Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Baños this morning as you journey through the province of Chimborazo on route to El Chimborazo, the highest volcano in Ecuador standing at 6,310 meters. It was estimated that the last eruption was around 550 A.D. and therefore it is a dormant volcano. Enjoy the beautiful views of the volcano, the surrounding landscape and lush vegetation. Stop at the interesting "Palacio Real" community, a complex at the foot of the volcano, before arriving at the city of Riobamba, famed for its authentic indigenous culture. Stop for lunch before getting settled at the hotel and enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure. Why not get out and explore the city's excellent museums or go shopping for authentic handmade souvenirs? Overnight stay in Riobamba.

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a visit to the charming towns of Guamote and Alausi, before heading for the fascinating ruins of Ingapirca, the largest and most well preserved Inca ruins in Ecuador.* Discover this ancient city and wonder at the history behind the ruins. Afterwards, continue to Cuenca, considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, discovering the beautiful waterfront and old colonial-era plazas. Overnight stay in Cuenca.

*Please note: The ruins of Ingapirca are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If your visit to Ingapirca falls on either of these days, the visit will be replaced with an excursion to a traditional hat factory* in Cuenca tomorrow (day 7).

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning exploring Cuenca at your leisure. In the afternoon depart to Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, located on the Pacific coast. On the way, stop in the impressive Cajas National Park, known for its glistening lakes and home to the mighty Andean Condor. Pay a visit to a local cocoa-growing community to discover how chocolate is made from the humble cacao tree. Witness the process of chocolate-making, from the cacao tree to the finished product and enjoy a chocolate tasting session. Depart towards Guayaquil, transfer to the hotel and get settled. Overnight stay in Guayaquil. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Baltra, in the incredible Galapagos Islands! From Baltra, transfer to the island of Santa Cruz by crossing the Itabaca channel on board a local ferry. On arrival, pay a visit to the beautiful Santa Cruz highlands, a lush, green natural habitat, home of the famous Galapagos giant tortoises. Visit a private ranch to enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, take a tour of the area and walk among the trees to look for giant tortoises in their natural habitat, an incredible introduction to the Galapagos Islands! Transfer to your hotel in Santa Cruz and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.

Breakfast at the hotel. Take the day at your leisure to discover the delights of the Galapagos. Head to the beach, take a snorkelling trip or get to know the local way of life in Puerto Ayora, the island's capital. We recommend an optional excursion to an uninhabited island to discover more of the incredible Galapagos wildlife! Overnight in Santa Cruz.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning by exploring the beautiful island of Santa Cruz at your leisure. In the afternoon take the public speedboat to the island of San Cristobal, passing the island of Santa Fe on the way. The journey time is approximately 2-3 hours. Arrive on the island of San Cristobal and transfer to your hotel. San Cristobal is the most easterly of the Galapagos Islands and is famed for its beautiful white beaches and abundant wildlife. Spend the remainder of the day exploring its dramatic landscapes and laid-back atmosphere at your own pace. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Breakfast at the hotel. There's nothing planned for today, so enjoy a day to explore at your leisure. Why not visit some of San Cristobal's most important natural sights, such as its Giant Tortoise Sanctuary or the incredible highland lagoon of El Junco. Alternatively, for a great overview of the island and its biodiversity, pay a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Overnight stay in San Cristobal. 

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to head back to the mainland. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Quito. Arrive in Quito, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure, shopping for souvenirs, soaking up the city's atmosphere or indulging in the flavours of Ecuadorian cuisine. Overnight stay in Quito. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Ecuador to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US. Night on board.*

*Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.