Ecuador & The Galapagos

Quito City Tour

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 09:00am. Meet your private guide for a visit of Quito's historical sites.

Begin to learn about the history of Quito and Ecuador as you explore the colonial part of the centre, admiring the many different styles of architecture, from baroque to gothic, which can be seen along the cobbled streets. Wander through the main plaza, which houses the Government Palace and some of the most important churches, including one which was started just five days after the city was founded in 1534. Visit some of the city’s other impressive churches, which are decorated with ornate gold detailing. Around the corner from the Church of San Francisco you’ll also be able to visit the oldest market in Quito.

Your guide will drop you at a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch (payable locally). The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and acclimatise.

Transfer to Domestic Airport

Pick up from the hotel lobby at 06:20am.

Private transfer to Quito's domestic airport; a drive of around 45 mins - 1 hour, depending on traffic. Check in for the 30-minute flight over the Andean Mountains to Coca.

A boxed breakfast is provided by Casona de la Ronda.

On arrival at Coca, a representative from the Napo Wildlife Center will greet you and transfer you to the Port (approx. 5 mins).

Board a motorised canoe, which will take you downstream (approx. 2 hours) along the Napo River - the major tributary of the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. During the journey, you will have the chance to observe a wide range of birds such as kingfishers and herons, along with plenty of other wildlife. Sit back, relax, and soak up the incredible views of the Amazon jungle.

On arrival at Napo's dock, there is time to freshen up and use the restrooms before switching to paddle-canoes to reach the Lodge (motorised canoes are not permitted within the Napo territory). Your guide will paddle your canoe along a narrow stream which will take you to the Añangu Lake, where the Lodge is located (approx. 1.5 hours, although this depends on wildlife sightings - the transfer is an excursion in itself!). There will be chances to see some species of monkeys, as well as large birds like toucans, parrots, or even macaws.

A box lunch is included today.

On arrival at Napo Wildlife Center, you will be greeted with a welcome drink and shown to your room. The local manager will provide a briefing and show you around the property.

**Please note we have requested rooms as close together as possible**

A private guide has been assigned for the duration of your stay at Napo. The schedule for the following three days will be discussed with you by your guide on arrival, taking into account your interests and any extra activities you have booked, such as the Fishing Trip at Panacocha Lagoon (Tom & Archie).

Introducing the Ecuadorian Amazon

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical forest, stretching over 9 countries, and is the largest container of wildlife. Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest however, is the most species-rich part of Amazonia, possibly making it the most wildlife-rich area on Earth. Explore this pristine region with your experienced naturalist guide who will point out all the flora and fauna along the way, from plants with medicinal purposes to tree hugging Three-toed sloths. You will also learn about the cultures of the indigenous tribes who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

Napo Wildlife Center Activities - Parrot Lick and Community Hike

Prepare for an early wakeup this morning to enjoy some breakfast before heading off to one of the most accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about 1 hour away from the lodge. An early start allows you to arrive just before the parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick (usually between 7:30 and 8:30am). A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be seen on a daily basis. Many other animals also visit on a less frequent basis.

Later, stretch your legs with a hike along a forest trail to visit the Kichwa Community of Añangu. Here, you can share time with a family, partaking in on one of their many activities. Enjoy lunch at Napo Cultural Center, with the people of the Kichwa community.

Return to the creek and hike through a Terra Firme Forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive at the second parrot clay lick. If the weather conditions permit, we will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets, and even macaws.

When you arrive back at the lodge during the late afternoon or early evening, a delicious dinner will be awaiting you.

Fishing at Panacocha Lagoon

Today, we will travel to Pañacocha Lagoon, across the Napo River, for a unique and unforgettable experience. After breakfast, sail the magnificent Creek for approx. 90-minutes, until you reach the Lagoon, where we can enjoy a guided visit, followed by lunch. There are also opportunities to swim in the lagoon. In this area, you can visit the Igapo Forest, with a chance to spot Macaws, sloths, Squirrel monkeys, Black-mantled tamarins, Capuchin monkeys, Anacondas and much more. On the water, you can see Black Caiman and plenty of birdlife. There will be opportunities to enjoy some fishing during your time in the Reserve. Afterwards, return to the Lodge for a delicious dinner.

Note - The site is just outside the reserve, and your private guide would discuss with you locally the best time to offer this during your 3-night stay. The excursion includes a private canoe and your entrance fee.

Note - This is a full day trip, leaving at 6.30am and returning at 4.30pm. (This service is on a private basis.)

