Ecuador: Volcanoes, the Amazon & the Galápagos Islands

Rolling mountains and snow-capped volcanoes pop into view as you descend into Quito. As you step off the plane, take in a lungful of fresh mountain air and notice it's a bit thinner than what you may be used to. Home to a spectacular variety of people, geography and biodiversity, Ecuador ignites the senses while beckoning your sense of adventure. We welcome you to Ecuador, and invite you to experience the crossroads of cultures, traditions and landscapes within its borders.

Arrive to Quito at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious first dinner with new friends.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Heading out of Quito you will soon reach the imaginary line that runs around the centre of our planet, both an important geographical marker as well as the name of the country. Scan the scenic landscape and watch as towering volcanoes come in and out of view, or peek out of the clouds as you drive south. You'll be warmly welcomed at our cozy lodgings perched on the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano, surrounded by stark and incredibly picturesque scenery.

Drive to La Mitad del Mundo Equator Monument for a quick pit stop and some photo opportunities. Continue to the Intiñan Museum where you can try experimenting with gravity along the equatorial line. Lunch will be had at a cozy, local restaurant with impressive views of a volcano. Arrive in Cotopaxi in the afternoon to your OMG Stay property where you will be welcomed with a traditional canelazo before dinner. Weather permitting, enjoy a bonfire in the evening with some tasty s'mores.

ACTIVITY: Sit down for a delicious lunch at a restaurant located on the edge of the crater of the Pululahua volcano. The interior offers panoramic views of the constantly changing landscape and was handmade using only local materials to create an inviting space that is in harmony with the natural land surrounding it. From empanadas to ceviche, the menu offers many fine dining options.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. There will be some stops along the way to your OMG Stay in the Cotopaxi area.

ACTIVITY: Stop at the 'Middle of the Earth' to set foot on both sides of the Equator, for which the country of Ecuador is named. Visit the tall stone monument with a viewing platform and on-site museum (Intiñan Site meaning 'Pathway of the Sun') with interactive exhibits displaying the science and myths behind the equatorial line. You will have the opportunity to interact with phenomena that occur in nature which can be tested on the magnetic equatorial line. The centre also has displays highlighting the local indigenous cultures, as well as a small planetarium and a craft beer museum.

ACTIVITY: Weather permitting, sit around a bonfire to stay warm in the cool mountain air. Eat some tasty fresh s'mores that are toasted on the fire and gaze up at the stars.

Immerse yourself in the volcanic landscape of Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Breathe in the thin mountain air as you hike and explore this stunning area, home also to a small Inca archaeological site. Back in the warmth of the lodge, you'll savour a delicious meal and learn how to make a tasty regional treat.

Leave the hotel after breakfast for a full-day exploration of Cotopaxi National Park, including a visit to Limpiopungo Lake, a high-altitude hike, lunch, and the Pucara de Salitre ruins. End the day with a cooking class at the lodge where you’ll learn how to make a traditional Ecuadorian sweet.

ACTIVITY: Spend a full day immersed in the wilds of Cotopaxi National Park and the high Andean ecosystem. Begin with a visit to Limpiopungo Lake, featuring amazing views of the Cotopaxi volcano. From the parking lot of the lake, the group will embark on a 2-hour hike up to 4800m and back. Then, you'll visit the Pucara de Salitre ruins, which are the remains of an old military fortress strategically built on a hilltop for the 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. A boxed lunch will be included and eaten overlooking some of the best vistas in the park.

ACTIVITY: The restaurant at your OMG Stay lodge offers on-site regional cuisine and a local chef who will regale you with delicious homemade meals. During this cooking class you will learn how to make a traditional pastry from Ecuador called Quimbolitos. This pastry contains raisins and is steamed in an achira or plantain leaf to keep the moisture in the dough, and to add flavour. The batter is a mix of cornflour, wheat flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and creamy cheese. After you learn how to prepare this tasty treat, you will enjoy the fruits of your labour over a cup of coffee or glass of milk.

Imagine plunging waterfalls, lush forests, steep gorges and steaming thermal springs, and you’ll have conjured Baños in your mind. This incredible setting sits in the shadow of one of South America’s most active volcanoes and begins your time in an adventurer’s paradise. Follow the Rio Pastaza to the Pailon del Diablo, a powerful waterfall in the midst of the jungle landscape. From thrilling walks to a demonstration of the best handmade candy in Ecuador, this introduction to Baños will captivate your senses at every turn.

Travel to Baños and stop along the way at Pailón del Diablo, where there will be time to walk the winding steps to the top of the waterfall. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant upon arrival to Baños before an orientation walk through the city with a melcocha demonstration. The evening is at your leisure.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle en route from your OMG Stay in Cotopaxi to Baños. There will be stops along the way to a waterfall, for lunch, and an orientation walk of this quaint mountain town.

