Day 1 Arrival Quito • Welcome to Ecuador! After landing in Quito, you will be warmly greeted by your German-speaking tour guide and escorted to your hotel. Nestled in the majestic Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito is the highest capital city in the world, offering a fascinating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking mountain panoramas. Accommodation in Quito.
 

Day 2 Quito - Middle of the World • In the morning, you will take a guided city tour of Quito. The magnificent historic old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, drive to the Equator Monument 'Mitad del Mundo,' the center of the world, where you can literally stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere and test the laws of nature. Visit the ethnological museum.

 

Day 3 Quito - Galapagos • Transfer to Quito airport where your flight to the Galapagos Islands awaits. Upon arrival on San Cristobal, the most biodiverse island of the archipelago, a private transport will take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit the interpretation center, which will familiarize you with the history, nature, and ecology of the islands. Afterwards, enjoy the beautiful warm sandy beach 'Playa Mann,' where you can swim with playful sea lions! Enjoy the nighttime activities of the Galapagos Islands!

Accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo.

 

Day 4 Galapagos – The Highlands of San Cristobal • Today you will explore the community of 'El Progreso' and the 'El Junco' crater lake with your naturalist guide, the only freshwater lake in the archipelago, where frigatebirds like to wash their wings to remove excess salt. Afterwards, you will drive to 'Cerro Colorado' to visit the giant tortoise breeding station! The day ends at one of the most beautiful beaches of the archipelago, 'Puerto Chino,' where you can observe marine iguanas, Galápagos crabs, blue-footed boobies, lava lizards, sea lions, and much more. Afterwards, you will have time to relax along the seaside boulevard! Accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo.

 

Day 5 Galapagos - Paths and Coasts • We start the day with a hike up "Tijeretas Hill," where Charles Darwin first set foot with his ship "Beagle"! Along this trail, you will encounter many Galapagos finches. Once at the top, you will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view and the amazing feeling of being in the middle of nowhere! Enjoy a refreshing swim at the tranquil "Playa Carola" and then visit "La Lobería," a paradise for sea lions and marine iguanas, and a popular spot for surfers from all over the world. Accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo.

 

Day 6 Galapagos – Kicker Rock • An absolute highlight. A full-day tour takes you to the spectacular Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido) island. After an approximately two-hour crossing, you can discover the fascinating underwater world while snorkeling, encountering sea turtles, tropical fish, and, if you're lucky, even sharks. Accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo.

Day 7 Galapagos – Quito - Papallacta • Return to the mainland to Quito and continue through the western Andes at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Visit the most beautiful volcanic hot springs in Ecuador, where body, mind, and soul can rejuvenate in the Papallacta thermal baths. Accommodation in Papallacta.

 

Day 8 Papallacta – Amazon rainforest • Journey into the lush Amazon Basin with impressive viewpoints over the biologically richest area in the world. Along the way, you will visit the mysterious Jumandy Caves, where you will be taken on a journey into the past of the indigenous culture to learn about the stories and legends of these caves. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, you will be greeted with the traditional Guayusa drink and introduced to the unique variety of plant and animal life.

For the night walk, flashlights and rubber boots will be provided, before your guide introduces fascinating reptiles, insects, birds and the legendary Paiche fish. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Day 9 Amazon rainforest • Today awaits you a very special Amazon adventure, the "Full Day Amazoonico 360°." You can choose to enjoy the refreshing waters while tubing on the peaceful Arajuno River or to relax as you drift along in a canoe before reaching the animal sanctuary. It is the perfect opportunity to observe local animals while contributing to their well-being. Later, in the motorized canoe, you will visit Anaconda Island, where you will encounter an authentic indigenous tribe to learn about blowpipe techniques, traditional dances, the extraction of fibers from the pita plant, as well as the preparation and tasting of chicha, a fermented drink made from yuca – a type of rainforest potato. Lunch on the riverbank. Afterwards, we will watch for the iconic bird, the hoatzin, in the swamp while observing caimans up close. Return by motorized canoe to the lodge. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Day 10 Amazon rainforest • This morning you are invited on a short hike and a quiet canoe tour in the lagoon of a unique nature reserve. A local guide will introduce you to the harmonious coexistence with the rainforest as you immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife of the jungle. In the afternoon, the tour continues with a presentation and tasting of cocoa—the food of the gods. An interactive cocoa-making experience with hot chocolate, fruits, and a chocolate face mask awaits you. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

