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20-Day Ecuador Mainland & Galapagos Cruise

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Overview

Visit Ecuador to discover the beauty of its four worlds, the Galapagos, Andes, Amazon, and the Pacific Coast. During this nearly three-week journey, experience the country's must-see places and feel the local culture by the hand of knowledgeable and passionate guides.

The trip starts in the historic capital of Quito, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site before embarking into the Andes to see the sights from amazing altitudes. Next, fly out to the Galapagos Islands to see for yourself why Darwin found such inspiration there. Finally, travel into the Amazon and get a feel for the fascinating cultures and wildlife that inhabit the jungle before finishing the trip in Quito.

At the end of this program, you will have a complete understanding of the Ecuadorian culture and way of life in all of its diverse regions.
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Cruising
Culture & Arts
Beach & Sea
Hiking & Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival to Quito

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Arrival to Quito

As soon as you arrive at Quito airport a tour representative will be waiting for you at your aeroplane gate; they will assist during the migration and customs procedures. Another representative will be waiting for you at the welcome area of the airport with a special welcome gift and to accompany you during the transfer from the airport to the hotel. Quito’s airport is located 45 minutes away from the main city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ikala Quito Hotel 3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre to Ikala Quito Hotel (Anteriormente Anahi Boutique Hotel Quito)

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

Day 2

Middle of the World & Quito Old Town Day Tour

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Middle of the World & Quito Old Town Day Tour

Today you will visit the Middle of the World Monument, situated at 0°0’0” latitude. Take a picture with your feet on both hemispheres! Then, you'll visit the Intinan Museum. You'll enjoy lunch at the top of the Pululahua Crater or in a local restaurant. Later on, you'll discover Quito’s beautiful historic centre, understanding Quito's rich history, and unique ancient architecture. End the day with an exclusive tasting of the best chocolate in the world!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ikala Quito Hotel 3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Quito Old Town and Mitad del Mundo Tour

    Quito Mitad del Mundo

    Intinan Solar Museum

    Quito Old Town

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    El Crater Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Basilica of the National Vote to Ikala Quito Hotel (Anteriormente Anahi Boutique Hotel Quito)

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Pichincha

Day 3

Otavalo Day Tour

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Otavalo Day Tour

Head towards the north of the country. The scenery is gorgeous, and if the Cayambe is not feeling shy, you will be able to see the snow-capped volcano in its full splendour. On the road, try some warm goodies, like “bizcochos” and fresh cheese. Continue your trip to Otavalos’ Ponchos Indigenous Market, considered the largest indigenous market in the Americas where you will be able to shop for artisanal textiles, jewellery and more. Enjoy a warm homemade lunch at the quaint hacienda.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ikala Quito Hotel 3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Otavalo Tour

    Otavalo Market

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Otavalo

Day 4

Cotopaxi National Park

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Cotopaxi National Park

After breakfast, a local guide will pick up you at the hacienda to hit the road to the south of the Andes cordillera. If the weather allows it, you will be able to see Cotopaxi volcano. This beautiful snow-capped volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. If conditions allow it, climb to the refuge, located at 4,800 metres, approximately a 45-minute hike. You will also walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon. Enjoy lunch at a traditional hacienda.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hacienda Los Mortiños4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Cotopaxi National Park Tour

    Cotopaxi National Park

    Laguna de Limpiopung

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Cotopaxi Province

    Pichincha

Day 5

Baños & Riobamba

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Baños & Riobamba

After breakfast, your local guide will take you to the quaint city of Baños, at the bottom of the Tungurahua volcano that acts as the gateway to the Amazon Basin. After that, go through the avenue of the cascades until you reach the powerful “Pailón del Diablo.” Enjoy lunch while absorbing the beauty of the views of Baños at Café del Cielo. Continue your journey to Riobamba while you enjoy the view of the impressive Chimborazo volcano. This small city is located right in the heart of Ecuador.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Mansion Santa Isabella4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Baños and Riobamba

    Pailon Del Diablo

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Café del Cielo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Pichincha

    Banos

    Tungurahua

    Riobamba

Day 6

Nariz del Diablo and Ingapirca

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Nariz del Diablo and Ingapirca

Wake up early in the morning to catch the Devil’s Nose train . During the ride, you will be able to admire the Chimborazo volcano. The train connected the coast with the Andes region, becoming an important icon of engineering at the time. The “Devil’s Nose” is a zig-zag railroad track between the mountains. Then, we continue to the fascinating ruins of Ingapirca, the largest Cañari-Inca ruins in Ecuador before continuing to Cuenca.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Carvallo4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Nariz del Diablo Tour