Napo Wildlife Center Activities

After another early breakfast, leave the lodge to experience an amazing view of the rainforest from a 36 meter tall canopy tower - a great way to see the hustle and bustle of life above ground-level. This is the second tower at the Napo Wildlife Center, located about 30 minutes from the lodge, deep within the Terra Firme forest. As you ascend the 12-floor tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge at the top of a huge Ceiba tree.

Flocks of colourful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree. Blue-and-yellow macaws fly past while, in nearby trees, adorable spider monkeys search for fruit. Two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy is laid out before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, usually oblivious to your presence. The canopy tower opens a whole new world.

Lunch is served at the lodge. Your afternoon can include discovering another Terra Firme trail, where you can hike along primary forest to see the forest interior, possibilities of finding lizards, colourful manakins, or the unique and endemic Golden-mantled tamarin monkey. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks in a dugout canoe and enjoy a likely chance meeting with the Lodge's local Giant otter family on the way. (This service is on a private basis.)

Transfer from Napo Wildlife Center to Coca Airport

Your last day will entail an early departure (5.30 am) and a final 2 hour excursion canoeing back to the Napo River. The creek may reveal new sightings of giant otters, monk saki monkeys, and rare birds along the way. Once we have reached the river, you will transfer to the motorised canoe to return the way you came. You will arrive in Coca after an approximately 2 hour boat ride in order to check-in for your flight to Quito.

Note a boxed breakfast is provided today by Napo Wildlife Centre.

You will be met on arrival at Quito Airport and privately transferred, approx. 1.5 - 2 hours south to Cotopaxi National Park. Your accommodation is positioned just outside the National Park and offers dramatic views of Cotopaxi Volcano.

Note - If you wish to stop off at a store enroute to grab some food, just let your driver know.

Introducing Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park is one of Ecuador’s most beautiful, protected areas. On a clear day it is possible to see Cotopaxi’s peak from parts of Quito, but its majesty can only be truly experienced from within the borders of the park. When the weather cooperates, views of its snow-capped, almost symmetrical cone like summit are jaw-dropping.

Cotopaxi National Park Excursion

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 09:00am.

A visit is included to Cotopaxi National Park where, weather permitting, you will be able to see the snow-capped summits of the Cotopaxi and Antisana volcanoes.

A stop will be made at the Interpretation Center, where you can learn about the history of this spectacular volcano’s major eruptions, as well as the local flora and fauna. Continue to Lake Limpiopungo to explore the surrounding area on foot.

If you have the energy for a longer walk, a 2 hour hike will take you to Mt. Cotopaxi’s Jose F. Rivas refuge (4,800 m) where you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and the surrounding Andean peaks.

Pita River Waterfall Hike

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 09:00am.

Enjoy a guided hike to Pita River Waterfall, a very significant river for it provides essential drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Quiteños (as Ecuador’s capital city residents are known); its source is the pristine glacial melt water of Mt. Cotopaxi. During the trail you can explore the flora and fauna of the high Andean montane forest, walk along trails with petrified lava, visit viewpoints and admire a beautiful landscape.

Hiking time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Type of terrain: Grassland

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 08:00am.

Head south along the Avenue of Volcanoes to Banos, Ecuador’s adventure capital. The drive takes around 2.5 hours without stops.

En route, a stop will be made at one of the Indian markets, possibly Ambato, depending on the schedule - sometimes if the markets are quiet the vendors close up early. These markets offer an authentic experience away from the main tourist sites. They hold great importance to the local indigenous people, with the market forming the centre of their social and economic world.

After a browse, continue on to Quilotoa volcano crater, and observe the crater’s serenely mysterious green lake. There is the option of a short walk along the Shalala trail, which is around 1.7 km long and takes you around the crater's rim. The trail ends up at a stunning viewpoint of the lagoon, where you can enjoy a boxed lunch.

Heading on to Banos, make a pit stop at an internationally renowned artist's studio in the community of Tigua, to gain some insight into his brightly coloured artwork, which tell stories of life in the high Andes.

Introducing Banos

The friendly town of Baños sits on the boundary between Ecuador’s highlands and the Amazon basin, with the Tungurahua Volcano looming overhead. The area is known for its picturesque towns and the region's most impressive waterfalls, including Manto de la Novia and Pailon del Diablo.

Canopy Zip-lining Banos - Half Day

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 09:00am.

Private transfer to Puntzan, approx. 25 mins away, to enjoy an exhilarating ziplining experience through the rainforest. This Canopy or Zip Line is one of the longest in Baños, comprising 2000 metres of wires with 6 platforms. The activity lasts around 3 hours. (This service is on a private basis.)

The afternoon is free to relax or to explore more of the town or waterfalls.

