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What Awaits You
- Quito, the capital
- Otavalo, the craft town
- Relaxation day in the thermal waters of a Spa Resort hotel
- Expedition in the Amazonian forest and meeting with a shaman
- Baños de Agua Santa, gateway to the Amazonian forest
- Cotopaxi National Park and its Avenue of Volcanoes
- Colonial Cuenca and its surroundings
- The exceptional Galápagos Islands
Day-by-Day Program
DAY 1 QUITO
Arrival in Quito (preferably on a Sunday), then welcome at the international airport by your guide and transfer to your hotel.
Included: Transfer – hotel
DAY 2 QUITO
Departure around 8 a.m. for a visit to Quito, considered the second highest capital in the world. It is also one of the first cities to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1978. Visit the Panecillo, a magnificent viewpoint to enjoy a panoramic view of the capital from above. Then we will continue the morning discovering its beautiful churches and old neighborhoods. After lunch, we will visit the “Ciudad Mitad Del Mundo” complex at latitude 0-0-0, where we will have one foot in the southern hemisphere and one in the northern. This tourist site also includes a playful geodesic museum, a planetarium, and a pavilion with artworks by the Ecuadorian artist Guayasamín.
Included: Private transport – entrance fees – half board – hotel
DAY 3 QUITO 🡲 OTAVALO (200km, 3h30)
We depart at 7 a.m. heading north to explore the magnificent indigenous markets of Otavalo. One market is for crafts, another for fruits, vegetables, and meats, and a third specializes in livestock sales (indigenous market on Saturdays). In the afternoon, we continue to the indigenous village of Peguche to visit its 18-meter-high waterfall, then the rug workshop, and finish with a family workshop of Andean musical instruments.
(Elevation change: +100m / –100m; Distance: 4 km, 1h walk)
Included: Private transport – entrance fees – half board – hotel
DAY 4 OTAVALO
This morning, we will take a beautiful walk around Lake Cuicocha (3,100 m). This lake and its very particular ecosystem were born after the eruption of Cotacachi Volcano 3,000 years ago and the melting of its glacier. We will observe an incredible mix of unique vegetation, both Andean and tropical, with wild blueberries and orchids, among others. Return to your hotel.
(Elevation change: +400m / –600m; Distance: 14 km, 5h walk)
Included: Private transport – entrance fees – half board – hotel
DAY 5 OTAVALO 🡲 PAPALLACTA (130km, 2h)
This morning around 10 a.m., we leave for Quito and continue to the town of Papallacta and its thermal baths. We will spend the day relaxing in this thermal complex, Papallacta Thermales Spa Resort.
Included: Private transport – entry to the thermal baths – full board – hotel
Excluded: All massage and therapeutic services
DAY 6 PAPALLACTA 🡲 TENA (150km, 3h)
At noon, we leave Papallacta, taking a road that climbs the Andes crossing a pass at 4,100 m, offering beautiful landscapes transitioning from mountains to the Amazon forest. We will take a break before reaching our lodge in a beautiful location with many bird species, especially hummingbirds. Upon arrival in the Amazon, our guide from the Quechua indigenous community will welcome us at the lodge with a typical drink and dinner.
Included: Full board
DAY 7 LODGE
Today we will navigate the Napo River, one of the main Amazon tributaries, and visit the “Rescate AMAZOONICO” center dedicated to rescuing wild animals. Various activities will be offered, such as feeding caimans in their natural habitat, learning to use a blowpipe, and making clay objects. In the late afternoon, return to the lodge.
Included: Full board
DAY 8 LODGE
Excursion day in the Amazon forest with a local guide who will help us explore more deeply the flora, fauna, and local customs. We will walk for about 3 hours in secondary and primary forest, then return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we will take a 5-minute canoe ride to visit a Quichua family in the Amazon forest with banana and cassava plantations. We will discover how to make cassava chicha, a typical regional drink, and learn to make our own chocolate, which we will then taste.
Included: Full board
DAY 9 TENA 🡲 BAÑOS (140km, 2h30)
This morning we head to Baños de Agua Santa, located at 1,800 m altitude, the natural boundary between the Andes and the Amazon forest. Here we will explore the three main waterfalls: Agoyan, the Bridal Veil, and the Devil’s Cauldron. We will end with a fun 2 km walk crossing the Pastaza River in a basket as the Quechuas do to discover the subtropical crops on the other side.
(Elevation change: +100m / –100m; Distance: 5 km, 2h walk)
Included: Private transport – entrance fees – half board – hotel
DAY 10 BAÑOS
Today we will take a discovery hike, a different approach to explore the magnificent and wild ecosystem around us. We will reach the viewpoint, a magical spot with stunning views of the entire town and the Tungurahua Volcano as a backdrop. Free time in the late afternoon.
(Elevation change: +800m / –800m; Distance: 11 km, 5h walk)
Included: Entrance – picnic – dinner – hotel
Note: For participants who do not wish to walk, an alternative activity will be proposed.
DAY 11 BAÑOS 🡲 LASSO (240km, 5h)
We will resume our journey through the Andes to discover the volcanic Quilotoa Lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. We will spend the day with the Shalala local community, sharing activities together—a full day of learning about their customs and traditions. In the evening, we travel to Lasso.
