Wild Ecuador: Volcanoes, Amazon & Galapagos
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Surprisingly diverse for a country of its size, Ecuador provides visitors with a breathless mix of incredible contrasts. From colonial splendour and snow-capped volcanoes to Amazonian rainforest and the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, it provides the perfect blend of culture, wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
Beginning in Quito you’ll have a chance to soak up the colonial influences of its historic heart, before being driven through the spectacular 'Avenue of ...
Surprisingly diverse for a country of its size, Ecuador provides visitors with a breathless mix of incredible contrasts. From colonial splendour and snow-capped volcanoes to Amazonian rainforest and the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, it provides the perfect blend of culture, wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
Beginning in Quito you’ll have a chance to soak up the colonial influences of its historic heart, before being driven through the spectacular 'Avenue of the Volcanoes&' to Cotopaxi National Park. Home to the country's second highest peak, the beautifully rugged altiplano is a wonderful mix of rural tradition and scenery, perfect for exploring on horseback and by bike.
Flying down to the Amazon, you then have time to explore one of the planet's richest natural landscapes in the company of an expert naturalist. The sheer size and diversity of the Amazon is beyond comparison, spanning some 40% of the entire continent and playing host to one in ten of the earth's known species. And, as if that wasn't enough, you'll cap the adventure off with a four-night cruise of the peerless Galapagos Islands.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Swim with sealions and experience the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands
- Cross the equator and explore the capital of Quito
- Encounter incredible biodiversity at the wildlife refuge of Pasachoa
- Horse ride with the chagras in Cotopaxi National Park
- Take canoes out in search of wildlife in the heart of the Amazon basin
- Stay at a traditional hacienda and experience rural Andean life
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE QUITO
DAY 1: ARRIVE QUITO
When you arrive in Quito you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. You have this afternoon free to relax after your flight.
DAY 2: QUITO
DAY 2: QUITO
Today take a city tour of Quito walking through the colonial streets and visiting the palaces, cathedrals and churches of the city. Highlights include the Legislative Palace, where you can see rock murals relating to the history of Ecuador, and the wonderful Independence Plaza. You will then visit the Panecillo Mirador, from where a sight of colonial and modern Quito can be enjoyed. Finally, to end the day you will be taken out of the city for a chance to stand on the equatorial line.
DAY 3: QUITO - PASOCHOA - COTOPAXI
DAY 3: QUITO - PASOCHOA - COTOPAXI
You will be collected from your hotel in Quito and taken to Cotopaxi, driving through the Avenue of Volcanoes on the way. You will stop at Pasachoa Wildlife Refuge on the slopes of the extinct Pasochoa Volcano, the refuge is home to over 100 bird species, as well as orchids, bromelias and other epiphytic plants and there are various walking trails to explore the refuge. Later you will continue to the town of Lasson where an open fire awaits you at your Hacienda.
DAY 4: COTOPAXI
DAY 4: COTOPAXI
Horse-riding is a time honoured tradition in the Andean region and especially in the Altiplano of Cotopaxi National Park. Today you will ride with real chagras (Andean cowboys) and head out into the ruggedly beautiful Altiplano. This is a memorable and stunning excursion and the best way to observe this mountainous region of Ecuador.
DAY 5: COTOPAXI - QUITO
DAY 5: COTOPAXI - QUITO
This morning you be driven through the Paramo landscape to the highest point of Cotopaxi, where you will be able to enjoy views of the surrounding 8 volcanoes. You will cycle down the dirt roads through volcanic ash to the Inca ruin, which is located at 3700m where you will stop for a packed lunch before continuing from Lake Limpipungo through the pine forest. At the end of the bike ride you will be taken back to Quito.
DAY 6: QUITO - AMAZON RAINFOREST
DAY 6: QUITO - AMAZON RAINFOREST
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Quito Airport for your flight to Coca. On arrival to Coca Airport you will be met by your representatives from your lodge and taken by small group to the port where you will board the speedboat to Sacha Lodge.
DAY 7: AMAZON RAINFOREST
DAY 7: AMAZON RAINFOREST
For the next couple of says you will be able to choose from an array of excursions into the Amazon rainforest, led by expert naturalist guides as part of a small group by a mixture of foot, dug-out canoe, or by speedboat. Excursions available include early morning bird-watching tours, treks through the rainforest, piranha fishing in the river and canopy walks. You will usually have 2 or 3 excursions a day.
DAY 8: AMAZON RAINFOREST
DAY 8: AMAZON RAINFOREST
Excursions in the rainforest.
DAY 9: AMAZON RAINFOREST - QUITO
DAY 9: AMAZON RAINFOREST - QUITO
You will be helped to the speedboat with your luggage for your thrilling ride upriver back to the port at Coca where you will be collected by mini-van for your short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to Quito.
DAY 10: QUITO - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
DAY 10: QUITO - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Today you will fly to the Galapagos Islands. Here you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxury catamaran.
DAY 11: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
DAY 11: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
Excursions on the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 12: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
DAY 12: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
Excursions on the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 13: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
DAY 13: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE
Excursions on the Galapagos Islands.
DAY 14: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - DEPART QUITO
DAY 14: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - DEPART QUITO
Today you will be transferred back to the airport where your tour will end.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Sacha Lodge, Ecuadorian Amazon
This is a wonderful ecolodge in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, accessed by speedboat and dug-out wooden canoe through a mesmerising black lagoon -it is truly remote. It has lagoon-side decking and loungers for relaxing when you are not out exploring the rainforest by boat or on foot on one of the many fantastic excursions on offer. The 26 rooms are all rustic cabins situated in the forest connected by walkways and there is a central restaurant serving up great local food.
Monserrat, Galapagos Islands (Cruise)
The Monserrat provides guests with 10 comfortable cabins and common areas as well as roomy outdoor spaces and a naturalist guide for every ten travellers, providing an excellent blend of service and comfort during your stay. This ship features a spacious top deck with a bar, and an equally spacious sun deck for those who simply want to relax and lay out in the sunshine and admire the beautiful surroundings. There is also a comfortable indoor dining room and lounge area, an ideal location for relaxing indoors. Fresh international and local cuisine is served on board daily in the ship’s dining room. The Monserrat has eleven dedicated crew members as well as a pair of naturalist guides.
Chilcabamba Lodge, Cotopaxi National Park
An absolutely charming Andean lodge surrounded by Ecuadorian páramo around six kilometres outside the Cotopaxi National Park, a stay at the authentically warm and inviting Chilcabamba Lodge is worth it for anyone wanting to explore the area. The rustic lodging features all the creature comforts you could need at 3,480 metres above sea level including cosy, heated rooms and homely restaurant serving hearty meals. Birdwatching, mountain biking and horse-riding excursions can be organised whilst here as well as trails starting within proximity to the lodge against a backdrop of snow-covered volcanic peaks. The style of the property draws on colonial aspects of tiled flooring and wood-beamed ceilings but is also distinctly Andean with thatched rooves and quaint furniture mixing local charm with contemporary style and exposed brick.
Casa Aliso Hotel, Quito
The lovely Casa Aliso is a boutique hotel located in "La Floresta", a beautiful traditional area in the northern sector of Quito, which was once the city's most elegant neighbourhood, close the the new town and the main shopping areas and only 5 minutes from the colonial centre of the city. Delightfully secluded and discreet, this charming hotel has a lot of character and only 10 beautifully appointed rooms. There is a small restaurant and the staff are friendly, making for a homely yet sophisticated stay.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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