Highlights of Ecuador 360 including Galapagos, Amazon & the Andes
18 Nights/19 Days
Over 20 years of Travel organising Experience
Hi, I'm Adriana
Rated as one of the worlds top adventure tour operators by National Geographic. We pride ourselves on being able to offer the very best service and experience possible.
We own and run some of our own cruises & Hotels/Lodges making sure your holiday runs perfectly from start to finish.
We take Sustainable tourism seriously and work with both local communities and conservation experts to reduce any impact of ours and our clients travel.
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Trip highlights
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The Galapagos Islands
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The Andes
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Amazon
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Ecuador Coast
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Devils Nose Train
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Galapagos Cruise on Seaman Journey
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Incredible and unique array of wildlife
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Quito city tour
Day 1
Arrive (Ecuador)- transfer from Quito Airport
Welcome to Ecuador!
You will be met by our local guide who escort you to your hotel where you will stay during your time in Quito.
Overnight in Quito : Illa Experience B&B
Day 2
Quito City tour & Equatorial line
After Breakfast you and your guide will take you on an extensive tour of Quito including a must see visit to the Equatorial line after lunch.
Overnight in Quito : Illa Experience B&B
Details
Quito City tour & Equatorial line
Early in the morning and right after breakfast, you and our local guide would start the local tour in the city downtown, well known as Quito Colonial. Once you arrive there, you would start your journey along the “churches´ trails” by visiting the cathedral, near the presidential house. At the San Francisco church, there is a local handcraft store called Tianguez, where you can find a variety of items from the Ecuadorian culture and cuisine. Finally we will get a typical Ecuadorian lunch (not included).
After Lunch, our local tour will continue up north to the Equator line, where you would visit the “middle of the world” park and its monument. Here you can choose between the Ethnographic museum or the Intiñan museum, both located nearby the monument of the Equatorial line.
Overnight in Quito : Illa Experience B&B
Day 3
Otavalo Market
Early start towards Otavalo and visit to Quitsato Middle of the World.
Drive to Cotacachi Town for an optional Lunch (additional cost) before a visit to the famous leather market of Cotachi.
Then back to Otavalo for the evening.
Overnight in Otavalo : Hacienda Cusin B&B
Details
Otavalo Market
Early morning 8:00 a.m., our trip begins driving through Cayambe and our first stop at Quitsato Middle of the World.
The Quitsato Sundial is a cultural-tourist place located at La Mitad Del Mundo, near to Cayambe, 47 km at North of Quito. It was built in 2006 and inaugurated in 2007 as an independent, non-profit project in a 24756 ft² (2300 m²) area. Its main goal is to share crucial aspects of the astronomical knowledge of the prehispanic cultures of the region. The expositions are carried out by community members as a self-sustaining project.
After the tour in Quitsato Middle of the World tour you will drive to Cotacachi Town you will have time for an optional lunch “Not Include” before visiting the famous leather market of Cotacachi.
Cotacachi is known as the "leather town" with good reason - it is the best place to buy great quality, cheap leather goods in Ecuador.
Shopping for leather products in Ecuador couldn't be easier in Cotacachi. We simply head to the main street, where all the leather shops are clustered for your convenience. The guide can help you to select good quality items and assist you in negotiating a fair price.
After the tour in Cotacachi the guide will take you back to Otavalo to spend the night at the hacienda.
Overnight in Otavalo : Hacienda Cusin B&B
Day 4
Ecuadorian crafts & workshop / Cotopaxi
After breakfast the tour continues with a visit to see some traditional crafts and a craft workshop to see how these artifacts are made.
For lunch, we visit to Runa Tupari whilst watching a weaving demonstration.
Finally. south toward Cotopaxi National Park to stay in a traditional hacienda.
Overnight in Cotopaxi : La Cienga B&B
Day 5
Cotopaxi & Papallacta
Explore Cotopaxi National Park to include a visit to volcano Ruminahu.
Lunch back at the hotel then off toward Papallacta to experience the hot springs and perhaps treat yourself to a unique (Optional) Massage.
Evening meal - traditional fayre "Trout Coal" (Additional cost)
Overnight in Papallacta : Papallacta Hotel Spa - B&B
Day 6 - 8
Papallacta - Hakuna Matata
After a relaxing breakfast we head on our way to the Guango Reserve. Viewings of a vast array of bird life as we visit the trails in the cloud forest of San Isidro.