Included: Private transport – half board – hotel
DAY 12 LASSO (30km, 0h45)
Departure at 8 a.m. to visit the famous picturesque indigenous market of Saquisilí (every Thursday), focusing on the central square among the local population to witness the abundance of food in the country (vegetables, fruits, as well as llamas, cows, pigs, and guinea pigs). Late morning, we head to the Avenue of Volcanoes to explore Cotopaxi National Park, home to the world’s most dangerous active volcano, located on the famous “Ring of Fire.” We spend the afternoon in the park, visiting its highlights and, if desired, walking up to the José Rivas refuge (1h30 round trip). Return to Lasso in the evening.
Included: Private transport – entrance fees – picnic – dinner – hotel
DAY 13 LASSO 🡲 RIOBAMBA (160km, 3h)
This day is dedicated to visiting the Chimborazo Nature Reserve, home to llamas, alpacas, and a significant population of vicuñas reintroduced in the 1980s from Peru and Chile. The reserve also houses the imposing Chimborazo Volcano, the highest in the world at 6,310 m, attracting hundreds of climbers each year. For those willing, a short hike is possible from Carrel refuge at 4,800 m to Whymper refuge at 5,000 m to enjoy a hot drink, and optionally up to the Whymper glacier needles at 5,350 m. The views are spectacular. Arrival in Riobamba at 18:00.
(Elevation change: +200m / –200m; Distance: 2 km, 1h walk)
(Elevation change: +350m / –350m; Distance: 4 km, 2h30 walk)
Included: Private transport – half board – hotel
DAY 14 RIOBAMBA 🡲 CUENCA (260km, 5h)
This morning we take the Pan-American Highway south to the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca. En route, we visit the archaeological site of Ingapirca, a fine example of Inca architecture and the best-preserved site in the country. You will learn about Inca and Spanish rule in Ecuadorian territory. Arrival at our hotel in the late afternoon.
Included: Private transport – entrance fees – half board – hotel
DAY 15 CUENCA
This day is entirely dedicated to visiting the magnificent city of Cuenca, considered the cultural capital of Ecuador. We visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the straw hat museum with a workshop on its production, and the historic center of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Then we go to the “Turi” viewpoint for lunch with panoramic views of the city. Return to the city and free time until dinner.
Included: Private transport – entrance fees – half board – hotel
DAY 16 CUENCA 🡲 GUAYAQUIL (200km, 3h30)
Departure at 8 a.m. to Cajas National Park for a gentle 3-hour walk discovering rivers, lakes, Polylepis forests, and Andean vegetation. After lunch, we continue to the port city of Guayaquil, also called “the Pearl of the Pacific.” With over 3,000,000 inhabitants, it is the country’s second-largest city and considered its economic capital, offering advantages for international maritime trade and one of the most important ports in the world.
Included: Private transport – entrance fees – half board – hotel
DAY 17 GUAYAQUIL 🡲 ISABELA
Flight to the Galápagos Islands where your French-speaking guide will meet you at Baltra airport. Transfer to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island) for lunch, then at 2 p.m., we board a public boat to Isabela Island (2h30 journey). Upon arrival, settle in at the hotel before visiting the Flamingo Lagoon, home to the largest coastal lagoon in the islands and a primary breeding site for flamingos. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Included: Flight – Shared tour – half board – hotel
DAY 18 ISABELA
This morning, a 45-minute truck or bus ride takes us to Sierra Negra Volcano, the world’s second-largest crater (approx. 9.65 km diameter, 91.5 m depth), then to Volcano Chico, a spectacular viewpoint over the islands. Back at the hotel, short rest. In the afternoon, snorkeling at Concha Perla with sea lions, colorful fish, and, if lucky, sea turtles and rays.
Included: Shared tour – half board – hotel
DAY 19 ISABELA
After breakfast, we visit Los Humedales, a giant tortoise breeding center, then the Wall of Tears, and Tintoreras islet, a deep crevice where sharks known as Tintoreras rest. From Puerto Villamil pier, we board a boat to the other side of the bay. Free time for observing penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and optional snorkeling to see tropical fish, starfish, sea urchins, and, if lucky, manta rays, sharks, and sea lions.
Note: Wetland hike takes about 3–4 hours; comfortable shoes recommended.
Included: Shared tour – half board – hotel
DAY 20 ISABELA 🡲 PUERTO AYORA
Early departure to take the public boat at 6 a.m. to Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) (~2 hours). Breakfast upon arrival, followed by a short rest, then travel to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Here, you can observe the famous giant Galápagos tortoises in their natural habitat, as well as vermilion flycatchers, Galápagos finches, and endemic vegetation such as Escelacia and Matazarnos forests. Finally, visit the Twin Craters. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see a variety of giant tortoises unique to each island and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
Included: Shared tour – half board – hotel
DAY 21 BALTRA – GUAYAQUIL – EUROPE
Transfer to Baltra Airport to return to Guayaquil, followed by check-in for your international flight.
Included: All transfers to the airport and domestic flight
Price Details
The travel package includes:
- International flight
- Assistance from your arrival at the airport until the end of the program
- A French-speaking tour guide for the entire duration of the stay
- French-speaking guides on specific days
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites and attractions
- Entrance to Galápagos Park and TCT
- Isabela tax
- Hotels and lodges based on double room rates
- Domestic flights (Guayaquil/Baltra/Guayaquil)
- A private transport vehicle with a qualified driver
- Meals on a half-board basis
The travel package excludes:
- Accident, cancellation, and trip interruption insurance
- Single room supplement
- 1 lunch on Day 21
- Therapeutic massages and other treatments at “Papallacta Spa Resort”
- Drinks, tips, and personal expenses
