Andean volcanoes, giant tortoises and toucans.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival transfer in Quito

  Upon your arrival at Quito International Airport, and after personally taking the necessary steps to collect your luggage, your guide will welcome you in the airport's arrivals hall. Transfer of about 1 hour, the time needed to reach the hotel located in the heart of the Ecuadorian capital. On the way, you will first discover the modern city of Quito: its buildings, offices, and parks where Quiteños (inhabitants of Quito) like to relax on weekends. You will also pass near the famous La Mariscal district, with its many bars and restaurants, which boasts the vibrant festive atmosphere typical of Latin American cities. Finally, you will arrive at your hotel in Quito where you can drop off your luggage. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Quito.

• day 2

  Visit of Quito

  You will set out to discover the colonial city of Quito, capital of the Caras and the Incas, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Partly built under Spanish rule, the city of Quito will dazzle you with its architecture, its tranquility, and its history. You will visit the Jesuit church La Compañía de Jesús, whose construction began in 1605, and its incredible gilding, the Plaza Grande where the cathedral and the Palacio del Gobierno (Government Palace) are located, as well as the churches La Merced and Santo Domingo. You will then pass through La Ronda, a famous colonial street in the Ecuadorian capital, lined with 17th-century buildings. Many artists, politicians, and writers once lived here. Finally, you will end your visit of Quito at the hill of El Panecillo, where the famous statue of the Virgin stands, which is the only statue in the world representing a winged Virgin. You will also enjoy a breathtaking view of the capital. Lunch on your own. Then, you will head to the Mitad del Mundo. Located 20 km north of Quito, this place marks the location of the equatorial line. You will cross from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere in the blink of an eye and enjoy small experiments to understand the scientific process. At the end of the afternoon, return to Quito. Dinner on your own and overnight in Quito.

• day 3

  Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha

  This morning, you will leave Quito early to head to Otavalo. The transfer takes about 2 hours. Here, you will visit the famous and colorful market of the same name. It is the best-known indigenous market, but also the largest in Ecuador. This will be the perfect time to buy souvenirs! The Otavalo market is made up of three distinct sectors: the animal market, which takes place outside the city center (this part operates only on Saturdays), the typical fruit and vegetable market, and the colorful craft market. You will then head towards the magnificent Cuicocha lagoon, overlooked by the Cotacachi volcano and its 4944 meters. After a walk of about 45 minutes, you will already enjoy an extraordinary panorama of the lagoon and its surroundings. One of the many existing legends says that the Cuicocha lagoon was a volcano that, more than 3000 years ago, separated from its parents: mother Cotacachi and father Imbabura (the surrounding volcanoes). Its mother, the Cotacachi volcano, cried over the loss of her child and thus filled the lagoon with her tears. You can walk around the lagoon. The walk lasts about 4 hours. Lunch on your own. On the way back, you can stop at the village of Cotacachi, famous for its leather shops. In fact, the village exports its famous products all over the world. This will be a great opportunity to do some pleasant shopping! At the end of the afternoon, you will join your host family in San Clemente where you can take part in various daily activities planned by the family. We recommend helping with dinner preparation. Overnight in San Clemente and dinner with your hosts.

• day 4

  San Clemente Community

  You will continue your exceptional exchange alongside your Quichua hosts. You will discover San Clemente, its people, its artisans, the field workers, its culture, and the guinea pig farms – called "cuy" in Ecuador – which they enjoy daily. You will enjoy one of the following activities: - Local cuisine: making a typical dish from the San Clemente community with the women of the village. - Embroidery: introduction to local embroidery. Most clothes, tablecloths, etc. are still made within the community. - Others: planting seeds or grains, plowing, fruit picking, etc. - Imbabura Volcano: ascent of the Imbabura volcano, whose summit is at 4690 m altitude (7 hours round trip walk). Lunch with your family (or picnic depending on the activity). In the afternoon, you will continue discovering the community and its traditions with your family. You can also rest in the shade of this fabulous rural setting if you prefer. You can also go to the church square where a football field is available. Sometimes, the young and not-so-young from the village of San Clemente gather there for a sports match. Dinner with your hosts and last night in San Clemente.

• day 5

  San Clemente, Zuleta hacienda, inn in Machachi

  You will reach the Zuleta hacienda, dating from the 16th century, after a short transfer. It is one of the most beautiful haciendas in the country, located in a rural area at the foot of the Imbabura volcano. As the founder of a project to rehabilitate the famous condors, you will also have the opportunity to observe them flying. You will enjoy half a day in this superb hacienda built in the heart of a unique property. During a horseback ride or mountain biking, you will set off in search of the spectacled bear and the condor, at a trot or a gallop, on the vast lands of the property. - Horseback riding ($62/person 1-2h and $91/person 3-4h) - Mountain biking ($29/person) Depending on the time available, you will also be given explanations about the cheese-making process offered by the hacienda. Zuleta cheeses are indeed among the most recognized cheeses in Ecuador. Lunch at the hacienda. Then, you will continue your journey towards the famous Cotopaxi National Park, where you will arrive at the end of the afternoon. You will notably follow the impressive Avenue of the Volcanoes, where countless peaks will surround you. You will stop at the village of Machachi where you will spend the night in a small rural inn. You will meet the owner, Rocio, who will be happy to speak with you in French. Dinner and overnight at the inn.

