Upon arrival to Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport, our local helpful guide will greet you. The guide will serve as a translator, help with your luggage, and assist with the car transfer to your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel San Francisco de Quito or similar B/-/-

After an early morning breakfast, the tour will depart towards the city center of Quito, or Centro Histórico, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. We will start with a panoramic view of Alameda Park and the Basilica, followed by a walk down the street of the Seven Crosses. The trip will continue with a walking tour, starting at Independence Square. From here, we will visit the presidential palace, the main cathedral, the gold-plated La Compañía Church, San Francisco Church and San Francisco Plaza. Around noon, the tour will head north to the equator for a trip to the monument of the Middle of the World. You may choose to visit either the Ethnographic or the Inti Ñan Museums, both located near the site of the monument. Along the way, we will stop for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch (optional). After seeing these incredible sites, the tour will head back to Quito, where you will return to your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel San Francisco de Quito or similar B/-/-

After an early breakfast, we will visit one of the most famous town for its weekly artesian market. We will stop on the highway to admire the beautiful landscape and snow-capped mountains in the area. We continue on, making a short stop at San Pablo Lake before arriving in Otavalo. Here we will visit the textile market located at the “Plaza of Ponchos”; this is one of the most famous markets in South America. You will find all kinds of handcrafts, including tapestries made on the Spanish weaving loom as well as the indigenous backstrap loom. After which you will enjoy some free time for bargaining and buying with the friendly Otavaleños. After that, we will head to Lake Cuicocha, which is formed in an ancient crater at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano, inside there are two islet. It is also known as the Lake of the Gods. We will have some time there for a short hike or a boat trip (optional). Finally, you will be taken to your hotel. Accommodation: Hotel San Francisco de Quito or similar B/-/-

Today we will leave Quito on a short drive to Papallacta and its hot springs, amid a breathtaking setting. Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle. These thermal baths are located 3000 meters above sea level and are surrounded by mountain cloud forest. Papallacta has a number of pools with different temperatures for your enjoyment. Here you will have time to soak in the waters and enjoy several optional spa treatments. Accommodation: Hotel Termas de Papallacta B/-/-

Arrival at Hakuna Matata at 1 PM or earlier, after you will have lunch in the famous Pangaea Restaurant. In the afternoon we have the 3options for activities: a) Nature walk with Guide b) Horseback riding with guide(s) c) Ecuador Chocolate Festival Dinner in Pangaea Restaurant. Accommodation in a 2-person cabaña with private toilet and hot shower.

Rainforest hike and visit to the Amazoonico or similar full day excursion (visit local community). Picnic Lunch. Dinner in Pangaea Restaurant. Accommodation in a 2-person cabaña with private toilet and hot shower.

After breakfast, we head to the village of Baños, which is located at the foot of Tungurahua, an active volcano and impressive attraction. Tungurahua is the reason for the area’s wonderful hot springs. Baños has become a mecca for international travelers seeking year-round temperate weather. There is a small town atmosphere, and it’s a good base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors. Baños or bath in English is named after its famous hot springs and thermal baths. There is a lot on offer, from waterfalls to horse riding and don´t miss the active Tungurahua volcano, which is visible from anywhere in Baños. Upon arrival in Baños we will take a short tour and visit the center. The city enjoys a pleasant subtropical zone climate. Later, we begin the route of waterfalls, including Agoyan, Heavens Door (Puertas del Cielo), Weddings Veil (Manto de la Novia), Devils Pan (Pailón del Diablo), Machay, and many more. Accommodation: Hotel Floresta or similar B/-/-

After breakfast, we will return to Quito to have a relax time at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel San Francisco de Quito or similar B/-/-

Flight from Quito to Baltra´s airport where a naturalist guide would transfer you to Puerto Ayora. On the way, we will stop by in order to visit the highlands. Then, you will have lunch at the harbor, and eventually, we continue with the transfer to the hotel. After a short break is made, we will visit the Charles Darwin Station. At the station, we will be able see a variety of species of Giant Tortoises in captivity. We will watch their different size and age, and learn the Islands they originally come from. We will listen about the ongoing conservation efforts directed at preserving the Giant Tortoises, as well as the environment of the archipelago as a whole. Then, return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation. Note: To execute this itinerary, it is important to choose an early flight that arrives maximum at 10am to Baltra

