change)
- Gratuities.
- Wire transfer costs or credit card fees.
- Other non expecified.
CITY | HOTEL | MEALS INCLUDED |
---|---|---|
QUITO | PATIO ANDALUZ (SUPERIOR DOBLE) | BREAKFAST |
YASUNI | NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (SUITE CABIN)
https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodges-in-yasuni/napo-wildlife-center.html |
BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER |
COTOPAXI | LA CIENEGA (SUITE) | BREAKFAST |
BAÑOS | LUNA VOLCAN | BREAKFAST |
RIOBAMBA | HACIENDA ANDALUZA | BREAKFAST - DINNER |
CUENCA | MANSION ALCAZAR | BREAKFAST |
GUAYAQUIL | UNIPARK (SUITE) | BREAKFAST |
GALAPAGOS | GALAXY SIRIUS (GALAPAGOS CRUISE) https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/galapagos-islands/luxury-class/galaxy-sirius.html |
BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER |
RATES 2024 | PRICE |
---|---|
LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED ON 5 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $2,444 |
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (SUITE CABIN) (5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (UIO– OCC-UIO) | $2,489 |
GALAXY SIRIUS (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (GYE–GPS–UIO) (Subject to availability on dates) | $5,900 |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON | $10,833 |
INCLUDE:
- Private transportation during the whole program with English speaking guide-driver.
- Transfers airport – hotel - airport.
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms with private bathroom.
- Meals according the description of the program.
- Excursions according to the itinerary.
- Museum entrance fees during the land program.
- 5 day tour in Suite cabin in Napo Wildlife Center.
- Air tickets Quito – Coca – Quito with assistance.
- Galapagos cruise and Air tickets (GYE-GPS-UIO) (Subject to availability on dates)
- 6 days tour aboard the Galapagos Cruise. (Subject to availability on dates)
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not specified in the program.
- Extra activities are not specified in the program.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park. $200 p.p (Subject to change)
- Transit control card to Galapagos Island (TCT) $20 p.p (Subject to change)
- Gratuities.
- Wire transfer costs or credit card fees.
- Other non expecified.
RATES 2025 | PRICE |
---|---|
LAND TOUR AROUND ECUADOR BASED ON 5 STAR HOTELS ACCOMMODATION | $2,237 |
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER (SUITE CABIN) (5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (UIO– OCC-UIO) | $2,489 |
GALAXY SIRIUS (6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS) + AIR TICKETS (GYE–GPS–UIO) (Subject to availability on dates) | $6,650 |
GRAND TOTAL PER PERSON | $11,376 |
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