Your itinerary
Day 1
Adventure starts in Quito
Begin the adventure in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, high in the Andes. To make things easy, there are free transfers from the airport to the hotel for everyone today – check the Joining Instructions for further details.
Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Ecuadorian welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want more time in Quito? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Quito tour • Agave experience and Intiñan Equator Museum
Start with a tour of Quito’s historic centre, a World Heritage site. Led by our tour leader, we visit the highlights, including the Plaza de la Independencia, home to the Carondelet Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, famous for its gold-decorated interior.
After, we head to Casa Agave to learn about the cultural and economic importance of agave in Ecuador and enjoy a tasting of agave products, including miske, an indigenous alcoholic drink. Lunch is served at this venue, a delicious sample of local cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit the Intiñan Equator Museum, which is located near the equator line. This fun interactive museum explores indigenous culture and traditions, as well as unique phenomena related to the geographic location.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 3
Cotopaxi National Park • To Baños
Travel (two hours) to Cotopaxi National Park in the morning, home to Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
Here, we embark on a one-hour hike through the stunning park, which sits at 12,470ft (3,800m) above sea level. Our route is a circular trail around Limpiopungo Lagoon, whose waters can reflect the volcano.
Enjoy lunch at La Cienega, a colonial hacienda turned restaurant, eating traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a historic setting. Following lunch, we transfer (two hours) to Baños de Agua Santa, a town known for its thermal baths and adventure activities. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore, visit cafes, or relax in the thermal baths.
Upgrade to the Highland suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 4
Visit Devil's Cauldron waterfall and the Swing at the End of the World
Begin with a visit to Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), a powerful waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. To get to the base of the falls, we take a trail (30-40 minutes) with hanging bridges and viewpoints where you can enjoy spectacular views and feel the power of nature.
After, we return to the vehicle and drive to the Swing at the End of the World, where you can swing out over a cliff to enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and mountains.
In the afternoon, we return to Baños for time to explore at your own pace. Visit the hot springs, stroll through local markets, or relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Upgrade to the Highland suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
To the Amazon Rainforest
Leave Baños in the morning and transfer (three hours) to Tena, the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The journey takes us through spectacular landscapes, from Andean mountains to lush rainforest.
Enjoy lunch in Tena, then continue to our rainforest lodge – a 1hr 30min drive, followed by a 15-minute canoe ride.
Settle in and enjoy dinner before we take a 45-minute night walk around the lodge with an expert naturalist to discover our new surroundings.
There are fantastic sounds to listen out for, including the calls of frogs, oropendolas, jays and a variety of insects – a wonderful experience amid the rainforest humidity.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 6
Visit amaZOOnico Animal Rescue Centre • Rainforest exploration
Begin with a visit to amaZOOnico, taking a short motor canoe ride to get there. A rescue and rehabilitation facility for jungle animals, it’s home to various Amazonian species, such as monkeys, toucans and ocelots.
During the visit, we learn about their conservation efforts and the threats these animals face in their natural habitat. Guides provide detailed information about the different animals and the stories behind each rescue.
After returning to Liana Lodge for lunch, we embark on an exploration of the Amazon jungle guided by local experts who show the rich biodiversity of the Amazon ecosystem.
During the hike, we learn about medicinal plants, local flora and fauna, and survival techniques used by Indigenous communities.
The order of activities today may change depending on water conditions and other factors.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 7
To Papallacta hot springs
Bid farewell to the Amazon after breakfast and head to Papallacta, a town renowned for its thermal baths. A drive (at least 4hr 30min) takes us through the Amazon rainforest to the high Andes, offering diverse views of Ecuadorian landscapes.
This afternoon, rejuvenate in the thermal waters at the hotel (which are heated by underground volcanic activity and said to have therapeutic properties) or explore the nearby trails.
Upgrade to a room with a Jacuzzi today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Fly to San Cristóbal • Visit La Lobería
Leave the hotel around 6.30am and transfer (five minutes) to Quito Airport, where we catch our flight to San Cristóbal in the Galápagos via Guayaquil.