• day 6

  Cotopaxi Park

  This morning, you will head to the heart of Cotopaxi National Park, where the highest active volcano in the world is located: Cotopaxi, whose summit reaches 5890 m in altitude. This magnificent volcano, unique in the world and whose name in Quichua means "crescent moon," will offer you lunar landscapes and typical Andean highland scenery. During this day, you will observe volcanic lands, wild horses, as well as the chagras, the name given to horseback farmers. You will also go to the Limpiopungo lagoon, where many Andean birds breed and feed. If you wish, you can climb up to the José Ribas refuge on Cotopaxi volcano, located at 4800 meters in altitude, which is almost the altitude of the famous Mont-Blanc, the highest point in Europe. Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador. Not to be missed! Lunch on your own in the middle of Cotopaxi National Park. In the afternoon, you will head towards the village of Tigua where you will stay in a traditional rural inn run by the descendants of the dictator Guillermo Lara (early 20th century). Today, it is his great-grandchildren who manage the inn. They will also tell you about their family history without reservation. We recommend arriving in the middle of the afternoon (around 4pm) to participate in a small workshop where the process of making cheese and yogurt produced by the farm will be explained to you, and which you will have the pleasure of tasting during your meal. Dinner at the inn.

• day 7

  Quilotoa Lagoon

  After breakfast, you will head to Quilotoa to enjoy the beautiful lagoon with turquoise waters: the Quilotoa Lagoon. Legend has it that a courageous and violent god named Quilotoa lived on the surface of the lagoon. Considered the king of all volcanoes, he regularly confronted the god Toachi, who resided at a lower altitude. Toachi hated his enemy Quilotoa for his power. Moreover, as if to demonstrate his strength, Quilotoa reflected the sky in its waters like a mirror. You will walk around the lagoon (about 5 hours of walking). The walk is not technically difficult, however, the ascents and descents follow one another! You will therefore need to be in good physical shape. Lunch is at your leisure in a local restaurant. Return to Tigua in the afternoon. Depending on the time available and your interest, you can visit a local art and painting workshop. The village is renowned throughout the country for its artists who specialize in realistic and colorful paintings of daily and spiritual life in the Andes. Overnight and dinner at the inn.

• day 8

  Saquisilí Market and the town of Baños

  After an early start, you will first visit the picturesque Saquisili market, which is one of the most renowned indigenous markets in Ecuador. Among Andean textiles and livestock spread over eight different squares, you will meet the local population who gather here every Thursday. One square is specialized in the sale of animals. Here, pigs, llamas, chickens, hamsters, sheep, etc. will be omnipresent, creating a very "rural" atmosphere. Other squares are strictly reserved for the sale of fresh products, from fruits and vegetables to sugar and spices. The colors intermingle... This will be the perfect time to take beautiful photos! You will then head towards Baños. The Tungurahua volcano, whose name means "throat of fire" in Quechua and which rises to 5016 meters in altitude, overlooks the city of Baños. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador. Often, the volcano releases gases and smoke from its crater that rise into the sky. The spectacle that you will certainly be able to observe in clear weather – and without risk – is magnificent! Lunch on your own along the way. You will visit the famous and spectacular waterfall located between Baños and Puyo: Pailón del Diablo. Forty minutes of walking will be necessary to appreciate the impressive waterfall crashing against the rock. If you wish, you can position yourself behind the waterfall by taking a narrow rocky path where you will have to crawl a bit to reach your goal. Overnight in Baños and dinner on your own.

• day 9

  Chimborazo Reserve

  In the morning, you will take a transfer of about 1h15. This day will be dedicated to meeting Baltazar, the last hielero (ice breaker) still living in Ecuador. Baltazar climbs twice a week up to the ice mines to extract blocks that he then brings back on his mules, packed in straw to control the temperature. This ice extraction has historically been carried out for various uses, including gourmet ice creams, which Baltazar will be happy to explain to you. During a 5-hour hike on the slopes of the Chimborazo volcano, accompanied by the last hielero, you will observe his work while enjoying his expertise. You will enjoy a picnic lunch in his company. After this meeting, you will head to the heart of the Chimborazo reserve, where you will observe many wild vicuñas as well as some llamas and alpacas. Overnight in a sumptuous lodge located at the foot of the Chimborazo volcano and dinner on site.

