Natural Wonders of Ecuador
Come and discover some of the most beautiful places in Ecuador on this 21-day trip! We'd love for you to join us on an unforgettable journey through Ecuador's diverse landscapes, from lush jungles to mountain peaks, rolling valleys, and sandy beaches. And don't forget about the incredible Galapagos Islands!
Get ready to experience the country's breathtaking nature and its great variety of flora and fauna! You'll see anacondas, monkeys, caimans, toucans, sloths, vicuñas, llamas, hummingbirds, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and so much more!
We've got some amazing highlights for you!
- Five days of incredible flora and fauna in the Galapagos Islands
- A fascinating insight into Ecuador's rich culture in the UNESCO heritage cities of Quito and Cuenca
- A chance to explore some truly unique ecosystems in the Cotopaxi and Chimborazo National Parks
- A wonderful blend of spa and nature at Papallacta and Cuenca
All of our tours are available in English and German (From 6 people).
Day 1
Welcome to Quito! We're so happy you're here!
We can't wait to welcome you to Quito! When you arrive, our lovely guide will be there to greet you and take you by private vehicle to our hotel in the modern city centre of Quito.
Day 2
We're going on a city tour!
We're so excited to show you around our wonderful city. Our city tour will take us through the largest and most beautiful colonial city in the whole of the Americas. We'll be exploring some lovely, narrow streets, beautiful old churches and convents. We'll start at the magnificent Basilica, then head to the heart of the city, the Plaza Grande. We'll get to see the beautiful Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, and then we'll visit the incredible churches of La Compañía and San Francisco.
Next, we'll head up Panecillo Hill, where you'll find the Virgin of Quito. From up there, you'll get a great view of the city, so make sure you bring your camera!
Day 3
Jungle Adventure - Flight to Lago Agrio
We're off to the heart of the Amazon today! We'll be flying from Quito to Coca. Then we'll drive to the entrance of the Cuyabeno Nature Reserve, where our adventure will begin!
The Cuyabeno Reserve is one of the best in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and we're really lucky to be able to visit it! Our lovely lodge is right in the heart of this amazing natural landmark. The deeper location in the jungle is a real privilege. Here, we have more chances to see all kinds of animals, from monkeys and birds to pink dolphins and so much more!
Upon our arrival at the lodge, we will have time to unpack and relax. After a delicious dinner, we'll go on a night hike to look for insects, spiders, snakes, amphibians and many other animals.
Day 4
Bird watching, canoe trip and jungle walk
Our second day starts with an early bird watching activity. We take our canoe to enjoy the sunrise and the incredible scenery of the Cuyabeno rainforest, then return to the lodge for a well-earned breakfast.
After a short break, our guide will take us on a 3 hour hike through the deep jungle. He will explain many things that will give us a new insight into life in the jungle. After this wonderful hike we will return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon we canoe back into the black water flooded forest. This is a unique place to observe microscopic animals and many species of birds. On the way back to the lodge we will take the opportunity to look for caimans and other nocturnal animals such as fisher bats, tree boas and birds.
Day 5
Canoeing, bird watching tower and night walk
It's time to enjoy the Cuyabeno Rainforest and its wildlife before dawn! At 05:30, we'll set off on our motorised canoe for a 1.5-hour trip on the Cuyabeno River. We'll stop at a special place on the river to observe the morning rituals of parrot and parakeet species. After this breathtaking tour, we'll return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
After a well-deserved rest, we'll set off on our next adventure by motorised canoe to the place where the two rivers meet. This is the perfect spot to watch dolphins and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cuyabeno rainforest once again. After that, we'll head back to the lodge for a delicious lunch.
At 4:00 pm, we'll embark on our next exciting journey. We'll take our canoe and visit the bird-watching tower. This tower, more than 28 metres high, was built around one of the largest trees in the area. From here, you will have a magnificent view of the jungle treetops, and you can observe a great variety of animals.