Canyoning at Casahurco - Tom & Archie

Tom & Archie - Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 09:00am.

Casahurco located 45 minutes from Banos, is one of the top-rated adventure destinations, with the most beautiful surroundings, within Llanganates National Park. The trip starts at the meeting point, where you have time to try on the equipment. It’s then a 40-min drive to Casahurco, where you will have a safety briefing, followed by a practice session on land to try the techniques required to descend the canyon. Once you are equipped, it’s time to start your adventure. The canyoning section involves several waterfalls with jumps and rappels. The time spent in the canyon will be approx. 2 hours. This will be followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, heading back to Banos for around 2pm.

Includes: Private transportation, excellent local guide, top of the line canyoneering equipment (wetsuit, helmet, harness, carabiners), Ecuadorian lunch, complimentary photos and
videos waterproof camera in HD.

This trip operates on a private basis.

Lucinda & Molly - We have booked an appointment with the Spa for you both at 10am to enjoy the Samari Experience (1.5 hours), followed by manicures / pedicures. All treatments are payable locally.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and use the facilities at your hotel. The Spa has an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage, box baths and polar bath which guests can use - no need to pre book.

Transfer from Banos to Riobamba via Chimborazo

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 08:00am.

Private transfer to Riobamba; a drive of approx. 1.5 hours without stops.

En route, a stop is made at an inactive stratovolcano - Chimborazo, to experience the extraordinary ice trading process. Due to its altitude, the volcano is covered by snow and ice year round. Before freezers and refrigerators came to the province, the local indigenous people would hike up the steep mountainside to chisel off large blocks of ice. These would then be wrapped in straw and loaded on the backs of donkeys to transport them back to town to sell. It was a business which supported many families for generations. Today, the trade is down to just one last merchant, who has been climbing the mountain for over 50 years.

A boxed lunch is included today.

Introducing Riobamba

The city of Riobamba located in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1797. Today, it is a quaint, charming city brimming with colonial architecture, cobble-stone streets, and a colourful market. Surrounded by four snow-capped mountains, it’s a picturesque place to spend a couple of days. It marks the start of the Devil’s Nose train ride (currently suspended) and is also a popular base for those visiting Volcan Chimborazo, the quaint village of Guano - famous for its rug looms, and Zalaron, with its authentic highland market.

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 08:30.

Continue your journey by road approx. 3.5 hours to a family-owned working hacienda in the tropical lowlands.

Note - A boxed breakfast will be provided to you today.

Hacienda La Danesa is conveniently located 1.5 hour drive from Guayaquil in the inlands of Ecuador between Naranjito and Bucay right before the mighty Andés. The 1,200 acres estate is surrounded by beautiful fields, forests and rivers, and offers a wonderful place to soak up Ecuadorian country life.

Activities at Hacienda La Danesa

Enjoy some of the activities on offer at Hacienda La Danesa, which boasts vast grounds, cacao plantations, teak plantations and a dairy farm.

Biking, hiking, river tubing and a hands-on cacao experience are included in your stay. We highly recommend the cacao experience - explore the plantation with a guide and learn about the chocolate production process from bean to bar as you have a go at making and personalising your very own bar of chocolate.

A delicious 3-course lunch is included daily, prepared by the hacienda’s expert chefs. In the afternoons, relax in the gardens or embark on one of the additional activities (payable locally), which range from horse riding to beekeeping.

Dinner is included at the Hacienda on both evenings.

Early pick-up from the hotel lobby at 05:45am.

Private transfer to Guayaquil Airport; a drive of approx. 1.5 hours. Check in for the flight to the Galapagos Islands.

Collect your luggage on arrival and connect with the onward inter-island flight to Isabela Island.

On arrival on Isabela Island, you will be met at the Airport by a representative and privately transferred to your hotel; a drive of approx. 5 minutes.

Introducing Isabela Island

Isabela Island was named in honour of Queen Isabela of Spain who sponsored the voyage of Columbus. Shaped like a sea-horse, it is the largest island in the archipelago, formed by the merging of six young volcanoes; all of which bar one are still active. The island’s distinct volcanic landscapes with extensive lava fields and little vegetation are hard to beat. The highlands in contrast are covered by dense vegetation including the unique red mangrove, and is home to Giant Tortoises. And to top it off, the Island is blessed with white sandy beaches, making it a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy some down time. The Island is rich in wildlife, home to various land birds, including many of the famed Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks. On the beach, one can enjoy watching Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle by, along with marine and land iguanas.

Introducing the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago, of which only a handful of islands are inhabited. The rest remain wild, home to hundreds of endemic species which seem completely fearless. As well as rich biodiversity on land, the oceans here are home to countless species of large marine mammals and other sea creatures, making for world-class diving and snorkelling.