    Ingapirca Ruins

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Mansion Santa Isabella to Alausi

    Private Driver from Alausi to Ingapirca Ruinas

    Private Driver from Ingapirca Ruinas to Cuenca

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Riobamba

    Quito

    Cañar Province

    Cuenca

Day 7

Cuenca City Tour

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Cuenca City Tour

In Cuenca, visit the Plaza San Francisco, the flower market at the small plaza in front of the stunning El Carmen de la Asunción church; the blue-domed cathedral; the Court of Justin; the Municipal Palace, the Governor’s Palace and the Church of El Sagrario. For lunch, you'll visit Ecuador's most acclaimed restaurant for a real gastronomic experience. After lunch, you will admire the city from the viewpoint. Then, visit some artisanal workshops to finish the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Carvallo4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
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    Activities

    Cuenca City Tour

    Church and Monastery of San Francisco

    New Cathedral of Cuenca

    Old Cathedral of Cuenca

    Mirador de Turi

    La Paja Toquilla

  • restaurant icon
    Restaurants

    Tiesto's Cafe Restaurant

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cuenca

    Quito

Day 8

Cajas National Park & Hacienda La Danesa

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Cajas National Park & Hacienda La Danesa

On the way to the Coast, you will have a stopover at the Cajas National Park a must-see for every traveler due to its beauty Andean landscape. At El Naranjito area, you will reach the marvelous Hacienda La Danesa not only for staying this night but also enjoying some of the experiences offered here such as the Cacao & Chocolate Experience, lazy river tubing, biking, or milking.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hacienda La Danesa

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    El Cajas National Park

    Hacienda La Danesa Leisure Time

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Parque Nacional Cajas to Hotel Carvallo

    Private Driver from Parque Nacional Cajas to Hacienda La Danesa | Charming Farmhouse & Lodge

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Cuenca

    Azuay

    General Antonio Elizalde Canton

    Guayas

Day 9

Guayaquil City Tour

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Guayaquil City Tour

Continue onto Guayaquil today. Upon your arrival, you will visit one of the city’s emblems, a 1 ½ mile beautiful waterfront promenade called Malecon 2000. This picturesque walkway ends at Cerro Santa Ana, he 400 stairs that climb up one of the city’s first colonial settlements. This is also known as Las Peñas neighbourhood, with brightly coloured houses where you will find some of the best restaurants, art galleries and shops. Learn about the city’s importance to Ecuador.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Unipark Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Santa Ana Hill

    Guayaquil City Tour

    Las Peñas

    Malecón 2000

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hacienda La Danesa | Charming Farmhouse & Lodge to Guayaquil

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    General Antonio Elizalde Canton

    Guayaquil

Day 10

Santa Cruz II Cruise and Las Bachas Beach

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Santa Cruz II Cruise and Las Bachas Beach

Today you will be transferred to Guayaquil's airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Then, as soon you arrive you will meet your Santa Cruz II guide, who will assist you in crossing the Itabaca channel to start the Galapagos adventure. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will visit Las Bachas Beach.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Santa Cruz Cruise II5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Playa Las Bachas

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Unipark Hotel to Aeropuerto Internacional José Joaquín De Olmedo

    Plane from Guayaquil to Baltra IslandRequest to Book: AU$ 1,029 per person

    Private Driver from Baltra Island to Itabaca Channel

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Guayaquil

    Puerto Ayora

    Galápagos Islands

Day 11

Buccaneer Cove & Puerto Egas

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Buccaneer Cove & Puerto Egas

Today you will visit Buccaneer Cove early in the morning, where you can enjoy some fantastic natural formations such as the “Elephant Rock”, “The Bishop” and an impressive natural cave. There will be opportunities for snorkelling, and a ride on the panga or glass-bottom boat. After lunch, you will visit Puerto Egas, to enjoy a swim or snorkel amid a rocky shoreline, usually in the company of marine turtles. After the visit, you'll have some more time for swimming and snorkelling.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Santa Cruz Cruise II5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Buccaneer Cove

    Puerto Egas

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Puerto Ayora

    Galápagos Islands

    Ecuador

Day 12

Rabida & Bartolome Island

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Rabida & Bartolome Island

Some groups will go for a fascinating panga ride along the shores while others will disembark on Rabida Island’s red-coloured beach, caused by the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. Today’s afternoon activities begin with a wet landing on the golden beach of this famous island, dominated by the imposing Pinnacle Rock.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Santa Cruz Cruise II5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rabida Island

