Two weeks in Ecuador - Andes, Amazon & Galapagos.
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Galapagos Tortoise
Plaza de los Ponchos Market
Casa del Suizo
Marine Iguana
Cotopaxi Volcano
Amazon rainforest
Colonial Quito
Tintoreras Islet
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$4399 includes hotels, tours, transportation and so much more!!!!
March 29 - April 12, 2025. One of my favorite trips ever!!! What an amazing adventure! This two week odyssey thought Ecuador will be epic. We'll start in the Andes with Volcanoes, hot springs & waterfalls, spend two nights in a luxury lodge in the Amazon rainforest and cap it off with five days in the Galapagos Islands. Wow! This is the same fantastic itinerary from our 2023 trips, but with an extra day in the Galapagos with virtually no price increase! The country of Ecuador is one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. Between Mountains, jungles and Islands we'll get to see a rich array of flora and fauna that most people only dream about.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: The 15 day package includes all transfers and transportation in Ecuador, three nights in historic Spanish colonial Quito, two nights in the Casa del Suizo lodge in the Amazon rainforest, high quality lodgings (see itinerary) in Otavalo, Papallacta and Banos, six nights on various islands in the Galapagos chain, all snorkeling, boating and other activities mentioned in the itinerary, breakfasts daily, 6 lunches, 3 dinners, English speaking guides and a pre departure meeting and orientation before we go. WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED: Entrance fees and transit control card to the Galapagos National Park ($200 + $38) to be paid individually upon arrival. All meals and beverages not noted. AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED. We will purchase individual tickets but all fly together on the same itinerary. Current airfare prices are around $1400 round trip. Prices are based on double occupancy. There is a single supplement fee of $865. Transportation to the airport from Easton will be available at an additional charge. This is a fantastic opportunity to visit three unique and diverse ecosystems within one country. The Andes mountain peaks with their Volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs are truly majestic and awe inspiring. Relax in the swimming pool in our jungle lodge while gazing at the stunning Amazon rainforest. And, finally, the Galapagos Islands which need no introduction.
There are two ways to see the Galapagos. One is living aboard a boat. While there are some pros to this method, I think they are outweighed by the cons: seasickness, cramped quarters and you are at the mercy of the sea as to where and when you can go. The other (the one we're doing) is by land. We will stay in comfortable lodges right in the very Islands we want to visit, visiting the sea lion colonies, bird sanctuaries & beaches and snorkeling and being able to explore the towns where we'll be staying. Of course we'll use boats to island hop when we need to, but otherwise we'll be comfortable and close to the action. Otavalo is a town in the Andean highlands surrounded by volcanoes including the Imbabura Volcano. It's known for its Otavalo Market in the central Plaza de Ponchos, where traditionally clad indigenous townspeople sell colorful textiles and handicrafts. Papallacta is a small village with natural hot springs at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. Banos the gateway to the Amazon, surrounded by volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls. Tena Unusually for a jungle transport hub, Tena is an attractive place where many travelers find themselves hanging around quite happily for days before or after a trip into the rainforest. Isabela Island The archipelago's largest island, Isabela, was formed by the joining of five young volcanoes. Also one of the least populated and most laid back in the chain. The perfect place to relax and unwind. Santa Cruz Island is known for sandy beaches and the town of Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s tourism hub. Here, the Charles Darwin Research Station has a breeding program for endangered giant tortoises, which live wild in El Chato Reserve. There are plenty of great shops and restaurants too! Itinerary
Day 1. Saturday, March 29. ✈ ARRIVAL to QUITO Our Flight departs from JFK. Exact flights will be published soon. We'll arrive at Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre Airport in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, a country with the greatest biodiversity in the world Welcome Cocktail!!! From the airport we'll head north to Ibarra. Accommodation and dinner in the Hacienda ChorlavÍ dating back to 1620. Relax and acclimate on the gorgeous grounds of this old mission. Food: Dinner Day 2. Sunday, March 30. IBARRA & OTAVALO Today we'll explore the region around Ibarra and Cotacachi, with stops at the famous waterfall of Peguche, an indigenous ceremonial center with artisan weavers and crafts and an authentic Ecuadorian lunch. After lunch we’ll head to the beautiful Lake Cuicocha, located in the crater of the volcano Cotacachi. Accommodation and dinner in the Hacienda ChorlavÍ. Food: Breakfast/lunch Day 3. Monday, March 31. OTAVALO - PAPALLACTA Otavalo is famous for it’s Plaza de los Ponchos market where indigenous locals sell their wares. After breakfast at our hacienda we’ll have the rest of the morning free for shopping. After lunch we’ll depart for the natural hots springs of Papallacta. It’s a gorgeous ride though the Ecuadorian countryside. The afternoon will be free to enjoy and relax in the pool of our hotel located at the foot of the beautiful Antisana volcano. option: Enter the spa and its hot springs. Overnight in the beautiful Termas Papallacta hotel. Food: Breakfast Day 4. Tuesday, April 1. PAPALLACTA - AMAZON After breakfast we say goodbye to the mountains and head for the Amazon region, to the city of Tena, Punta Ahuano, and transfer to canoes for the ride to our Jungle lodge in the Amazonian rainforest. There’s nothing basic about this lodge. Clean, comfortable rooms with well-equipped bathrooms, complete with a swimming pool, a well stocked bar