Bid farewell to our mainland tour leader at the airport; our Galápagos tour leader (an official Galápagos National Park Naturalist Guide) then meets us at San Cristóbal Airport (where we pay our US$200 Galapagos taxes in cash) and takes us to the hotel for check-in and our first briefing about our time in the archipelago.
Once checked in, we have time to explore the town and enjoy a restaurant lunch before the afternoon activity with two options available, depending on your preference.
Option one: Snorkel from La Lobería beach, a wonderful stretch surrounded by mangroves, volcanic rocks and sea lion colonies. You’ll start by visiting a local store for an equipment fitting – this equipment is yours until the final day in the Galápagos, when our local team returns it for you. Then, guided by our Galápagos tour leader and assistant, we head into the water from the beach, ensuring everyone is paired up for safety.
Please inform your tour leader if you are not a confident swimmer, or if you have never snorkelled before so they can assist you accordingly. Sea conditions can change. At times, the waves and currents can be strong, plus the shore is rocky.
Option two: Enjoy one of the coastal walks on San Cristóbal. A favourite is the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno walk, which takes you to Charles Darwin’s first landing spot.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Tour Isla Lobos and Playa Ochoa
Start your day with an exciting tour to Isla Lobos, a small, uninhabited island near San Cristóbal. This excursion takes you by boat to one of the best spots in the Galapagos for birdwatching, with a chance to see frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies. It is also a great place to see sea lions in their natural habitat. This island is made of volcanic rock, so the terrain is uneven.
If for any reason Isla Lobos is unavailable, we visit Kicker Rock today instead.
After our slow walk around the small island, we have a second opportunity to snorkel. From the boat, we enter the clear waters around the island, guided by our tour leader and an assistant. We swim along the coastline hoping to see marine life such as turtles, rays and, occasionally, whitetip reef sharks.
Please inform your tour leader if you are not a confident swimmer, or if you have never snorkelled before so they can assist you accordingly. Sea conditions can change. At times, the waves and currents can be strong, plus the shore is rocky.
After lunch on board, we head to Playa Ochoa, a white-sand beach with turquoise waters. It’s ideal for relaxing, while also offering excellent birdwatching and further snorkelling opportunities. Once back in town, the rest of the afternoon is free.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 10
Boat to Floreana • Visit the highlands
A three-hour navigation by motorboat takes us to Floreana, one of the first islands to be inhabited in the Galapagos, yet still relatively untouched by development – don’t expect to see many restaurants or shops!
En route, we may see whales, dolphins and sea birds. After lunch at one of the few local restaurants, we visit the highlands and see lava caves once used by pirates and a large enclosure of Galapagos giant tortoises.
In the afternoon, we travel (2hr 30min to three hours) by speedboat to Isabela Island.
See Boat Transfers in the Is This Trip for You? section for more information on our crossings.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 11
Morning visit to Las Tintoreras Islet • Afternoon exploration at the Wall of Tears
Spend 15 minutes travelling to the islet and lava channels of Las Tintoreras, one of the best places in the Galapagos to see whitetip reef sharks, penguins and sea lions. This protected site is named after the white-tip reef sharks (tintoreras in Spanish) that are often seen resting in the narrow lava channel separating the island from Isabela.
A 40-minute walk explores the islet and back to the boat, before we jump into the water for a snorkel!
This afternoon, we have an optional walk (7.5mi/12km round-trip) to the Wall of Tears, a sad reminder of Isabela’s very different past when it was used as a penal colony. Between 1946 and 1959, convicts were forced to build this wall from huge blocks of lava as a form of punishment, which, combined with the harsh conditions, led to many deaths.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12
To Santa Cruz • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and Tortuga Bay
Navigate by speedboat (two hours to 2hr 30min) to Santa Cruz early this morning.