    Bartolome Island

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Puerto Ayora

    Galápagos Islands

    Ecuador

Day 13

Prince Philip Steps & Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)

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Prince Philip Steps & Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island)

The morning starts with a steep climb (only 90 feet) up some stairs to reach a flat rocky plateau. Along our walk, we can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Kayaking is optional. In the afternoon, we arrive at a beautiful beach to enjoy some swimming or snorkelling. Following our dip, we take an easy stroll to watch some wildlife. There is another opportunity for snorkelling, kayaking and swimming.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Santa Cruz Cruise II5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Genovesa Island

    Great Darwin Bay

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Puerto Ayora

    Galápagos Islands

    Ecuador

Day 14

Charles Darwin Station and Quito

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Charles Darwin Station and Quito

After breakfast, your luggage will be taken to the airport, while you visit the Tortoise Reserve. The windward slopes of the island are home to two species of giant tortoises. These lush highlands include dense forests of Galapagos daisies, orchids and bromeliads, and several endemic land birds. After this visit, we will transfer to Baltra airport and say farewell to the Galapagos.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Wyndham Airport Quito4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Charles Darwin Research Station

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Charles Darwin Research Station to Baltra Island

    Plane from Seymour Airport to QuitoRequest to Book

    Private Driver from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre to Wyndham

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Puerto Ayora

    Quito

Day 15

Flight to Coca & Manatee Cruise

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Flight to Coca & Manatee Cruise

Today you will travel to the Amazon Rainforest. You cannot visit Ecuador without experiencing it! After a short flight from Quito to El Coca, you will meet and greet the guide of Manatee Amazon Cruise. There is a canoe ride from the Coca Dock to the Manatee vessel to sail down the Napo River and begin the jungle adventure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Manatee Amazon Explorer4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Manatee Amazon Explorer Day One

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Wyndham to Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre

    Plane from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre to Francisco de Orellana AirportRequest to Book: AU$ 464 per person

    Bus from Francisco de Orellana Airport to Dock

    Boat from Dock to Manatee Amazon Explorer

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

    Tena

    Coca

Day 16

Yasuni National Park Experience

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Yasuni National Park Experience

Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park, a pristine region of the Ecuadorian Amazon, home to the legendary pink river dolphin. In this area, we can also find anacondas, river turtles, and various primate species, as well as the colourful hoatzin, a unique bird known locally as the “stinky turkey”. In the afternoon, we will take a motorized canoe to a black-water lake, home to giant otters and the elusive manatee, and enjoy a pleasant hike in the riparian gallery forest.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Manatee Amazon Explorer4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Manatee Amazon Explorer Day Two

    Yasuni National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Coca

    Orellana Province

Day 17

Kichwa Family Experience & Life Onboard

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Kichwa Family Experience & Life Onboard

We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will receive the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. We will then board the Manatee for lunch as we continue upstream. You will participate in a cooking class with our expert chef and prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. You are also invited to try your hand at traditional handicrafts or enjoy our onboard facilities.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Manatee Amazon Explorer4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Manatee Amazon Explorer Day Three

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Coca

    Orellana Province

Day 18

Forest Adventure & Observation Canopy Tower

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Forest Adventure & Observation Canopy Tower

You can relax and enjoy the Manatee Amazon Explorer during the morning and disembark to explore the nearby forest and discover a myriad of animals and plant species endemic to the Amazon basin. In the afternoon, we will visit a canopy tower built against a giant kapok tree and take in the view from the top as we loom above the lush treetops and look down on the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the evening we will take a canoe onto the river to search for black caimans by flashlight.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Manatee Amazon Explorer4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Manatee Amazon Explorer Day Four

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Coca

    Orellana Province

Day 19

Return to Quito

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Return to Quito

This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the final part of the return journey, then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe 90 minutes back to Coca and Quito. You'll have a private driver to transfer you to your accommodation in a hotel near the airport.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Wyndham Airport Quito4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Boat from Yasuni National Park to Coca

    Plane from Coca to Quito

    Private Driver from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre to Wyndham

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Coca

    Quito

Day 20

End of Services

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End of Services

Your visit to Ecuador ends on this day. Feel free to take the shuttle to the airport for your international flight at your convenience.

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Bus from Wyndham to Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Quito

Included in Price

  • 19 nights accommodation
  • 37 activities
  • 19 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 9 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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