and delicious meals. Reception by the lodge staff and lunch. Maybe go for a short nocturnal walk in the jungle or other activity. Be on the lookout for monkeys!! Dinner and overnight at the highly rated Casa del Suizo lodge. Food: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner Day 5. Wednesday, April 2. AMAZON After breakfast we can hike in the tropical forest to observe its flora, the different trees, medicinal plants and their use. We’ll see all kinds of wildlife, and there are plenty of other optional activities to choose from. Visit of a community or a Quechua indigenous family to learn about their way of life, customs, their handicrafts and agricultural products and their food. Dinner and overnight at the Casa del Suizo lodge. Food: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner Day 6. Thursday, April 3. AMAZON – BAÑOS After breakfast, transfer by canoe to our motor coach and return to the Andes, to the thermal city of Baños, located at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano (16479 ft) with natural thermal pools and beautiful waterfalls. On the way to Baños we’ll visit the Pailón del Diablo waterfall, The Devil’s Cauldron. At 80 meters in height, it’s one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Ecuador. Walk out on the suspension bridge far an up close and personal experience! In the afternoon you can relax and explore the city of Baños with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Overnight in the Hotel Sangay in Baños. Food: Breakfast Day 7. Friday, April 4. BAÑOS - COTOPAXI – QUITO This morning we’ll head back north to Quito on the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" with some spectacular scenery. Along the way, we’ll visit the Cotopaxi National Park, where you can see the Cotopaxi, one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world (19347 ft in moderate activity since August 2015). We’ll hike around the Lake of Limpiopungo with tons of local flora and fauna and pretty views at the foot of the volcano and/or climb to the volcano refuge from 14763 to 15748 ft (depending on the weather). Lunch at a hacienda en route. In the afternoon, back “home” to historic Quito. Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing visit of the historical city center and it’s Spanish colonial architecture. Overnight in the Quito hotel with sweeping vistas and lots of walkable bars and restaurants. Food: Breakfast/Lunch Day 8. Saturday, April 5. QUITO Today is a rest day. We'll have the option to visit the equator at the "Middle of the World" visitor center and some free time in the afternoon and evening in the historic colonial center of Quito. Overnight in the Quito Hotel. Day 9. Sunday, April 6. QUITO – GALAPAGOS – SANTA CRUZ ISLAND After breakfast this morning we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. We'll stay in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island where we’ll visit the reserve of semi-wild turtles. "El Chato", the natural habitat of the famous giant Galapagos tortoises and home to many nesting wild birds such as Finches, Scarlet flycatchers and Cattle egrets. We’ll also have the chance to visit a crazy underground lava tube complete with lights so you don’t bump your head! After visiting the tortoises, we'll head to Puerto Ayora, our home for the night, for some free time to shop and relax. Out hotel is very well located in the middle of town within walking distance to everything. It's the largest town in the Galapagos and there are lots of boutique shops and restaurants. Overnight in the Ninfa Hotel (or similar). Food: Breakfast Day 10. Monday, April 7. SANTA CRUZ - ISABELA ISLAND This morning we have an early departure and a two hour boat ride to idyllic Isabela Island, our blissful home for the next three nights. In the afternoon we will continue our journey aboard a boat to the islet "Tintoreras" to observe a colony of marine iguanas and penguins. Then snorkeling nearby to observe tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, rays and seahorses. We’ll spend the night on Isabela Island at the Albermarle Hotel (or similar) right on the beach in Puerto Villamil. Food: Breakfast/Lunch Day 11. Tuesday, April 8. ISABELA ISLAND After breakfast this morning we'll have the rest of the day free at leisure. Visit the Flamingos Lagoon and enjoy the beautiful beach of Isabela, visit the wetlands along the ocean and have lunch at a local restaurant. Rent a bike or just lounge on the beach... it's up to you.. Overnight at the Albermarle Hotel (or similar) Food: Breakfast Day 12. Wednesday, May 9. ISABELA ISLAND - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND Another day in paradise. There are plenty of activities, like hiking up to the Sierra Negra volcano, which is the largest and one of the most active volcanoes in the islands. They have one of the most important biological reserves in the world. This is where Charles Darwin studied the flora and fauna in the nineteenth century and wrote "The Origin of Species". Or maybe visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding center, or snorkel with the sea turtles and marine iguanas in the Concha Perla just down the street from our hotel. Or just hang on the beach and drink some coco locos! Overnight at the Albermarle Hotel (or similar) Food: Breakfast Day 13. Thursday, May 10. ISABELA ISLAND - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND After breakfast well head back to Sant Cruz for a visit to the gorgeous Tortuga Bay. We'll head out by boat to visit Tortuga Bay beach, see a sea lion colony, the Canal de Amor, and the Playa de los Perros to see sea lions, iguanas, reef sharks, and more. Overnight in the Ninfa Hotel (or similar). Food: Breakfast DAY 14. Friday, May 11. SANTA CRUZ ISLAND After breakfast today we'll visit the Charles Darwin Station and have the rest of the day free to enjoy this vibrant little island paradise. Overnight in the Ninfa Hotel (or similar). Food: Breakfast/-/- DAY 15. Saturday, May 12. QUITO ✈ INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT Today we say goodbye to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and take the 10 minute ferry ride to Baltra Island for our flight home. Exact flight times to be published soon. Food: Breakfast |