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Day 11 Amazon rainforest – Baños • In the morning, we will visit the first highlight of the day: the majestic waterfall "Pailón del Diablo" - Devil's Cauldron - where we can feel the power of nature. Breathe in the cool breeze and listen to the water crashing onto the rocks. Access is via an ecological hiking trail, where you can admire the beauty of the orchids. Afterwards, we will reach your accommodation in Baños de Agua Santa, which is known for adrenaline activities that are optional and can be booked on-site. For example: canyoning, bungee jumping, canopy tours, and "tarabitas". We will also visit the local products market, where you can buy specialties made from pure, local sugarcane and souvenirs. An optional visit to the hot springs of Baños is also recommended. At the end of the day, we recommend visiting the Basilica of Baños de Agua Santa. The locals use it to devoutly present their requests to the Virgin of Baños. Accommodation in Baños

 

Day 12 Baños – Alausi • Drive from Baños to Alausí, the magical village of Ecuador, located in the south of Chimborazo Province. With its colonial charm, waterfalls, and friendly locals, this place enchants every visitor. Accommodation in Alausi.
 

Day 13 Alausí – Cuenca • Alausí means 'House of Great Appreciation and Love,' where its railway heritage is highlighted by the train route to the Devil's Nose, the main attraction of the province. The zig-zag route starts at the old Alausí station in the middle of town and crosses the legendary Devil's Nose to Sibambe. With an altitude difference of 500 meters over just 12.5 km, this dizzying ascent or descent overcomes the impressive work of engineering. Sibambe is known for its culture, folklore, and handicrafts. Drive to Cuenca.

Accommodation in Cuenca.

 

Day 14 Cuenca • Cuenca is one of Ecuador's colonial jewels. The neatly laid cobblestone streets, the beautiful houses and buildings with unique metal balconies and floral decorations are a feast for the eyes. Typical markets and shops reveal the cultural richness of the region, a legacy of the indigenous ancestors. Your tour will take you to the most important and interesting sights, such as the quaint and traditional neighborhoods, museums, Calderon Park, the Flower Market, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In the afternoon you will enter a hat factory where you will learn the process of making Panama hats out of Paja Toquilla.

Accommodation in Cuenca.

 

Day 15 Cuenca – Ingapirca – Colta • On this day, the journey continues from Cuenca northward to Ingapirca, the most important archaeological site in Ecuador. The impressive Inca ruins, located at an altitude of 3,100 meters, are the most significant religious monument of the Inca era and testify to many pre-Columbian cultures that lived in this area. Ride to Colta. This idyllic town lies at the foot of Chimborazo, the tallest volcano in Ecuador, and offers breathtaking views. This giant is only a few degrees away from the central part of the planet. The distance from the Earth's center to its summit is 6,384.40 km, making it greater than Mount Everest. Accommodation in Colta.
 

Day 16 Colta – Quilatoa • In the morning, start a fantastic journey along the "Road of the Volcanoes" to the stunning Quilotoa Lake. This emerald-green lagoon lies in the crater of a volcano at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The minerals in the water give the lagoon a spectacular display of various shades: green, turquoise, and blue. The lake invites you to go kayaking, or you can simply enjoy the scenery. The optional hike down the crater can be done on foot and ascended with mules. Accommodation in Quilatoa.
 

Day 17 Quilatoa – Cotopaxi – Quito Airport • To conclude your trip, you will visit the misty Cotopaxi Volcano, which is covered by an eternal blanket of dazzling white snow and glaciers. Standing at 5,897 meters above sea level, it is considered the highest active volcano in the world. Within the national park, you can hike up to the José Rivas refuge. The 1-hour hike takes you to 5,042 meters above, near the snow line of Cotopaxi. The unique local fauna gives us glimpses of wild horses and the Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world. It is also home to llamas, foxes, rabbits, and species of moorland birds.
Transfer to Quito Airport with your tour guide for your international return flight or your personal onward journey.