A city tour of Tena during the afternoon is followed by a drive to the lodge "Hakuna Matata", a private estate which has plenty to occupy us for the next 4 days and 3 nights, or just take some time to relax and rest.
4 nights just outside Tena :
Hakuna Matata lodge
Breakfast & Dinner
Details
Papallacta - Baeza - Tena - Hakuna Matata
Early in the morning you will have a delicious breakfast and spend the rest of the morning at the Termas de Papallacta facilities before checking-out.
Papallacta has some pools with different temperatures for use. Here you will have time to dive into the waters and enjoy “optional” spa treatments.
After checking-out at the Papallacta resort you and the guide will go to have an optional lunch before heading to Hakuna Matata Lodge situated in Archidona, 15 minutes from Tena City.
This private estate of approximately 150 ha is located just 10 km from Tena, the capital of the province of Napo. It is ideal for large-an inexhaustible series of activities that the area lends itself like no other place.
Arriving at the Lodge you will be introduced to their rooms and can enjoy a welcome cocktail and dining.
Programmed 4D / 3N at Hakuna Matata Lodge includes various activities by type of tourist, origin, age and preference. These programs can be daily horseback riding tour, tours in different nearby trails from 2-8 daily depending on the physical state of the tourists and their preferences to the available places. These visits are of secondary forest trails where you can see a diverse flora and fauna of the region. There are views of waterfalls and rivers as well as the rehabilitation center and battered wild or injured wildlife.
Activities include their own equipment and some have additional costs.
4 nights just outside Tena :
Hakuna Matata lodge
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9
Hakuna Matata - Banos
In the morning we visit the local rescue centre for wild animals to see endemic species from animals to flora.
We shall also visit the House of Balsa Wood in Tena, to see how local crafts are made.
Onward to Banos for check in.
Overnight in Banos : Samari Spa B&B
Day 10
Banos to Riobamba
Spend today exploring Banos with a tour beginning with the route of the waterfalls.
After lunch we head off towards the next destination Riobamaba.
Overnight in Riobamba : La Andaluza B&B
Details
Banos to Riobamba
After breakfast in the city of Baños, we will start the tour route of the waterfalls as this charming town is the refuge of more than 60 waterfalls, among the most visited you have: Inés María, Pailón Devil, Manto de la Novia, Hair of the Virgin, San Jorge, San Pedro, Chamana, Machay Agoyán, Phantom, El Placer, San Francisco, Cashaurco, Heart, etc. You can visit the waterfalls using different means of transport and also can meet them walking down the ecological and magical trails bridges and pendants.
After making the waterfall tour in Baños, the guide will take you to have Lunch “Not Include” and transfer you to Riobamba to spend the night.
Overnight in Riobamba : La Andaluza B&B
Day 11
Riobamba - Nariz del diablo - Ingapirca - Cuenca
Full day of touring today including:- The Devils Nose Train and the Ingapirca fortress.
Overnight in Cuenca :
Santa Lucia B&B
Details
Riobamba - Nariz del diablo - Ingapirca - Cuenca
DEVIL NOSE TRAIN AND INGAPIRCA RUINS
After an early breakfast the tour begins departing Riobamba to the south, as we head for Alausi where we will board the train to the “Devil’s Nose”. End-route we will make several stops, visiting the Balbanera Church, Colta Lake, and the indigenous town of Guamote (Note, Thursday is market day). Mid-morning, we will arrival at the town of Alausi where we will begin our adventure on Ecuador’s famous “Devil’s Nose” train. About a four-hour ride, we will return to Alausi in the early afternoon. Our bus will be waiting to take us to Ingapirca, and tour members are more than welcome to pack a box lunch to enjoy along the journey.
Continuing on, we will pay a visit the Ingapirca fortress, located at 3100m above sea level. These ancient ruins are the most important in the country. Their true history is still a mystery, as studies state they could have been a fortress, an observatory or a temple.
After visiting the ruins, we will finish our trip on the road to Cuenca, arriving in the early evening for an optional dinner and free evening.
Attention: Depending on the days of the tour, you will have to make sure that you will be in Riobamba between Tuesdays and Sunday. So you can have the tour in the train through the devil´s nose. The train doesn’t operate on Mondays.