Before returning to our lodge, we will take a short night hike around the tower to discover new species of insects. Afterward, a delicious dinner awaits us at the lodge.
Day 6
Morning excursions and return to the Andes, Quito
Today is the last day of this amazing 4-day jungle tour. In the morning, we will do our last early activity in the forest or by canoe. Our guide will take us on a short excursion.
Then it's time to pack our bags. After breakfast, we will take a motor canoe to Lago Agrio, where we will say goodbye to the magical world of the Amazon jungle. We will take the flight back to Quito.
Day 7
"Middle of the World"
Today we are at 00° 00'00 in the "middle of the world", where we have the opportunity to simultaneously stand on both hemispheres of the earth. Through various experiments, we will be reminded of the power of our planet's rotational movements and learn why we weigh one kilo less at the equator. Afterward, the rest of the afternoon is at our free disposal.
Day 8
On one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi
After breakfast, we drive to the Cotopaxi National Park. We will make our first stop at the information center to learn more about the volcano and the vegetation of the páramo.
We continue by bus to the parking lot at 4,500 meters above sea level. Together we climb the 300 meters in altitude to the refuge "José Rivas" (4,800 meters). The view from this point is breathtaking. On a clear day, we can see up to 8 volcanoes. Afterward, we continue to Sigchos.
Day 9
Quilotoa- turquoise crater lake
This morning we explore the beautiful surroundings of Lake Quilotoa. Immediately upon arrival, we enjoy a spectacular view of the turquoise crater lake, which shimmers in different shades of blue and turquoise depending on the sunlight.
After a pleasant walk, we can enjoy typical Ecuadorian dishes before continuing our journey to Riobamba.
Day 10
Vicuñas on the highest mountain in the world
Today we have a great experience on the program. We enjoy a breathtaking drive to the Chimborazo Nature Reserve and learn more about the vicuñas, magnificent representatives of the South American camelids, in their natural environment.
Next, we will head to the highest point on Earth, the farthest point from the center of the Earth (due to its location near the equator). Afterward, we will continue to Cañar, an important agricultural center of Ecuador. Overnight stay in Guamote Inti Sisa.
Day 11
The historic site of Ingapirca and visit to a hat factory.
After breakfast, we will visit Ingapirca, still the only Inca palace in Ecuador. Long before the Incas, there was an important Canari temple on this site. Later, the Incas converted it into their Temple of the Sun to consolidate their conquest.
The drive continues to Cuenca... welcome to the most beautiful city in the country! Once here, we will visit one of the most famous hat factories in the country and learn why they are called Panama hats.
Day 12
Cañari, Inca and Spaniards ...Charming Cuenca
Our tour of the city takes us past historic buildings, the colorful vegetable market, the main square with the old and new cathedrals and the flower market.
The city invites us to stroll or have a coffee. The rest of the afternoon is at our leisure. Overnight stay in Cuenca.
.jpg)
Day 13
Want to enjoy nature? Then let's go to the Cajas National Park!
Today we continue to Cajas National Park, where 232 lagoons provide a unique ecosystem where endemic plant and animal species live together. The park's flora contains a great variety of orchids, ferns, mosses and the most diverse wood species. Animals include many species of birds, such as the hummingbird or the gray-breasted toucan.
We walk in an enchanting landscape, then we say goodbye to the Andes and welcome the coast. On the way, we get to know sugar cane, rice, cacao, papaya, cassava, mango and much more. The journey continues to Guayaquil. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.
Day 14
The Galapagos Island, fascinating San Christobal
Today we leave the Ecuadorian mainland and fly to the beautiful and unique natural world of the Galapagos Islands. San Cristóbal is suitable as a starting point for visiting the archipelago.
We will visit the best information center on the islands and the Tijeretas Hills. There we will learn more about the formation of the islands and the important reasons that have made the Galapagos a natural wonder.
During our hike, we enjoy breathtaking views of Wreck Bay to the south and Kicker Rock to the west.