• day 10

  Chimborazo Reserve and Guayaquil

  Chimborazo is the highest volcano in Ecuador and is also the point on Earth closest to the sun, due to its location (near the equator) and its altitude. You will wake up at the foot of this monster which rises to 6310 m. With its snow-capped summit, this inactive volcano is impressive. You will climb to the Whymper refuge after an easy walk of about 40 minutes. The refuge is named after the famous mountaineer Edward Whymper, who was the first man to successfully attempt the ascent of Chimborazo volcano (6310 m) in 1880. Depending on the weather conditions and your wishes, it is possible to climb a little higher, close to the glacier. At the end of the morning, you will head towards Guayaquil. Lunch on your own en route. After about 4 hours of driving, you will arrive in Guayaquil, the largest port in Ecuador and the economic center of the west of the country. Guayaquil is also the most populated Ecuadorian city. Radically different from Quito, Guayaquil is more festive and colorful, but culturally less interesting. In the evening, if you wish, you can walk along the Malecón (seaside promenade) to get a feel for the city. During this walk, we recommend you visit the picturesque and colorful high district of Las Peñas, where it is pleasant to share a drink. Dinner on your own and overnight in Guayaquil.

• day 11

  Arrival in the Galapagos

  In the morning, transfer to the airport. You will do what is necessary to board our flight to the Galapagos. Before check-in, you will pay your INGALA migration card ($20/person). About 1h30 of flight is needed to reach the archipelago from Guayaquil. Upon your arrival in Baltra, you will have to pay your entrance fee required by the Galapagos National Park ($100/person) before being welcomed by the driver. Crossing of the Itabaca channel by boat (5 min) and private transfer to the port of Puerto Ayora (about 40 min). Upon arrival at the port of Puerto Ayora, you will drop off your suitcases at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are free. In the afternoon, free time to visit one of the sites easily accessible without a guide. In order of preference, here are the sites we recommend: Giant Tortoise Reserve: you will take a taxi to the heights of the island where you will visit a reserve of giant land tortoises living in their natural habitat. The entrance costs $5/person and you should expect about $20 for the taxi. (Visit: 1h30 – Round trip walk: 45 min). Tortuga Bay: you can visit the beautiful Tortuga Bay beach. Made of white sand where beautiful waves break, this beach is home to marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and seabirds. It will be a relaxing moment where, optionally, you can rent sea kayaks to paddle in the bay. (Visit: 3/4 h – Round trip walk: 2h30). Grietas: located on the same side as the Angermeyer hotel, you will visit the Grietas site, a magnificent volcanic formation located along the bay of Santa Cruz Island. At the end of the walk, you can swim in crystal-clear water. (Visit: 2h30 – Round trip walk: 1h30). Charles Darwin Station: located at the end of the town of Puerto Ayora, the famous Charles Darwin Station is a scientific center on the different endemic species of the Galapagos. Like a zoo, you will observe several species. (Visit: 1h30 – Round trip walk: 1h00).

• day 12

  Santa Cruz Island and North Seymour Island

  This morning, transfer of about 40 minutes by bus with the other passengers (maximum 20 people) to the Itabaca canal where you will board your boat with the group. This day will be dedicated to visiting Seymour Island. A recognized nesting site, Seymour has a 1.2 km trail that allows you to see up close the colonies of blue-footed boobies as well as the magnificent frigatebirds. Depending on the season, you may observe the famous male frigatebirds inflating their red pouches, while the blue-footed boobies will flap their wings and emit a high-pitched cry during the courtship display. This time of seduction is incredibly beautiful and impressive! You may also see land iguanas, present only on a few islands of the archipelago. Lunch on board. After another period of navigation, you will reach the magnificent Bachas beach where you can swim. You will certainly see sea turtles, which sometimes lay their eggs, as well as pink flamingos basking in the calm waters of the lagoon. Return to the port in the afternoon. Overnight at the port in your beautiful hotel and dinner at your leisure.

• day 13

  Santa Cruz Island and Isabela Island

  Early in the morning (around 6am), you will take a speedboat to Isabela Island (shuttle: 80 cts/person to reach the boat). Sea transfer of about 2 hours. Upon arrival at Isabela (shuttle: $1/person to reach the dock), and after paying the entrance fee ($5/person), the driver will be waiting for you at the dock. Transfer to the hotel where you will drop off your luggage. You will head directly to the highlands of Isabela Island where you will begin your 16 km hike, lasting about 5 to 6 hours, on the slopes of the Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes, whose last eruption was in 2005. Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago. It is also one of the islands with the most volcanic eruptions in recent years. The landscapes are often lunar! The scenery is magnificent. You will walk on a lava desert as far as the eye can see where only a few cacti grow back. Picnic lunch along the way. After this beautiful excursion, you will return to the port of Isabela in the afternoon. Free time, you can then enjoy the beautiful beach of Puerto Villamil where a few marine iguanas roam. Dinner on your own at the port and overnight at your hotel.