Overnight in Cuenca : Santa Lucia B&B
Day 12
Cuenca - Gualaceo - Chordeleg
Morning Colonial city tour of Cuenca followed by visits to the Chordeleg as well as visiting 2 markets at Gualaceo.
Overnight in Cuenca : Santa Lucia B&B
Day 13
Cuenca - Cajas - Guayaquil
Early drive to Cajas National Park where you can take part in various activities during the morning:- hiking, fishing, bird watching etc.
Then on towards Guayaquil where you shall have an extensive city tour.
Overnight in Guayaquil : Wynham B&B
Details
Cuenca - Cajas - Guayaquil
Immediately after breakfast, we head northwest toward the Cajas National Park. After a short drive, we can take part in various activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, flora, fauna and more.
We visit the Interpretation Centre located on Lake La Toreadora (the largest and most important in the entire complex). Here we see pictures and interpretations of the park.
After the visit in the national park we will go towards Guayaquil.
Upon arrival guide, we would start the tour with the main tourist attractions from Guayaquil´s harbor, the main trade business part of the city, the Centennial Park, which has a monument in memory of the heroes of Guayaquil´s independence, Plaza de la Administration, the buildings of the city hall and the governance, the watch´s Morisca Towel, Sucre´s monument, and Bolivar´s Park where there is a statue of Simon Bolivar the main liberator of South America.
This park is also known as the Iguanas´ park due to the presence of iguanas hanging from the green leaps of the trees. On a side of the park there is the Neo-gothic style Metropolitan cathedral. Then we will go to the Crystal Palace, Plaza de la Integration, Plaza de las Banderas and Plaza Olmedo, which are next to each other on the south side of the city and through the marvelous Malecon 2000.
Up north is the Cerro Santa Ana, which has the oldest neighborhood in the city of Guayaquil calling Las Peñas. Las Peñas has been successfully renewed and built in wooden constructions painted on shiny colors, where some art galleries are operating for the public. A view from the Guayaquil´s cementery allows watching the extraordinary marble scultures made by Italian artists. The tour also includes the visit to the Malecon Del Salado.
At the end of the Guayaquil tour, we will go to a restaurant located at the Malecon in order to Experience an unforgettable dinner(optional) along with some traditional music such as the Pasillos, which deviate from the Vienna Waltz developed by Europeans in the Andean region of the Gran Colombia in the XVIII century- all this while you enjoy the view of the city during the evening.
Overnight in Guayaquil : Wynham B&B
Day 14
Guayaquil to The Galapagos
Early morning flight. (additional cost)
Guide to meet you once through airport inspection to transfer you to your cruise (Seaman Journey), before we set sail.
Afternoon - Kicker Rock, labos Island
Overnight on board : Seaman Journey B/L/D
Details
Guayaquil to The Galapagos
Early morning flight.
Arrival at San Cristobal travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands and to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless prepaid), and $10 for the INGALA card which is an identity card that you need . Guides will meet you, collect your luggage, and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbor. Motorized rafts, called ‘Pangas’ will transport you to the M/C Seaman Journey and our crew will welcome you onboard. After departure and lunch, the first island visit is made.
PM: KICKER ROCK
Also known as the Sleeping Lion because of its resemblance, it is located of the coast of San Cristobal. The remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, the two vertical rocks rising 500 feet from the ocean form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. This Galapagos Islands natural monument has become a favorite sight for cruises due to the many tropical birds, frigates, and boobies that fill the surrounding air. Beneath the sea the nearly crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful tropical fish and invertebrates.
LOBOS ISLAND
Isla Lobos is about an hour by boat from Port Baquerizo Moreno. The length of the trail is 850 meters and the estimated travel time is one hour. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and common frigate birds nesting on this site. You can observe the two species of sea lions present in the archipelago. During the tour you go through a dry vegetation zone, substrate of volcanic rocks and a sandy area. During the panga tour brown pelicans and several species of shorebirds can be observed; although, snorkeling, it’s common to see juvenile sea lions, manta rays and sea turtles.