After breakfast, the guide will meet you in the hotel´s lobby in order to take them to the dock, and start the tour. Lunch will be included onboard the small yacht. In the afternoon, you would return to the port. North Seymour Island is a spectacular place to hike, swim, and enjoy snorkeling. The main attractions are: the frigates, boobies, gulls, hawks, green sea turtles and the famous Galapagos Sharks. Bartolomé Island is the most attractive landscape of the archipelago. This island is undoubtedly the most photographed in all the Galapagos Islands. You can appreciate a spectacular view of two beautiful bays and observe the fascinating formations of lava and volcanic cones. Two islands form Plazas. The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava coast. It is a wonderful spot to observe marine life, including manta rays. Coasts are a perfect spot for snorkeling activity. Then, the passengers would return to the hotel for Dinner and accommodation.

After breakfast, the guide will take you to enjoy Tortuga Bay. Here, you walk for 45 minutes approximately, through a cactus trail on to the first beach, which is called Playa Brava due to its strong currents. On this beach you would see a lot of marine iguanas, marine birds and pelicans. After visiting Playa Brava, we continue with an additional 15min walk in order to reach Playa Mansa. This second beach is a natural lagoon visited by blue footed boobies and pelicans. It is also a beautiful place for swimming and taking sun. Afterwards, we will have lunch at the port. After lunch, you will go to the port in order to embark on a public speedboat that will take you to Isabela Island (approximately 2-2.5 hour navigation). On your arrival, a person will take you to the hotel for check in. Afterwards, we visit the Lake of the Flamingos. Dinner would be provided at port. Then, you would return to the hotel for accommodation.

(Option 1) Approximately at 7:30 am, the trip to Sierra Negra Volcano will start. The passengers will be transported by bus or other transportation for about 45 minutes to the Galapagos National Park control site in order to record the visit. Then, we will begin a trek to the Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. During the trek (about 3-4 hours) a box lunch would be provided. In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel. After a short break, we will be transferred to the Concha Perla for snorkeling. Then, you would return to the hotel for Dinner and Accommodation. FULL DAY ISABELA (Option 2) Breakfast. Prepare to go to Tintoreras Islet. Go to the dock of Puerto Villamil in order to embark on small speedboats. After a short ride (approx. 20 min.), we arrive at Tintoreras. After the hike through the islet, we will snorkel. We can see starfish, multicolor fish, sea-urchins, and with luck manta rays, sharks, and sea lions that may swim with us close up. Return to hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela, where we will be able to see a variety of species of giant tortoises in captivity. Visit the Wall of Tears. The wall has a length of 100m and a height of 7m. The name is derived from the difficult and painful nature of the conditions in which the prisoners were forced to work. Visit a Lava Tunnel near the Wall, as well as visits to Mirador Orchilla, Estero de Isabela, and Playa del Amor. Then, you would return to the hotel for Dinner and Accommodation. We recommend option 2 for older people, who cannot make a trekking tour of several hours . Note: Please note that all tours on Isabela Island are shared with other persons (except for the first class hotel category, the Sierra Negra tour is private – Tintoreras is always shared).

At 05:30 am, you will be transferred to the Port for embarkation. At your arrival at Santa Cruz around 08:30, a guide will be waiting for the transfer to the airport in Baltra, so you can take your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil. On the way, we will make a brief stop in order to visit two sunken “holes”, similar to craters, known as “Los Gemelos”. Today after breakfast, you will be met by your guide and taken to the Airport in time for your international flight back home. Note: To execute this itinerary, it is important to choose a late flight that departs not before 12:30 pm from Baltra. Accommodation: Hotel San Francisco de Quito or similar B/-/-

Today at planned time you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight back home.