Ecuador Mainland Galapagos

After breakfast you will set off for Mindo. The first stop will take you to the Alambi Reserve, located in the middle of 250 hectares of cloud forest, which is known among birdwatchers for its variety of hummingbirds. Ecuador is one of the world’s four most bird-rich countries, almost half of all hummingbird species live here. In addition to purple-crowned finches, giant stilts, inguinal beaked toucan, toucan bearded bird, you can observe many more. The second stop is in the Sachatamia nature reserve, from where you can discover and admire the breathtaking flora and fauna of the cloud forest on a guided hike. After lunch in Sachatamia, you will continue towards Mindo, where you will have the opportunity to visit a butterfly farm. Once you arrive at your accommodation you can let the impressions of the day take effect on you.

After breakfast, you will go on a hike of about 1.5 hours through an evergreen landscape to the waterfall on the Nambillo River. This waterfall with a height of about 15 meters is one of the most visited natural attractions in Mindo. After the visit of the waterfall you can try different flavours and a chocolate mask while visiting a chocolate factory. In the afternoon you will drive back towards Quito and spend another night near the airport.

After breakfast you will go to the Avenue of Volcanoes, where you will see the snow-covered volcanoes Cayambe, Pichincha, Pasochoa, Antisana, Corazón, Rumiñahui, Ilinizas and our destination, Cotopaxi (5,897 m) on a clear day. The Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. You will also visit the Limpiopungo Lagoon and its rich flora and fauna and optional hike to the Refugio José Rivas refuge at 4,800 m. Lunch will be served in a restaurant with a fantastic view of the Cotopaxi Volcano. Afterwards you will drive to your hotel in Baños.

In the morning you will explore the city of Baños, which is famous for its waterfalls in the area. The first stop of the day is at the Pailo del Diablo (Devil’s Pan), where you can feel the fresh breeze from the 80 meter high waterfall after a short hike. On various viewing platforms you have the opportunity to enjoy the waterfall from all sides. Continue to the famous Tarabita (cable car) – here you will have a breathtaking view of nature as well as of the city of Baños. In the evening you visit the Casa del Árbol (tree house), which offers a spectacular view of the active volcano Tungurahua. For the brave ones there is the possibility to enjoy this view while swinging on the precipice of the mountain.

On the way back towards Quito, you will stop in Los Salasacas, where you will have the opportunity to admire typical handicrafts and weaving art of the region. There is also a local market on a Sunday. The next stop shows the breathtaking Quilotoa crater. It captivates with its diameter of about 3 km and its lagoon with turquoise water.

Today you will set off for Galapagos. Together with other international guests you will travel by ferry (travel time approx. 10 min.) and private transfer (travel time approx. 45 min.) to Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. There you will visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station, which was founded in 1965 and gives you an insight into the natural history of the islands. You will see the iguana enclosure, the breeding station for turtles and explore the area on an educational trail (duration approx. 2 hours). The afternoon is at your free disposal. Optional excursion: Bay tour for snorkeling with sea lions, Playa de los Perros, Las Grietas.

Today you will take a full day boat tour from Puerto Ayora to one of these islands: Seymour Norte, Plaza Sur, Bartolomé or Santa Fe together with other international travelers. The local national park authority will decide which islands to visit. All islands offer a unique nature and animal world, which you can admire and photograph very close. You will have your lunch on board the ship. In the evening you return to Puerto Ayora.

Today you will explore a nearby Galapagos Island and, depending on availability, take an excursion yacht to one of the following islands: Plaza Sur, Seymour Norte, Santa Fé or Bartolomé. Here you can enjoy the over- and underwater world of the island both on land and while snorkeling. Enjoy your lunch on board before returning to Santa Cruz in the late afternoon.

In the morning you have the opportunity for a hike to Tortuga Bay Beach (approx. 5 km, 45min.), a beautiful wide sandy beach. The beach is reserved for the diverse fauna of the island: Marine Lizards, the Red Cliff Crab and various bird species can be seen along Tortuga Bay Beach.
Your guide will accompany you to the port of Puerto Ayora, where you will board the public speed boat around 2 pm, which will take you to the island of Isabela (travel time approx. 3 hours). During the crossing you will be on the lookout for gannets, albatrosses and flying fish. On arrival at the port of Puerto Villamil you will reach the largest island of the archipelago. Isabela impresses with its wildlife and the five volcanoes whose eruptions have shaped the island. After you have moved into your room, you will explore the surroundings of Puerto Villamil and the beautiful beaches of the island on your own.

Together with other international guests you will hike to the volcanic crater Sierra Negra, which is the second largest in the world with a height of 1.490 m and a crater diameter of about 9 km. With good visibility you can look into the huge crater with its seemingly endless lava field. After a picnic with a breathtaking view, we continue to the volcano Chico, which temporarily ejects gas and steam fountains.

Early in the morning around 8 o’clock your boat tour to the lava tunnels starts (duration of the trip about 2 hours). Already on the way you will meet many different animals like water turtles, sea lions and rays. You drive along the bizarre coast, stop at Roca Union and can see the impressively formed lava formations. Then you will go by boat into the lava tunnels. There the water is calm, shallow and crystal clear. On some days, you can see upto 40 animals of green sea turtles in the crystal clear water. Your guide will show you the variety of animals and there is also the possibility for snorkeling. After lunch you will start your return trip, around 3 pm you will be back in Puerto Villamil and have the rest of the afternoon at your disposal.

Around 6 am with the public speedboat to Santa Cruz (journey time approx. 3 hours) and breakfast in Puerto Ayora. Crossing of the Itabaca Canal. Airport bus to Baltra Airport. Early afternoon flight (optional) back to the mainland to Guayaquil or Quito. Individual continuation or return flight to Europe (optional).