ACTIVITY: El Pailón del Diablo is located about 30 minutes outside of Baños. The Spanish name translates to "The Devil's Cauldron" in English. These powerful falls are 80m high and pull their strength from Rio Pastaza. The group will take a short walk to the falls before returning to the van.

Total distance: 2km (1.3 miles)
Total elevation: 148m (485ft)

ACTIVITY: Enjoy an orientation walk in Baños with your CEO, followed by a Melcocha demonstration and free time. Baños is a city in Ecuador's Tungurahua province, considered the gateway to the Amazon Basin and known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and active volcano to the south. Walk about the town, pass by The Church of Our Lady of Holy Water, and watch a special kind of Ecuadorian candy be handmade before your eyes— mostly produced in this small highland town. The process requires strength for squeezing the sugar cane and kneading it into the correct shape and consistency.

FREE TIME: Spend some time on your own in Baños. Opt for a short walk along a nearby trail or visit some of the local artisan shops.

Baños is a hub for adventure activities, and today is all about how you want to best experience it with two great options to choose from. Set out on a cycling ride through the landscape on winding trails and roads from the La Suiza area back to the city. Or if you would rather stay on foot, join a guided trek to the Casa del Arbol and Torre Al Cielo, where you will encounter remarkable views of Baños and the Tungurahua Volcano.

Decide between biking or hiking this morning to fully immerse yourself in the landscape surrounding Baños. Sit down for lunch prepared using traditional cooking techniques and local ingredients. Choose between a range of optional activities in the area, and spend a free afternoon on your own. Dinner is at your leisure today.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon back at the hotel property in Baños. Opt to visit the spa, book another adventure activity through the hotel, or simply relax while staring at the impressive views of Tungurahua Volcano, Llanganates National Park, and the charming town below. From hot spring soaks to horseback riding there are plenty of options to be as active or leisurely as you wish.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Start the day with a bike tour! Enjoy private transport from your hotel to the La Suiza area where the biking adventure starts. Then pedal through the stunning highland scenery on an exhilarating ride to Baños, travelling a total of 35km.

Option 2: Begin the day with a trekking adventure. Board a short transfer to Baños where the hike starts to Torre Al Cielo (Tower to the Sky) and Casa del Árbol (Tree House). Here you'll find the famous 'Swing at the End of the World'. Torre Al Cielo offers great views of the Tungurahua Volcano.

Total distance: 7km (4.34 miles)
Total elevation: 762m (2,500ft)

The Amazon has sparked the imaginations of curious travellers everywhere for centuries, conjuring up images of exotic wildlife and dense green leafy jungle. The biodiversity of plant and animal life is staggeringly varied, and the cultural traditions of those who live here are evident in the day-to-day responsibilities of life along the river, dependent on the changing land. Journey along the river by canoe and experience the true cacophony of sounds, sights, and smells in this abundantly beautiful place.

Transfer to your lodge stay in the Amazon Rainforest. Travel by private vehicle to Punta Ahuano and then board a canoe and paddle along Rio Napo to the lodge where lunch will be served. Afterwards, visit a local family where you will learn about their day-to-day experiences and how the changing environment is posing a risk to their traditional ways of life. Have dinner back at the lodge followed by free time.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle as you travel from Baños to Punta Ahuano for the next leg of today's journey into the Amazon.

TRANSPORT: From Punta Ahuano paddle your way 30 minutes down the river to your lodge stay in the Amazon in a low-slung, lightweight boat.

ACTIVITY: This afternoon, you’re going to meet a Kichwa family and see what it’s like to live in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Your guide will explain how this family makes chicha, an Amazonian staple that comes from yuca and sweet potato. During this unique cultural experience you will discuss the family's traditions, beliefs and history. Then, hear about what daily life is like for them in such a unique environment with the modern world encroaching on their traditional ways of life.

FREE TIME: Take advantage of a few hours of free time at the lodge located along the bank of the Arajuno River. From the balcony of your cabaña, you can relax in a hammock or deck chair and observe hummingbirds, or visit the open-air lounge with a pool and full-service bar.

Awake to the sounds of the forest, and listen for tropical birds and animals going about their daily rituals in the canopy above. Be fully present in this wild landscape while tubing along a river. Everywhere you go, the sights, sounds, and smells of the Amazon will follow creating a true sense of place. From a jetty ride on a lagoon to fresh meals at the lodge, your mind and body will be at complete ease in the middle of the jungle.

Pass the morning tubing on the river, searching for wildlife along the way. Refuel with lunch at the lodge before a jetty ride on the Caiman Lagoon to view the unique species of alligator it's named for. Then, expand your knowledge of local food production while you collect cacao pods and learn about their importance to the nearby communities. There will be free time at the lodge before dinner.

