16 DAYS

QUITO - QUILOTOA LAGOON - HALF OF THE WORLD - HOT SPRINGS OF PAPALLACTA - NP CUYABENO (AMAZON) - OTAVALO MARKET - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND - ISABELA ISLAND - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND - GUAYAQUIL

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 / SATURDAY / QUITO

Reception at the QUITO airport and transfer to the IKALA 4* hotel (3 nights, breakfast).

DAY 2 / SUNDAY / QUILOTOA LAGOON

After breakfast, we will depart through the beautiful Andean plateau towards the south, towards the QUILOTOA region. We will stop at a viewpoint from where we will observe the beautiful Quilotoa lagoon with its incredible turquoise hues. The lagoon is located in the middle of a volcano crater and is considered one of the most beautiful volcanic lagoons in the world! We will have the unique opportunity to descend the slopes of the crater to the lagoon, where we can also rent a kayak. The way back is somewhat difficult, so we recommend people with less physical condition to ride a mule (up to 90 kg). Along the way, a brief stop at an artisan workshop in the town of Tigua, famous for its paintings on sheep skins. Return to Quito in the afternoon.

COLOMBIA, ECUADOR, AMAZONIA / RANA TOURS

DAY 3 / MONDAY / CITY TOUR QUITO - NIGHT TRANSFER TO NP CUYABENO

After breakfast, tour of the historic center of QUITO (UNESCO), one of the highest capitals in the world (2,850 m). A stop at Panecillo, where a 45 m high statue of the Virgin Mary stands, from where you have a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding volcanoes. Then a tour of the Plaza Grande with the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Church of La Compañía de Jesús and the Plaza San Francisco with the monastery. Tasting of chocolate, liqueurs and traditional sweets. Visit to the Middle of the World is optional. 22:30 transfer to CUYABENO NP.

DAY 4 / TUESDAY / NATIONAL PARK OF CUYABENO

PIn the morning we arrive at a small river port, from where we will sail by boat to the “CUYABENO WILDLIFE RESERVE”, considered one of the most beautiful reserves in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Cuyabeno NP has incredible biodiversity! The trip continues by boat to the lodge, where we will stay and have lunch. After lunch a little relaxation. In the afternoon we will go to the lagoon, where we will witness a magical sunset. We will observe monkeys, parrots, morph butterflies and if we are lucky we will even see pink river dolphins! At nightfall, return to the lodge, dinner and overnight. Accommodation at the DELFIN LODGE resort (3 nights, full board).

DAYS 5 - 6 / WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY / ACTIVITIES IN NP OF CUYABENO

The next two days are full of adventures! We will experience the awakening of the jungle, we will make our way through dense vegetation and observe the Amazonian fauna and flora, the local guides will introduce us to the mystery of medicinal plants and if we are lucky, we will meet a shaman who will explain his healing methods to us. , and traditional medicine. The bravest will have the opportunity to swim in the murky waters of the Cuyabeno River. At dusk, we'll head out to encounter alligators and other nocturnal creatures.

DAY 7 / FRIDAY / NP OF CUYABENO - RETURN TO QUITO

In the morning navigation from the lodge back to the small river port, return by bus along the panoramic Amazon route to the capital of Ecuador, QUITO. Accommodation at IKALA 4* hotel (2 nights, breakfast).

DAY 8 / STURDAY / OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET & LAGOON OF CUICOCHA & COTACACHI TOWN

Departure in the morning to Otavalo. Stop at the sundial, Quitsato and tasting of traditional Cayambe biscuits. Then a brief stop at the Mira Lago viewpoint. Arrival at the Plaza de los Ponchos, free time approximately 2 hours. We continued to the Cuicocha lagoon to take photos and finally arrived at the town of Cotacachi where we found many stores selling all kinds of leather products. Return to Quito.

DAY 9 / SUNDAY / QUITO - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (GALAPAGOS)

Transfer to Quito airport. Reception at the San Cristobal airport. Transfer to CHATHAM hotel (2 nights, breakfast). Free afternoon to relax on the island.

DAY 10 / MONDAY / SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND (GALAPAGOS)

Relax on the Island. Optional 360° TOUR.

DAY 11 / TUESDAY / SAN CRISTOBAL - THE CRACKS - ISABELA ISLAND

Navigation to Puerto Ayora, where we will move towards ,,Las Grietas" to take a refreshing bath. Then sailing to Isabela Island. Accommodation at the CORAL BLANCO hotel (2 nights, breakfast).

DAY 12 / WEDNESDAY / ISABELA ISLAND - VULCAN SIERRA NEGRA

After breakfast, a half-day excursion to the SIERRA NEGRA volcano awaits us, it is the second highest and one of the most active volcanoes in the entire archipelago. Its northern side is often shrouded in clouds and fog, causing lush growth of vegetation. Some of the first inhabitants of the archipelago settled in this area! It starts in the port of Villamil and the other part in Santo Tomás, about 20 km into the interior of the mountains. Plus, this volcano has one of the largest calderas in the world! Different types of lava can be observed, depending on the age. You can see e.g. white herons After lunch, return to the port of Villamil and the rest of the afternoon free time, which you can take advantage of by visiting the "La Galapaguera" turtle farm and the pink flamingos. On the way, you will pass many marine iguanas with their prehistoric appearance.

DAY 13 / TUESDAY / ISABELA ISLAND - TINTORERAS ISLAND - SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

After breakfast, the tour to TINTORERAS Island awaits us, in a boat we will sail to places where we will see Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, sharks, a large number of marine iguanas, we will snorkel, we will observe a number of fish, and at the end a short walk on lava stones. In the afternoon sailing to SANTA CRUZ island. Accommodation at Las BRISAS DEL PACÍFICO hotel (2 nights, breakfast).