.jpg)
Day 15
Impressive Española
Today is a special day. We will visit one of the most popular and interesting islands in the archipelago, Española.
Española's unique biodiversity is impressive, perhaps because of its remoteness. Española is home to the Española mockingbird, the Española lizard, and the Galapagos albatross.
Day 16
Leon Dormido
After breakfast, we will drive to Leon Dormido, an excellent place for snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands. This famous landmark, the remnant of a vertical tufa cone formation, rises almost 140 meters out of the sea.
Several species of birds nest on the vertical rock walls, including frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Below the surface, parrotfish, sea turtles, rays, sea lions and sharks are frequent visitors to León Dormido. So don't forget underwater cameras! Afterward, we will have time to relax on a beautiful beach.
Day 17
Santa Cruz + Tortugas
We say goodbye to Cristobal and drive to Santa Cruz (speedboat). After a delicious breakfast, our trip will take us to the highlands of Santa Cruz, where we will hike in endemic vegetation. There we will experience the giant tortoises, the Galapagos finches, and the golden warblers in their natural habitat. Afterward, we will visit a lava tunnel and continue to Puerto Ayora.
Day 18
At Leisure
Today we have the opportunity to choose. Santa Cruz offers many possibilities.
A hike to Tortuga Bay, through giant cactus trees, to a coral beach where you can observe marine lizards, or get to know the Charles Darwin Station to learn about these projects and the famous Lonesome George.
Day 19
Blue-footed Boobies, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Land Iguanas and Marine Lizards
Today we have another highlight in our program, Seymour Island. This underwater lava flow is an animal paradise. Blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds and marine lizards can be found here. But also sea lions, fork-tailed gulls, lava gulls, some land iguanas, tropic birds, brown pelicans and terns are at home here.
The representatives of the dry vegetation on the island are endemic Galapagos balsam trees, Parkinsonia, Galapagos prickly pear cacti, salt bushes and yellow cordia. The last two serve as nesting sites for the Magnificent Frigatebirds. We will have lunch on board. Afterward, there is time to enjoy the white sandy beach of Bachas. Here you can snorkel in the clear water once again.
Day 20
Transfer Farewell Paradise
We are pleased to have had the opportunity to accompany you on your visit to the Galapagos Islands. We wish you a safe return home.
Loaded with a lot of wonderful memories, photos and impressions we headed from Puerto Ayora to Baltra airport for our flight back to Guayaquil.
Day 21
Return flight home
In the afternoon, we start our journey home. Return flight home or continue to the Pacific.
Included
-
All transfers from the airport in Ecuador with driver and vehicle of the agency
-
Overnight stays in double rooms with breakfast (with shower/WC)
-
3 nights in rustic jungle lodge in double room with bathroom and toilet.
-
Domestic flight Quito - Coca - Quito
-
Domestic flight Guayaquil - Galapagos - Guayaquil/ Quito
-
7 days Galapagos island hopping with visit of 4 islands
-
Meals on your trip: Daily breakfast and xxx lunches and additional xxx dinners.
-
All activities included in the program with equipment, unless marked as extra in the itinerary
-
All entrance fees for the visits foreseen in the program (except entrance fee Galapagos)
-
Port tax on Santa Cruz Island
-
Continuous, qualified and German speaking tour guide during the whole trip, your German speaking guide will also accompany you on the Galapagos Islands
-
Partly additional local guides in English
-
List of items to bring
Excluded
-
USD 200 Galapagos National Park entrance fee
-
USD 20 transit control card
-
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
-
Travel/health insurance
-
All activities and gratuities except these Plannung
-
Drinks and meals not listed
Important Information
In order to offer you the advertised tour price for our group tours, we kindly request that you book at least three months in advance of your desired travel date. Please be aware that we have to return unsold flights to the airlines at this time. Please note that for bookings made at shorter notice, we will have to purchase your required flights at the daily rate. Please be aware that there is often a sharp increase in the price of flights if there is any availability at all.