ACTIVITY: Float down the river near the lodge gazing at the sky and tree-lined banks. A guide will accompany you on a motorized canoe and pick you up at the end of the float.

ACTIVITY: While safely positioned on a wooden jetty, your guide will summon white caimans, a type of alligator, for you to observe. The group, usually of about 15 caimans, ranges from week-old babies to full-sized adults.

ACTIVITY: Expand your knowledge of local food production and learn everything there is to know about cacao. If it's in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants while learning about the history of the pods in Ecuador. The plant remains a key export and fundamental in supporting local communities across the country. Roast and de-shell the beans, then re-heat the beans with milk and cinnamon into a fondue to be eaten with local fruits. Then, enjoy a fire-side, traditional jungle snack!

Sitting at an altitude of 3300m, shrouded in mist, is the town of Papallacta, renowned for its geothermal hot springs. Leave the sanctuary of the lodge behind, but find your inner peace and calm while soaking in the rejuvenating springs en route to Quito. Ease those sore muscles surrounded by nature, and close your eyes in bliss before the next leg of your journey begins.

Travel back to Quito. En route, the group will stop for a visit to the hot springs in Papallacta, and have lunch at a nearby spot serving delicious traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Arrive to the hotel in Quito in the evening and have dinner with the group at the on-site restaurant.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Soak in the natural hot springs the area is known for and let the mineral waters, which vary in temperature, soothe your body. Make your way through the circuit with views of the Antisana volcano in the distance. After an hour in the mineral springs, the group will have lunch together at the nearby restaurant featuring regional cuisine specialities.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle as the group transfers from Papallacta to your accommodation in Quito.

TRANSPORT: MORNING From the lodge, paddle 30 minutes along the river to Misahualli Port in a low-slung, lightweight boat.

The journey is part of the adventure today as you make your way 1000 km from Ecuador's mainland to the Galápagos Islands. Home to creatures found nowhere else in the world, the surrounding marine reserve is a showcase of evolution and a true testament to the melting pot of species found in the islands, both on shore and in the water.

Start early for a flight to Baltra from Quito. Travel ten minutes by public bus to the ferry port across Canal Itabaca then transfer by private vehicle to Puerto Ayora. Grab some lunch before taking a speed boat to Isabela, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. Check into your OMG Stay on the island and spend some free time exploring before an included dinner of delicious local specialties with the group.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Sit back and enjoy the flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of your private vehicle en route to your lunch stop. First, travel 10 minutes by public bus to the Canal Itabaca ferry for a short ride across, and then via private transfer the group will travel to the lunch stop in Puerto Ayora.

TRANSPORT: Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).

FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy a few hours of free time to enjoy the views on the largest Island in the archipelago.

You will see firsthand today how unbelievable the wildlife is in the Galápagos Islands, both beneath the water and on land. Strap on the mask to snorkel and swim though the calm, clear and shallow water at Los Túneles—a unique geological site formed by a series of lava flows that created various arcs and tunnels above and below the water.

Transfer to the dock after breakfast where your boat awaits. Cruise along to Los Túneles for a thrilling snorkelling excursion to spot marine life under the water, then walk the coastal trail to look for blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and more. Eat lunch onboard the boat on the way back to Puerto Villamil and take the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Explore on your own, relax in the pool of the hotel or try out one of the many bars and restaurants in town.

ACTIVITY: Put on your swimsuit, grab a snorkel and head out to explore the waters to see what’s living under the sea. In the morning the group will travel by boat to Los Túneles, about a 40 minute ride away from Puerto Villamil. The lava formations and mangroves make this an ideal place for snorkelling. Keep an eye out for eagle rays, sea turtles and large schools of colourful fish. Lunch will be had onboard the boat with excellent views over the water.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON After returning from snorkelling, the afternoon is yours to explore Isabela Island on your own. Opt to swim, catch some waves with a surfing lesson or hike along nearby coastal trails. Dinner later will also be at your leisure.

Today you will be able to explore more of Isabela Island on your terms with the choice of two activities. Stick to the land and hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of five active ones located on Isabela Island, and rising to an altitude of 1124m. If you are looking for more snorkelling, take to the water and head to Las Tintoreras, an islet to the south of Puerto Villamil that forms part of the national park of the Galápagos Islands. The area is known for the reef sharks that can be seen swimming with fish and other marine life when the tide is low.