Full Day Hiking on Isabela Island

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 08:00am.

Volcanic eruptions created all of the Galapagos Islands, and today you will have a chance to see this geological process first-hand as you explore Isabela, one of the archipelago’s youngest and most volcanically active islands.

You’ll begin with a hike up to the crater of the massive Sierra Negra volcano, and then onward to the rim of the Volcan Chico. This fascinating walk usually begins with some morning fog and drizzle, which sometimes persists in the shadow of the volcano, adding to its mysterious character. Despite the drizzle, you may see Galapagos Hawks, finches, flycatchers and Short Eared Owls enroute.

At the rim of the Sierra Negra crater, the second largest in the world after the Ngorongoro in Tanzania, you will be rewarded with expansive views.

Later, as you head towards Volcan Chico, you may get the feeling you are walking on Mars due to the alien landscape. And while the land appears to be utterly desolate, a closer look will reveal small lizards scurrying about among the rocks. From the crater’s rim, you can enjoy more amazing views along with lava tubes and fumaroles.

After Volcan Chico and its extreme landscape, relax in the shade of a lovely “jaboncillo” tree, and enjoy your boxed lunch while taking in the spectacular and expansive views over the central and northern parts of the Island. In the distance, you will be able to see Fernandina, Pinzon and Santa Cruz Islands. Head back to the beaches of Puerto Villamil, or your hotel to relax.

Distance hiking: 16 kilometers / 9.94 miles in total (This service is on a private basis.)

Kayaking at Island Bay and Wetlands Trail Bike Ride

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 09:00am.

Departing from Villamil dock and the white sandy beaches of Isabela, enjoy a paddle to Island Bay. En route, keep a look out for turtles, rays, penguins, and blue-footed boobies; sea lions will probably paddle along with you as well. Afterwards, paddle back to the Villamil dock. After your kayaking, enjoy some biking along the Wetlands Trail, where you can see colonies of marine iguanas and dense mangroves, alongside beaches and historical sites. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the Wall of Tears, which was built in the late 1940s by prisoners of the second world war being held on the islands at the US army base. Along with a history lesson, you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy the unique nature of the islands - continue along the network of trails, keeping your eyes peeled for seabirds and giant tortoises. Stop for a dip at a swimming hole before returning to your hotel.

When you get back to your hotel, there will be time to relax and enjoy some swimming or snorkelling. (This service is on a private basis.)

Snorkelling at Roca Union

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 09:00am.

Today brings with it snorkelling opportunities galore, with chances to get up close to the Galapagos Islands’ renowned marine life. Begin at the small island of Roca Unión (approx. 40 mins from Puerto Villamil), where you can swim with hoards of brightly coloured fish and observe blue-footed boobies and sea lions above the water.

Then head by boat to the maze of small islands at Turtle Bay and hop back in to snorkel alongside sea turtles and an array of fish, as well as white-tipped sharks and rays if you’re lucky. Continue to Finado where you can watch turtles and manta rays from the boat, or don your fins and snorkel for a final time.

Visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre on Isabela

Enjoy a visit to the breeding center with your private guide. Here, you can see where the Islands’ giant tortoise population are presently recovering. Your expert guide will explain the process of breeding and then releasing these majestic creatures into the wild.

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 08:00am.

Transfer to Isabela Airport for the flight to Baltra.

Arrival Baltra - Kayaking to Santa Cruz Island

On arrival in Baltra, you’ll enter through a special VIP lounge, where there will be time to change clothes, apply suncream, and grab a cool drink, before transferring to the Itabaca Channel to explore its spectacular turquoise waters.

You will have a chance to kayak, snorkel and stand-up paddleboard (SUP), as well as encounter some of the most famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons and white-tipped reef sharks. Glide through beautiful red mangrove forests and along lava rock cliffs on water so clear we can see the marine life in the shallows. A support boat will escort you throughout to ensure safety and to provide water, snacks, and towels between activities.

Technical Details:
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Kayak: 1.5-2 hours depending on fauna activity and skills of kayakers
Means of Transportation: boat, kayak (single and double kayaks available along with life jackets), stand up paddleboard and private transportation to Galapagos Magic.

From the Itabaca Channel, your guide will take you for a visit to Los Gemelos (the twin) craters. Observe the two large craters that were once underground magma chambers. When the magma chambers caved in they left two huge impressive looking craters.

Continue up to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reserve that borders the National Park, where you can see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming in the wild. Watch as the tortoises wallow in muddy puddles and amble slowly through the scalesia forests, keeping your eyes peeled for Darwin finches and vermilion flycatchers too. Lunch is included at the reserve for you.

