Ecuador in 12 Days • 10 Nights in Destination

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning take a guided Quito city tour to get to know the capital's most emblematic sights. Admire the colonial-era architecture and picturesque plazas and stroll through the narrow streets of the city center. In the afternoon leave Quito behind as you set off into the Ecuadorian highlands and down into the rainforest, headed for Tena, in the Amazon. Continue through verdant landscapes towards the lodge, in the heart of the jungle. Arrive in time for dinner. Overnight in Tena.

Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off for a wildlife walk through the primary and secondary rainforest of the Amazon. Look out for tropical wildlife and appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the jungle. Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying the afternoon at your leisure with the opportunity to join in optional Amazon activities organized at the lodge. Once the sun sets, enjoy a fascinating night walk to admire the nocturnal wildlife as the rainforest comes to life. Dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon.

After breakfast at the lodge, return to Tena and continue your journey, heading back towards the capital. Along the way, visit the Middle of the World Monument, on the equator, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere! Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure, exploring the city or simply taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Quilotoa*. Overnight stay in Quito.

* Optional Quilotoa Crater Lake Excursion: Set off through the Andean Mountains, passing by the snow-capped peaks of Tungurahua and Chimborazo. Stop at a local market for a taste of the Andean culture and visit Quilotoa Crater Lake, known for its everchanging color, depending on the sun and clouds.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the airport this morning for a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a true wonder of nature known for its immense biodiversity! San Cristobal is the easternmost Galapagos island and is home to a rich array of unique wildlife, such as blue and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. It's also the island that Charles Darwin first explored during his research into the islands. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and get comfortable before setting off on a brief afternoon tour of Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos Province. Explore this quaint coastal community and get to know its most important sights. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax before your adventure continues tomorrow. We recommend an optional cooking class in a local restaurant near the beach of Mann Beach to uncover the secret to making the perfect ceviche!* Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

*Optional Beach Cooking Class in San Cristobal: Learn how to cook the traditional Galapagos dish of ceviche with this guided cooking class in a local restaurant near the beach of Mann Beach, known for its friendly sea lions! Use authentic ingredients to craft a delicious dish whilst listening to fascinating insights about Galapagos life from the locals. And of course, you can enjoy your homemade ceviche at the end of class!

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a full-day tour of San Cristobal to explore the delights of the island. Visit Galapaguera, home to amazing giant tortoises and observe diverse species of sea birds from Puerto Chino. The white sand here is perfect for a short rest before continuing to La Loberia, home to a large colony of sea lions who can be seen resting on the rocks. Return to your hotel and overnight stay in San Cristobal.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore the Galapagos at your own.  Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from San Cristobal airport. Arrive in Guayaquil, and join a shared transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the Pacific Coast. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Malecon, Paque Iguanas and Las Peñas neighbourhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at your leisure to do some last-minute souvenir shopping, relax in the arty neighbourhood of Santa Ana Hill or take our optional excursion to beautiful Puerto Morro*. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

*Optional Excursion to Puerto Morro: From Guayaquil, visit the charming fishing village of Puerto Morro. Take a boat ride through the mangroves to watch colourful Ibis birds and look out for playful pods of dolphins! Spend some time relaxing at Puerto Morro Beach before returning to Guayaquil.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

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