Upon arrival, we leave our luggage at our hotel and head out to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station’s breeding facility – the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. Here, we are introduced to some of the important work that takes place on the island, such as rearing giant tortoises until they reach an age where they can be released into the wild. After, we visit the exhibition hall and gift shop, where we can get our passports stamped in commemoration.
In the afternoon, we walk to Tortuga Bay, a long stretch of white sand that’s regarded as one of the best beaches in the Galapagos. The trail leading to the beach is paved and takes 45 minutes to one hour each way (5.5mi/9km total). There are possibilities to observe Galapagos finches and lizards en route.
The beach is scattered with marine iguanas, which lie among the clusters of black rocks or stroll along the sand. Turtles can sometimes be seen in the water, though swimming is not recommended due to the strong currents.
Santa Cruz is the most inhabited of the Galapagos islands, meaning you can enjoy perusing the souvenir shops and restaurants.
See Boat Transfers in the Is This Trip for You? section for more information on our crossings.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Morning bay tour • Afternoon visit to the Santa Cruz highlands
Our first stop on our bay tour is the Canal de Tiburones. Here, we follow a small trail and hope to see whitetip reef sharks and, if lucky, lava herons.
After, we visit Canal del Amor, which translates to the Love Channel, as it’s known for its romantic and tranquil atmosphere. We take in the beauty while Sally Lightfoot crabs and blue-footed boobies rest on the rocks.
We continue with a visit to Playa de los Perros, where the largest marine iguanas on the islands live, and finish at Las Grietas, where we have our final snorkelling of the trip. Las Grietas is a lava formation with giant walls, and we swim in deep water through the narrow canyon valley viewing the geological formations
Please let your tour leader know if you would like additional swim aids or assistance.
In the afternoon, we transfer (40 minutes) to the giant tortoise nature reserve in the highlands, a great place to see giant tortoises in the wild. Here, we learn about the history of the land, learning about the ongoing reforestation project and visiting the lava cave formations.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Day 14
Fly back to Quito
After a few days following the footsteps of Darwin, Cousteau and world-renowned scientists, it is time to say goodbye to the Enchanted Islands.
After breakfast, we journey to Baltra Island Airport via minibus, boat, and airport shuttle bus – bidding a fond farewell to our Galapagos tour leader – and fly to Quito via Guayaquil.
Our mainland tour leader meets us upon arrival and we have the rest of the evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15
Adventure ends in Quito
Our adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to stay in Quito beyond the trip, speak to your sales representative to book extra nights.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s included
What’s not included
Additional information
Food
For lunch and dinner, the tour leader will recommend various options in convenient locations, usually booking restaurants and eating with the group. For the included meals at restaurants, they are usually a set menu with two or three options.
Drinks and incidentals are quite expensive in the Galapagos, as everything is imported from the mainland. The choice of meals in some areas can be limited but special dietary requirements can usually be catered for if we are advised at the time of booking. Budget for around US$20-US$25 per meal.
Breakfasts are a mix of continental and boxed breakfasts, depending on the hotel. They are generally simple in the Galápagos, but sufficient to fuel you for a day of adventure.
The choice of meals in some areas of the Galápagos can be limited but special dietary requirements can usually be catered for if we are advised at the time of booking.
Las Tintoreras Islet Walk & Snorkel (Isabela)
Ride a short distance by boat to Las Tintoreras, where a lava path winds past marine iguanas and tide pools to a narrow channel. Peer down to spot resting whitetip reef sharks in the calm, shadowed water.
After the walk, snorkel clear bays alongside sea lions and reef fish, and—if conditions favor—watch for the quick silhouettes of Galápagos penguins darting between the rocks.
Santa Cruz Bay Tour & Las Grietas Snorkel
Embark on a small-boat circuit to the Canal de Tiburones (Shark Channel) and tranquil Canal del Amor, scanning lava ledges for herons and blue-footed boobies. The shoreline’s sculpted geology frames sheltered coves and crystalline water.
