Energetic pace with more physically demanding activity. Longer walking/hiking tours (more than 3 hours), over uneven and possibly rugged terrain. Expect some longer days. Varying altitudes with some steep ascents/descents. Capable of standing for extended periods of time. Some days may include 5–13 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Quito via Panama City and transfer to our hotel.
Our city tour includes the colonial centre, the Compañía Church, Independence Square, and the main Cathedral. We’ll visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City), where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. We’ll learn about the region’s indigenous groups at the Equatorial Museum.
We head to our Rainforest lodge in Mindo, passing through small villages, and stopping en route to view the Pululahua Volcano Reserve. We will enjoy a traditional lunch at the Los Armadillos Cafe, famous for its hummingbirds.
A tour highlight! We will visit a bird sanctuary to learn about the incredible variety of flora & fauna, and have an interactive experience with hummingbirds. After relaxing in Mindo, we’ll visit an artisanal chocolate factory for a workshop and tasting.
We travel to Cotopaxi National Park to admire the world’s highest active volcano. We visit Limpiopungo Lake to discover the flaura & fauna of the Ecuadorian mountains, a contrast from that of the rainforest. We’ll enjoy lunch at Tambopaxi Mountain Lodge.
After breakfast we head to Baños, named for its thermal baths created by the mighty Tungurahua Volcano. A short walk into the cloud forest will bring us to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South America, the “Pailón del Diablo” (“Devil’s Cauldron”). Then, we’ll take a cable car ride over the spectacualr Pastaza River Canyon.
After a morning at leisure, we continue up the Andes, where we’ll view Chimborazo Volcano, before visiting the indigenous community of La Moya, known for keeping their ancestral traditions alive. Here we will enjoy a traditional lunch before spending the afternoon exploring and learning about their history, culture, and way of life. We continue on to Riobamba, surrounded by volcanoes.
We travel to Cuenca, with a detour en route to visit Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site.
Our city tour begins with a stroll through the cobbled streets of this colonial jewel and beautiful UNESCO World Cultural city. We’ll see people wearing traditional colourful costumes—a visual feast for photographers! The day includes a museum visit, panoramic views from Turi Hill, and a visit to a factory that makes traditional Panama hats.
A full day at leisure to explore this beautiful city.
We drive to El Cajas National Park, world renowned for its 300 lakes. We’ll take in breathtaking views before descending to sea level—an amazingly rapid change in landscape and climate as we pass from the high moorlands, through the cloud forest, and then through tropical cocoa and banana plantations. We end the day in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s main port city, where we’ll take a guided walk through the city center and Malecón, before enjoying dinner.
We fly to the enchanting Galapagos Islands, and proceed to San Cristobal Island. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of Playa Mann and walk to the viewpoint of Cerro Tijeretas. Afternoon at leisure.
This morning, we set out on a yacht with a Naturalist Guide to visit the island of Kicker Rock, one of the island’s top spots for snorkeling! Enjoy a day at sea, spotting wildlife such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. On our snorkeling adventure look for sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, Galapagos sharks and tropical fish. Hot lunch on board.
We depart by speedboat for the island of Santa Cruz, for a guided tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station. We’ll learn about the research and conservation efforts dedicated to preserving the environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos archipelago. We’ll also visit with Lonesome George, the famously preserved male Pinta Island tortoise and last known individual of his subspecies.
We travel by yacht to visit a nearby island. Here we can explore the island on a hike, and snorkel in the surrounding waters
Today we visit a Tortoise Reserve to see the giant land tortoises. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles can weigh between 250-300 kg, live up to 200 years and can be spotted in the wild all across the island.
We ferry through the Itabaca Canal to the airport for our flight back to the mainland. Tonight is our Farewell Dinner in Guayaquil.
We fly back to Canada, via Panama City.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