This morning, choose between a volcano hike or snorkelling excursion. Both options include lunch at a local restaurant on the island. The remainder of the day is free for optional activities offered on Isabela Island, or for lounging by the pool at the hotel property.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon on Isabela Island. Opt for more swimming or snorkelling, bike to the Wall of Tears or book a surf lesson. If you're looking for a more relaxing afternoon, spend it lounging in the sun with a good book.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Lace up your hiking boots to explore Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galápagos. The volcano last erupted in June 2018. Hike to the rim of the 10km (6 mi) wide crater. Trek across the moon-like landscape of the lava fields and fumaroles, and enjoy spectacular views looking north toward Fernandina and the rest of Isabela Island. This hike is 7km in total (3.5 km each way). Lunch will be had at a local restaurant.

Option 2: Snorkelling excursion to Tintoreras Shark Alley to observe the whitetip reef sharks found swimming in the channels between the rocks. Keep an eye out for sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas and rays as well as the sharks. It's the perfect place to glide along watching the magic unfold under the water’s surface. Enjoy a small calm turquoise bay and loads of wildlife. Lunch will be had at a local restaurant.

Swap islands today and travel to the second largest—Santa Cruz—located in the centre of the archipelago, where you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station responsible for many of the studies conducted on the islands about the fascinating and prehistoric land tortoises. Enjoy lunch before walking to Tortuga Bay. Here, spend time at the beach named for its black sea turtles that nest there, and bask in the sun along this inviting stretch of white sand. Travel back to town by speed boat and cap the day off with a signature cocktail-making experience during sunset.

Hop on a morning speedboat to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Transfer to the hotel, check in, then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before lunch. Afterwards, walk to Tortuga Bay for free time to enjoy the beach and choose to rent a kayak in the calm waters. The day ends with a speedboat ride back to town just in time to catch sunset overlooking the ocean.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Cut swiftly through the water this morning en route to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

ACTIVITY: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community. Walk around the grounds and visit the exhibition hall to learn more about this important and historical organization.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a walk along a lava stone pathway to the beautiful white beach of Tortuga Bay. Relax on the beach, walk along the mangroves looking for marine iguanas and birdlife or maybe rent a kayak. Look for sea turtles and manta rays in the shallow areas under clear turquoise waters on the south side of Santa Cruz Island. Keep an eye out for nearby pelicans, blue-footed boobies and other seabirds.

ACTIVITY: Watch the sunset on the island of Santa Cruz with a cocktail-making experience, where you will learn how to prepare a signature drink along with a snack. Listen as the waves crash nearby and the sounds of wildlife close out the day.

Travel to the highlands to a private ranch to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and visit some lava tunnels. After lunch, go to Garrapatero beach for some kayaking, tidal pool gazing or wildlife spotting in the lagoon before heading to town stop by an organic farm where you can learn about the hydroponic crops they are growing and how this technique is helping to protect the environment and reduce water usage within agriculture. This evening, it's time to say good-bye to the mighty Galapagos and there's no better way than with an optional dinner all together as a group.

Spend another day traversing Santa Cruz Island from the highlands to the coast, watching the landscape undulate under waves and hills alike. Look for wildlife like sea lions, flamingos and blue footed boobies from a kayak along the beach before visiting an organic farm to try the local coffee of the area. Arrive back to town just in time for an optional group dinner.

ACTIVITY: Head to Santa Cruz’s verdant highlands. This is a perfect place to hike through the grounds and see giant tortoises in their natural environment, before savouring an included lunch.

ACTIVITY: Visit an organic farm where you will learn more about the economy of the Galapagos and how hydroponic crops are helping to protect the environment in order to reduce the consumption of water within agriculture. As you walk through the property you will also learn about the other organic produce grown throughout the islands like coffee, cacao, and vegetables. Finish the experience with a tasting at your host's home featuring empanadas and local coffee.

During the experience, the group will also try different endemics plants like, pinneaples, Scalesias, and figs.

ACTIVITY: Paddle around the small lagoon and different coves near Garrapatero Beach. The group will travel here from Puerto Ayora and take a short walk along a trail past the small lagoon to the water. Once here, spend time kayaking the shoreline, swimming and relaxing in the sand.

While it’s time to bid the islands farewell, there’s no doubt your days here will be remembered. Incredible up-close encounters with animals and immersion into ecosystems that remain largely unchanged in a pristine slice of paradise will remain etched in your memory forever.

Spend the day travelling back to Quito. Enjoy a private transfer to Canal Itabaca, board the ferry across, then take a short public bus ride to the Baltra Airport. Fly to Quito and check in to the hotel before a farewell dinner with the group in the historical centre of the city.

Additional Information: G Adventures strongly recommends not booking departure flights on the day the group returns to Quito. Local flight times are often subject to change and could potentially cause issues if delayed. We recommend booking flights on the last day of the tour as noted on the Full itinerary page.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and enjoy the flight from Baltra Airport back to Quito.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of your private vehicle en route Baltra Airport. First, travel 40 minutes to the Itabaca Canal ferry for a short ride across, then the group will finish the journey to the airport via public bus.

Today your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.