Overnight on board : Seaman Journey B/L/D
Day 15
The Galapagos - San Cristobal Island
In the morning we visit Pitt Point
Afternoon - Cerro Brujo
Overnight on board : Seaman Journey B/L/D
Details
The Galapagos - San Cristobal Island
AM: PITT POINT
This place is on the north of San Cristobal. One can see endemic species such as lava lizards and red-footed boobies. The view is impressive when you walk up to the high part of the island. You may be lucky to see the red footed booby – the least seen of the bunch. It’s also the home of the Chatham mockingbird, only found here on San Cristobal Island. Pitt Point
PM: CERRO BRUJO
Cerro Brujo beach is a white coral beach and the first coast to be stepped by Charles Darwin. In this fascinating landscape of lava, we can observe boobies, gulls and pelicans. The sheltered bay is popular for young sea turtles and rays and there are excellent opportunities for swimming. Among the most attractive fauna you may be able to see is the Chatham mockingbird and San Cristobal lava lizard, both species endemic to this island and not seen anywhere else in the Galapagos. You can also find the Canary of the Islands, the Galápagos Flycatcher and hopefully the Vermilion Flycatcher, a small red and black bird that is called Pájaro Brujo in Spanish. The vegetation covers the whole path, where you can find species such as candelabra cactus, chala, carob, Muyu and more. Cerro Brujo Beach is special for being in calm and in peace. The white sand and water clarity are the perfect combination to enjoy an incredible break.
Afternoon - Cerro Brujo
Overnight on board : Seaman Journey B/L/D
Day 16
Quito The Galapagos - Espanola Island
Morning - Punta Suarez - excellent sea bird colonies.
Afternoon - Gardner Bay - Relax and view various sea life.
Overnight on board : Seaman Journey B/L/D
Details
The Galapagos - Espanola Island
AM: PUNTA SUAREZ
This rocky land spot sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galapagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf. Punta Suarez.
PM: GARDNER BAY
Located on the north-eastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters.
Overnight on board : Seaman Journey B/L/D
Day 17
The Galapagos - Floreana Island
Morning - Cormorant Point - probably best flamingo lagoon.
Afternoon - Post office & Baroness Lookout
Overnight on board : Seaman Journey B/L/D
Details
The Galapagos - Floreana Island
AM: CORMORANT POINT
This site offers probably the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos; it is also one of the largest in the islands. It’s situated between two tuff lava cones that give the area a special atmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to observe besides flamingos; the most frequent are common stilts, white-checked pintail ducks, and other migratory birds. It is very interesting to see the two distinct beaches: “The Green Beach” (due to its high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour Sand Beach” which is made up of coral. Galapagos Cormorant Point.
PM: POST OFFICE BAY & BARONESS LOOKOUT
Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrels that wasplaced in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. We will continue to the north of the island and will ascent to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful vista at the Baroness lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos and wide forest of Palo Santo.
Overnight on board : Seaman Journey B/L/D
Day 18
The Galapagos (santa Cruz island) to Guayaquil
Morning - Charles Darwin Station
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. One of the main attractions are the National Park information center, the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, Lonesome George (turtle from Pinta), and adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity. Charles Darwin Station
late morning / afternoon - Flight back to Guayaquil (Additional cost)
Overnight in Guayaquil : Wynham B&B
Day 19
Last day and transfer to airport
Departure - We recommend that you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your departure flight (or 2 hours if travelling business class). Your departure time will be given to you by your chauffeur guide. It is recommended that you check in online for your departure flight so that you can avoid long queues at the airport check in counters. On line check in is available for most airlines 24 hours before your flight. Your hotel will be able to help you with this if necessary. We wish you a pleasant journey back home or to your next destination.
International flights home
Trip details
Price from £6590 Per person based on twin share basis, subject to exchange rates.
With all international and domestic flights prices from approx
£7750 per person
Price includes
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Cruise Galapagos on The Seaman Journey
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Private transfers and transport as shown
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English speaking tour guides
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Entrance fees as shown
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Hotels shown are subject to change at any time with similar standard offered
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ATOL protection (When taking international flights)
Additional Extra's
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International and internal local Flights or taxes.
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Additional unscheduled excursions
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Galapagos Park fee
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Galapagos Transit Control Card
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Additional meals & drinks (soft & Alcoholic)
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Immunisations
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Visa's
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Personal travel insurance
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local gratuaties