Continue to Playa de los Perros to observe burly marine iguanas, then cap the outing with a swim and snorkel at Las Grietas, a dramatic lava fissure filled with cool, gin-clear seawater.
Papallacta Hot Springs Soak
Unwind in steaming pools at Termas de Papallacta, where you’ll soak in geothermal pools framed by cloud-forest slopes. Move between warm and cool basins as mists drift through gardens and volcanically warmed waters soothe travel-weary muscles.
Fed by the Antisana massif, these volcanic-heated waters are famed locally for their restorative properties. Between dips, enjoy the cloud-forest setting and crisp mountain air—an idyllic interlude in the high Andes.
La Lobería Beach Snorkel (San Cristóbal)
Wade in from shore to snorkel La Lobería, a rocky cove known for its playful sea lion colony. Drift over gardens of coral-like lava rock while scanning for green turtles and shoals of reef fish in the clear Pacific.
Before entering, your guide provides a safety briefing and helps with gear fitting. On land, look for marine iguanas lounging on black basalt as waves lash the coast.
Isla Lobos Boat Excursion & Snorkel
Cruise by small boat to Isla Lobos, a low-lying islet frequented by blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Step ashore on uneven lava to watch sea lions laze on warm rocks amid saltbush and cacti.
After a briefing, slip into the water for a guided snorkel alongside inquisitive sea lions, parrotfish and, with luck, turtles or whitetip reef sharks gliding over the sandy bottom.
Floreana Highlands: Pirate Lava Caves & Giant Tortoises
Head up to the Floreana highlands to explore pirate lava caves—tubular passages formed by ancient flows and later used as shelters by seafarers. Lantern light reveals rippled walls and echoes of maritime lore.
Nearby, meet giant tortoises in a protected area and hear about Floreana’s pioneering settlers and conservation challenges. The blend of geology, wildlife and island pioneer history makes this a distinctive Galápagos chapter.
Quito Welcome Dinner & Orientation
Meet your group and meet your Tour Director over a convivial welcome dinner in Quito, where Andean hospitality and city views set an inviting tone. Savor Andean flavours—think locro de papa, empanadas and bright aji sauces—while your leader outlines the journey and shares practical tips for travel at altitude.
Set in the capital’s atmospheric neighborhoods, the evening blends warm introductions with insights into Ecuador’s culinary traditions and regional produce. Expect local ingredients, conversation about the country’s diverse regions, and a relaxed primer on the days ahead.
Quito Historic Centre Walking Tour & La Compañía
Join a guided walking tour through Quito’s UNESCO-listed heart to the elegant Plaza de la Independencia, framed by the Presidential Carondelet Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Colonial arcades, cobbled lanes and mountain backdrops reveal a city shaped by faith, trade and the high Andes.
Continue to the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, renowned for its baroque, gold-leaf interior. Learn how Jesuit artisans fused European forms with local artistry, and appreciate the craftsmanship that made this sanctuary one of South America’s most lavishly adorned churches.
Casa Agave Cultural Experience & Tasting
Discover Casa Agave, where you’ll learn how Andean communities cultivate and transform agave into food, fiber and spirits. Explore the plant’s life cycle, watch elements of agave distillation, and taste miske alongside other agave-based specialties that speak to Ecuador’s deep-rooted traditions.
Round out the visit with a locally inspired lunch, pairing regional dishes with artisanal products. Hosts share stories of heritage production and sustainability, illuminating the cultural and economic role agave plays across the highlands.
Intiñan Equator Museum Experience
Visit the Intiñan Equator Museum and stand astride the equator, contemplating the global line that divides hemispheres. Stroll outdoor exhibits and traditional structures that introduce the lifeways of highland peoples and the Andean relationship with the sun and seasons.
Engage with interactive exhibits exploring geography and local culture, and snap photos at the equator line markers. It’s a playful, informative stop that connects scientific curiosity with Ecuador’s indigenous heritage.
