Grand Ecuadorian Adventure: Quito to the Galápagos Islands - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Explore the City

Welcome to Quito! You'll arrive at the airport and then head to your hotel in the city center. After taking some time to get settled in, explore the historic center. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m) and welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas between mountain peaks.

Stroll through its narrow streets and visit some of the city's most important churches, such as the Baroque La Compañía, with its incredible gold-covered interior, and the neo-Gothic La Basílica. Take a walk down La Ronda, one of the oldest streets in the city, then head to Panecillo Hill for incredible panoramic views.

Day 3: Go Horseback Riding in Cotopaxi National Park

After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Cotopaxi National Park. Stop at Limpiopungo Lagoon for a short hike and enjoy panoramic mountain views. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including birds and wild horses. Next, you'll arrive at a traditional hacienda where you'll spend the rest of the afternoon and night. You'll explore the national park on a three-hour horseback ride, taking in views of Volcán Cotopaxi and the surrounding glacier. Have dinner and relax back at the hacienda at the end of the day. 

Day 4: See El Pailón del Diablo Waterfall

Continue the journey south to Baños, about 81 miles (131 km) south. You'll pass through the scenic Avenue of the Volcanoes along the way. Reach the small village of Río Verde, and stop to see the famous El Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) waterfall. In the afternoon, visit the relaxing thermal pools of Baños, or opt for a rafting or ziplining adventure.

Day 5: See Chimborazo Volcano & Travel to Guamote

Today you will leave Baños after breakfast and make your way to the impressive Chimborazo volcano. Keep your eyes open on the trip: you'll be able to spot the volcano several times during the journey. If the altitude does not affect you, take a short hike with your guide while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Afterward, continue your journey toward Guamote, a small Andean town where you will spend the night.

Day 6: Explore Dunes & Ruins on the Way to Cuenca

This morning, travel south to Cuenca, passing through the dunes of Palmira. You'll also stop at the Baños del Inca, which features pre-Columbian ruins and a fantastic hot spring. Continue your journey south to explore Gualaceo, nicknamed the "Garden of Ecuador" because of its beautiful orchids.

Arrive in Cuenca, where you will spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Make the most of your time in this Andean city by walking around Parque Calderón and visiting its blue-domed Catedral Nueva. Other noteworthy landmarks include the Catedral Vieja and the Río Tomebamba waterfront promenade, where you can buy various handicrafts.

Day 7: Visit Cajas National Park & Cacao Tour on the Way to Guayaquil

Your first stop today is the beautiful Cajas National Park, featuring more than 200 interconnected high-altitude lagoons. The region is the source of many rivers and connects to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. You'll have some time to enjoy the view from the lookout or to take a short walk to one of the lagoons.

Afterward, continue westward and stop at a hacienda, where you learn about chocolate making and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you will drive through lush vegetation until you reach Ecuador's biggest city, Guayaquil, where you will spend the night.

Day 12: Enjoy a Wildlife Tour on Isla Isabela 

Start your morning by boarding a public speedboat to Isla Isabela. Spend the two-hour trip appreciating the watery scenery that surrounds you. After arriving on the island, go to the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to learn about the local wildlife.

After lunch, tour the nearby Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and fantastic snorkeling. Glimpse Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks resting in the natural channels formed by lava flows. Head back to Isabela for the evening, where you can take the opportunity to sit outside in the dark and listen to the nocturnal wildlife wake up as the sun sets.

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