Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Quito via Panama City. Welcome drinks & dinner at our hotel.
Our city tour includes the colonial centre, the Campania Church (one of the richest in the Americas), Independence Square, and the main Cathedral. We’ll also visit the Equatorial Museum to learn about the culture of indigenous groups around the world who live on the Equator. Here, you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
We pass through small villages on the Pan-American Highway to the Mindo Rainforest, stopping enroute to view the Pululahua Volcano reserve. After arriving at the Sachatamia Rainforest Lodge, we’ll enjoy our first guided rainforest walk. With some luck, we might see howler monkeys!
A tour highlight! Our local guide will walk us through the rainforest and show us the jungle’s incredible variety of flora, fauna, and medicinal plants
Another guided walk to explore this diverse ecosystem. Included is a visit to a butterfly conservatory, home to more than 35 species of butterflies and humming birds.
We first stop at the beautiful Cotopaxi National Park to admire the world’s highest active volcano. We’ll stroll around Limpiopungo Lake to discover the variety of plants and animals of the Ecuadorian mountains, totally different from those in the rainforest. We continue to Banos, located near the mighty Tungurahua Volcano.
We visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South America, the “Pailon del Diablo” (“Devil’s Cauldron”), where an easy walk in the cloud forest will take us to the viewpoint of this hidden jewel. Then, we’ll take a cable car ride across the Zamora River Canyon for beautiful views. We continue on to Riobamba, perched up in the Andes, and surrounded by volcanoes.
We travel to Cuenca, stopping enroute at the Nizag indigenous community, who are known for keeping their ancestral traditions alive. We will learn all about the community’s history and culture. Later, we’ll visit Ingapirca, Ecuador’s most important Inca site, before proceeding to Cuenca.
Our city tour begins with a stroll through the cobbled streets of this beautiful UNESCO World Cultural city. This colonial jewel has many picturesque squares, balconies, and churches, including the incredible pink marble cathedral. 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 the traditional Panama hats.
We drive to El Cajas National Park, world renowned for its 300 lakes. We’ll stop at the highest point for 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 cacao and banana plantations. We end the day in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s main port city. There will be free time to explore the city before dinner.
We fly to the enchanting Galapagos islands, and proceed to Santa Cruz Island. We’ll have a guided tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station, to learn about the scientific research and conservation efforts dedicated to preserving the environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos archipelago.
We set out on yacht with a Naturalist Guide to visit a nearby island. Enjoy a relaxing day on the water with wildlife viewing, and snorkeling opportunities. A hot lunch and drinks will be served on board. We return to Santa Cruz in the afternoon for some leisure time.
We depart for the island of Isabela, where we’ll visit Sierra Negra Volcano—one of the most important and active volcanoes in the islands. We’ll take a hike to experience the breathtaking views and the Galapagos flora and fauna. After lunch, we’ll visit the Turtle Centre and the Flamingo Pool.
Today we visit the iconic Las Tintoreras Islet, renowned for its Galapagos sharks, penguins and other animals unique to these islands. We can explore the islet on foot, or enjoy some great snorkeling.
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).