• day 14

  Isabela Island

  This morning, after your breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to try on your snorkeling equipment. Then, transfer to the port where you will meet your guide and board a small fishing boat to reach the southernmost point of Isabela Island: the Cabo Rosa tunnels. These are the only boats authorized to reach this specific point. Cabo Rosa is one of the most beautiful sites in the Galapagos archipelago! In these places, you will see extraordinary landscapes shaped by rock formations worthy of Jules Verne's books. These lava tunnels are both submerged and emerged; they undulate on the surface of the sea like a serpent. Here, you can observe Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies. Return on board and enjoy a simple picnic lunch on the boat. You will then have time to swim with fins, mask, and snorkel. You will enjoy extraordinary underwater scenery. You will swim among sea turtles, you will be very close to white-tip sharks and you will have the chance to observe seahorses. Return to the port and free time to enjoy your hotel and this beautiful, still wild island. Dinner on your own in Puerto Villamil and last night on the island in your charming hotel.

• day 15

  Isabela Island, Santa Cruz and return to Quito

  Early in the morning, transfer to the pier. You will board a speedboat heading to Puerto Ayora. A water taxi must be paid for on site at departure and arrival ($1/trip/person). The journey takes 2h30. Upon arrival on Santa Cruz Island, the driver will be waiting for you. Transfer to the Itabaca Channel (40 min), which you will cross to reach Baltra airport. At Baltra airport, you will wait for your regional flight. The flight duration is approximately 1h30 to Guayaquil and 3h30 to Quito. Lunch is at your leisure at the airport. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel and dinner is at your leisure.

• day 16

  Arrival in Amazonia at Cuyabeno Lodge

  In the morning, a short transfer to take a flight of about 40 minutes to the city of Lago Agrio. You will fly over the eastern cordillera and arrive at your destination in the middle of the morning. Transfer from the airport to the Cuyabeno River bridge. Depending on your flight time, lunch in a local restaurant or at the lodge. Then, you will board comfortable motorized canoes for a journey on the river, which will last about three hours. During the canoe transfer, you will be able to observe countless species of birds such as herons, kingfishers, or even toucans. Monkeys and sloths may also be seen if you stay very attentive. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will take a short nap, after which you will set out to explore the surroundings and especially the nearby lagoon, where you will enjoy a stunning sunset over the Amazon. In the evening, after dinner, you can take a night walk in search of insects and reptiles, if you wish. Overnight in a cabin.

• day 17

  Amazon, Cuyabeno Lodge

  Before breakfast, you will go canoeing in search of birds and freshwater dolphins. The morning, and especially sunrise, is indeed one of the best times to observe animals. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Then, accompanied by your local naturalist guide, you will go on land for a fairly easy walk of a few hours to discover the Amazon rainforest, its extraordinary flora and fauna. You will learn in particular about the special characteristics of medicinal plants from these places. The indigenous people of the Amazon still use these remedies to treat themselves. Lunch at the lodge and time to rest to the sounds of the forest. In the afternoon, you will go canoeing on the Cuyabeno River in search of monkeys and birds that you have not yet observed. Dinner at the lodge.

• day 18

  Amazon, Cuyabeno Lodge

  After breakfast, you will set off by canoe on the Cuyabeno River. Once again, you will be able to observe the incredible mammals and birds of the Amazon. Then, you will follow a small path through the Amazon rainforest to reach a Siona community. Here, the indigenous people will share their way of life with you. You will learn about their culture and watch the preparation of the famous "casabe," which is a type of local bread/pancake. The visit is all the more interesting because the chief of the community is almost 100 years old! Return to the lodge for lunch. After your daily rest, you can swim in the middle of the lagoon! Swimming is indeed safe, as the various so-called dangerous animals are found on the banks. After dinner, you will set out for a night walk in search of caimans, insects, and nocturnal birds.

• day 19

  Amazon and return to Quito

  This morning, if you wish, you will leave early for a final birdwatching session. Then, you will return to the lodge for breakfast. You will leave after breakfast towards the Cuyabeno River bridge, where you will arrive after about 3 hours by canoe. A vehicle will be waiting for you here. Transfer to Lago Agrio airport, where you will take your return flight to Quito. The lodge will provide you with a picnic lunch. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be picked up by your driver at the airport exit. Transfer to the hotel and dinner at your leisure.

• day 20

  Departure transfer

  The driver will pick you up at the hotel to take you to Quito airport. You will arrive there 3 hours before the departure of your international return flight. Lunch and dinner are free on site or on the flight.