Los Gemelos Craters

Continue to Los Gemelos (the twins) this morning. Observe the two large craters that were once underground magma chambers. When the magma chambers caved in they left two huge impressive looking craters.

Giant Tortoise Reserve - Santa Cruz Highlands

After lunch, continue to your exclusive giant tortoise reserve where your tented camp is located. Perched high on a hillside overlooking the ocean, the Magic Galapagos Tented Camp will be your home for the next three nights. The sounds of nature will serenade you in the evenings, and the Milky Way will be your night light. You’ll be able to feast your eyes on the mountains and forests surrounding the Camp and enjoy the peace of having the entire hillside to yourselves, with the exception of seasonal resident giant tortoises. Watching the colourful sunset from Magic’s western perch is the perfect segue into evening. Dinners are sumptuous three course affairs, prepared by expert chefs in an open-air kitchen in the main lodge. A favourite post-dinner activity is a short walk to the reserve’s natural lava tubes, for a night cap in the one-of-a-kind ‘Lava Lounge!’ It’s the perfect spot to relax around the fire and share stories from the day’s adventures. (This service is on a private basis.)

Introducing Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz is in the Central Islands and is the second biggest Island after Isabela, but the most populated with around 15,000 residents, most of whom live in the town of Puerto Ayora. The Island offers a wide variety of vegetation, including pit craters, Scalesia Forest, cacti and ferns. The rocky coastline is a magnet for marine life, such as sea turtles, sharks and rays. Whilst, the lush highlands are home to roaming giant tortoises. The Island is also home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is where scientific research and conservation are continued.

Boat Trip to Bartolome Island and Sullivan Bay

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 07:30am.

Transfer from your hotel to Puerto Ayoro (driver only).

Today, embark on the Magic’s comfortable motor yacht for a day exploring Bartolome and Sullivan Bay, accompanied by the welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide (Fabricio Maldonado).

Along the way, you might see leaping rays or other sea life, while enjoying the vastness of the Pacific. The yacht excursion lets you see the Islands and their wildlife in their most pristine state.

Bartolome is a small Galapagos Island located 18 miles northwest from the Itabaca Channel. The summit trail begins with a dry landing, though sea lions make the purpose-built dock more exciting. The trail winds along a dusty track through volcanic ash. The only vegetation is the pioneer Tiquilia plant and greenish Chamaesyce. These are vital in binding the ash that fans down from the hill.

Bartolome is considered one of the best snorkelling sites in the central Galapagos region. A swim at the foot of Pinnacle Rock and around its base will reward you with many different species of parrot fish, marine turtles, sea lions and sometimes Galapagos penguins.

After a delicious lunch onboard, continue to Sullivan Bay, located on the eastern coast of Santiago. Sullivan Bay is one of the most fascinating lava fields in the Galapagos. A short walk on the lava offers a unique chance to experience the volcanic origins of the islands. Pahoehoe and AA lava form the most predominant shapes in this moonscape. After a land visit, there will be time to snorkel and enjoy the amazing white sandy beach. You will be able to snorkel with different species of fish, turtles, sea lions and even Galapagos penguins.

Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Note - This trip operates on a shared basis with other guests.

Cerro Mesa Viewpoint and Garrapatero Beach

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 09:00am.

This morning, you'll be driven to an off-the-beaten-path area of Santa Cruz Island, to get to Garrapatero beach. On the way, a stop will be made at the natural lava tunnels. These tunnels were formed as the outer skin of molten lava solidified, but the liquid magma inside continued flowing, leaving behind a series of empty tubes. Walk through these underground channels and admire this interesting geological formation.

Head on to the Cerro Mesa viewpoint, from where you can admire the whole southern shore of Santa Cruz. Continue towards one of the iconic formations in Galapagos Cerro Mesa where a 30-min downhill hike will take you to the bottom of this collapsed crater. You’ll have time to explore the fascinating crater floor and relax for a while before the hike back (45 min - 1 hr). There will be excellent opportunities to see endemic bird species such as the Woodpecker Finch, or if you are very lucky, giant tortoises.

Afterwards, enjoy a walk along flat terrain through a deciduous forest until you reach El Garrapatero beach. Once there, you may see a few local families, but few, if any, tourists. There is a lagoon a short walk away inhabited by pink flamingos. (This service is on a private basis.)

Pick-up from the hotel lobby at 08:20am.

Transfer from your hotel to Baltra Island, crossing the Itabaca Channel by boat. Check in for your flight to Guayaquil on the Mainland.

In Guayaquil, you'll connect with an onward flight home.