Cotopaxi Limpiopungo Lagoon Hike & Hacienda Lunch
Walk the loop trail to hike around Limpiopungo Lagoon in Cotopaxi National Park, soaking up the crisp high páramo air and mirrored views of Cotopaxi’s snow-capped cone. Watch for Andean waterfowl and wild horses set against sweeping volcanic scenery at 3,800m.
Afterwards, sit down to a hearty Andean meal at Hacienda La Cienega, a storied colonial estate near the park. The historic setting and traditional flavors offer a grounded sense of place after your scenic hike.
Pailón del Diablo Waterfall Trail & Swing at the End of the World
Follow forested paths and hanging bridges to the thundering Pailón del Diablo, where spray mists the canyon and the roar of water fills the air. Strategically placed viewpoints reveal the power and beauty of the Pastaza River as it carves through lush slopes.
Continue to the famed Swing at the End of the World at Casa del Árbol. Soar above the valley and take in Pastaza Valley panoramas, a lighthearted counterpoint to the drama of the falls.
Amazon Rainforest Night Walk with Naturalist
Venture out on a guided night walk from your riverside lodge, following torchlit trails as the rainforest chorus crescendos. Search for tree frogs, bioluminescent fungi and delicate insects while interpreting tracks and eyeshine in the undergrowth.
Your local naturalist explains nocturnal adaptations and the ecological roles of these creatures within the world’s greatest biodome. This torchlight exploration reveals a sensory side of the Amazon few experience by day.
AmaZOOnico Rescue Centre Visit & Amazon Forest Walk
Glide by canoe to amaZOOnico, a jungle refuge dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Learn how capuchins, toucans and ocelots arrive here, the stories behind their care, and the goal of returning animals to protected habitats when possible.
Afterwards, set out on a guided forest walk to identify medicinal plants, towering palms and intricate lianas. Hear how indigenous knowledge informs modern conservation and how each layer of the canopy supports Amazonian life.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Coastal Walk to Darwin’s First Landing Site
Follow a signed trail on a scenic coastal walk from the harbor to viewpoints over Darwin’s Cove, recognized as Darwin’s first landing site in 1835. Expect sea breezes, lava outcrops and stands of prickly-pear cactus along the route.
Watch for frigatebirds circling the Cerro Tijeretas overlook and blue-footed boobies on rocky ledges. Interpretation panels highlight natural history and the moment this archipelago entered scientific legend.
Playa Ochoa Beach Time & Snorkel
Unroll a towel on the white-sand Playa Ochoa, a quiet crescent washed by turquoise seas. Wade out to snorkel in turquoise water where juvenile fish shelter near lava rocks and rays sometimes ghost across the sand.
Back on shore, vivid Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle over black boulders while marine iguanas bask. It’s a gentle coastal pause to soak in the seaside calm between wildlife encounters.
Wall of Tears Hike (Isabela Island)
Follow a coastal trail through lava and cactus scrub to the somber Wall of Tears, a towering barrier of basalt blocks. Built by prisoners in the 1940s–50s, it stands as a stark memorial on this otherwise serene island.
Guides recount penal colony history as you pause amid lava and cactus scrub and ocean panoramas. It’s a moment to pause for reflection on the human stories woven into the archipelago.
Charles Darwin Research Station & Tortuga Bay Walk (Santa Cruz)
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, where juvenile tortoises are reared for release. Learn about restoration ecology, invasive-species control and the legacy of island conservation.
Later, walk to Tortuga Bay along a paved trail lined with opuntia cacti and finches. At the shore, marine iguanas sprawl on bright sands while Pacific rollers break offshore—an iconic Santa Cruz seascape.
Santa Cruz Highlands Giant Tortoises Reserve & Lava Tunnels
Travel into the uplands to watch giant tortoises in the wild grazing through pastures and scalesia groves. Their slow, deliberate movements and ancient faces make encounters deeply memorable.
Then explore vaulted lava tunnels shaped by historic eruptions and hear about ongoing reforestation efforts that help restore native habitats. The highlands’ cool, misty climate offers a striking contrast to the coast.
