ECUADOR IN DEPTH

Day 1  Quito
Upon arrival in Quito. Overnight at Hotel Sierra Madre. 

Day 2   Quito
Sightseeing tour through Quito, including the Colonial old part of the city. 

Day 3   Quito
Guests will enjoy their day at leisure.  

Day 4  Quito - Otavalo
Visit of the Equatorial Line Monument near Cayambe and afterwards the famous Indian handicraft market of Otavalo. Overnight at Hostería Chorlavi. 

Day 5  Otavalo
Hiking trip to the crater lake Cuicocha and visit of the small town Cotacachi, Ecuadors’ center of leatherworks. 

Day 6  Otavalo - Papallacta
Visit of the Indígena-school in Peguche, followed by the small Andean village Papallacta, which is famous for its thermal baths. Guests have the possibility to take a dip. Overnight at Termas de Papallacta. 

Day 7  Papallacta
Misahualli follow the way of “Francisco de Orellana” (the first European to see the Amazon) east over the Andes. After arriving at El Jardín Alemán, you will be welcomed and led around the wonderful gardens and surroundings of this jungle lodge.  

Day 8   Misahualli
Canoe ride along the Napo River to the animal sanctuary “AmaZoonico” for spotting some wild animals. 

Day 9  Misahualli
Baños Transfer to Baños, gateway to the Amazon. Exploration of the nearby waterfall Pailón del Diablo and afterwards city tour through Baños. Overnight at Hostería Isla de Baños. 

Day 10
Baños Day at leisure. Possibility to go hiking, rafting, horse riding or mountain biking. 

Day 11
Baños - Riobamba Transfer to Riobamba, enjoy spectacular views of the nearby imposing mountains Chimborazo, Tungurahua and Altar.  Hiking tour at Chimborazo National Park, enjoy the beautiful landscape as well as the nature and a spectacular view.  Overnight at Hostal Rincon Aleman. 

Day 12 Riobamba - Ingapirca
Train ride along the legendary “Devil’s Nose”. After the train ride guests will be taken to Ingapirca, the Incan ruins and most important monument of pre-Spanish culture in Ecuador. Overnight at Posada de Ingapirca. 

Day 13 Ingapirca - Cuenca
Transfer to Cuenca, the third largest city of Ecuador, which will be explored during a city tour. Guests will see historical buildings, located along the Tomebamba River, the “Todos los Santos” ruins, the flowers market, the main square with the old and new cathedral and visit a Panama Hat factory. 

Day 14 Cuenca
Hiking tour at El Cajas National Park, situated in the majestic Andes and one of Ecuador’s natural wonders. 

Day 15 Cuenca - Vilcabamba
Following the Panamericana southwards to Vilcabamba. On the way, the Indians of Saraguro will be met and guests will learn about their culture. The next stop will be Loja, a small charming town at an altitude of 2100m. 

Day 16 Vilcabamba
3h hike to explore the primeval forest and the rainforest as well as the waterfalls “los helechos” which reach an altitude up to 100m. During the trip guests will have an amazing view over the valleys and mountains. 

Day 17 Vilcabamba - Guayaquil
Transfer to Guayaquil, the industrial and commercial    center, as well as Ecuador’s largest city. 

Day 18 Guayaquil - Galapagos
Islands Flight to Baltra, Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, transfer to Puerto Ayora and visit of the Charles Darwin Research Center. -

Day 19 Galapagos Islands
Full day boat excursion to visit one of the islands Seymour North, South Plazas, Bartholomew, Floreana, Santa Fe or Dragon Hill. Lunch on board is included. 

Day 20 Galapagos Islands
Full day boat excursion to one of the islands, not visited the day before. Lunch on board is included. 

Day 21 Galapagos Islands
Day at leisure for snorkeling and mountain biking. 

Day 22 Galapagos Islands - Quito
Transfer to Baltra airport. From Baltra the return flight goes to the mainland.